bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY MOBILITY PATTERNS OF OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Stinchcombe Arne , Mullen Nadia , Timinski John , Marshall Shawn , Naglie Gary , Rapoport Mark , Bédard Michel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had appreciative impacts on the lives of older adults. At various times during the pandemic, Canadian provinces put in place public health measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including closures of non-essential businesses and services. The Candrive Driving Cessation sub-study is a 12-year, mixed methods, longitudinal study. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participants from four sites (n=124, mean age=85.5 years) were asked to report how their community mobility patterns during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. They also completed the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale and the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) tool. The results indicated that during the pandemic, participants were less likely to drive (χ2=7.11, p=.004) or ride a public bus (χ2=20.05, p&lt;.001) when leaving their home. During the pandemic, they reported fewer trips to the supermarket (χ2=99.00, p&lt;.001) and fewer visits with family (χ2=68.00, p=.001). We observed a statistically significant relationship between COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale scores and ARMT (Anticipatory Anxiety subscale; r= .810, p&lt;.001), such that higher COVID-19-related anxiety was associated with greater anxiety related to anticipating changes in mobility. These results emphasize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mobility patterns of older adults. Promoting community mobility for older adults alongside preventative public health measures is essential.
SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
Authors: Poe Abigail , Puga Frank 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults living with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, have an increased risk of poor mental health outcomes. While a link between living with chronic illness and depression have been examined in previous studies, relatively little is known about factors that increase and decrease the risk of suicidal ideation among older adults living with chronic illness. Using data from the third wave of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) database, we examined the relationship between living with a chronic illness were more likely to endorse thinking about death in the previous two weeks ( OR=3.17, CI: 1.16 – 8.65, p=0.24). The analysis also revealed that the likelihood of suicidal ideation in the previous two weeks increased with the number of chronic conditions reported by participants (OR=1.128, CI: 1.04 – 1.23, p=0.005). The results of this study are consistent with previous studies suggesting a relationship between older adults living with a chronic condition are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Findings from this study can help inform intervention development to support mental health of older adults living with chronic illness. Future studies are needed to examine additional psychosocial factors that may mediate the relationship between living with a chronic illness and suicidal ideation among older adults.
THE IMPACT OF SLEEP ON MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN MIDDLE TO OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Ilori Folasade , Dabiri Sanaz , Ramirez-Ruiz Mara , Daniel George , Head Robert , Wright Regina , Mwendwa Denee 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The decline in physical and mental well-being is common with age. The negative impact of poor quality of sleep and depressive symptomatology contributes to the decline in well-being among middle to older adults. African Americans are more likely to report a decrease in well-being as they age. They are also disproportionately affected by poorer sleep quality and may be at greater risk for depressive symptomatology. Dispositional mindfulness is linked to improved well-being. Research has shown dispositional mindfulness is related to adaptive health behaviors, improved sleep quality, and reduced negative affect. Mindfulness allows engagement of early regulation of intense emotional responses because of nonjudgmental acceptance of thoughts and emotions. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of mindfulness on physical/mental well-being and depressive symptomatology through sleep. 131 African American participants were recruited for the study, with an average age of 58 years. The results showed a significant effect of mindfulness on well-being and depressive symptoms. Additionally, the impact of mindfulness on mental and physical well-being was mediated by sleep quality (B = .7920, CI [.1482, 1.6702]) and sleep disturbance (B = 2.874, CI [.1582, 6.335]). The results also showed an indirect effect of mindfulness on depressive symptoms through sleep quality (B = –6.139 CI [-12.871, -.5298]). This study demonstrates the positive impact of mindfulness on well-being and depressive symptomatology. Sleep quality also plays an important role in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and physical/mental well-being and depressive symptomatology in middle to older African Americans.
CHANGE IN SOCIAL INTERACTION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER AMERICANS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Keller Krystyna , Lin Jielu , Zajdel Melissa , Macfoy Fiona Gilpin , Shaw Philip , Curtis Brenda , Ungar Lyle , Koehly Laura 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Recent research has shown the mental health consequence of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but longitudinal data are relatively scarce. It is unclear whether the pattern of isolation and elevated stress seen at the beginning of the pandemic persists over time. This study evaluates change in social interaction over six months and its mental health impact among older adults. We drew data from a panel study with six repeated assessments of social interaction and mental health conducted monthly May through October 2020. The sample included a total of 380 White, Black and Hispanic participants aged 50 and over, of whom 33% had low income, who residing in fourteen U.S. states with active stay-at-home orders in May 2020. The analysis examined how change in living arrangement, in-person interaction outside the household, quality of relationship with family and friends, and perceived social support affected trajectories of isolation stress, COVID worry and sadness. While their living arrangements and relationship quality remained stable, older adults experienced fluctuations in perceived social support and increases in in-person conversations outside the household. Living with a spouse/partner stabilized isolation stress and COVID worry over time. Individuals with better relationship quality with friends became happier over time. Changes in social support were associated with greater fluctuations in isolation stress and COVID worry. During the pandemic, social interactions are protective and lack of stability in feeling supported makes older adults vulnerable to stress. Efforts should focus on (re)building and maintaining companionship and support to mitigate the pandemic’s negative impact.
EXPLORING THE PHYSICAL FUNCTION PROFILES OF OLDER ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Authors: Browne Julia , Morey Miriam , Elbogen Eric , Mueser Kim , Hall Katherine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults with serious mental health conditions experience high rates of comorbid chronic medical diseases, which affect the physical function and long-term aging trajectory of this population. Existing physical function research in this population has focused almost exclusively on endurance with little to no attention paid to other important domains such as balance, mobility, and strength, which are critical to promoting independence and improved quality of life. The primary aim of this study was to explore the multiple dimensions of function that are important to maintaining independence and health in older adults with serious mental health conditions. This study examined publicly available data from the 2014 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a national longitudinal panel study of older adults. Analyses were limited to participants that self-reported lifetime diagnoses of serious mental health conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder). The sample comprised 428 older adults over age 50 (M=67.1, SD=10.1; 68% female) who completed standardized assessments of grip strength, single-leg standing balance, and usual walking speed. Scores on these three measures were compared to established age- and/or gender-based norms for each assessment to characterize performance. Overall, 65% of the sample demonstrated deficits in strength and 31% of the sample performed below established norms for both balance and walking speed. These findings highlight that physical function in this population is compromised across multiple domains and suggest a need for multicomponent interventions.
GENERATIVITY AND OLDER ADULTS’ COVID-19 ADJUSTMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: So Christine , Fiori Katherine , Rauer Amy , Marini Christina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Generativity, the capacity to be productive, caring, and concerned with the well-being of the next generation, has been linked to positive mental health outcomes and posttraumatic growth (Bellizzi, 2004). Generativity may be particularly important nowadays as older adults adjust to the pandemic and its aftermath. For example, after months of social distancing, the availability of vaccines has enabled many older adults to begin resuming social activities. Considering the meaning-making function of generativity, generativity may be associated with more positive outcomes, including better mental health and views on quality of life and family relationships during this post-pandemic adjustment period. The current study used a community sample of 136 older adults (M age = 67.77, range 50-91; 69.3% females; 93% White) to explore whether generativity predicted older adults’ anxiety and depressive symptoms, and attitudes about how the pandemic affected their quality of life and family relationships. Using hierarchical linear regressions controlling for age and gender, we found that generativity was negatively linked to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, those with greater generativity were more likely to report that their family relationships improved because of the pandemic. In contrast, generativity was not associated with positive growth in the personal domain or with perceptions that the pandemic had harmed either personal or family domains. Our findings are consistent with Erikson’s theory on the important role that generativity plays in shaping well-being and psychological health in older adults, and our findings suggest these effects may be especially pronounced during this post-pandemic adjustment period.
THE ASSOCIATION OF INCREASING RESILIENCE WITH POSITIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Musich Shirley , Wang Shaohung , Schaeffer James , Kraemer Sandra , Wicker Ellen , Yeh Charlotte 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Resilience has been recognized as a concept central to successful aging. Higher resilience has been associated with positive mental health while a direct impact on physical health outcomes has been less consistent. Objective: To investigate three levels of resilience (low, medium, and high), identify characteristics associated with medium and high resilience and measure the impact of increasing resilience on selected health outcomes: quality-of-life (QOL), and healthcare utilization and expenditures.

Methods
The study sample was identified from adults age ≥65, covered by an AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan from UnitedHealthcare, who had completed a health survey during May-June 2019 (N=3,573). Resilience was categorized to three levels: low, medium, and high. Other positive resources, including purpose-in-life, locus of control, social connections, and optimism, were dichotomized as high/low and counted with equal weighting as a continuous variable. Quality of life was measured from the health survey; healthcare utilization and expenditures from administrative databases.

Results
Among weighted survey respondents, the prevalence of low, medium, and high resilience levels were 27%, 29%, and 43%, respectively. The strongest predictors of medium and high resilience included increasing number of other positive resources, lower stress, and no depression. Individuals with medium and high resilience had significantly higher QOL, lower healthcare utilization and reduced healthcare expenditures.

Conclusions
Interventions promoting the maintenance and/or increase of resilience should include a focus on other positive resources and stress/depression management. Resilience strategies integrated into healthy aging programming could be associated with improved health outcomes.
ADJUSTMENT TO AGING AMONG LBGT+ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Carneiro Francis , Leal Isabel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Intervention programs that highlight predictors of adjustment to aging (AtA)(1) for minority older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) populations are scarce(2).The aim of this preliminary study is to build a structural model to explore whether socio-demographic, health and lifestyle-related variables, are correlates of AtA in a group of LGB older adults(3).The sample comprised 287 LGB older adults aged 75 years old and older.Convenience sampling was used to gather questionnaire data.Measures encompassed the Adjustment to Aging Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, demographics and lifestyle and health-related characteristics.Structural equation modeling was used to explore a structural model of the self-reported AtA, comprising all the above variables.The structural model indicated the following significant correlates: perceived health(β=0.456; p&lt; 0.001), leisure(β=0.378; p&lt; 0.001), income(β=0.302; p&lt; 0.001), education(β=0.299; p=0.009), spirituality(β=0.189; p&lt; 0.001), sex(β=0.156; p&lt; 0.001), physical activity(β=0.142; p&lt; 0 .001), satisfaction with life(β=0.126; p&lt; 0.001), and marital status(β=0.114; p=0.008).The variables explain respectively 76.4% of the variability of AtA. These outcomes suggest that policy making and community interventions with LGB older adults may benefit of including variables, such as, perceived health, leisure and income, as these were pointed out as significant for this group of older adults for promoting adjustment to aging in late adulthood. 1.von Humboldt S et al. How do older adults experience intergenerational relationships? Different cultures, ambivalent feelings. Educ.Gerontol.2018;44(8):501-513. 2.von Humboldt S et al. Analyzing adjustment to aging and subjective age from Angolan and Portuguese community-dwelling older adults' perspectives. Int.J.Gerontol.2013;7(4):209-215. 3.von Humboldt S et al. What influences the subjective wellbeing of older adults?: A systematic review of the literature. Rev.Argent.Clín.Psicol.2014;23(3):219-230.
ACCULTURATION ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: DOES ETHNIC COMMUNITY SOCIAL CAPITAL MATTER?
Authors: Park Juyoung , Aranda Maria , Choi Yeon Jin , Jang Yuri 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Responding to the rapid growth of the older immigrant population and building upon the literature on the critical role of acculturation in older immigrants’ health and well-being, we focused on the role of ethnic community social capital (social cohesion, social engagement, safety, and negative interactions in ethnic communities) in older Korean Americans. Guided by social capital and stress-buffering theories, we examined the direct effect of acculturation and ethnic community social capital on psychological distress, as well as their interactions. We hypothesized that the negative impact of low acculturation on mental health would be lowered by positive perceptions of and experiences in ethnic communities. Using data from 2,150 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans (Age range = 60-99, M [SD] = 73.4 [7.97]), the direct and interactive effect models were examined. Results showed that low acculturation posed a significant risk to mental health and all four types of ethnic community social capital had a significant direct effect. Furthermore, significance was observed in the interaction of acculturation with social cohesion (B [SE] = .01 [.01]. p &lt; .05) and with negative interaction (B [SE] = -.01 [.01]. p &lt; .01). The negative impact of low acculturation was attenuated among those with a high sense of ethnic community social cohesion but intensified among those with frequent experiences of negative interactions with ethnic community members. Our findings highlight the importance of social capital that forms within ethnic communities and provide implications for programs and services to promote older immigrants’ mental well-being.
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN COPING STRATEGIES AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: McWilliams Jordan , Custis Meghan , Peterson Natasha , Lee Jeong Eun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Previous literature has examined the consequences of loneliness coping methods; however, scarce research has examined racial/ethnic disparities and the differential association between coping activities and psychological outcomes. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining racial/ethnic differences in loneliness coping strategies and their impact on anxiety and depression among middle-aged and older adults. Data were from the 2018 Loneliness and Social Connections survey (N=3,233) conducted by AARP. Findings revealed minorities reported higher levels of loneliness and coped with loneliness by socializing with friends in person, socializing with friends using technology, and individualized activity significantly more compared to white counterparts. Logistic regressions revealed that minorities who engage in risky behaviors are 1.66 times more likely to be depressed (95% CI [1.07, 2.58]) and 1.98 times more likely to be anxious (95% CI [1.51, 2.59]). Moreover, the odds of being anxious increased by 58% if minorities coped with loneliness by socializing with friends via technology (95% CI [1.12, 2.21]). However, minorities who socialize with friends in person are 48% less likely to be anxious (95% CI [.35,.79]). In general, socializing methods have more implications for mental health among minorities. Findings suggest that differential coping strategies may have differential outcomes for minorities. The results of this study point to the need for further longitudinal research examining factors contributing to coping strategies and the direction of causality between coping strategies and psychological outcomes.
PREPARING THE GROUND: DEVELOPING COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES TO ENGAGE OLDER BLACK MEN IN HEALTH RESEARCH
Authors: Mitchell Jamie , Key Kent , Flores Elena , Knurek Sean , Perry Tam , Rorai Vanessa , Ilardo Joan , Sass Alexandra 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Black men across the lifespan are overburdened by poor health and underrepresented as participants in health research. The Flint Healthier Black Elders program seeks to engage more older Black men in research that could contribute to health discoveries by developing and testing strategies to recruit Black men into a community participant research pool (PRP). The PRP recruitment strategies account for the influence of gender role norms, mistrust derived from current and historical research and medical abuses, and other factors that affect older Black men’s willingness to participate in safe and ethical research. This initiative also focuses on building trust in research engagement by foregrounding the voices of local older men as community stakeholders and research gatekeepers, and tailoring multimedia recruitment materials to represent older Black men more fully and positively. Videos and print materials developed as recruitment tools specifically tailored to older Black men were pilot tested for messaging and impact, and the results of this community-driven process can serve as an innovative model for equitable and trustworthy research recruitment in Black communities. We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Flint Healthier Black Elders Community Advisory Board: Yaushica Aubert, Rev. Dr. Sarah Bailey, E. Hill DeLoney, Luther Evans, Ella Greene-Moton, Cynthia Howell, Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, Beverly Lewis, Geraldine Redmond, Sharon Saddler, Arlene Sparks, Erica Thrash-Sall.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND HEALTH LITERACY IN KOREAN OLDER ADULTS: MEDIATING EFFECT OF ACCULTURATION
Authors: Sagong Hae , Tsai Pao-Feng 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Language proficiency and comprehension in the culture and health systems of the host country are imperative factors enabling appropriate health literacy (HL) for non-English speaking immigrants. Older immigrants with limited English proficiency have fewer opportunities and limited abilities to improve their English skills. Increasing individuals’ acculturation levels can be an effective strategy for older immigrants than solely educating English language skills. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of acculturation between English proficiency and HL in older Korean immigrants. From June to October of 2020, a total of 244 older Korean immigrants aged 50 years or older residing in the Southern US were recruited. English proficiency was categorized into limited (very limited to fair) and fluent (fluent to very fluent). HL and acculturation were measured using the Health Literacy Survey-12 Questionnaires (HLS-Q12), and the East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM), respectively. Covariates were gender, age, monthly income, education, and length of residency in the U.S. The statistically significant differences were shown in age, gender, education, perceived health, and length of residency in the US by the level of English proficiency The limited English proficiency was negatively associated with HL (β= -.192, p=.002) and acculturation had a mediating effect between English proficiency and HL (β= -.133, p=.001). To alleviate the language barrier that causes low HL in older Korean immigrants, enhancing their understanding of the host country’s culture as well as improving organizational HL should be considered.
CORRELATES OF HEALTH LITERACY IN THE BLACK BELT AREAS OF ALABAMA: IMPORTANCE OF INTERNET ACCESS
Authors: Shah Avani , Luo Yan , Roberts LeAnna , Lee Hee 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Health literacy, which is defined as being able to understand and utilize information related to one’s health, is an essential part of the health care process as it is related to health outcomes. However, little is known about health literacy in Black Belt communities in Alabama although this rural area has shown very high rates of health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer (CDC Interactive Atlas, 2022). Study participants were recruited from the Black Belt areas of Alabama. A total of 180 African-American participants with a mean age of 57.5 completed a survey. A regression analysis was conducted to understand if sociodemographic and other relevant factors would predict health literacy. Lower education, gender, age, perceived racism, and perception that race impacts health care quality predicted health literacy. Interestingly, those with less internet access had significantly lower health literacy. Access to internet and smart phones was a reported concern for over a third of the participants. Only a quarter of participants reported use of the internet to assist with lifestyle modifications while almost half reported internet use to obtain health information; suggesting this as a potential means to improve health literacy and even potential lifestyle modification in health behaviors. Recommendations are made for interventions to improve health literacy in minority populations of this underserved region.