bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FORGING A PATH TO DEVELOPING AGE-FRIENDLY CITIES AND COMMUNITIES IN GHANA: ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Asante Samuel , Karikari Grace 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The World Health Organization in 2007 launched the Age-friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) initiative in an effort to make cities around the world more attuned to the needs of older adults. While AFCC initiatives have mostly been undertaken in developed societies around the world, developing countries appear to be excluded in this effort, as there is little to show for in the quest to creating AFCC. One of such countries is Ghana, where the proportion of older adults is expected to increase exponentially in the next decade, thereby heightening the need for AFCC. Utilizing a multiple case study approach, this paper synthesizes the procedures and findings of 16 case studies from around the world published on the eight domains of WHO’s Age-friendly Cities Framework, to make a case for developing AFCC in Ghana. Five important considerations were identified as fundamental to the effort to developing AFCC in Ghana: 1. Strengthening traditional views/perceptions on aging and older adults; 2. Involving key players in age-friendly efforts; 3. Responding to the complex interplay of needs and demands of older adults; 4. Designing policies and social programs to stimulate and enable cities and communities in Ghana to become age-friendly; 5. Developing validated instruments to assess the age-friendliness of cities and communities in Ghana. Designing and implementing AFCC require long-term commitment and devoting considerable resources to the cause. The paper concludes by discussing a culturally-appropriate model and policy recommendations to facilitate the move toward building age-friendly communities and age-inclusive cities in Ghana.
POWER OF ATTORNEY FACTORS AND CONDITIONS INFLUENCING ELDER FAMILY FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Authors: Crittenden Jennifer , Bobitt Julie , Galladay Katelyn , Vincenti Virginia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Approximately 16% of older adults worldwide experience some form of elder abuse including elder family financial exploitation (EFFE), the unlawful transfer and theft of funds and property perpetrated by a family member. Power of Attorney (POA) arrangements, when constructed and executed properly, can be critical tools for protecting against such exploitation. This national research study examined family reports of EFFE using the Bronfenbrenner Ecological Framework to classify risk factors within the POA arrangement. Interviews were carried out with 31 family members within 24 families that had experienced EFFE. Using constructivist grounded theory analysis methods, the following themes related to risk factors were noted across EFFE stories about professionals involved in the EFFE situations: 1) Conflict of interest between attorneys and POA agents, 2) A perceived lack of competence of consulting attorneys; and 3) A lack of transparency around POA arrangements. Policy and education implications include the need to create legal requirements for transparency reporting and/or registration for POAs, strengthening legal ethics and EFFE training, and providing public education to families about the POA process and how to locate appropriately trained legal professionals.
FAITH IS SIGNIFICANTLY ASSOCIATED TO SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN BRAZILIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: de Souza Yolanda , Bós Angelo Jose , Salecker Mariana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Religiosity is a strong factor related to health in older adults, which could positively affect physical and mental health. We aimed to observe the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and the religiosity level in older adults. This is a secondary analysis of the Brazilian Older-adults Health Longitudinal Study (ELSI-Brazil) run by Fiocruz Institute in 2015 using a national sample of older adults (60+ year-old) population. The dependent variable was “How much the religious faith give meaning to your life?” and the independent were: sociodemographic (age-group, sex, race, marital status, and scholarly) and clinical (auto perception of health and non-transmittable chronic diseases diagnose - NTCD) characteristics, tested by Chi-Square with p&lt;0.05 significant level. The total sample accounted for 4,669 participants, 4,080 (87.4%) answered that faith gives a lot of meaning to their lives. This percentage was significantly higher in women (91.2% vs 81.8% in men, p=0.003), indigenous race (95%, p=0.003), lower scholarly (p&lt;0.001) and better auto perception of health (p=0.021). NTCD significantly related to higher importance of religiosity were hypertension (88.3%), dyslipidemia (90.0%), angina (93.9%), arthritis (90.5%), osteoporosis (91.0%), depression (88.7%), and cancer (90.4%). Participants with Diabetes (86.1%), pneumopathies (85.9%), and Parkinson (86.7%) had significant lower levels of religiosity. Religiosity had a significant association with sex, race, scholarly, health auto perception and NTCD, including cancer. The results evidence the important role of religious faith in the Brazilian older adult’s health. We concluded that religion and spiritual approach should always be considered to older adults.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND STRATEGIES ACROSS GSA: BUILDING BRIDGES WITHIN THE SOCIETY
Authors: Newsham Tina , Montepare Joann 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Across GSA member groups, we teach, train, and mentor in a variety of ways and for different purposes. Education is a tie that connects us across the Society. In this AGHE Presidential Symposium, representatives from the different GSA membership sections will discuss the educational needs of their members and share strategies they employ with their students, employees, mentees, and others to ensure the best preparation of the workforce. Researchers, care providers, educators, advocates, and others must be well-prepared to address the opportunities and demands of an aging society. Tamar Shovali, from Behavioral and Social Sciences, will present empirically supported approaches to intergenerational communication and training to foster relationships between aging individuals and their communities. Biological Sciences member LaDora Thompson will highlight current educational efforts in translating geroscience discoveries into new medical advances. Health Sciences member Matt Peterson will present strategies, challenges and opportunities learned from a currently funded health sciences mentoring program. Social Research, Policy, and Practice member Nancy Kusmaul will discuss efforts to shape policy to enhance geriatrics and gerontology education. AGHE Chair Joann Montepare will serve as discussant, exploring how AGHE can build more bridges by integrating educational efforts in several unique ways. Collectively, presenters in this session will highlight the connections and opportunities for collaboration across GSA member groups.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ANXIETY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE MEDIATION ROLE OF OUT-OF-HOME ACTIVITY
Authors: Chen Lingming , Procter-Gray Elizabeth , Churchill Linda , Aguirre Annabella , Cheng Jie , Le Qun , Crouter Scott , Li Wenjun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Research shows gender differences in anxiety. Given that men and women have different levels of out-of-home activity and out-of-home activity is associated with anxiety, this study examines if gender differences in anxiety are mediated by out-of-home activity among older adults. The prospective cohort study enrolled 303 women and men aged 65 to 95 years old in central Massachusetts (2018-2020). Anxiety was evaluated by the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The out-of-home activity was measured by the percentage of daily step counts outside the home, which was objectively assessed by accelerometer and Global Positioning System devices. Data were analyzed by using mediation analysis, controlling demographic (age, race/ethnicity), physical health (self-rated health, comorbidities), and mental health (depressive symptoms, perceived stress). Results showed that women reported significantly greater scores in anxiety and did less out-of-home activity than men. Furthermore, out-of-home activity was significantly associated with anxiety. With the bootstrapping procedure, a significant indirect effect of gender on anxiety through out-of-home activity was shown (indirect effect: 0.025; 95% CI: 0.002-0.078), which explained 12% of the total effect (total effect: 0.214; 95% CI: 0.032-0.396). In conclusion, out-of-home activity partially mediates gender differences in anxiety. This study indicates that increasing out-of-home activities may help reduce anxiety and gender differences in anxiety among older adults.
A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF COGNITION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS
Authors: Knapp David , Kapteyn Arie , Giambrone Alessandro , Ozawa Tabasa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The widely cited Lancet Commission (Livingston et al., 2017) concluded that a third of dementia cases may be preventable through appropriate interventions targeting what they refer to as modifiable risk factors. These risk factors have been widely studied individually, but rarely investigated collectively and across many countries. We analyze the cross-country consistency of relationships between these modifiable risk factors and cognition using an internationally comparable set of aging studies in 31 countries including the United States, England and Europe. Cross-country differences in culture, policies, economy, and other collective experiences lead to significant variation in lifecycle outcomes, including dementia onset and modifiable risk factors. We find a limited number of robust relations: education, depression, and hearing show clear, consistent associations with our cognition measure, the sum of immediate and delayed recall. The evidence for other factors, including obesity, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension is weaker and becomes almost non-existent when correcting for multiple hypotheses testing. The inconsistent relationship across countries between these risk factors and cognition suggests the lack of a causal mechanism leading to cognitive decline – a necessary condition for these risk factors to be modifiable and effective targets for policy interventions aimed at controlling the prevalence and cost of dementia.
PUBLISHING IN AGEING & SOCIETY: TOP 10 TIPS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Authors: Torres Sandra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With 43 volumes to its name (and coming out with 12 issues a year), Ageing & Society is an interdisciplinary and international journal devoted to advancing the understanding of ageing, and the circumstances of older people, in their socio-economic and cultural contexts. Committed to publishing original and high-quality research papers that substantially contribute to ongoing debates in social gerontology, this journal welcomes submissions that use different theoretical and methodological approaches as long as they aim to advance research, policy and practice and encourage the exchange of ideas across the broad audience of multidisciplinary academics and practitioners working in the field of ageing. By bringing specific attention to what Ageing & Society looks for in the hundreds of submissions that are sent to the journal, and the routines that the team of associate editors utilize, this presentation aims to give attendees valuable insights into how to write a paper if they wish to submit it to this journal.
DIFFERENCES IN MEDICARE RESOURCE USE BY ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Authors: Estenson Lilly , Roberts Eric , Jacobson Mireille 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Medicare is complicated and coverage decisions can be complex. Accordingly, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a hotline, handbook, and website to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their benefits and coverage options. In this study, we used 2016-2018 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data and linear probability models to assess whether the likelihood of CMS Medicare resource use differed between beneficiaries with English proficiency and those with limited English proficiency (LEP). Our primary outcome was an indicator of having used at least one CMS resource. We considered English proficiency in both speaking and reading. Limited English-speaking proficiency or, separately, limited English-reading proficiency signified that the beneficiary reported speaking or reading English “not well” or “not at all.” Among a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized Medicare beneficiaries, 5.7% had limited English-speaking proficiency, 8.7% had limited English-reading proficiency, and 67.0% had used a CMS resource. Adjusting for health and social factors, age, language spoken at home, county-level Medicare Advantage characteristics, and state and year fixed effects, beneficiaries with limited English-reading proficiency were 16.7 percentage points less likely to have used a CMS resource compared to beneficiaries who reported reading English “well” or “very well” (p &lt;.001). Limited English-speaking proficiency was not associated with CMS resource use. These findings have implications for federal initiatives to improve language access in Medicare, particularly efforts to reduce literacy barriers. Differences in Medicare coverage choice and benefits utilization among beneficiaries with LEP may be partially explained by differential access to or engagement with written CMS Medicare information.
BE EPIC-VR: TRANSLATING AN IN-PERSON, PERSON-CENTERED COMMUNICATION TRAINING PROGRAM INTO VIRTUAL REALITY
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie , Chen Allison , Norris Grace , Schumann Annette , Kaur Simran , Campos Jennifer , Orange Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Be EPIC is a dementia-specific, person-centered communication training program for frontline healthcare workers that uses simulations with trained actors, reflection, and feedback. Scaling Be EPIC is limited by resource and methodology demands of recruiting and training actors and consistency of delivery across sites. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising solution to the problem of scaling Be EPIC because it provides interactive, realistic, and consistent simulations. However, there is limited research on implementing VR to train frontline healthcare workers. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the current study used an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design to compare simulation experiences of Be EPIC-VR with Be EPIC-in person and real-world clinical encounters. The study also explored factors that can influence the future implementation of Be EPIC-VR in long-term care home settings during the pre-implementation period. Six frontline healthcare workers who completed the Be EPIC in-person version with trained actors also completed the same assessment simulation in VR, followed by an interview. Thematic analyses revealed two themes that contributed to the simulation’s realism: the immersive nature of the virtual environment and the accuracy of the avatar’s visual, verbal, and behavioral characteristics. Moreover, the factors influencing the successful implementation of VR simulations in long-term care home settings include sufficient technological infrastructure and workplace personnel who can assist with Be EPIC-VR implementation. The findings highlight the potential to scale Be EPIC using VR and provides insights into the iterative process involved in translating an in-person training into a VR training program.
SOLITUDE LINKS WITH INDIVIDUAL AND RELATIONAL WELL-BEING: EVIDENCE FROM DYADIC DAILY LIFE ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Murphy Rachel , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane , Pauly Theresa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Solitude, defined as physical aloneness or the absence of social interactions, has been associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Older adults spend a significant amount of their waking time by themselves (exacerbated during the pandemic), but they may be better equipped to regulate the negative emotions that are often linked with being alone. Additionally, solitude may provide a balance between social connectedness and autonomous needs. Using pandemic, end-of-day daily diary data across 10 days from 136 older Canadian adults and a close other of their choice (59% spouses, M = 66.49 years, SD = 13.26 range: 18-87 years, 88% White, 62% women), this project aims to examine associations of actor and partner solitude with relationship quality and daily affect. Multilevel models revealed that participants who reported more voluntary solitude experienced more daily positive affect and those who reported more negative solitude experienced both more negative affect and less positive affect at both daily and overall levels. We also found daily partner effects such that more voluntary solitude of the partner was associated with less actor negative affect and negative solitude of the partner being associated with less actor positive affect and more negative affect over and above actor effects. Finally, when partners reported more voluntary solitude, participants reported higher relationship support. Findings shed light on the benefits and drawbacks of how solitude is experienced in older adulthood, highlighting the influence social partners affect quality and relationship satisfaction.
INCLUSION OF HEARING AND VISION IMPAIRMENTS IN COGNITIVE TRAINING INTERVENTIONS WITH OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Marino Francesca , Jiang Kening , Smith Jason , Chen Diefei , Deal Jennifer , Rebok George , Huang Alison 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cognitive training intervention implementation and efficacy should be evaluated among representative samples, including those at highest risk of cognitive decline. Hearing and vision impairments are prevalent among older adults and confer an increased risk of cognitive decline/dementia. Whether cognitive training interventions enroll and are designed to include this important subgroup is unknown. A scoping review of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted to examine the inclusion of older adults with hearing and/or vision impairment in cognitive training interventions. Eligible articles included English-language cognitive training randomized controlled trials and a study population that was cognitively unimpaired, aged ≥55-years, and community-dwelling. Among the 130 articles in the review, 103(79%) were cognitive training and 27(21%) were multimodal interventions that included cognitive training. Over half the trials systematically excluded participants with hearing and/or vision impairment (n=60, 58%). Few studies measured and reported participant hearing and/or vision impairment (cognitive: n=16, 16%; multimodal: n=3, 11%) or reported incorporating low hearing/vision accessibility features into intervention design (cognitive: n=7, 7%; multimodal: n=0, 0%). Greater representation of older adults with hearing and/or vision impairment in cognitive training interventions is needed and can be achieved by strengthening measurement and reporting of participant hearing and vision, minimizing barriers to participation by increasing accessibility in recruitment and intervention design, and intentional inclusion of older adults with hearing and/or vision impairment. With greater representation of older adults with hearing and/or vision impairment, studies can better evaluate group-specific differences in training effect and begin to tailor interventions to potentially maximize benefit.
PEER SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: A PHASE 1 BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION PROTOCOL
Authors: Moss Karen , Happ Mary Beth , Brody Abraham , Will Celia , Tan Alai , Brill Seuli Bose , Bullock Karen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
African American caregivers of older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are at high risk for physical, spiritual, and psychosocial challenges. Peer mentorship, a relationship-centered person-to-person approach may reduce healthcare decision-making burden among African American caregivers through cultural tailoring by promoting oral traditions, personal contact, and storytelling. The purpose of this Stage 1 intervention study is to use a stakeholder-informed approach in further developing and pilot testing the co-created Peer Support for Caregivers of African Americans Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (Pair2Care), a culturally sensitive caregiver peer support program. Pair2Care feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated in current (n=15) and trained former (n=15) African American Alzheimer’s and related dementia caregivers. Pair2Care will be deemed feasible and acceptable by evaluating eligibility criteria, recruitment and retention data, protocol adherence, satisfaction, and feedback on program appropriateness for broader dissemination. Preliminary intervention outcomes of caregiver anxiety, depression, quality-of-life, social support, self-efficacy for surrogate decision-making, and intent to use palliative care or hospice services will be assessed to evaluate intervention effectiveness. At 6 months as compared to baseline, current caregivers will report less anxiety and depression, improved quality-of-life, social support, and self-efficacy for surrogate decision-making, as well as intent to use palliative care or hospice services as part of healthcare and advance care planning decision- making. Pair2Care poses an innovative strategy with the potential to address advance care planning and healthcare decision-making, a significant health disparity problem and thereby promote health equity.
LIFELONG LEARNING FOR THE OLDER POPULATION—TECHNOLOGY WITH THE OLDER LEARNERS
Authors: Su Yan-Jhu , Alberth Andrew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Advances in digital information technology and population aging are two hallmarks of the 21st century. Modern students are increasingly dependent on digital technology in their education. However, how to make digital technology less exclusive to young students remains an important issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has also popularized remote learning and the use of communication software among all ages. Teaching remotely has broadened access to education for all ages. Therefore, how to use technology to help older people achieve the goal of lifelong learning remains critical. This presentation will review the literature to explore the relationship between technology and older adults, as well as share the author’s experience leading older adults to use technology for online learning in Taiwan. The key takeaways from this presentation will help educators understand the benefits and challenges of technology use among older adults, and highlight ways to bridge the digital divide between older and younger learners in the classroom.