bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OLDER SEXUAL MINORITY CANADIANS: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Grady Alexandra , Stinchcombe Arne 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have had negative impacts on mental health. Sexual minorities (i.e., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB people) have been shown to exhibit mental health disparities stemming from minority stress experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health trajectories of older sexual minority Canadians in comparison to heterosexual Canadians before and during the pandemic. We used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), where data were collected from participants at baseline (2011–2015), first follow-up (2015–2018), and two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic (April-December 2020). General Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to model changes in depression symptoms (CESD-10; n=47,728) and loneliness (UCLA 3-item loneliness scale; n=41,698), adjusting for covariates (i.e., age, sex, income, race, education). Results showed that LGB participants reported more symptoms of depression (β=.595, p &lt; .001) and loneliness (β=.313, p &lt; .001) in comparison to heterosexual participants. Mental health outcomes worsened over time for all participants. These findings highlight the impacts of the pandemic on mental health and the need for tailored interventions for older lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
LIFECOURSE DETERMINANTS OF DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER MEXICAN ADULTS
Authors: Downer Paige , Prochaska John , Wong Rebeca 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults’ exposure to poverty, poor health, and negative life events over their lifetime creates cumulative adversity, increasing their risk of depressive symptoms. We hypothesize that those with disadvantaged sociodemographic characteristics like household poverty, chronic health conditions, and negative lifecourse exposures will be more likely to report a high number of depressive symptoms in old age. Three sequential multivariable logistic regression models were estimated using Wave 3 (2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). The final sample included 5,610 respondents aged 50 and older, of which 34.3% reported depression measured by a modified 9-item CES-D scale. The sample was mostly female (63.3%) with a mean age of 69. Present-day conditions were measured by quality of the home, consumer durables, chronic health conditions, and health insurance. Early-life conditions were measured by the respondent’s mother’s education and exposure to poverty and illness during childhood. In 2012, older Mexican adults living in homes built with poor construction materials or homes that lack access to water and sanitation (OR=1.24) were more likely to experience high depressive symptoms. In addition, those living in homes without consumer durable goods (OR=1.23) were at increased risk. Older Mexican adults who experienced poverty (OR=1.16) or illness during childhood (OR=1.21) were more likely to report a high number of depressive symptoms in old age. In conclusion, we find evidence of a “long-arm” of childhood, whereas older Mexican adults’ exposure to poverty and illness in childhood increases their likelihood of poor mental health outcomes, regardless of their present-day conditions.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Nazroo James , Zhang Nan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although rural-to-urban migration has been well researched, how gender shapes processes and outcomes, including later life health outcomes, has not been thoroughly investigated. Guided by a life course perspective, this study explores gender differences in rural-urban migration patterns and its association with mental health in later life among Chinese older adults. Exploiting rich life history data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we employ sequence analysis to identify the typical migration trajectories of Chinese older adults. Moderated mediation analysis is then used to examine gender-specific health pathways linking migration trajectories and later-life mental health. The results indicate that: men and women follow different migration trajectories across the life course. Men are more likely to migrate between rural and urban areas, and to migrate multiple times. Rural migrants who settled in urban regions have better mental health in later life than return migrants or rural non-migrants; the gender gap in mental health is marginally smaller among early urban settlers than rural non-migrants. Household income and Hukou conversion mediate the relationship between migration trajectories and later-life mental health among older people of rural origin. Household income in later life has stronger mediation effects for migrant men than for migrant women. The study suggests that a life course perspective and awareness of gender dynamics should be incorporated in policymaking to reduce the rural-urban divide and gender-based inequality in mental health.
LOVE AMONG OLDER AFRICAN AMERICAN COUPLES: AN ACTOR PARTNER INTERDEPENDENCE MODEL ANALYSIS
Authors: Mussa Kadija , Bryant Chalandra 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older women are often described as being asexual and uninterested in sex or intimacy (McHugh & Interligi, 2015). Thus, most research examining older couples describes those couples as primarily enjoying companionate or compassionate love – a type of love reflecting care and concern for another person (Allen et al., 2018). Unlike companionate or compassionate love, passionate love refers to a “state of intense longing for union with another” (Hatfield & Rapson, 1993, p. 67). Relatively little is known about passionate love and older couples (Hatfield & Rapson, 1993); moreover, far less is known about passionate love among African American older couples. Using data collected from African American couples (332 couples aged 20 to 39 and 90 couples aged 40 to 79), Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used. For both age groups, 20 to 39 and 40 to 79, husbands’ and wives’ reports of marital quality were significantly associated with each other at Time 1. Husbands’ and wives’ reports of passionate love (assessed at Time 2) were not significantly associated with each other – for either age group under study. Cross paths (partner effects) were not significant for either of the two age groups; wives’ marital quality (Time 1) did not significantly predict husbands’ passionate love (Time 2), nor did husbands’ marital quality (Time 1) predict wives passionate love (Time 2). It is important to note that the older and younger age groups exhibited a similar pattern of results, suggesting that passion and physical intimacy may operate in similar ways for both.
THE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: NEW DATA ON OLDER ASIAN WORKERS
Authors: Ho Patrick , Lai Lam , Halvorsen Cal 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is the only federal employment program for people aged 55 and older. While 6% of the approximately 60,000 participants are Asian and federal funds are set aside to serve Asian workers, little is known about their personal characteristics and experiences in SCSEP. Using novel data from an online and paper-based Massachusetts survey of SCSEP participants from April to August 2022 offered in multiple languages, this study aimed to describe Asian participants’ characteristics and experiences in SCSEP. Respondents (Nf39) ranged in age from 58 to 73. Almost all spoke a language other than English at home, and all respondents were born outside of the U.S. Nearly half reported a high school degree or less, and none reported “excellent” health. One-third reported feeling lonely occasionally or in specific situations. While two-thirds have made recent tradeoffs in paying for important goods and services (e.g., food and health care), most reported that their personal finances, social engagement, family life, and self-confidence have improved due to SCSEP. Further, 9 in 10 agreed that their supervisors understood the goals of SCSEP and were supportive. A quarter said separately that it was very likely they would search for a paid job or volunteer role after exiting SCSEP. These results contribute to the small amount of literature on older Asian American workers while informing the work of organizations that serve older Asian workers who have experienced multiple barriers to employment relating to nativity status, language abilities, and anti-Asian discrimination.
MOTIVATING PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND THEIR FAMILIES TO DISCUSS PREPARATION FOR END-OF-LIFE CARE
Authors: Xu Jiayun , Hickman Susan , Huber Jessica , Sudore Rebecca , Shields Cleveland , Moonesinghe Dilhara , Parr Aubrey , Kong Taylor 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological illness among older adults. Although most patients with Parkinson’s face communication challenges in advanced illness, few talk about care preferences and are unprepared for worsening illness as a result. Thus, the purpose of the study was to explore the experience of making end-of-life decisions or the preparation of making end-of-life decisions among patients with Parkinson’s, their family caregivers, and clinicians. The long-term goal of this study is to develop a medical decision-making resource for patients and families to better prepare for the end of life. We conducted one-hour semi-structured interviews with nine patients, 12 caregivers, and 12 clinicians to explore perceptions of whether end-of-life discussions may be difficult, the preferred timing of end-of-life information, and how to best motivate patients and their families to prepare. Descriptive thematic qualitative analysis methods were used to analyze the transcribed interviews. Participants were on average 59.7±15.3 years of age, 69.7% female, and 69.7% married. The predominant reasons for delaying end-of-life discussions were the unpredictability of Parkinson’s disease, limited illness and prognostic awareness, and clinicians not initiating the discussion earlier in the disease course. There was a mismatch in preferences for timing of end-of-life information, with patients and family wanting end-of-life information presented earlier in the illness than clinicians. All participants desired a resource to help patients and caregivers cope emotionally, to guide future decisions, and to help prompt conversations. Findings indicate that despite provider concerns, patients and their families want early information about end-of-life issues.
ENGAGING METHOD AND ANALYSIS TO DISCOVER AND REIMAGINE POSSIBILITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS AGING WITH AND INTO DISABILITY
Authors: Munly Kelly , Ng Ted , van Heumen Lieke 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This symposium engages diverse methods and analyses to discover and reimagine possibilities for individuals aging with and into disability. The presentations advance an understanding of the diversity of service/care needs as well as of social capital, with exploration into assistive technologies, educational attainment, and assessment of successful aging. In the first presentation, the authors delineate key informant interview data identifying capacity-building needs in professional skills, organizational operations, service/care models, and public policies to effectively serve older adults aging with and into disability. The second presentation offers a content analysis of how researchers conceptualize, measure, and apply social capital to developmental disability throughout the life course, reviewing peer-reviewed articles from 5 disciplines, across more than 20 years. In the third presentation, using National Health and Aging Trends Study data, the authors investigate the longitudinal associations between disabilities, assistive technologies, and subjective well-being among older adults. In the fourth presentation, the author uses multivariate regression analysis to analyze National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data, building on prior research analyzing the association between educational attainment and the perceived need for future help with activities of daily living (ADLs), often measuring disability in the literature. In the fifth and final presentation, the authors use the National Health & Aging Trends Study data to understand successful aging from the perspectives of those who experience disability, integrating subjective components of self-rated health and well-being, and providing insights on subjective perceptions on successful aging among older adults with disabilities.
INCREASING SOCIAL CARE CAPACITY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PERSONS AGING WITH DISABILITY
Authors: Putnam Michelle , van Heumen Lieke , Odgen Lydia , Coyle Caitlyn , Morgan Kerri 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This national study presents key informant interview data (N=28) collected 2017-2018 identifying capacity building needs in professional skills, organizational operations, service/care models, and public policies to effectively serve older adults with long-term serious mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities. A multi-university, interdisciplinary team collected data through phone interviews, coded, and analyzed transcripts thematically and using content analysis. Key informants worked in national affinity organizations, state-level organizations, academia, and social care organizations. Findings are broad in scope, highlighting variances in rural/urban areas, state government dispositions, workforce characteristics, social and health care infrastructure, beliefs about disability and chronic conditions, and other factors. Findings will informed the development of a larger survey study aiming to articulate an agenda for building capacity to meet the needs of aging with disability populations.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY USE ON CUSTODIAL GRANDPARENTS’ DEPRESSION
Authors: Pace Sarah , Xu Yanfeng , Harrison Theresa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
During COVID-19, custodial grandparents experienced symptoms of depression due to social isolation, and technology use may reduce depression. This study examines the association between level of comfort of using technology and depression among custodial grandparents. Cross-sectional survey data (N = 287) were collected via multiple sources, including state agencies, local non-profit organizations serving kinship families, foster parent associations, schools, and Qualtrics Panels between March 2021 and March 2022. The average age of grandparents was 55 years. Over half were female (71.43%), had some college education (68.75%), and were White (55.12%). Depression was measured using the CES-D 10 scale. This variable was dummy coded using 8 as the cutoff score (Andresen et al., 1994). The level of comfort using technology was measured by combining four survey questions. Grandparent age, race, gender, marital status, home ownership, geographic area, disability, employment, education, physical health, telehealth, and telemental health were controlled. The logistic regression model revealed that those who had a higher comfort level with technology had significantly lower odds of having depression (OR = .543, p = &lt; .001). Those with physical health had significantly lower odds of having depression (OR = .727, p = .044). Grandparents who needed telehealth (OR = 2.81, p =.005) and telemental health services (OR = 2.93, p =.003) had significantly higher odds of having depression. This research implies that custodial grandparents’ use of technology, particularly their comfort levels with technology may reduce depression among grandparents. This will inform practice and policy for those who work with custodial grandparents.
STUDENT CARE PARTNERING AMONG STUDENTS AT A HBCU: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL IMPACT ON STUDENT PERSISTENCE
Authors: Thorne Claudia 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The number of students enrolled in higher education who are taking care of older adults, many of whom may be suffering from an illness, is expanding. The numerous factors in care partnering can compromise student success and persistence towards graduation. While most care partners experience challenges, the care partnering experience of Black students is magnified because Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a higher enrollment of nontraditional and first-generation college students. Students may be primary care partners who provide most of the care, or they may provide supportive care as secondary, tertiary, and auxiliary care partners within an extended family or kinship network. Aging in place, within the context of family and community, emerges from African culture and tradition deeply grounded in filial loyalty. Care partnering is nuanced in the interaction of race, ethnicity, gender, family relationships, and student status; however, little is known about the lived experience of Black student care partners and how to support them to facilitate their persistence towards graduation. This poster describes initial efforts to understand Black student experiences in care partnering in the context of a Mid-Atlantic HBCU and suggests the next steps in a multi-year research program.
INSOMNIA SYMPTOM TRAJECTORIES OF SPOUSE CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS WITH FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS
Authors: Kong Dexia , Lu Peiyi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Studies have suggested older spouse caregivers experience burden-related adverse health outcomes compared to non-caregivers. However, potential causal inferences remain unclear. This study examined the effect of caregiving on insomnia symptoms of spouse caregivers over time, compared to non-caregiver samples matched by propensity score (PS).

Methods
Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study from 2006 to 2018 were used. Caregivers (Nf403) were respondents (aged 50+) who assisted their heterosexual spouses in performing (instrumental) activities of daily living at baseline. PS-matching was used to match non-caregivers based on sociodemographic, household, and health-related characteristics. Symptoms of insomnia were evaluated every four years for both groups. The link between caregiver status and number/severity of insomnia symptoms over time was assessed using a Poisson mixed-effects model.

Results
The propensity-matched sample achieved a satisfactory covariate balance. There was no statistically significant difference between caregivers and non-caregivers in the number of insomnia symptoms at baseline (β_caregiver=0.092, 95% CI = -0.017, 0.201). However, caregivers reported a slower increase in insomnia symptoms compared to non-caregivers (β_caregiver×time = -0.012, 95% CI = -0.021, -0.003). Results were cross-validated in modelling the severity of insomnia symptoms.

Conclusion
There is weak evidence that a spouse’s role as a caregiver may be beneficial for his/her sleep health over time. The negative effects of caring on older individuals’ sleep may vary depending on the caregiving context. The potential health benefits of informal spousal caring and their underlying mechanisms warrant further investigations.
PERSONAL STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING EVERYDAY ACTIVITY CHALLENGES AMONG ADULTS AGING WITH VISION LOSS
Authors: Mumma Kara , Remillard Elena , Rogers Wendy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An estimated 6% of adults in the United States ages 65 and older are living with vision loss and may experience other age-related declines and conditions co-morbidly (e.g., arthritis, hypertension, hearing loss). As such, they are likely to experience challenges in performing everyday activities, but little is known about their personal strategies or innovative solutions for managing activity challenges. The Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) study explored everyday activity challenges and strategies among older adults (Nf60; ages 60–79) with long-term vision loss (prior to age 50). The current analysis focused on understanding participants’ own methods for managing activity challenges, or things they have come up with, beyond traditional methods, such as getting help from other people (e.g., caregiver) or using assistive devices (e.g., white cane, screen reader). We coded response strategies among participants’ own methods, and the most frequently reported methods included: learning/familiarity/organization, planning ahead/prioritizing, and perseverance/patience/assertiveness. Response codes were classified using the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation model to better understand how these strategies are being used to adapt to losses. The most common strategies were classified as elective selection with optimization, which are strategies that entail continued performance of challenging activities through behavioral methods, without bringing in any new means to assist. Illustrative example quotes are featured to provide insight on the context of personal strategies. With greater understanding of solutions people aging with vision loss are employing to manage activity challenges, we can increase awareness about effective solutions and identify opportunities for supportive technology solutions.
LINKS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND SLEEP AMONG PARTNERED OLDER ADULTS: AFFECTIONATE TOUCH AS A MODERATOR
Authors: Lawrence Carly , Marini Christina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Sleep problems and loneliness both increase with age and undercut older adults’ health and well-being. Loneliness is a predictor of sleep problems, however, research in this area often fails to also consider the role of relationship quality. The current study therefore focuses on spousal relationship quality as it has been shown to have a proximal influence on sleep. We examined relative effects of physical and emotional facets of relationship quality–namely affectionate touch and emotional support (in addition to loneliness). We further examined the potential for relationship quality to buffer effects of loneliness on sleep. We utilized data from a nationally representative sample of older adults from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP). Participants were partnered (N = 559) and completed a novel sleep module that included subjective (i.e., insomnia symptoms) and objective (i.e., Wake After Sleep Onset; WASO) markers of sleep. Upon controlling for demographics and mental and physical health, a different pattern of findings emerged for each facet of sleep. For subjective sleep, older adults who were more lonely reported more insomnia symptoms, but only when spousal emotional support was low. For objective sleep, older adults who reported more affectionate touch experienced less WASO. These findings suggest that loneliness that occurs in the context of low emotional support from spouses is particularly damaging for older adults’ subjective sleep quality. Further, affectionate touch from spouses may represent an important intervention target for promoting felt security that helps older adults stay asleep throughout the night.