bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INITIAL FINDINGS ON THE BENEFITS OF THE TOVERTAFEL: REDUCING BEHAVIORS IN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Steiner Victoria , Perion Jennifer , Hartzog Meggan , Ibrahim Safa , Lopez Alexa , Martinez Beanna , Saltzman Barbara , Kinney Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Technologies have been developed to reduce behaviors in persons with dementia by addressing unmet needs through activities that stimulate multiple senses. The Tovertafel (“magic table”) is a novel device from the Netherlands that enables purposeful play using interactive games designed to promote social, physical, and cognitive engagement in people with dementia. This study is investigating whether an intervention using the Tovertafel improves quality of life for residents with moderate to severe dementia living in long-term care communities in the Midwest. Twelve white women with an average BIM score of 6 completed the study at the initial facility. The 4-week intervention consisted of 30-minute game sessions with 2 to 6 individuals each weekday. Participants attended 2.5 sessions per week on average and displayed increased engagement during the games per facilitator reports. Direct care staff completed the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist–Nursing Home and the Apathy Evaluation Scale–10 for all participants. Data collected eight times over six consecutive weeks during the control (2 weeks) and intervention (4 weeks) periods were analyzed. After checking assumptions, paired-sample t-tests were conducted that indicated significantly fewer memory-related behaviors (p=.047) (e.g., repetitive behaviors and questions) and instances of apathy (p=.027), during the intervention period than the control. Despite reductions in depressive and disruptive behaviors, no statistically significant differences were found. Initial findings suggest that the Tovertafel could offer innovative ways to provide activities to people with moderate to severe dementia in long-term care settings, increase their quality of life, and improve interactions with staff.
RE-IMAGINING DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVER ENGAGEMENT FOR POST–ACUTE CARE TRANSITIONS: LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19
Authors: Tadesse Ruth , Lyons Karen , McKenzie Glenise , Hart Sara , Ellington Lee , Cloyes Kristin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Family caregivers of persons with dementia (PwD) experience three-times more post-acute care transitions (PACT) to skilled nursing facilities than other caregivers. During Covid-19, visitation policies drastically changed, limiting family caregiver engagement in the skilled nursing facility. This was a widespread experience; yet, few studies have examined dementia family caregivers’ perceptions of PACT engagement during Covid-19 restrictions. This qualitative study focused on the findings and lessons learned about the meaning of engagement, barriers, facilitators, and support needs during Covid-19 using an interpretive descriptive approach. Participants (n=15) were mostly female (n=13), adult children (n=8), and the majority (n=9) had a PACT experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. Family caregivers reported improved engagement with the PwD and healthcare team in the acute care setting, because hospital policies on Covid-19 allowed one visitor which gave family caregivers the option to be physically present and advocate for the PwD. However, after the PACT, only essential workers were allowed at the skilled nursing facility making it impossible for family caregivers to visit the PwD and communicate with professional caregivers. Lack of perceived support negatively affected family caregivers’ ability to communicate, share knowledge, advocate, and participate in critical decision making. These Covid-19 challenges highlight the importance of being physically present as a necessary component to engagement which was a form of communication compensation that improves outcomes for the PwD. Future practice policies should view family caregivers as essential to the healthcare team and develop innovative solutions to connect family caregivers to the PwD during Covid-19 or future pandemics.
DYNAMIC BENEFITS OF FINDING THE SILVER LINING: COUPLED CHANGES IN SECONDARY CONTROL AND WELL-BEING DURING COVID-19
Authors: Pierce Matthew , Hamm Jeremy , Duggan Katherine , Garcia Odalis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Secondary control beliefs (e.g., “negative experiences can be blessings in disguise”) reflect a psychological resource that can protect well-being for individuals who encounter uncontrollable life circumstances. However, previous research has focused on between-person differences in secondary control; little is known about the role of dynamic, within-person shifts in secondary control during major life stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study examined whether within-person changes in secondary control beliefs were associated with corresponding within-person shifts in mental health and well-being during the pandemic. We analyzed 1-year data from the NDSU National COVID Study which contains 4 waves of data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18-80 (n = 293). Multilevel models assessed the extent to which within-person shifts in secondary control predicted corresponding changes in mental health (perceived stress, depressive symptoms), hedonic well-being (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction), and eudemonic well-being (personal growth, meaning and purpose). All models controlled for age, sex, education, income, and between-person differences in secondary control. Within-person changes in secondary control predicted corresponding shifts in mental health and well-being outcomes (bs = |.10-.25|, p &lt; .005) except life satisfaction (b = .10, p = .061). In other words, participants reported increased mental health and well-being on occasions during the pandemic when they experienced increased secondary control. Findings advance the literature by documenting that secondary control exhibits dynamic shifts during a major life stressor. Additionally, these findings point to the adaptive role of such shifts (within-person increases) in supporting well-being during the pandemic.
FACTORS RELATED TO GENERATIVITY OF OLDER READING ALOUD VOLUNTEERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: REPRINTS STUDY
Authors: Takahashi Tomoya , Fujihira Kyoko , Sagara Tomoya , Fujita Koji , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Matsunaga Hiroko , Murayama Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yoshinori 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Volunteer activities was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focused on generativity of older volunteers’ activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the factors associated with one. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 453 older adults belonging to REPRINTS, a volunteer picture book reading organization from October 2021 to January 2022. 404 respondents were obtained, and 277 respondents (mean age: 73.4, SD: 6.1, female: 91.2%) with no missing responses were included in the analysis. Analysis items were Revised Japanese Version of Generativity Scale (JGS-R) composed of 3 factors (generational interest, behavior and achievement), satisfaction and burden of activities, frequency of activities in the last month, Child Image Scale for Older Adults composed of 5 factors (protection, purity, self-centeredness, creativity and self-reliance), a shortened version of the Help Seeking Scale, physical and mental health (subjective health, TMIG-13, J-WHO-5), living conditions, gender, and age. Multiple regression analysis was used with each subscale score in JGS-R as the dependent variable and others as independent variables. The results showed there was a significant association between generational interest and image of creativity, desire for help, mental health, and social roles; between generational behavior and image of purity (-), creativity image, desire for help, resistance to help (-), and social roles; between generational achievement and desire for help, social roles, and gender (male), respectively. In conclusion, physical and mental health, image of the child, and desire for help were associated with older volunteers’ generativity even during the COVID-19 pandemic even during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
HURRICANE KATRINA’S LASTING IMPACT ON YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS: THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH
Authors: Cherry Katie , Friis Marlene , Bordes Piper , Simon Kennedy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast with catastrophic damage and substantial loss of life. In this study, we examined associations among psychosocial variables and mental health indicators in younger and older adults who lived in south Louisiana in August of 2005 when Katrina made landfall (M age = 51.7 years, SD = 13.03 years, age range: 32 to 78 years). All self-identified as African American / Black women. They were recruited through social media, flyers sent to churches and schools, and word of mouth referrals. On the first day of testing, participants completed sociodemographic, religiosity, and post-traumatic growth surveys and an adapted structured storm questionnaire (Cherry et al., 2011). On the second day of testing one week later, participants responded to open-ended questions on their Katrina experience, and they completed measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Correlation analyses revealed that age was inversely related to PTSD symptoms, which is compatible with an inoculation perspective on post-disaster psychological reactions. In addition, post-traumatic growth was positively correlated with religious beliefs and practices and religious coping, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD and depression. Religious beliefs and practices were inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms and depression. Qualitative analyses of participants’ narrative responses indicated that some reflected on scripture and utilized prayer as a way to navigate their new lives in the years after Katrina. Implications of these data for understanding individual and community-level challenges in the years after exposure to devastating severe weather events are considered.
IN-PERSON AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED SOCIAL INTERACTION IN OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2022
Authors: Peszka Jennifer , Goldberg Anne , Gess Peter , Mussallam Noura , Simpson Luke , Spradley Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social support is an important factor in the health and well-being of older adults. Early COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted in-person social interactions but presumably increased technology-based social connection. This work examines social interactions during Spring of 2022 in older Arkansans with widely available vaccines and waning lockdowns to investigate current in-person and online social interactions. During Spring 2022, 603 older Arkansans (65+) (86.5% White, non-Hispanic, 65.9% women) completed the 20 question self-report automated survey (text or phone). Results indicated 27.6% continued to curtail in-person interactions significantly; however, 63% engaged in in-person social interactions outside their home more than once a week. Video chatting pre-pandemic was prevalent (40% video chatting multiple times a week); still, 20.6% never did. 22.8% reported increased video chatting during the pandemic, but surprisingly, 37.3% reported a decline. 70% felt socially connected during online interactions. Only 78% reported being satisfied with their social connection compared to 93% pre-pandemic. These findings suggest that while many have re-established in-person social interactions, around one-quarter of participants continue to curtail in-person interaction and report social connection dissatisfaction. Social technology alternatives were increased by about one quarter of participants and were reported to lead to feelings of social connection when used, and yet a decline in this usage was reported across 40% of these participants during the pandemic. These data support access to technology-based social interactions through expansion and improvement of older adult friendly virtual platforms and internet access which could help improve quality and quantity of social connection and reduce social isolation.
ACKNOWLEDGING ILLNESS WHEN LIFE IS “CUT SHORT”: INCREASED COMMUNION IN LEGACIES
Authors: Koch Mary Kate , Maggiore Sophia , Bylund Carma , Bluck Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Crafting a legacy is meaningful activity in later life (McAdams et al., 1993). Threat of dying affects how individuals frame their life legacy (Hunter, 2007). We argue feeling one’s life is being “cut short” may promote greater communion in legacies. Older individuals with cancer may, however, need to acknowledge their illness to create a communion-focused legacy. To assess being ‘cut short, we calculated expected years of life lost (EYLL): difference between participant age and average U.S. life expectancy for men and women (NCHS, 2022). EYLL and self-reported Acknowledgement of Illness were used to predict extent of communion shared in personal legacies. Participants were 204 older adults with cancer receiving outpatient palliative care (M=65.78 years, Range= 55-88 years, 65.69% women) who narrated their legacy during Dignity Therapy (Chochinov, 2005). Narratives were audio-recorded, transcribed and reliably (κ=.71–1) content-analyzed for communion themes (McAdams, 2001). Hierarchical regression analyses (adjusted for gender and cancer stage) examined EYLL, Illness Acknowledgement and their interaction. Interaction between EYLL and illness acknowledgment showed participants with more expected years to lose narrated more total communion but this was particularly true for those acknowledging they were terminally ill, F(7, 173)=2.42, p=.02. Overall, older adults with cancer appear to value communion as an important aspect of legacy. Note, however, that individuals whose life is ‘cut short’ were especially likely to weave communion into their legacy. This may indicate a need to cement their legacy during DT, given they have had less time to do so in daily life or formal documents.
GENERATIVITY, COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL, AND OPTIMIZING SELF-ACCEPTANCE ACROSS MID LIFE AND OLD AGE
Authors: Nichols Madeline , Geldhof John , Stawski Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Midlife is an opportune time during which individuals can establish patterns of behavior (e.g., generativity) and self-regulatory processes (e.g., emotion regulation) that will optimize their psychological wellbeing and aging. We sought to test whether: 1.) generativity is directly associated with better self-acceptance, 2.) the effect of generativity is indirect and mediated by emotion regulation (i.e., cognitive reappraisal), and 3.) age moderates associations among generativity, cognitive reappraisal, and self-acceptance. Using data from the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (N=935, Mage=54.36, SD=11.05, Range = 34-83, 55.08% Female), results revealed that cognitive reappraisal (β= 0.07, p&lt; .01) and older age (β= 0.06, p= .02) were associated with higher self-acceptance; however, generativity was not, and age did not predict generativity nor cognitive reappraisal. Generativity was associated with more frequent use of cognitive reappraisal (β= 0.16, p&lt; .001), with cognitive reappraisal then significantly mediating the association between generativity and self-acceptance (Natural Indirect Effect= 0.02, SE= .01, p= .02). Age significantly interacted with generativity when predicting self-acceptance (β= 0.39, p= .02), such that the effect of generativity increased with age. These findings are important for reframing midlife as a critical developmental stage during which individuals can engage in behaviors and self-regulatory processes that optimize their self-acceptance throughout the aging process. As age did not moderate most associations, interventions could target generativity to promote effective emotion regulation and cognitive reappraisal to enhance self-acceptance across adulthood and into later life given its positive implications for wellbeing, health, and longevity.
THE ASSOCIATIONS OF OPIOID USE IN GUN-RELATED FATALITIES AMONG OLDER DECEDENTS IN FLORIDA
Authors: Suriaga Armiel , Tappen Ruth , Newman David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest firearm deaths in the U.S. at 45, 222. Homicides and suicides accounted for most fatalities. However, the role of opioids in firearm-related deaths (FRD) among older adults was less explored. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between opioid use and FRD among people &gt;65 years with opioids detected in their system at time of death. We used descriptive statistics to describe decedents’ characteristics using the 2021 Florida Department of Law Enforcement de-identified data. We used Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression to examine the associations of opioids to FRD. All data were analyzed using Stata 17. A total of 1982 older decedents were included in the analysis. Age ranged from 65-100 years, mean 72.97 (SD=7.331). Three hundred thirty of 1982 deaths (16.65%) were gun-related; 121 of 330 (14.79%) had opioid involvement. More males (n=274) (83.03%) died than females; 316 (95.76%) were non-Hispanic whites, followed by black (n=10, 3.03%). Suicides accounted for most FRDs (n=330, or 90.91%), and homicide second (n=28 or 7.88%). The association between opioid use to FRD was statistically significant (p&lt;.001). The odds of dying from FRD among older adults with any opioid use increased by .57 compared to those who never used any opioid, controlling for opioids combined with other substances, age, gender, and population density, OR=.57 (95% CI .41-.79). Our results have safety clinical implications as more older adults use opioids, e.g. for chronic pain, which calls for tailored interventions to protect older population.
AN EXAMINATION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE PERCEPTION OF ELDERSPEAK
Authors: Teply Abby , Schultz Hanna , Buchanan Jeffrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to examine how gender impacts perceptions of elderspeak. Participants (n = 81; ages 65-93) were presented with one of two vignettes set in an assisted living facility to simulate the experience of being a recipient of elderspeak. The vignettes were identical except that the gender of the nursing assistant (NA) differed across vignettes. After reading the vignette, participants were asked to rate their emotional reactions using an adapted version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988) and rate their perceptions of the NA using the Emotional Tone Rating Scale (Williams et al., 2012). Because the goal of the study was to determine possible interactions between the gender of participants and the gender of the NA in the vignette, a two-way MANOVA was utilized. Results indicated a difference in positive and negative affect scores across vignette conditions. Specifically, there was evidence that participants reported lower positive affect and greater negative affect when elderspeak was used by a male NA compared to a female NA. Results suggest that both older men and women perceive elderspeak more negatively when it is used by a male compared to a female. However, elderspeak is not received well, regardless of who uses it, suggesting a need for a nursing assistant training curriculum focused on person-centered communication. Future research should include a more diverse sample in terms of ethnic identity, cultural background, sexual orientation, and gender identity to determine whether these results generalize to a larger population of older adults.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANXIETY ABOUT AGING AND AGEISM TOWARD OLDER ADULTS AMONG KOREAN DENTAL HYGIENE WORKFORCE
Authors: Kwon Jenny , Hughes Michael , Vo Anh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ageism toward older people is prevalent in Korean healthcare settings, where older adults are likely to encounter other age groups of people. However, not many studies took close attention to ageism in the dental hygiene field. Considering the increase in dental care demand among the older population, this study aims to investigate the level of ageism and the factors associated with ageism among Korean dental hygiene undergraduates and dental hygienists. Based on the convenience sampling strategy, a total of 146 online surveys were collected from July to September 2022 in Seoul and Daejeon, Korea. Aging anxiety, ageist attitude, intergenerational contact measures, demographic characteristics, and geriatric-related experiences of participants were asked. Higher scores indicate lower aging anxiety and higher ageism. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 24 (±6.05) years. The mean score of aging anxiety was 2.97 (±.52) out of 5 and the mean score of ageism was 2.10 (±.31) out of 7. In the multiple regression model, aging anxiety is significantly associated with ageism (β = −0.257, p &lt; 0.001). Participants feeling more anxious about aging have a more ageist attitude toward older people. The results suggest that well-designed gerontological education and intergenerational programs are necessary. In the short term, these efforts will decrease the fear of aging among dental hygiene field workers. In the long term, these will help them have the right understanding of aging and a positive attitude toward older people which can affect the quality of dental care service.
CHALLENGING AGEISM IN PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF GEROPSYCHOLOGY COURSES AMONG PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
Authors: Kleissner Verena , Kuball Tim , Jahn Georg 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ageism includes negative attitudes, stereotyping, and discriminatory behavior toward older adults and is associated with negative consequences for health and well-being of the growing older population. In addition, ageism affects structural health care including psychological treatment of older individuals. Since educational interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing ageist prejudice and improving knowledge about older people, courses in gerontology taught as part of the psychology curriculum might help future psychologists to be better equipped to challenge ageism and to provide more effective and compassionate care to older adults. In the present study, we compared psychology students (n = 50) that chose courses in applied geropsychology with students of other specialization of choice (n = 26) on multiple scales including affective (attitudes), cognitive (stereotypes) and behavioral (discrimination) dimensions. Questionnaires were completed at the beginning and the end of one semester to conduct a within pre- and post-treatment assessment and analysis with a comparison group. Results showed that geropsychology students improved in self-reported knowledge about aging and older adults (d = 0.71). However, other tests did not show a statistically reliable improvement on the three assessed ageism dimensions within one semester. Findings implicate that gained knowledge about aging does not necessarily lower prejudice. In our discussion we highlight possible interventions targeting psychology students and reflect on methods to assess attitudes, stereotypes, and behavioral aspects of ageism in participants with high education level.