bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PERSONALITY AND LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF FRIENDSHIP
Authors: Lim Emily , Burr Jeffrey 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Loneliness is prevalent among American older adults and is related to poor health outcomes. Existing studies on the association between personality and loneliness are limited and no study examined the mediating role of friendship. This study investigated how personality traits are linked to loneliness, and how friendship mediated the relationship between personality and loneliness. Using three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N=3,259), we estimated a model with personality traits in 2010 (openness to experience, extraversion, consciousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism), friendship dimensions in 2014 (number of close friends, frequency of contact with friends, positive and negative friendship qualities), and loneliness in 2018 among community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and above (M=65.54 years old, SD=8.93). Extraversion and neuroticism were negatively and positively associated with loneliness, respectively. All friendship dimensions, except negative friendship quality, were negatively associated with loneliness. Our structural equation modeling results indicated that the number of close friends negatively mediated the relationship between extraversion and loneliness. The relationships between extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism and loneliness were negatively mediated by positive friendship quality. Negative friendship quality positively mediated the relationship between neuroticism and loneliness, and negatively mediated the consciousness-loneliness link. Friendship contact frequency negatively mediated the relationships between openness to experience, extraversion, and loneliness but positively mediated the relationship between consciousness and loneliness. These results provided insights that help us better comprehend the mechanisms leading to loneliness. Social intervention programs could be developed that tailor different personality traits and friendship dimensions to potentially reduce loneliness in later life.
LIVING WITH END-STAGE LIVER DISEASE: PERSPECTIVES OF YOUNGER AND OLDER PATIENT–CARE PARTNER DYADS
Authors: Hansen Lissi , Rosenkranz Susan , Hiatt Shirin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The uncertain trajectory of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) leaves patients and their informal care-partners to face psychological, physical, social, and financial burdens, complicating their relationship. Knowledge is lacking on how living with ESLD affects patients and informal care-partners. The study purpose was to compare how ESLD affects relationships between younger and older patient-care-partner dyads. Patients with ESLD and informal care-partners were recruited through liver clinics at two hospital settings. They completed questionnaires including two open-ended questions about how ESLD affected their relationship (R01NR016017, NINR/NIH). Patient eligibility criteria: age &gt;21 and MELD-Na score &gt;15. Care-partner eligibility criteria: age ≥18 and identified as patient’s primary support. Conventional content and qualitative dyadic analysis were used to analyze written responses to the two questions. Data were available for 140 patient-care-partner dyads. Patients averaged 57 years old (range, 23-83 years; 69% were male; 31% with ETOH as primary etiology). Care partners averaged 57.5 years old (range, 19-85 years; 74% were female). Older dyads were more likely to report having a closer relationship, although tempered by uncertainty and symptoms limiting activities. Younger dyads emphasized managing symptoms, financial stress, caregiving burden, and lack of intimacy among spousal/partners. Diverging and overlapping themes within dyads reflected caregiving challenges, relationship strain, and support from other relationships. Clinicians should provide information and identify helpful resources that support the patient- care-partner dyad and their ability to manage ESLD. Future longitudinal dyadic studies should examine the patient-care-partner relationship at different points in the disease progression to develop interventions that help living with ESLD.
CHANGE IN OLDER ADULTS’ SELF-EFFICACY TO HANDLE DISASTERS AFTER A PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM: ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS
Authors: Jaboob Saida , Thompson Lena , Ilavarasan Abinaya , Ashida Sato 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social support networks provide a context within which older adults maintain their safety and well-being. Preparing for disasters and emergency situations can help older adults stay safe independent after a disaster. Self-efficacy to prepare for and handle disaster situations can influence how older adults proactively prepare and protect themselves. Fifty-four older adults 61 to 92 years of age in Eastern Iowa were interviewed before and after participating in an intervention program that helped them develop personalized disaster management plans. Participants reported seven support network members on average, ranging from one to 23. About one-third of the network members were participants’ children and grandchildren, 11% were their siblings and parents, and 58% were non-family members such as friends and neighbors. Out of 549 network members identified, 245 were selected as someone participants can depend on during emergency situations; 47% were family whereas 43% were non-family members. Participants who reported higher numbers of network members whom they can depend on in emergency situations at baseline showed more increase in self-efficacy to manage disasters one-month after receiving the intervention (p=0.02). Having social support network members whom older adults feel they can turn to during emergency situations may help boost their confidence in handling and preparing for disasters through participating in a disaster preparedness program. Participants indeed identified additional members whom they could depend on in disaster situations after the intervention. Future studies may test strategies to enhance social support networks to increase confidence among older adults to prepare for and handle disasters.
MORTALITY RISK BY STATE-LEVEL POVERTY IN COLOMBIA AT DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
Authors: Osuna Margarita , Crimmins Eileen , Ailshire Jennifer 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Residence in high poverty states has been associated with increased mortality risk in the United States, but less attention has been paid to the relationship between state-level poverty and mortality in younger to older adults in Latin America. Poorer states in Colombia, one of the most populous and rapidly aging countries in Latin America, tend to report less access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. We examine the relationship between mortality and state-level poverty in Colombia by age and gender. We use data from the 2018 Colombian Census and Vital Statistics to calculate mortality levels and male-female ratios in mortality separately for three broad age categories: young (ages 20-39), middle-aged (40-69), and older adults (70 or older). We find an association between high poverty and high mortality risk among younger men, no association for middle-aged men, and a negative association between mortality risk and poverty among older men. We did not find any evidence for an association between state-level poverty and mortality at any ages. Our results highlight that, for men at older ages, poverty had a counterintuitive association with mortality. These results may be due to selective survival older ages in Colombia or to older adults who are aging into a social safety net that includes healthcare and income benefits. Future research should investigate the impact that unequal access to economic resources and distribution of health care resources has on women and men across age groups in Colombia.
YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS PERCEPTIONS OF STRESSORS AFTER A FLOOD
Authors: Cherry Katie , Friis Marlene , Bordes Piper , Calamia Matthew , Elliott Emily 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana resulted in catastrophic damages and claimed 13 lives. This study is part of a larger research program on post-flood health and well-being across the adult lifespan. Participants (n=223, age range: 18-88 years) were tested during the immediate impact phase (Wave 1) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2). In this study, we compared participants’ narrative responses to an open-ended question at Wave 2 concerning the most stressful aspect of the 2016 flood. We hypothesized that older flood survivors would report stressors related to rebuilding and financial loss more often than younger survivors based on the Conservation of Resources theory (Hobfoll, 1989). Three groups were compared: non-flooded (controls), single disaster (flooded in 2016) and double disaster (flooded in 2005 and again in 2016). To create younger and older comparison groups, age was split at the median with sample sizes that ranged from 28 to 34 younger and older participants within each flood exposure group. Content analyses of responses by independent coders blind to the purpose of the study revealed that older flood victims reported greater stressors related to rebuilding flood-damaged homes and financial stressors than did their younger counterparts. In contrast, younger flood victims were more likely to report childcare issues and being displaced from their homes as stressors compared to the older victims. Implications of these data for understanding age-related vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.
FUCOIDANS ARE NOVEL SENOTHERAPEUTICS THAT ENHANCE SIRT6 AND DNA REPAIR ACTIVITY
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hughes Brian , Tombline Gregory , Angelini Luise , Yousefzadeh Matt , Gorbunova Vera , Niedernhofer Laura , Robbins Paul 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
With age, senescent cells accumulate in various tissues where they contribute to loss of tissue homeostasis, aging, and age-related diseases through their inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). Senotherapeutics able to selectively eliminate senescent cells, termed senolytics, or suppress the detrimental SASPs, termed senomorphics, have been demonstrated to improve age-associated comorbidities and aging phenotypes. To discover novel senotherapeutics translatable to promote healthy longevity, we conducted a drug screening of diverse natural products based on the characteristic senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Several fucoidans from different brown seaweed were found to exhibit potent senotherapeutic activity. Fucoidans are long-chain sulfated polysaccharides found in various species of brown algae including seaweed. The best senomorphic fucoidan was able to suppress senescence in cultured senescent fibroblasts, in ex vivo human tissue explants, and in vivo in mouse models of natural and accelerated aging. Specifically, fucoidan reduced markers of cellular senescence and SASP in senescent mouse and human cells. Acute treatment of the fucoidan in naturally aged mice reduced tissue senescence, especially in the kidney and lung. Chronic treatment of the fucoidan in Ercc1-/Δ progeria mice attenuated composite aging symptoms and extended healthspan. Interestingly, preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrated that fucoidan can improve non-homologous end-joining-directed DNA damage repair and increase the mono-ADP-ribosylation activity of SIRT6, suggesting a relationship between cellular senescence, DNA repair, and SIRT6 signaling pathways. Collectively, fucoidans were identified as novel senotherapeutics with translational potential for reducing cellular senescence, ameliorating age-associated phenotypes, and extending healthspan as well as able improve DNA repair pathways through modulation of SIRT6 activity.
REVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY-BASED INTERVENTIONS ADDRESSING SOCIAL DISCONNECTION AMONG DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Mao Weiyu , Qi Xiang , Chi Iris , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social disconnection is a major public health concern. Informal dementia caregivers are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, as the majority are older adults and at elevated risk of adversity. Technology-based interventions could offer accessible, affordable, and convenient solutions. Using a scoping review approach, we aimed to identify and synthesize existing technology-based interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers. In a systematic search across six databases within the last ten years, ten eligible studies were included. The intervention type, format, and duration varied widely. The results suggested that technology-based interventions could reduce feelings of loneliness and improve caregiver well-being. The findings offer opportunities to use technology to reduce or prevent social isolation and loneliness. Investigating the role of technology in interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers could potentially overcome barriers to low uptake of services and improve sustainability of the interventions.
ALTERED SUPER ENHANCER – PROMOTER INTERACTIONS MEDIATED BY YY1 UNDERLIE AGE-INDUCED TRANSCRIPTOME
Authors: Dang Weiwei , Sun Luyang , McCauley Brenna 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Significant changes in transcriptome during aging have been observed in various tissues and cell types, even at the single-cell level. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these changes remain poorly understood. Using an ex vivo mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) replicative aging model and Hi-C technology, we discovered that, rather than large-scale changes in chromosome conformation, alterations to super enhancer – promoter looping interactions had the best positive correlation with age-associated transcriptome. Furthermore, we found evidence that these age-induced transcriptomic changes are mediated by YY1, a key regulator of promoter-enhancer looping. This work, for the first time, unveiled a molecular mechanism elucidating the changes in transcription during aging.
CAUSAL INFERENCE IN PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Qi Xiang , Pei Yaolin , Wang Jing , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Most previous research studied depression as a holistic conception and ignored the complex relationships between depressive symptoms. How depressive symptoms interact with each other is still unknown. The aims of this study were to develop symptom networks of middle-aged and older adults and to explore the core symptom in the symptom networks. This study used three-wave data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 (T1), 2015 (T2), and 2018 (T3). Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item Epidemiological Research Center for Depression Scale (CES-D). A multilevel vector autoregression model (VAR) was used to identify 10 depressive symptoms dynamically interacting with each other over time. A total of 3558 participants were included in the final analysis. The strongest direct effects were “D10: felt fearful” -&gt; “D6: felt everything I did was an effort” (β=0.14). “D10: felt fearful” reported the largest value of out-predictability (r=0.064) and out-strength (r=0.635). “D3: felt depressed” reported the largest value of in-predictability (r=0.077) and in-strength (r=0.545). Substantial heterogeneity in the network may stem from an individual’s gender and living region. “Felt fearful” was the strongest predictor compared to the other nine depressive symptoms based on node centrality. It was also the most crucial bridge node between negative symptoms cluster and positive affects cluster. Network density and the sum of all absolute strength centrality should also be incorporated into clinical practice as key indicators of emotional vulnerability, particularly in male middle-aged and older adults.
THE INFLUENCE OF TREATMENT DELAY INCREASE RISKS OF CANCER MORTALITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY
Authors: Cambia Jansen , Orlina Edmund Cedric , Liu Jason Jiashuan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Treatment delays during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has worsened oncologic outcomes, such as increasing early mortality among older adults. We investigated the association of treatment delay on the 2-year and 5-year risk of all-cause mortality, and stratified among age ≤60 and age &gt;60 years. This was a retrospective study of cancer patients using the Department of Health-Rizal Cancer Registry (DOH-RCR) from 1971–2012. We employed Poisson regression analysis to compare the risk of death among patients with different treatment delay lengths, defined as interval from diagnosis to treatment of ≤30 days, 31–60 days, and &gt;60 days. We included 16,472 cancer patients. After adjusting for confounding, the 2-year risk of death was significantly higher among patient with treatment delay of &gt;60 days by IRR=1.27 [95% CI=1.2–1.3] and 5-year risk by IRR=1.21 [95% CI=1.2–1.3], compared to delay of less than 60 days. Consistent findings were observed by age-groups, revealing that delay of &gt;60 days puts age≤60 and age&gt;60 years at higher risk of 5-year mortality, by IRR=1.21 [95% CI=1.2–1.3] and IRR=1.20 [95% CI=1.1–1.3], respectively. Treatment delay was associated with overall cancer mortality for cancer diagnoses at any age range. However, further investigation is needed to understand the predictors of longer treatment delay, which may provide consolation to balanced care during the current pandemic.
MULTI-CASE STUDY OF A NOVEL HEALTHCARE DELIVERY MODEL TO SUPPORT AGING IN PLACE IN RURAL, REMOTE, AND SMALL URBAN AREAS
Authors: Hulko Wendy , Mirza Noeman , Rush Kathy , Hemingway Dawn , de Leeuw Sarah , Plamondon Katrina , Bartle Emily , Chisholm Lilly 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aging in place has long been a policy objective in Canadian healthcare, with accompanying concerns about older adults in rural and remote regions, and growing interest in small urban areas as distinct from large urban ones. As one of the six health authorities in British Columbia (BC), Interior Health (IH) developed and implemented an innovative healthcare delivery model to support aging in place for older adults, while addressing system issues of cost containment and resource allocation. By transferring funds from acute care to primary care, IH created Seniors Health and Wellness Centres (SHWCs) in two small urban areas (Kelowna and Kamloops) and a third one with two rural sites (Salmon Arm and Revelstoke). Our multi-case study aimed to compare how the SHWCs are meeting their objectives, and addressing the priorities of rural and small urban older adults and their social determinants of health (SDoH). We used mixed methods of data collection and analysis, including key informant interviews (n=9), service user questionnaires (n=10), document analysis (n=19), and secondary data analysis of service usage (n=2343) to answer research questions (RQs) on the outcomes and impacts of IH’s restructuring. The results show the outcomes (RQ1) to be three SHWCs which vary considerably in their design and usage, including access, quality, and continuity of care. Our findings on the impacts (RQ2) indicate the SHWCs are meeting their cost reduction aims while concentrating on some SDoH (income & dis/ability) and neglecting others (gender, racism, rurality), and progressing slowly in addressing certain priorities of older adults.
UNDERSTANDING OLDER ADULTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MOBILE AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND COGNITION
Authors: Fowe Ibukun , Boot Walter 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Technologies that facilitate remote patient monitoring, virtual care, and telehealth are becoming increasingly prevalent, accelerated due to the challenges providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more efficient and effective methods to care for the expanding older adult population. Despite the potential benefits of these technologies, their promise can be hampered by low rates of acceptance and adoption among older adults. We assessed older adults’ (N = 92) attitudes towards the use of wearable and mobile technologies for 1) predicting cognitive decline, 2) assisting with adherence to health activities, and 3) collection of self-report data to understand current health status and predict future problems. Participants generally rated hypothetical technology solutions as useful (M = 4.2, SD = 0.70, 1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree), were interested in learning more about these technologies (M = 3.81, SD = 0.86), and indicated willingness to adopt these technologies themselves (M = 3.83, SD = 0.93); however, participants did indicate some privacy concerns (M = 2.92, SD = 1.02. General technology attitudes and previous experience using mobile devices were the best predictors of acceptance and willingness to adopt these technologies (r =0.50, p &lt; .001; r =0.22, p &lt; .05, respectively). These findings suggest generally positive attitudes and highlight potential targets for intervention to increase the uptake of these technologies, maximizing their benefits.
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING TO MODIFY SORTING AND DISCARDING BEHAVIORS IN HOARDING DISORDER
Authors: Nix Caitlyn , Dozier Mary 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The act of sorting and discarding possessions is the fundamental health behavior that underlies clutter, a core symptom and signifier of hoarding disorder. In older adults, excessive clutter can cause hazardous conditions in the home that increase the risk of being unable to age in place safely. Current evidence-based treatments for hoarding require lengthy treatment dosages and primarily target fears surrounding sorting/discarding. Because not all older adults with hoarding disorder experience a fear-response when sorting/discarding, other targets for hoarding treatment must be evaluated in this population, including directly targeting motivation for behavior change. The current pilot study investigated motivation to sort and discard items as a treatment target for hoarding disorder in older adults. The rationale for this treatment study was that targeting motivation to engage in regular sorting/discarding of household clutter would result in decreased hoarding severity by creating a sustainable change in behavior. Fifteen participants (age 50 and up, M = 62) engaged in six in-home sessions of a novel intervention that combined intensive motivational interviewing with sorting practice (i.e., spending time engaging in the target behavior of sorting and discarding items in the home). This presentation will discuss the applications of motivational interviewing for hoarding disorder in older adults, including skills related to engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. Our initial treatment outcomes suggest that motivation is a worthwhile treatment target for hoarding disorder.