bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGETECH AND THE ETHICAL IMPERATIVE
Authors: Chu Charlene , Boger Jennifer , Sixsmith Andrew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
“AgeTech” refers to technological trends in e-health, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile technologies” as a way to improve the health, well-being, independence, and social participation of older people. This symposium provides an overview of the imperative to integrate ethics into the design and development of technology, from start to finish. The first talk presents reflections from older adult members of two AgeTech groups: AGE-WELL’s Older Adults and Caregivers Advisory Committee, and the Research Group of Seniors 411, which will outline the ethical issues and ageism experienced by older adults. To further examine these issues, the second presentation explores a framework for how ageist attitudes can be encoded and perpetuated as digital ageism, both in AI and other technologies, and highlights a need for broader community inclusion. The third paper explores the challenges of virtual community inclusion, highlighting the challenges and benefits of digital participation in a post-COVID world. A health equity focus will be applied when highlighting the unique needs of seldom-heard and under-served older people in virtual spaces to enhance social inclusion. The last paper will highlight the “ethical by design” approach that will encourage and support culture change within AgeTech research and industry. This symposium will contribute to a more ethical, and inclusive design of technologies to support healthy aging.
INCLUSIVE AGING AND DIGITAL PLACE-MAKING IN AGETECH: THE INCLUDEAGE PROJECT
Authors: Sixsmith Judith , Fang Mei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This presentation will address the challenges of virtual community inclusion for older people, with a focus on seldom-heard and under-served groups, such as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans + (LGBT+). Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the digital divide, further excluding marginalized social groups, the aim of this ESRC funded IncludeAge Project is to explore how virtual spaces can be made more inclusive to enhance social inclusion and support health equity. The presentation will consist of two key elements. Firstly, current discourses and definitions of ’community’ and ’inclusion’ in digital spheres will be discussed through findings from a scoping review. Secondly, the presentation will introduce new and innovative ways of digital participatory mapping working alongside older people with IDD and those who identify as part of the LGBT+ community using ArcGIS digital storymapping. This approach offers a unique and powerful way of including under-served groups in the design and development of inclusive AgeTech. The presentation will further highlight the challenges and benefits of digital participation in a post-COVID world, particularly for those who experience exclusion. It will demonstrate the importance of involving under-served groups in the design and development of digital spaces to enhance social inclusion and support health equity. To conclude, we will discuss how these new ideas might be used to shape government policy and organizational practices when it comes to the future of inclusive AgeTech research, design, and development with and for older people.
FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTING A VIRTUAL REALITY PROGRAM IN LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Hung Lillian , Wong Joey , Upreti Mona , Kan Winnie , Tumar Alisha , Hardern Sonia , Mann Jim , Wallsworth Christine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To successfully implement virtual reality (VR) programs for long-term care (LTC) residents, it is essential to consider contextual factors. However, current research does not explore the LTC staff’s perspectives on implementing VR in their workplaces. This qualitative study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the facilitators and barriers to adopting VR in LTC, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We applied a Collaborative Action Research (CAR) approach, which involved three phases: (1) Reflect and Plan, (2) Act and Adapt, and (3) Evaluate. Ten focus groups were conducted with 20 staff in two Canadian long-term care homes. Thematic analysis was performed collectively with the team, including researchers, trainees, and patient and family partners. Our findings suggest that implementing a VR program in LTC requires readiness and capacity for implementation within the care home. Key factors that enabled implementation were staff champions, perceived benefits, and ease of use of the equipment. However, there were also barriers, such as limited resources, including Internet infrastructure, limited adaptability to meet local needs, and relative priority and staff workload. To overcome these barriers, our results indicate a need for organizational support for infrastructure and human resources. In addition, future research can evaluate the potential impact of facilitating residents’ VR sessions on staff’s job satisfaction and the involvement of residents’ families/caregivers as well as volunteers during the sessions to reduce staff hesitancy and workload.
THE BENEFITS OF POSITIVE SOLITUDE IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Palgi Yuval , Bodner Ehud , Segel-Karpas Dikla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Positive solitude is the capacity to choose spending time by yourself in a positive manner. This session provides a wide glance on the advantage of this capacity at the second half of life. The session will try to present new theoretical perspectives regarding this capacity. The lectures will give an opportunity to follow the directions in which research in this new field is being developed. The first lecture by Palgi will describe the theoretical background for the study of positive solitude, and will provide new findings from the positive solitude scale that was lately develop by the authors. The second presentation by Bodner will describe how emotional regulation through music moderates the relationship between mindfulness and positive solitude. The third lecture by Zambrano Garza is contributing to the understanding of solitude in the interpersonal domain. Based on dyadic diary study, demonstrates that more voluntary solitude was associated with more positive affect of the partner and more negative solitude was related to more negative affect of partner. The forth lecture by Segel-Karpas will focus on the contribution of positive solitude and loneliness on negative aspects of mental health. Finally, the fifth presentation, by Jennifer Lay, will show use natural language processing to identify solitude experiences from older adults’ reports. We will conclude the session by discussing future research directives for the implementation of positive solitude in the field of gerontology, such as the development of interventions that may enhance the tendency for positive solitude in old age.
TIME BY YOURSELF: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS FROM THE NEW POSITIVE SOLITUDE QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: Palgi Yuval , Segel-Karpas Dikla , Mor Sharon Ost , Hoffman Yaakov , Bodner Ehud 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The present study describes the development of a new questionnaire for measuring positive solitude. First we will discuss the conceptualization of positive solitude, and refer to the contradictions that exist in the literature regarding this concept. We will then present the theoretical background on which we based our questionnaire, and some empirical findings regarding its utility. We will describe the 9-item tool and its relationships to positive and negative measures of well-being and mental health. Furthermore, we will discuss findings from a Holocaust survivors study showing the role of positive solitude on posttraumatic symptoms. We will conclude this presentation by discussing several future directives, some of which that will be discussed in other presentations of this symposium.
THE MODERATING ROLE OF POSITIVE SOLITUDE IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Segel-Karpas Dikla , Palgi Yuval , Mor Sharon Ost , Raz Yaira Hamama , Shacham Mayan , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Kimron Lee Greenblatt 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Positive solitude, the choice of being alone to engage in meaningful inner or physical, spiritual, mental, or cognitive activity/ experience, was recently suggested as a stand-alone phenomenon differentiated from loneliness and negative solitude. As loneliness was previously found to have adverse implications for mental health, the present study examined whether the ability to engage in positive solitude can moderate the harmful effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 520 community dwelling older adults in Israel aged 68-87 (Mage=72.66). Participants answered an online questionnaire through a survey company (Ipanel) assessing their background characteristics, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and positive solitude. The results show that loneliness was positively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas positive solitude was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, positive solitude moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of positive solitude weakened this association. The findings indicate that positive solitude may serve as a buffering factor for mental health among older adults by augmenting coping with the adverse outcomes of loneliness. The results provide insight for tailoring future treatment interventions focusing on positive solitude to enhance mental health among older adults.
SPECIAL FOCUS FACILITIES AND COVID-19: THE IMPACT ON STAFF AND RESIDENT HEALTH
Authors: Rhodes Ann , Caprio Thomas , Gendron Tracey , Waters Leland 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Special Focus Facility (SFF) program is an intensive, quality improvement intervention for 88 of the lowest-quality nursing facilities in 49 states. An additional 435 candidate facilities (SFFc) have similar quality problems but do not receive the SFF quality intervention. In the calendar year 2020, a total of 50 SFFs, and 197 SFFc were enrolled for all 12 months. These nursing facilities were compared on COVID-19 outcomes (Case Fatality Rate, staff cases, resident cases) to randomly selected 5-star nursing facilities in the same state for a total sample size of N=494. After controlling for case-mix hours per resident day resident (Case-Mix staffing) and size of nursing facility SFF and SFFc had significantly lower staff confirmed COVID-19 cases in 2020 as compared to 5-star facilities, adjusted R2 =.25, F (2, 4217)=358.2,p=&lt;.005. Despite the lower staff COVID-19 rates, a higher resident Case Fatality Rate was observed, R2 =.013, F (4, 358) =15.42, p=&lt;.005. Although both SFF and SFFc had lower total staff cases, there was a slightly higher rate of reported staff COVID-19 deaths in SFF and SFFc. However, this difference was not significant. R2 =.01, F (4, 4127)=12.32,p=.859. It is important to note that 2020 was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, a time of extreme disruption from normalcy for residents and staff. However, these findings are a reminder that quality interventions should be designed to consider the linkages between staff and resident well-being and longevity in order to protect both residents and the workforce.
ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES FOR MANAGING THE LONG-TERM CARE WORKFORCE: EVIDENCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Taylor Philip 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Amid ongoing concerns about meeting the staffing needs of long-term care providers, arguably exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to better understand the skills and capabilities required of managers in the sector. Internationally, the management of the long-term care workforce has been somewhat neglected by both the research literature and recent enquiries into the sector. There is fundamental agreement that well-managed staff provide better care. The sector’s leadership and its workforce have been under scrutiny for some time and the context of COVID-19 has shone further light on their limited ability to respond to crises. It is recognised that operational deficiencies in terms of the organization and characteristics of the sector’s workforce as well as its socio-cultural positioning have contributed to sub-optimal functioning. This project collated evidence and recommendations that could inform policymaking among long-term care providers as well as policy and decision makers. An evidence review of relevant international gray and academic literature was undertaken and examples of successful models of management practice across a range of dimensions were identified and written up as vignettes. The paper reports key information regarding the building of capabilities in long-term care workforce management, including: current and future workforce considerations, value proposition, onboarding of staff, career development and retention. Recommendations regarding essential management capabilities in the long-term care workforce are set out with the intention of providing a basis for developing innovative and novel methods for improving and monitoring the quality and impact of management on the workforce.
EXAMINING THE USE AND IMPACT OF CONTRACT CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT STAFFING IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: Scales Kezia , Hailer-O’Keefe Laurie , Wagner Laura , Stepick Lina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide the majority of hands-on care in nursing homes, and adequate CNA staffing is associated with better resident and staff outcomes. However, low wages and overall poor job quality make adequate CNA staffing particularly challenging. There is evidence that nursing homes have increased reliance on contract staffing to fill staffing shortages, though the full scope of this trend for CNAs remains unclear and the impacts on care quality are still unknown. This study addresses this gap by examining staffing levels and patterns for fully employed versus contract CNAs in nursing homes over the past five years and assessing how these staffing trends are associated with quality outcomes for nursing home residents. Specifically, this session will present analysis of data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Payroll-Based Journal daily nurse staffing files, CMS nursing homes data archive, LTCFocus data, community transmission of COVID-19 data, and unemployment data to demonstrate how staffing patterns among fully employed versus contract CNAs varied from 2017 to 2022 according to facility-level characteristics, local market conditions, and pandemic-related factors. We also examine how CNA staffing levels and patterns affected care quality for nursing home residents. These findings will be presented with policy and practice recommendations for strengthening and stabilizing CNA nursing home staffing.
FINDING THE “SO WHAT?”: DEVELOPING A MEANINGFUL CAREER THAT MAKES AN IMPACT
Authors: Halvorsen Cal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As a foundation to my social work scholarship, I consistently ask myself a question that my advisor once posed to me: “So what?” In other words, why and to whom does your research matter, and what are you going to do with it? In this presentation, I will show how my scholarship is framed by my practice experience working in Washington, DC for a think tank and advocacy organization. I will describe my approach to merging traditional academic pursuits with public communication and dissemination activities, including publishing in open-access journals, writing op-eds and reports, and pursuing organizational and community collaborations. I will provide specific examples of my collaborative research with local, state, and national organizations, including how we discuss potential research projects and reach mutually beneficial agreements. Lastly, I will describe how I blend this exciting and personally meaningful approach with more established expectations for tenure-track professors.
PERSPECTIVES OF GERIATRIC FELLOWS TOWARD SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY
Authors: Milani Sadaf , Ahmed Adeeb , Rajagopal Shilpa , Raji Mukaila 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous research conducted nearly two decades ago found that almost half of geriatricians published during their fellowships. About 17% of these geriatricians also indicated a need for further training in scholarly activity. However, it is unclear what barriers and facilitators to participating in scholarly activity geriatric fellows currently face. Our objective was to assess perceived barriers, facilitators, and attitudes toward scholarly activity among current geriatric fellows in ACGME-accredited programs. We conducted a survey of current geriatric fellows from September 2022 to November 2022. An online survey was emailed to geriatric fellows and geriatric program coordinators, when geriatric fellow emails were not publicly available, to assess fellows’ perceived barriers, facilitators, and attitudes toward scholarly activity. We used descriptive statistics to assess geriatric fellows’ perceptions of scholarly activity. Our sample (n=36) was mostly women (61.1%). The most common scholarly activities fellows planned to participate in during fellowship included quality improvement projects (80.6%), case report/series (44.4%), or original research studies (44.4%). The most common perceived major barriers reported were the short duration of fellowship (69.4%) and lack of training to conduct scholarly activity (58.3%). Lastly, about 44.4% of fellows reported being extremely or very enthusiastic and 50% reported being somewhat enthusiastic about participating in research during their fellowship. Most fellows reported plans for at least one type of scholarly activity and reported at least being somewhat enthusiastic about participating in research, however, barriers were identified. A follow-up email survey will be distributed at the completion of fellowship to assess changes in fellow perspectives.
EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN GERONTOLOGY IN JAPAN
Authors: Tsukada Noriko , Maeda Nobuhiro , Iijima Katsuya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There are two universities that offer Gerontology curriculum and confer Gerontology degrees in Japan, including J.F. Oberlin University and The University of Tokyo. J.F. Oberlin University started its Master’s program in 2002 and its doctoral program in 2004. The University of Tokyo endowed a Gerontology Research Division in 2006 and started its cross-departmental program in Gerontology in 2008. The endowed Gerontology Research Division was elevated to the Institute of Gerontology (IOG) in 2009. From April 2014 through March 2021, the Gerontology program, known as the Global Leadership Initiative for Age-Friendly Society (GLAFS) at The University of Tokyo, was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Today, The University of Tokyo now funds the program which was renamed World-leading Innovative Graduate Study Program in Gerontology: Global Leadership Initiative for Age-Friendly Society (WINGS-GLAFS). This paper first presents a brief history of Gerontology-related events in Japan, including foundational education proposals of The Science Council of Japan, then introduces Japan’s leading Gerontology education programs offered by J.F. Oberlin University and The University of Tokyo in detail. Finally, it presents other gerontology related activities including the Gerontology Literacy Test started by the IOG in 2013.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION COURSE BETWEEN THE US AND JAPAN
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Lilly Flavius , Kamijo Mio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sociocultural aspects of gerontology education have received growing attention in recent decades, as globalization and population aging resulted in more diverse older populations across global communities. Accordingly, gerontologists must equip with cultural and international competencies for their future careers, regardless of the fields, such as health care, long-term care, research, and education. This presentation outlines a development and case study (2023) of an international gerontology education course designed for graduate students in the U.S. After the preparation sessions, students take a faculty-led two-week trip to Japan, which is known as a super-aging society with nearly 30% of the population is age 65 years and older, and visit multiple aging-related sites including government agencies, research and education organizations, local communities, industries (e.g., robotics) and cutting-edge programs (e.g., health care research incubation program). The presentation offers three components. First, the academic objectives, such as the enhancement of cultural competencies and cross-national perspectives in gerontology, are described. Second, the practical course development process, including curriculum construction, planning trips, professional networking, student recruitment, funding source, coordination between two countries, and outcome assessment strategies, are illustrated. Finally, using the course evaluation data (n = 13 graduate students from 9 aging-related programs) and qualitative data (journals and field notes), positive outcomes (e.g., increased interest in working with socio-culturally diverse older adults) and challenges (e.g., funding international travel; scheduling difficulty; language barrier) are evaluated.
POLICIES TO OUTCOMES: MULTILEVEL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ASSISTED LIVING WORKFORCE
Authors: Dys Sarah , Hua Cassandra , Scales Kezia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Assisted living (AL) staff mix, levels, training requirements, regulatory enforcement, and career opportunities vary widely across license types, companies, and states. ALs represent the largest care providers for people living with dementia across the U.S. In most states, ALs must have enough qualified, trained staff to sufficiently meet the needs of their resident populations. While the use of interventions to address appropriate staffing levels and workforce retention is increasing, little is known about how the variation in the AL workforce relates to resident and staff experiences or manifests from policies governing these settings. This symposium uses a socioecological framework to examine AL-specific workforce variation. Presentations focus on national variation in staff training requirements, workforce recruitment and retention, trends in staffing levels, how staffing levels can relate to resident outcomes, and direct care staff experiences with stress and coping in long-term care communities. Findings emphasize similarities and differences in workforce composition and experience between states and across different types of facilities. From national comparison of state regulations to facility contexts to individual resident and staff experiences, this panel embraces multilevel contextual understanding of how policies, practices, and outcomes can intersect across AL and residential care environments. This is an Assisted Living Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.