bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS IN CREATING AN AGE-SAVVY WORKFORCE
Authors: Donorfio Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As the 65+ population continues to grow, so too does the need for an age-savvy workforce. There is not a field or profession that will not intersect in some way with older adults (Karasik, Donorfio, & Greenberg, 2023). Current work shortages and forecasts, however, raise considerable concern for a sustainable and adequately prepared workforce. With regard to preparation, gerontological field placements, internships, and practicums are becoming increasingly instrumental to workforce development. Both the Gerontology Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Education (2020) and AGHE’s Gerontology and Geriatric Curricular Standards and Guidelines (2021) strongly recommend internship, practicum, and/or field work experiences for students at all levels. Fostering a successful intergenerational experience, however, can be challenging. In this presentation, key components, core elements, necessary steps, best practices and logistical considerations will be discussed. For example, who are the key players and what are their roles in such experiences? What needs to happen at the programmatic and curricular levels? In addition to exploring the various facets of gerontological field placements, attention will be given to utilizing AGHE’s Standards and Guidelines and Gerontology Competencies to help identify several “interactional competencies” that relate to internships, practicums, and field experiences. This session also serves as an introduction to the range of perspectives (student, faculty, community agency) that follow.
SOCIAL NETWORKS: BUILDING RESOURCES FOR DIVERSE AGING FAMILIES
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine , Antonucci Toni 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG BLACK OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Thierry Amy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Black older adults in the United States have twice the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias than their white counterparts. However, there remains a gap in knowledge of which factors may contribute to this disparity as well as mechanisms that either increase or decrease risk for poor cognitive outcomes, specifically in older Black adults. This presentation will highlight recent interdisciplinary population health research on the biopsychosocial determinants of cognitive function among Black adults 65 years and older in the Health and Retirement Study. Using within-group regression analyses, studies examine associations between multiple measures across neighborhood, psychosocial, and biomarker domains with cognitive function, measured by Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status scores (range: 0-35) which captures memory and overall mental status. We find that high neighborhood disorder and low social cohesion were associated with worse cognitive function, especially for more highly educated Black older adults and those living in urban communities. Greater frequency of experiences of everyday discrimination among Black older adults was also related to lower cognitive function. Volunteering and having a high sense of purpose in life were associated with better cognitive function for older Black men and women, while being physical active was associated with increased cognitive function for older Black women. C-reactive protein, a measure of systemic inflammation, was positively associated with cognitive function. Overall, this body of work demonstrates the need to further critically assess both risk and resilience processes underlying cognitive function among older Black adults towards reducing current cognitive health inequities.
CYCLICAL MIGRATION IN ALASKA NATIVE ELDERS AND ITS IMPACT ON ELDERS’ IDENTITY AND LATER LIFE WELL-BEING
Authors: Lewis Jordan , Kim Steffi , Asquith-Heinz Zayla , Thompson Lena 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper outlines a unique culturally driven cyclical migration of Alaska Native Elders. This Indigenous cyclical migration is distinct from other previously described mobility observations in that Elders spend extended time in more than one community. We describe the cyclical migration of Alaska Native (AN) Elders and its influence on the Elders’ identity, health, and well-being. Employing a life course perspective and social theory of migration, inductive content analysis was employed to identify themes related to Elders’ cyclical migration between rural and urban communities and the impact on their identity, health, and well-being. Interviews with 125 AN Elders were conducted across five regions of Alaska: Bristol Bay, Interior, Norton Sound, Aleutian Pribilof Islands, and Southcentral. AN Elders traveled between rural and urban communities to access resources and connections critical to their identities, health, and well-being. Urban Elders maintained a connection to rural villages because they perceive them as healthier places to age based on access to traditional practices, land, and the community. Rural Elders spent extended time in urban settings to access health care services, be closer to family, and to benefit from the lower costs of living. This study builds upon existing migration theories by introducing a cyclical pattern uniquely driven by AN identity, culture, and traditional practices. Findings illustrate how AN communities can support Elders who experience cyclical migration patterns to ensure they age successfully in both locations. Future recommended research should explore cyclical migration patterns among other Indigenous populations with histories of migration.
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL GENERATIVE ACTS TO REDUCE GENERATIVE MISMATCH AND IMPROVE HEALTH OF ALL GENERATIONS
Authors: Lewis Jordan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The gerontological literature predominantly focuses on aging-related losses and less on the gifts we acquire as we age. Alaska Native Elders have experienced a lifetime of adversity, which persists today, but they have also remained resilient. One characteristics of successful aging among Alaska Native Elders is their commitment and passion for sharing their teachings with the youth. Generativity is concerned with using personal resources to improve the quality of life for future generations. While not commonly used in gerontological social work research, it is a cultural practice among Indigenous Elders. This decade long study has been exploring the concept of successful aging from an Alaska Native perspective, or what it means to age in a good way in Alaska Native communities. Qualitative, in-depth, interviews have been conducted with 154 Elders representing 20 participating communities across the State of Alaska to explore the concept of successful aging and the role of generativity in the aging process. For this presentation, 108 interviews with Alaska Native Elders explored successful aging. This presentation will highlight the critical role generativity plays in Alaska Native Elders’ ability age in a good way, how generativity can be adapted to bridge the generative mismatch happening between generations and support each generation to healthy and meaningful lives. This presentation will also explore innovative and culturally responsive ways to teach the youth about aging in a good way and how families and communities can support their Elders to be meaningful engaged in the rapidly changing families in the Arctic.
LOCAL ADAPTATIONS OF HIH: VARIATIONS IN STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF HIH MODEL ACROSS SIX VA PROGRAMS
Authors: Samant Akanksha , Park Sungjae , Franzosa Emily , Sullivan Jennifer , Dadgostar Porooshat , Darcy Derek , Hung William 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A number of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers have adopted the Hospital-In-Home (HIH) model of care to provide at home services to Veterans requiring acute-level hospital care. We aimed to identify similarities and variations in structure and implementation of the HIH model across VHA sites. Of 11 programs, six (55%) used a standardized presentation template to present their specific program characteristics, outcomes and goals at monthly national program meetings. Presentations were transcribed and abstracted into themes by two reviewers. Programs varied in their staffing, services provided, referral sources and clinical outcome metrics. While one site provided in person visits, 3 reported program adaptations such as virtual follow-up visits for COVID patients. Review of clinical outcome metrics also revealed substantial site to site variations including 30-day readmission rates, cost avoidance, bed days or emergency department visits. All sites offered complementary (from hospital) and substitutive (from other than hospital) HIH stays. Substitutive stays varied across referral sources admitting patients from emergency departments, outpatient clinics, home based primary care and inpatient settings. Additionally, variations in catchment area (driving distance), and staffing in the parent stations highlighted differing contexts of HIH programs. We hypothesize that variations among sites may exist due to factors such as the setting and unique needs of the population and facility. An in-depth understanding of the contextual factors that influence implementation can be achieved through interviews with key staff from each site. Future work will examine if such variations are related to program outcomes.
CORTICAL CONTROL OF MOBILITY: MOVING TOWARD CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Tian Qu , Kritchevsky Stephen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A three-year series of pre-conference workshops at GSA a decade ago brought together leading scientists in the multidisciplinary field of brain, aging, and mobility. Since then, the field has advanced the understanding of motor control as a predominantly subcortical phenomenon to the attentional and cortical control of mobility and has extended the view of cognitive and motor functions as distinct to there being shared causes of cognitive and mobility declines. Emerging studies are further elucidating mechanisms of motor control (Holtzer, Baillargeon), demonstrating relations with important clinical outcomes, including dementia (Tian) and community mobility (Rosso), and exploring novel interventions on clinical and neurophysiological outcomes (Kahya), as demonstrated by the series of talks in this symposium. Roee Holtzer assesses prefrontal cortex efficiency over repeated trials of attention-demanding dual-task walking in older adults with and without multiple sclerosis. Emma Baillargeon explores the heterogeneity of prefrontal responses to walking among older adults and describes the relation of prefrontal response with performance metrics. Qu Tian demonstrates trajectories of gait variability measures over time predict future dementia risk. Andrea Rosso investigates prefrontal activation as a biomarker of gait automaticity and its relation to community mobility. Finally, Melike Kahya demonstrates brain stimulation through transcranial direct current stimulation as a potential intervention to improve standing balance during cognitively challenging tasks and examines the mechanisms of its action through dual-task cost and electroencephalograph (EEG) recordings. Together, these studies will provide an overview of the current understanding of cortical control of mobility and its implications for clinical outcomes and interventions.
OLDER ADULT RESEARCH SPECIALISTS SEEK ENCORE CAREERS PROMOTING THE INCLUSION OF OLDER ADULT PEERS IN CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: Nearing Kathryn , Waterhouse Jodi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The University of Colorado Multi-disciplinary Center on Aging trains and promotes the hiring of older adults from diverse backgrounds to pursue encore careers as Older Adult Research Specialists (OARS). Health navigation training is the foundation of these research navigators’ unique preparation for paid positions that focus on recruiting and retaining older adult peers in clinical trials. Specifically, OARS’ roles include: 1) developing effective communication and outreach strategies to engage older adult peers in research; 2) recruiting and consenting participants for clinical trials; 3) supporting retention by identifying barriers to study participation and connecting research participants with needed community-based resources/support; 4) educating research teams on key considerations for including older adults in research; and, 5) catalyzing research innovations to increase representation in, and the relevance and translational potential of, research for improved clinical and community-based practice. OARS, whose average age is 69 (range: 58-80), diversify our research workforce and enhance our capacity to include older adults -- an underrepresented population -- in clinical research. This initiative is advancing our Age-Friendly University work to promote encore careers, foster intergenerational learning, and catalyze research innovation. Ultimately, we aspire to increase the generalizability of research findings to improve healthcare and health outcomes for older adults by promoting the inclusion of older adults in our research workforce and in research studies to enhance the benefits to older adults of new drugs, devices and behavioral health interventions. During this session, we will share our training curriculum, how we created pathways to employment and our program outcomes.
THE EFFECTS OF PARTNERS’ HAPPINESS ON EACH OTHER: AN ACTOR-PARTNER INTERDEPENDENCE MODEL
Authors: Abaei Elnaz , Martin Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study of happiness among older adults has attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners. Happiness is affected by multiple factors, including the relationship with a partner, as they spend more time together in later life. This research aims to evaluate an actor-partner interdependence model, assessing the association of respondent and spouse happiness affecting each other over time. A second aim is to examine the effect of age, gender, education, and whether parents are alive on the respondents’ and their spouses’ happiness. About 9,570 individuals over 50 years of age from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and their spouses were included. Respondents’ and their spouses’ happiness measured at two time points were included in the analysis, as were age, gender, education, and the parents’ living status. Multiple regression analyses in SPSS were computed, and the results demonstrated that past happiness is directly associated with present happiness for both respondents and spouses. Respondents’ happiness was also significantly associated with spouses’ happiness, as spouses’ happiness was associated with respondents’ happiness. Furthermore, older age, male gender, and higher education were associated with happiness. Parents’ living status was significantly related only to respondents’ happiness at the first time point, but not to spouses’ happiness. This study helps to understand an actor-partner interdependence model, which highlights partners’ influences on each other’s subjective well-being. Our exploratory study raises several opportunities for future research regarding the actor-partner interdependence model. More research will be necessary to find further variables affecting happiness among older adults.
MULTIPLE MEASURES OF FITNESS ASSOCIATION WITH MUSCLE MRNA SPLICING VARIANTS IN THE GESTALT STUDY
Authors: Donega Stefano , Banskota Nirad , Gonzalez-Freire Marta , Zenobia-Moore Ann , Ubaida-Mohien Ceereena , Fishbein Ken , De Supriyo , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Regular physical activity has been associated with higher skeletal muscle mass and strength as well as better mitochondrial function. Previous studies in master octogenarian athletes found a higher content of mitochondrial- and reduced spliceosome proteins compared to non-athlete age/sex-matched controls. These findings suggest that higher mitochondrial function is associated with down-regulation of the spliceosome. In this study we aimed to detect mitochondrial respiration associations with expression of specific genes and differentially spliced isoforms. We performed RNA-seq from vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies in 82 male/female participants in the GESTALT study (Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing). We correlated gene expression, transcript usage and splicing events with I) self-reported level of physical activity in daily life, II) peak oxygen consumption assessed during an incremental treadmill stress testing, III) muscle oxidative capacity assessed by p31 MR Spectroscopy and IV) mitochondrial-respirometry assessed on permeabilized muscle fibers, using regression models adjusted for age, gender, and batch. Except for IV), all three mitochondrial measures positively correlated with each other, and were downregulated along the Aging axis. We detected 423, 219, 178 and 226 differentially expressed genes (p-value&lt;0.01), respectively for the 4 mitochondrial fitness measures. Gene-set-enrichment analysis (GSEA) detected up-top TCA cycle and mitochondrial respiration kPCr and mito-respirometry detected the highest number of AS events (448 and 412). Dissimilarities among transcriptomic profile associated to these four bioenergetic outcomes provide insight into the biological mechanisms that connect them to mitochondrial function and suggest that mitochondrial function is not the only correlate of movement behaviors.
THE PROMINENT ROLE OF HOME CARE AIDES IN END-OF-LIFE CARE DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AND BEYOND
Authors: Kim Patricia , Franzosa Emily , Moreines Laura , Boafo Jonelle , David Daniel , Brody Abraham , Aldridge Melissa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Many patients and families rely on paid aides to provide personal care services at the end of life, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread delays and disruption in this care. Our study examined COVID-related care disruptions among patients in a large, New York City health system who died between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021. We linked the electronic health records of 124 patients cared for by a geriatric outpatient practice and referred to hospice to the hospice’s electronic health records, and conducted an in-depth qualitative thematic analysis. We found many home health aides continued caring for existing patients after hospice enrollment, often in tandem with hospice aides. But, patients and families experienced disruption in both usual and hospice aide services due to patient or aide illness, COVID isolation policies, and the exacerbation of ongoing workforce shortages. Aides experienced emotional strain and escalation of care responsibilities including the provision of more clinically-focused end-of-life tasks (e.g., wound care, oxygen administration) usually performed by hospice nurses. When the hospice team was unable to provide home visits, the aide became the primary source of patient information. Hospice staff supported aides in care tasks and provided emotional and spiritual care, often virtually, to aides and patients’ families. Findings highlight the critical role of aides within the care team and its intensification in a crisis, suggesting opportunities to better integrate aides into hospice care teams while providing formal training and support to help aides manage end of life care tasks and emotional demands.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS THE SCIENCES TO CATALYZE SLEEP DISPARITIES RESEARCH
Authors: Lincoln Karen , Lincoln Karen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This BSS Presidential Symposium brings together scholars from Sociology, Social and Family Dynamics, Human Development and Family Studies, Occupational Science and Medicine to highlight a multidisciplinary approach to sleep disparities research. Sleep is essential for restoration of healthy brain function, the immune system, and overall physical and emotional well-being. Conversely, sleep deficiencies are associated with a wide range of poor physical and emotional health outcomes, health behaviors and premature mortality. Strong empirical evidence indicates that sleep health is socially patterned, such that minoritized populations are generally more likely to experience sleep disruptions, disorders, and difficulties. These sleep deficiencies are also observed across indicators of socioeconomic status, such as income and educational attainment. Despite documentation of sleep disparities, studies that examine underlying health disparity causal pathways contributing to sleep health disparities are limited. This symposium is aligned with recommended strategies to address sleep health disparities from the National Institutes of Health, including: a) develop and promote integrative research on sleep health disparities, b) investigate the health and social causes and consequences of sleep health disparities, and c) develop multilevel, culturally tailored interventions to address sleep health disparities. By placing people and place at the center of their research, these scholars demonstrate their approach to addressing current research gaps, challenges and opportunities in sleep and health disparities research among middle-aged and older adults that are important to advance this emerging field.