bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RURAL HOSPICE SOCIAL WORK: SUPPORTING PRACTITIONERS IN END-OF-LIFE WORK WITH LIMITED RESOURCES
Authors: Felderhoff Brandi , Alvarado Angela , Alvarez Valerie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Rural areas and the agencies, including hospice, that serve them face immense challenges in terms of accessibility, and service delivery. Small hospices face an enigmatic combination of higher operating costs and lower reimbursement payments, forcing higher caseloads on staff, and straining already limited available resources. Multiple cost benefit studies indicate that Medicare hospice reimbursement rules are well suited to the expense structure of large volume hospices, usually in urban, population dense areas; however, it is not clear that they apply as abundantly to smaller volume, rural hospices. This study sought to garner a deeper understanding of the roles and challenges required for rural hospice social work practice. Individual interviews with 9 rural hospice social workers across organizations in Texas and New Mexico were conducted. A maximum variation sampling technique was used to purposefully sample social workers from hospice agencies in areas deemed as rural by the Association of Rural Communities in Texas, with fewer than 200,000 occupants in their counties. Using emergent thematic analysis, key themes materialized including the challenge of dual relationships, required tasks beyond the scope of practice, issues of autonomy, and meeting them (patients/families) where they are at. Results demonstrate the complexities of rural hospice social work practice, the culture of rural communities, and the need for research into evidence-based intervention strategies specific to rural hospice social work, that will guide practitioners through navigating these challenging conditions.
GEROFIT TO HOME (GTH) AS A NEW MODEL OF CARE
Authors: Harris Rebekah , Morey Miriam , Ogawa Elisa , Wesley Alan , Bean Jonathan , Hall Katherine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Gerofit, a facility-based program transitioned to GTH, a completely virtual structured exercise program, at the onset of the pandemic and previously demonstrated that Veterans already engaged sustained performance with this transition (In-Person vs GTH, n=46; arm curls 19.7 vs 19.0 reps; 30-second chair stand 14.3 vs 15.9 reps). This study investigated whether gains in performance are achieved and sustained in Veterans who participated in GTH only, as it is unknown if virtual programs are as robust as facility-based programs. Measures of performance (3-month mean change, n=45, Arm Curls +3.4 reps; 30-second chair stand +1.5 reps) and self-reported function (SF-36 + 1.8 points) will be assessed from baseline to 3,6, and 12 months. Pooled results from 14 sites have been accumulated and change scores, age and gender-based percentile changes and clinically meaningful thresholds will be presented. This knowledge can have implications to support programs for older adults aging in place.
TYPOLOGIES OF CAREGIVING NETWORKS AND OLDER ADULTS' QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Freedman Vicki , Patterson Sarah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This study identifies typologies of caregiving networks of older adults and their effects on older adults’ well-being and unmet needs in late life using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). NHATS identifies the entire care network of older adults, cataloguing all activities each respondent assists with and the amount of time they spend helping, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate caregiving networks. Using network analysis and cluster analysis, we find that older adults have different types of caregiving networks including large and small networks with a primary caregiver and networks where caregivers share caregiving responsibilities more evenly. Size and structure of the networks are significantly associated with older adults’ well-being and unmet needs. These findings highlight the importance of considering the full care network in developing policies and programs to support family caregivers.
OLDER ADULT ENGAGEMENT IN COMMUNITY GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Pope Natalie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Community gerontology integrates scholarship on aging and communities through the lens of mesolevel environments, the diverse continua of settings linking micro and macro contexts of aging. This interdisciplinary symposium brings together research exploring the interconnections of older adults’ engagement across and within the socio-ecological levels of their lived experiences, place-based communities, and policy contexts. Yeh et al.’s paper elucidates the promises of visual methods in critical qualitative research with older adults to subvert power dynamics and advance social justice in gerontology. Latham-Mintus’ paper explores how “weak ties” created by the interaction of social infrastructure within geospatial places and spaces can facilitate longer, healthier lives. Reyes’ paper uses an intersectional life course perspective to explore placemaking as civic participation among Latinx immigrants and African American older adults across time and social environments. Plasencia’s paper focuses on aging in community among diverse older adults using a photovoice to assess their perceptions and needs within the lived urban environment. Pope and colleagues explore how a multi-state sample of older adults perceive their roles in age-friendly initiatives at individual, organizational, and community levels. Taken together, the papers discuss and contextualize the multidirectional ways older adults engage their place-based communities within larger macro sociopolitical structures – an analysis that highlights the embeddedness of mesolevel community environments both within and between micro and macro spheres. This session further speaks to the importance of centering older adults’ experiences in community gerontology by illuminating the ways older adults not only age in community but through layers of community.
SELF-ADMINISTRATED ELDER ABUSE INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Abujarad Fuad , Edwards Chelsea , Wyk Brent Vander , Mosqueda Laura , Hwang Ula , Neugroschl Judith , Marottoli Richard 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Many elder abuse interventions and tools designed to screen for abuse exclude older adults with cognitive impairments (CI) due to the challenges associated with screening and whether the older adult with CI can reliably report elder abuse. However, it has been shown that older adults with CI are among the most vulnerable to experiencing elder abuse. VOICES is an innovative, automated tablet-based elder abuse screening and prevention intervention that is self-administered by the older adult in the provider’s waiting room or office. The VOICES Elder Abuse Intervention (EAI) provides screening, educational modules, and brief psychoeducational intervention to enhance and improve identification of elder abuse when there are no visible signs of abuse. The VOICES EAI was already proven successful in terms of feasibility and acceptability in cognitively intact older adults in a busy emergency department setting with (N=1,002). In this study we tested the VOICES EAI with (N=30) participants 60 and above with cognitive impairment at a geriatric center using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to determine cognitive capacity. Experts in the field of geriatrics and cognitive impairment assisted in grouping participants within three cognitive categories: Mild cognitive impairment (MoCA 23-25), mild dementia (MoCA 16-22) or moderate dementia (MoCA 8-15). Of the (N=30) participants, 29 were able to successfully use the VOICES EAI independently, and most participants were satisfied with the tool. We will discuss the findings of this preliminary study and the implications for future research with older adults with CI.
THE EFFECT OF SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: RESULTS FROM THE AGINGPLUS STUDY
Authors: Nehrkorn-Bailey Abigail , Tseng Han-Yun (Heidi) , Rodriguez Diana , Li Kaigang , Rebok George , Roth David , Chung Shang-En , Diehl Manfred 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The AgingPLUS program targets negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) as one mechanism to increase physical activity (PA) in adults. This study utilized a mediation model to examine the effect of AgingPLUS on subsequent PA with SPA included as a mediator. Data came from 184 participants (Mage = 59.91 years; SDage = 8.14 years) from the ongoing trial. Although the direct effect from condition to Week 8 PA was not significant, the pathway from condition to Week 4 SPA was significant. Additionally, the pathway from Week 4 SPA to Week 8 PA was marginally significant (β = .11, p = .07). However, the indirect effect was not significant. Given that (1) the AgingPLUS program resulted in significantly more positive SPA and (2) more positive SPA marginally predicted more minutes of subsequent PA, these results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the ongoing program.
EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION/VICTIMIZATION ON HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION VIA HEALTHCARE BARRIERS
Authors: Kittle Krystal , Kim Kyungmin , Goldsen Karen Fredriksen , Boerner Kathrin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults are a health disparate population with unique healthcare challenges. Using data from the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS; N = 2,560), we examined contextual factors that influence the healthcare utilization of LGBT middle-aged and older adults. Causal indirect, direct, and total causal effects based on counterfactuals were computed to assess mediational links between discrimination/victimization and healthcare utilization via healthcare barriers. Discrimination/victimization had an indirect effect on health screenings via fear accessing health services both inside and outside of the LGBT community, financial barriers to care or medication, and being uninsured. Discrimination/victimization also had an effect on routine checkups and having a regular provider, via fear seeking health services outside of the LGBT community, financial barriers and being uninsured. Findings can be utilized in LGBT cultural competency trainings for health and human service providers serving aging LGBT people.
FACTORS THAT PREDICT LONELINESS FOR MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Curl Angela , Wolf Katie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Protection Motivation Theory (Eberhardt & Ling, 2021; Rogers, 1975) describes factors that influence intention and engagement in preventive health behaviors, including knowledge/experience, threat appraisal, and coping/efficacy appraisal. Public health responses to the covid-19 pandemic were designed to increase knowledge, emphasize potential severity of being infected, and promote preventive health behaviors – all with the goal of reducing infection transmission. However, these efforts may have inadvertently increased loneliness, particularly for older adults. This study used 2020 Health and Retirement Study data (N=1,687 adults over age 50) to examine predictors of loneliness based on the PMT framework, controlling for demographic factors and 2016 loneliness scores. Structural Equation Model results indicate that being at higher risk for covid-19 complications and death was associated with lower feelings of control over health (B=-.09), greater likelihood of knowing someone who died from covid-19 (B = .20), and higher overall concerns about covid-19 (B=.12), all p&lt;.01. Higher concerns about covid-19 and knowing someone who died from covid-19 were associated with more protective behaviors (B=.41, p&lt;.01; B=.05, p&lt;.05; respectively). Not knowing someone who died of COVID-19, and lower perceived control over health and social life were all significantly associated with higher loneliness scores. These results suggest that interventions that promote perceived control over one’s health and social life may be effective in reducing feelings of loneliness in this population, and that feelings of control over health also increases preventive health behaviors that reduce the risk of covid-19 infection.
HISTORY: MINNESOTA FAMILY WORKSHOP TO SAVVY CAREGIVER: CENTRALITY OF SELF-EFFICACY
Authors: Hepburn Kenneth 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This presentation will trace the development of the Savvy Caregiver program from its beginnings as the Center for Nursing Research-supported Minnesota Family Workshop (1993; PI: Sharon Ostwald) through a further test as the Partners in Caregiving Program (1997; PIs: Hepburn 1RO1NR04517-01) to the Alzheimer’s Association-supported Savvy program (1997; PIs Hepburn & Lewis). Three main developments occurred over this period: the program solidified its identity as a caregiver training program and its mechanism of action as that of self-efficacy development through an active learning approach; it sharpened its focus by concentrating on the principal family caregiver (moving away from a broader family approach and eliminating concurrent care recipient programming); and it developed interventionist training materials and programs to enable broader reach. Since 2002, Savvy has enjoyed wide dissemination as an evidence-based in-person psychoeducation program, fostered by support to sponsoring organizations by the Administration on Community Living.
BRINGING INTERACTIVITY TO FULLY ASYNCHRONOUS PROGRAMS
Authors: Clevenger Carolyn 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Asynchronous online learning brings both new opportunities as well as challenges to an asynchronous psychoeducation program like Tele-Savvy@Home. While asynchronous learning offers engagement flexibility for time-strapped family caregivers, a lack of scheduled meetings represents a lack of contact and interactivity, threatens accountability, and produces a high incompletion rate. To engage participants in the next generation of this asynchronous, self-paced course, we have implemented a small cohort structure (10 participants each) and created a combination of automated prompts and optional touchpoints. The cohort structure and touchpoints mimic important shared and active learning components of the facilitated sessions. Prompts include weekly messages that nudge learners with reminders of their ideal progress point and offer value propositions for staying on-time. A pacing guide allows caregivers to build the course into their schedule in advance of the course’s start. Optional touchpoints include unit-by-unit post-tests, a cohort-based discussion board, and free text reflective exercises.
SOCIAL HEALTH IN THE CASE OF DEMENTIA: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra , Melis Rene 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Dementia is one of the major age-related societal challenges and causes enormous demands for persons living with dementia (PlwD) and their families. We do not understand the origins of this multifactorial syndrome and there is still no cure for dementia. New thinking by the exploration of paradigms has scope to improve knowledge about this complex condition. Social health can be understood as a driver for stimulating the use of cognitive reserve through active facilitation and utilization of the individual’s capacities. It allows to slow cognitive impairment or to maintain cognitive functioning in old age and therefore seems to be a promising approach to a better understanding of the developmental mechanism of dementia.In this international symposium we therefore aim to explore the role of social health in the onset and progress of dementia. The first presentation will present a new framework on understanding social health in dementia. The second presentation will describe convoys of care in a family based culturally sensitive ADRD caregiving intervention reducing care burden and family conflicts. The third presentation reports on the role of immune system and neurodegeneration markers in the association between social health and cognitive brain aging in older adults. The final presentation presents newly derived results from a mixed research synthesis on underlying mechanisms of the interrelation of social health and cognitive functioning, elaborated by the international SHARED-consortium. Our discussant will synthesize the research findings and lead a discussion of future directions for research and practice to successfully fight challenges in dementia care.
COMBATING STIGMA: AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mackiewicz Marissa , Slattum Patricia , Waters Leland 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects people from all walks of life and age groups. Special considerations for older adults with SUD should be made secondary to the unique pathophysiological and socio-economic complexities of aging populations. Successful SUD treatment and recovery depends on access to essential support systems comprised of interprofessional teams as well as family, friends, and caregivers. Education on SUD for healthcare providers, caregivers and the community is a key component for combating the national opioid epidemic and the stigma that can be a barrier to recovery. A ten-minute video and an accompanying discussion guide were developed to present to clinical faculty and students participating in an interprofessional care coordination wellness clinic servicing low-income older adults living independently in the community setting. The video was designed to highlight stigma and ageism facing older adults with SUD and serve as the basis for discussion among learners. The process for creating and evaluating the video and discussion guide will be shared including the role of older adults with lived experience of SUD in the process. Information will be provided on SUD as a chronic disease and the importance of interprofessional and individualized patient care in recovery. Participants will be able to identify the significance of SUD related stigma in providing and seeking care, asses the role of mental/behavioral health in SUD, and learn about treatment options for SUD. This will allow for better identification of characteristics of older adult populations that place them at greater harm from the consequences SUD.
EPIGENETIC AGING OF THE DEMOGRAPHICALLY NONAGING NAKED MOLE RAT
Authors: Kerepesi Csaba 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The naked mole-rat (NMR) is an exceptionally long-lived rodent that shows no increase of mortality with age, defining it as a demographically non-aging mammal. Here, we perform bisulfite sequencing of the blood of&gt;100 NMRs, assessing&gt;3 million common CpG sites. Unsupervised clustering based on sites whose methylation correlates with age reveals an age-related methylome remodeling, and we also observe a methylome information loss, suggesting that NMRs age. We develop an epigenetic aging clock that accurately predicts the NMR age. We show that these animals age much slower than mice and much faster than humans, consistent with their known maximum lifespans. Interestingly, patterns of age-related changes of clock sites in Tert and Prpf19 differ between NMRs and mice, but there are also sites conserved between the two species. Together, the data indicate that NMRs, like other mammals, epigenetically age even in the absence of demographic aging of this species.
THE FOXO3 LONGEVITY GENOTYPE PROTECTS AGAINST MECHANISMS OF CELLULAR AGING IN OKINAWANS
Authors: Torioge Trevor , Willcox D Craig , Shimabukuro Michio , Donlon Timothy , Chen Randi , Allsopp Richard , Willcox Bradley 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The genetic association of FOXO3 genotypes with human longevity is well established, although the mechanism is not fully understood. We now report on the relationship of the FOXO3 longevity variant rs2802292 with telomere length, telomerase activity, FOXO3 expression and inflammatory cytokine levels in men and women. In agreement with earlier work, the FOXO3 longevity variant conferred protection against telomere shortening of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from adults aged 55 and older. This was accompanied by higher levels of telomerase activity in carriers of the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele (P=0.015). FOXO3 mRNA expression increased slightly with age in both young (P=0.02) and old (P=0.08) G-allele carriers. Older female G-allele carriers displayed a modest decline in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 with age (P=0.07). In contrast, older male G-allele carriers displayed an age-dependent increase in levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with age (P=0.04). Thus, FOXO3 may act through several different pro-longevity mechanisms, which may differ by age and sex.
THE TOLL OF BINGE EATING ON AGING: THE PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING OF OLDER WOMEN WITH WEEKLY BINGE EATING
Authors: Hooper Savannah , Marshall Victoria , Bridges Preston , Espinoza Sara , Keel Pamela , LaCroix Andrea , Musi Nicolas , Kilpela Lisa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Binge eating (BE) is defined as eating an unusually large amount of food while feeling a loss of control; BE prevalence rates range from 12-26% in older adult women. BE is closely linked with obesity, depression, and poor micronutrient intake, as well as with cardiovascular issues and pain in younger populations. Among older adults, such morbidities can negatively affect quality of life and mobility. Yet, little is known about the toll of BE on the aging body in terms of physical function. Thus, the current investigation assessed the physical functioning of older women (60+ years) with clinical levels of BE (i.e., ≥weekly BE). Participants (N = 21) underwent several physical function tests including lower extremity functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery; SPPB), endurance (Six-Minute Walk Test), and grip strength. The majority of participants (76%) had a BE age of onset in midlife or later (age 42+). The average BMI was 35.08±8.64, and 90.48% met criteria for overweight or obesity. On the SPPB, 47.62% scored &lt; 10, suggesting mobility limitations and predicting all-cause mortality. Most women (90.48%) scored &gt;1SD below the age/gender matched norm on the Six-Minute Walk Test (M=355.96±67.04) while 61.9% scored &gt;1SD below the norm for grip strength (M=24.91±6.40). Results indicate that older women struggling with BE also demonstrate diminished physical functioning, which confers risk for future health problems and poorer quality of life. Our findings suggest that intervention development for older populations struggling with BE may need to incorporate physical rehabilitation to promote healthy aging in this population.