bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LONELINESS AND COGNITIVE STATUS AMONG BLACK AND WHITE MEN
Authors: Bruce Marino , Beech Bettina , Marshall Gillian , Thorpe, Jr. Roland J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Loneliness is a stressor that has been found to increase the likelihood of poor health and dementia. Few studies have focused on this association among men and even fewer studies have examined racial disparities in loneliness and cognitive functioning among this group. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in the association between loneliness and cognitive functioning among national sample of men aged 50 years and older.

Methods
Data were drawn from Black and White men in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study who completed the Leave Behind Questionnaire (n=2226). Cognitive function was the primary outcome and was measured by a dichotomous variable derived from a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Loneliness was the primary independent variable and was derived from the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Results
Black men made up 18.5% of the study sample; however, the proportion of this group with scores indicating cognitive impairment or dementia (35.9%) doubled the corresponding percent of white men (17.6%). Findings from race-stratified modified Poisson regression models indicated that loneliness was associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment or dementia for White men (PR=1.24, CI:1.05-1.47), but Black men (PR=0.92, CI:0.73-1.16).

Conclusions
Results from this study raise important questions about the salience of pooled analyses and suggest a need for tailored approaches to mitigate cognitive decline. Additional studies focusing on Black men are needed to develop effective interventions preserving cognitive functioning among this population.
ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG RACIALLY/ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS IN THE US
Authors: Camacho David , Vazquez Julia , Vargas Laura , Henderson Charles , Jones-Harden Brenda J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression are major public health concerns. However, few studies have examined the relationship between ACEs and mid- and late-life depression among racially/ethnically diverse groups. We explore this relationship among U.S. racially/ethnically diverse community-dwelling midlife and older adults (≥50 years of age). Guided by ACEs and Minority Stress Frameworks, we used general linear models to examine this relationship with data from Wave 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. We created an ACEs composite ranging from 0 to 7 (e.g., violence, health, poverty) and assessed the role of individual ACEs on depressive symptoms (CES-D). Final adjusted models (n:1424) included key demographic, health (e.g., chronic disease), social (living alone, social isolation, loneliness), and minority stress factors (e.g., limited access to healthcare and treatment, perceived discrimination). Results indicated that higher composite score ACEs (particularly childhood violence and poor health) were positively associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. We found no interactions between race/ethnicity and ACEs. Our results suggest that ACEs contribute to the presence and severity of depressive symptoms into mid- and late-life adulthood. Consistent with Minority Stress Framework, common life-course stressors for minoritized groups may explain a lack of significant interactions in our models. Future research should explore the association of ACEs and other important health outcomes in diverse midlife and older adults. Finally, research is needed to examine if and how culturally appropriate depression interventions can be adapted to address the role of ACEs in later life health.
IS ETHNIC HERITAGE MEANINGFUL IN ADULTHOOD? ETHNIC IDENTITY AND WELL-BEING IN MEXICAN-ORIGIN FEMALE ADULTS
Authors: Tse Hin Wing (Florence) , Song Jiaxiu , Muñoz Elizabeth , Kim Su Yeong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Being the largest immigrant group in the U.S., the process of exploring, forming, and retaining ethnic identity is a critical component to Mexican immigrants’ successful adaptation and wellbeing. Despite recognizing the dynamic nature of ethnic identity development, extant research has predominantly focused on adolescence, overlooking the development and impact of ethnic identity in adulthood, when individuals’ experiences are continuously shaped by critical life events (e.g., moving to a new country). Additionally, there is a lack of longitudinal research on mid-late adulthood. Filling these gaps, this study utilized a three-wave longitudinal dataset of 595 Mexican-origin female adults (Mage.wave1 = 38.39) to examine their initial levels and trajectories of ethnic identity development (i.e., exploration, centrality, and resolution) and understand how these individuals’ initial levels and trajectories of ethnic identity are associated with their wellbeing (i.e., life meaning, resilience, and depressive symptoms) at Wave 3. Using latent growth curve modeling, unconditional models revealed that initial levels of ethnic identity in Mexican-origin female adults were moderately high, and that their centrality and resolution of ethnic identity remained stable while their exploration of heritage identity increased over time. The conditional model also showed that Mexican-origin female adults’ higher initial levels of centrality and resolution were associated with a greater sense of life meaning (and resiliency, only true for resolution levels) but not with depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that ethnic heritage is associated with more positive perception in life and may inform interventions on developing a positive ethnic identity that is related to better wellbeing.
HOW IS MENTAL HEALTH IN LATE LIFE SHAPED BY STRUCTURAL RACISM?
Authors: DeAngelis Reed , Homan Patricia , Brown Tyson 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Less than one percent of studies on the link between race and health have focused on structural racism. Empirical research on how structural racism affects health in later life is especially rare. Moreover, the conceptualization of structural racism in the race theory literature has often differed from the measurement strategies used in aging and health research. This study advances the field by 1) utilizing a novel, theory-informed latent measure of structural racism in states across multiple domains, including political participation, education, economics, housing, and the judicial system, 2) mapping structural racism across states, and 3) quantifying the association between structural racism and mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms and frequency of poor mental health days) among Black and White older adults. We use administrative data measuring state-level racial stratification linked to geocoded individual-level demographic and health data from the HRS (N=9,126) and the BRFSS (N=308,029). Results show that, whereas structural racism is consistently associated with worse mental health for Black people, it is either unrelated to health or predictive of better health among Whites. Findings highlight the utility of rigorously conceptualizing and measuring structural racism and its impact on health among older adults.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN THE RISK OF DEMENTIA: THE ROLE OF STRESS EXPOSURE IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Lai Wen-Hua 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is expected to triple from 5 million to 13.7 million by 2050 in the US. Current studies suggest that older Black and Latinx adults experience poorer cognitive health; their dementia prevalence is 1.5 to 2 times higher than their white counterparts. Excessive stress exposure (e.g., traumatic experiences and discrimination) may serve as contributors to the cognitive health inequalities faced by racial/ethnic minorities. However, extant studies on cognitive health in diverse aging populations remained limited. In particular, little is known about how the level and effect of stress exposure account for cognitive health disparities across racial/ethnic groups. This study examines whether racial/ethnic differences in stress exposure (traumatic events, stressful life events, perceived everyday discrimination, lifetime discrimination, and financial strain) shape cognitive health disparities by race/ethnicity. Data from the 2006-2012 Health and Retirement Study are used to address the research question (N=9,251). Preliminary results based on ordinal logit regression models and moderation analyses suggest that all racial/ethnic minority older adults, especially Blacks, were more exposed to stressors and experienced poorer cognitive health than their White peers. However, even though some stressors are associated with adverse cognitive health, greater stress exposure among minority older adults explains little cognitive disparities faced by them. Moreover, the magnitude of the stressor effects on cognitive health is smaller for Blacks and Latinxs than for Whites. This study will discuss the implication of these unexpected findings and areas of promising future research.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN PUERTO RICO
Authors: Garcia Catherine , McEniry Mary , Crowe Michael 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The neighborhood contexts in which older adults live are increasingly being recognized for their role in influencing disease processes and risk of death among the U.S. population. However, few studies have focused on neighborhood impacts among older populations residing in Puerto Rico– a U.S. territory –who are especially vulnerable to the effects of the environment as they “age in place” in the context of a budget crisis, the great recession, the debt crisis, and Hurricanes Irma and María. The combination of these events can obstruct access to neighborhood resources, services, and contexts considered necessary for promoting healthy aging. Thus, it is warranted to understand the effects of place on mortality in Puerto Rico, whose social and economic contexts differ from the U.S. and are more similar to that of other Latin American and Hispanic-Caribbean countries. We used 2000 U.S. Census data at the block-group level linked to the 2002 Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions Project with mortality follow-up to 2021 to examine neighborhood characteristics that are conceptualized as influencing mortality (e.g., residents without a high school degree; households receiving public assistance income; residents living below the poverty level; unemployed residents; residential stability; age structure). Multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival models with a Weibull distribution were estimated. Overall, results show that neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with an increased risk of mortality among older Puerto Ricans. This suggests that older Puerto Ricans clustered in disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience a cumulative burden of social disadvantages that adversely impacts their longevity.
ARE PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC PAIN IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: Yang Yulin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Neighborhoods predict many health outcomes including functional limitations and disability; however, how neighborhoods are associated with chronic pain remains poorly understood. This study uses examined the association between four perceived neighborhood characteristics (social cohesion, physical disorder, safety, and social ties) and chronic pain in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 51+ in the US. Among 14,069 participants (58.65% women; mean age 68.81) in the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2008), we investigate whether neighborhood social cohesion, neighborhood physical disorder, neighborhood safety, and neighborhood social ties were associated with odds of having moderate-severe and limiting pain using adjusted logistic regression. After adjusting socio-demographic factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, wealth, marital status), residence in neighborhoods with high perceived social cohesion, safety, and more social ties were associated with lower odds of having moderate-severe and limiting pain. Perceived neighborhood physical disorder did not predict whether respondents have moderate-severe and limiting pain or not.
TRAJECTORIES OF ANXIETY SYMPTOMS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Choun Soyoung , Lee Dylan , Kurth Maria , Lee Hye Soo , Igarashi Heidi , Aldwin Carolyn 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults face particular challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased risk for morbidity and mortality (CDC, 2021). Social distancing and lockdown to prevent contagion may create social isolation and loneliness, adversely affecting mental and physical health. We examined anxiety symptom trajectories of older adults and identified risk and protective factors during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined how anxiety symptoms were associated with both between- and within-person variations in loneliness, social contacts, and physical problems. We sampled 247 older adults (Mage = 71.1, SD = 7.3, range = 51 - 95), who participated in eight weekly longitudinal online surveys from April 28 to June 23, 2020. Multilevel modeling analysis controlling for age, gender, marital status, and education showed that anxiety symptoms significantly decreased in the first few weeks, but then increased around week 6 of the study period. At the between-person level, individuals with higher levels of both loneliness and physical problems were at risk for experiencing higher levels of anxiety, but social contacts were not significant. Middle-aged participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than older participants. Women experienced higher anxiety symptoms than men. As a protective factor, individuals who were high in resilience had significantly lower anxiety symptoms over time, compared to those with low in resilience. In the within-person level, anxiety symptoms were positively coupled with both loneliness and physical symptoms over time. We conclude that lonely individuals and those in poor health were at greater risk of poor mental health during the pandemic.
SOCIAL CONNECTION IN OLDER ARKANSANS DURING COVID-19: CHANGES AND SATISFACTION
Authors: McAtee Robin , Peszka Jennifer , Goldberg Anne , Spradley Laura , Musallam Noura , Allen Lauren , Vogle Sophie , Simpson Luke 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social support is important to the health and well-being of older adults. Changes in social support (both frequency and satisfaction with) and barriers to social support during the pandemic remain unknown. During Spring 2021 an automated phone survey of adults 65 and older in Arkansas was completed. Calls were placed to 27,296 households where 8,745 individuals answered, and 867 (N=723 White, non-Hispanic) older Arkansans completed the 18 question self-report survey. Results indicated that: 41% had curtailed their in-person interactions significantly; 61% continued to engage in in-person social interactions outside of their home once a week or more; and social group activities decreased from 52% to 41%. Additionally, it was reported that 88% used technology for social interactions once a week or more and 60% reported technology interactions made them feel socially connected. Despite this, only 67% reported being satisfied with their social connection during the pandemic compared to 93% prior to the pandemic. While many participants continued in-person social interactions, social activity and satisfaction decreased during the pandemic. Social technology alternatives were used by many and for some, social connection was reported to be satisfactory. The value of what was learned from this survey has application outside pandemic times. Understanding and acknowledging that social isolation exists for older adults in normal times and improving technological access to social activities has great value. This knowledge can be used to substantiate the expansion and improvement of older adult friendly virtual platforms therefore contributing to reducing social isolation.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STATE AGENCIES AND ACADEMIA ADDRESSING LONG-TERM CARE WORKFORCE NEEDS
Authors: Ehlman Katie , Diekemper Karla , Valadares Kevin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The rural areas of southwestern Indiana are challenged with insufficient healthcare workers in the long-term care industry. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is collaborating with state agencies to address shortages in licensed administrators, activity professionals and social service designees. These roles, vital in the nursing facility, hold educational requirements through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). USI gerontology faculty addressed workforce challenges in five phases: 1) Evaluation of state educational requirement and comparison to current USI gerontology courses; 2) Development of new coursework to support state requirements; 3) Expansion of preceptor pool; 4) Proposal to state agencies; 5) USI curriculum modifications. Faculty evaluated the educational and training requirements for these roles and compared the requirements with current courses. Preceptors were needed for students’ field experiences; a preceptor pool was developed through funded training. The requirements and course alignment were included in the program proposal to the state agencies. Upon ISDH, IPLA and University New Program Development Committee approval, additional instructors were recruited. Results of this initiative include a: 1) Fully approved and launched Administrator-in-Training (AIT) residency embedded in curriculum at undergraduate and graduate level; 2) Fully approved Activity Professional Certificate Program; 3) Pool of 10 certified preceptors; and 4) Onset of the social service designee certificate program. This collaborative partnership developed between USI, ISDH and IPLA ensure state agency requirements are met academically for students entering the long-term care workforce.
UTILIZING COMMUNITY ANALYSIS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF HEALTH DISPARITIES IN OLDER OKLAHOMANS
Authors: Sylvester Donna 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Where we live affects us. The state of Oklahoma consistently ranks in the bottom ten percent for health outcomes, health policies, and health behaviors of older adults. Physical therapy students in Oklahoma must recognize the impact that social determinants of health have on older adults in order to fully meet the needs of their future patients. Prior to final clinical experiences, third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students explore these concepts through individual community analysis projects in urban and rural communities across the state. The students visit their chosen community to assess access to transportation services, food, housing, and healthcare-specific to older adults. Additionally, students explore opportunities for exercise classes targeted toward older adults and the walkability of the community. Students come away with a better understanding of the wide array of social determinants of health experienced by older adults in Oklahoma and learn of opportunities to advocate for future patients in their communities.
CRAFTING AN UNDERGRADUATE CONCENTRATION IN AGING ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY AND ASSESSING COMPETENCIES
Authors: Mulhorn Kristine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In the last few years, our Health Administration Department has grown its undergraduate offerings in aging and now is promoting those courses as a concentration available for any major. A recent collaborative effort between our college and the honors college, our university has created a university-wide set of courses across all majors related to topics in aging. In our university, students can pursue a concentration with as few as three courses that are relevant to their majors. Usually, the courses in a concentration are taught by those in the major. However, the global issue of aging can be taught as a specialty area for many majors. To ensure students meet the learning objectives, the following assessment plan was developed for three key courses offered by the Health Administration Department—Healthy Aging, Aging and the Law and either Aging in a Global Context or Aging Services Management. First, a curricular map of the areas of competency within our program are outlined and then the content and areas of assessment are considered based on whether the competencies are “Introduced”, “Reinforced,” and “Mastered.” Next, the key assignments in each course within the concentration were aligned with the Program Objectives for the Health Administration bachelor’s program to assess student achievement of key competencies. In the process of offering the concentration in Aging across multiple majors, it is important for various departments to understand how courses in aging add valuable competencies regardless of their major.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE DIFFICULTY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: EVIDENCE FROM NEW YORK CITY
Authors: Cheung Ethan Siu Leung , Liu Jinyu 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This study examined racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive difficulty among older adults in New York City (NYC). Also, we tested whether physical health, family structure, individual socioeconomic status (SES), and neighborhood SES explained the disparities. Based on community districts, individual-level data from the 2019 American Community Survey were merged with neighborhood data from NYC Community District Profile. A sample of 5,622 NYC residents aged 60 or older was included across 55 community districts. The outcome variable, cognitive difficulty, was measured by a binary variable in which respondents’ self-reported challenges with cognitive health (1=having challenge, 0=no). Racial and ethnic groups included Whites, Blacks, Latinos/Hispanics, and Asians. We used multilevel logistic regressions for analysis. Results show that Latinos/Hispanics had the highest odds of reporting cognitive difficulty across groups. Physical health, marital status, individual SES, and access to parks were significantly associated with cognitive difficulty. Physical health, family structure, and multilevel SES partially explained or influenced the racial and ethnic disparity in cognitive difficulty. However, such influence varied by race and ethnicity. Physical health and individual SES contributed to the disparities for Latinos/Hispanics and Blacks, compared to Whites. Neighborhood SES attenuated the disparity in cognitive difficulty between Latinos/Hispanics and Whites. Also, family structure uniquely explained the disparity for Blacks. No significant disparity was identified between Asians and Whites. This study shed light on the important roles of multilevel factors in predicting racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive difficulty. Findings provide direction for interventions to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive difficulty.