bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL EPIGENETICS OF RACIAL DISPARITIES IN AGING
Authors: Yannatos Isabel , Xie Sharon , Brown Rebecca , McMillan Corey 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Racial disparities in many aging-related health outcomes are persistent and pervasive among older Americans. There are well-documented inequities in social and physical environmental exposures which may contribute to these disparities, but we lack understanding of the biological intermediates by which environmental exposures affect disparate health outcomes. DNA methylation (DNAm) aging captures the residual between biological age, robustly measured by GrimAge and Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (DPoAm), and chronological age. We hypothesize that neighborhood social environment and air pollution exposures contribute to racial disparities in DNAm aging. We performed retrospective cross-sectional analyses among non-Hispanic participants (N=2611 White, N=639 Black) in the Health and Retirement Study whose 2016 DNAm age is linked to survey responses and geographic data. We observed Black individuals have significantly accelerated DNAm aging on average compared to White individuals according to GrimAge (599%) and DPoAm (498%). We implemented linear regression models and Kittagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to identify exposures that contribute to this disparity. Exposure measures include census-tract-level Social Deprivation Index, perceived social stress, particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Individual-level determinants include socioeconomic status, healthcare access, health status, and health behaviors. Results suggest these individual-level factors account for ~43% of the disparity in GrimAge and ~34% in DPoAm. Higher neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation for Black participants significantly contributes to the disparity in GrimAge, while greater vulnerability to PM2.5 contributes to the disparity in DPoAm. DNAm aging may play a role in the environment “getting under the skin” and contributing to age-related health disparities between Black and White Americans.
FEAR OF FALLING IS RELATED TO ANXIETY
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Yentes Jennifer , Venema Dawn , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Fear of falling (FOF), defined as a psychological symptom, is related to increased fall risk, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. As physical function changes with age, FOF can appear beginning in midlife. FOF may result in avoiding physical activities, resulting in weakness of postural balance. Neuroticism is associated with anxiety and depression; thus, those high on neuroticism may have an increased FOF. This study aimed to address the relationships between FOF, neuroticism, and number of falls from external perturbations while standing. Participants included 45 participants (female: n=24; age range: 42-77yrs; age=62.44±9.25yrs). Five standing trials were completed on a force platform with perturbations. Hierarchical regression was used to investigate the impact of neuroticism (Big Five Inventory) and number of falls on FOF (The Falls Efficacy Scale International), accounting for age, anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Scale), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). Anxiety was significantly associated with FOF (model 1; age, anxiety, depression), B=0.31, β=.55, t(41)=3.08, R2=.30, p=.004, 95% CI [0.11, 0.51]. Neuroticism was not significantly related to FOF (model 2; ΔR2=.05, ΔF=2.94, p=.094), nor was number of falls (model 3; ΔR2=.00, ΔF=0.01, p=.974). Results revealed that anxiety levels had the strongest relationship with FOF. This suggests that strategies to reduce daily anxiety may decrease FOF. Future research should examine how anxiety is related to history of falls, and how changes in physical functions (e.g., mobility, vision, proprioception) may impact FOF.
AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Jimenez Daniel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although mental health disorders affect people across the lifespan, older adults face unique issues associated with accessing mental health treatment. These structural and psychosocial challenges are further exacerbated among older racial and ethnic minorities. Often compared to their white counterparts, racial and ethnic minority older adults face specific cultural factors and other systemic barriers that create stark disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care. Increasing research on identifying barriers to treatment for older racial and ethnic minority adults has been recognized as an integral component in enhancing treatment access to improve behavioral health outcomes among these marginalized groups. Therefore, this review article aims to investigate the intersection of mental health and culture through the lens of three racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States – Blacks/African-Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. Authors provide unique insights on the differing needs of these under-researched communities by exploring psychiatric comorbidity, experiences with seeking, accessing, and engaging in treatment, and the unique cultural and psychosocial factors that affect treatment outcomes for these diverse groups. Future directions and recommendations to provide appropriate mental healthcare to Black/African-American, Asian American, and Latino communities are discussed with special attention placed on cultural adaptations, models of care, prevention, and practical strategies that can be implemented to reduce disparities and increase health equity.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RELATIONSHIPS, OUTLOOK, AND DEPRESSION PREDICT LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID-19
Authors: Hougaard Benjamin , Mo Vennisia , Eskandari Anahita , Gomez Rowena 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many older adults live and function in the United States. Because of the isolation from stay-at-home mandates and higher risk of death from infection, many older adults are experiencing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and increased loneliness (National Council on Aging [NCOA], 2021; Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2021). One factor might be whether one has a spouse, children, or friends and if those relationships are positive or negative (Vanderhorst & McLaren, 2005). Besides the quality and nature of the relationship, another factor might be the amount of virtual contact while in isolation during COVID-19 (Regis College Online, 2020.In this study, we examined the relationships between outlook (optimism, pessimism, hopelessness), depression, loneliness, and social relationships in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of 808 adults 60 years of age or older. The data was gathered from self-reported questionnaires from the psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaire and health questionnaire from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2020 version (HRS, 2021).We found that loneliness scores were significantly predicted by self-reported measures of positive and negative relationships, along with optimism, pessimism, hopelessness, depressive symptom scores, and COVID-19 life changes (Adjusted R2 = .447, F(12, 795) = 55.26, p &lt; .001). COVID-19 has changed the way many older adults live and function. Finding ways to increase the level of communication older adults are able to have with their close relationships is crucial to combating this epidemic of loneliness.
PSYCHOSOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF CHRONIC PAIN AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER BLACK MEN
Authors: Wakita Anna , Whitt-Glover Melicia , Brooks Amber , Clark Jaylyn , Perry Katrice , Morales Knashawn , Baker Tamara 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a lack of data describing the pain experience of Black men. This may be the result of social messaging that men are to project strength and avoid any expression of emotion or vulnerability. This avoidant behavior(s) however, often comes too late when illness/symptoms are more aggressive and/or diagnosed at a later stage. This begins to address two larger issues – the willingness to acknowledge pain and to seek medical attention when experiencing pain. To address this lack of data, this study aimed to determine the influence psychosocial indicators have in the pain experience of Black men 40+ years old. Participants from the Active & Healthy Brotherhood study were categorized based on the pain question from the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Demographics, general health, and psychosocial measures were compared across pain groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of pain, while adjusting for other factors. Results showed that the men (n=303) were mostly married (54%) and employed (53%). Those reporting arthritis (OR=4.5; 95% CI 2.0, 10.0), good health (2.8; 1.2, 6.6), higher somatization (3.2; 1.2, 8.8) compared to excellent/very good self-rated health, were more likely to self-report pain in the past 30 days. Findings from this study show that continued efforts are needed to identify the unique pain experiences of Black men, while recognizing the impact it has on their identity as a man, a person of color, and as a person living with pain.
PROMOTING POSITIVE AGING IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING SOUTH ASIAN AMERICANS: AN EXPLORATORY QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Khan Mushira , Shah Sheetal , Basic Ajla 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Between 2010 and 2017, South Asians were the fastest-growing major ethnic minority group in the US, growing at a rate of 40% over the previous decade (SAALT, 2019). This exponential growth, along with a rapidly aging US population, implies that a significant proportion of the South Asian American population will be 65 years or older in the coming years; yet research on the lived experiences/needs of older South Asian Americans is limited. To address this gap, this qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to healthy or positive aging in a sample of community-dwelling South Asian Americans 50 years and older. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 South Asian American older adults (18 women and 14 men). Thematic analysis of the interview data showed that level of acculturation, proficiency in English, cultural beliefs/practices, awareness about available health and social services, degree of religiosity, and the density of social networks were key determinants of healthy aging. Compared to those who were US-born or had immigrated earlier in life, participants who had immigrated later in life (post-retirement) appeared more financially and/or emotionally dependent on their adult children and expressed ambivalence vis-à-vis future caregiving arrangements and intergenerational co-residence. Nearly all participants shared that helping their adult children with childcare, cooking, or other household chores gave them a sense of purpose and made them feel valued. Study findings suggest that along with culturally appropriate programs and policies to support healthy aging, increased volunteering opportunities may enhance subjective well-being in South Asian American older adults.
LIFE-COURSE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN THE MIDUS NATIONAL SAMPLE
Authors: Jiang Yanping , Chen Li , Zilioli Samuele 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established social determinant of health shaping the distribution of the burden of morbidity and mortality. In this area, a less understood topic is how life-course SES affects physical health. This study aimed to examine the effects of childhood and adulthood SES and social mobility on morbidity and all-cause mortality. Data were drawn from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS, N = 7,108, ages 25-74 years, 88.4% of White, 51.6% of female). Childhood and adulthood SES were assessed at baseline (i.e., 1995-1996). Mortality was tracked through June of 2018 (N = 1,425 deceased). The number of comorbidities was assessed at baseline and the third wave of MIDUS in 2013-2014 (N = 2,786). Results showed that lower childhood SES was associated with a larger increase in the number of comorbidities at the third wave of MIDUS and higher mortality risk (ps &lt; .05). However, when including adulthood SES in the model, adulthood SES, but not childhood SES, was associated with morbidity and mortality (ps &lt; .01). Childhood SES was indirectly associated with morbidity and mortality through adulthood SES (ps &lt; .01). Participants achieving upward mobility (i.e., low childhood SES, high adulthood SES) had a smaller increase in the number of comorbidities and lower mortality risk (ps &lt; .01) than those reporting persistent low SES in childhood and adulthood. These findings indicate the unique effect of adulthood SES on physical health and highlight the potential health benefits of upward mobility in middle-aged and older US adults.
CAREGIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA DURING THE PANDEMIC: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Cantu Phillip , Chyu Joanna , Mehta Neil , Kyriakos Markides 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on the roles and responsibilities of caregivers for older adults with dementia. An increasing number of studies have examined the unique challenges faced by caregivers during this time, including extended work hours, anxiety around contracting COVID-19, and adhering to public health guidelines. Informal caregivers may also face greater strain on their personal lives during lockdown. Objective: To conduct a scoping review to examine factors impacting well-being of caregivers of older adults with dementia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We conducted a PubMed search using the terms “COVID-19,” “older adults,” and “caregiving” or “caregiver.” Sixty-seven papers were identified published between June 2020 and December 2021.

Results
All papers identified were cross-sectional and conducted after the pandemic began and prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Articles highlighted increasing burdens such as financial and physical stress, as well as worsened psychological wellbeing through increased anxiety and depression among caregivers during the pandemic. Additionally, themes of protective factors on wellbeing in the form of social connection and telehealth interventions emerged. Discussion: Limitations to our review include lack of longitudinal information on caregiver experience to better identify broad impacts on caregiver well-being. Studies not only identified new, pandemic-related risk factors for caregiver burden, but also a heightened effect of pre-existing risk factors (e.g. income, living situation, gender) on burden. Caregiver psychiatric outcomes reflect the overall population’s increase in mental illness since the start of the pandemic.
ADDRESSING COVID-19 HEALTH DISPARITIES THROUGH VIRTUAL EDUCATION AND COLLABORATION
Authors: Boyd Kelly , Walker Jacob , Benett Jenil , Graupner Jeffrey , Thompson Katherine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The South Side of Chicago, made up of predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods, has higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death rates and lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than other areas of Chicago. People aged 65 and older comprise nearly 15% of the region’s population. The SHARE Network at the University of Chicago has a long history of providing healthy aging education to organizations serving older adults on Chicago’s South Side. Using this pre-existing curricular structure, investigators created a monthly virtual workshop for community members to address COVID-19 related health disparities for older adults. Topics address aging concerns (i.e. dementia, mobility) and pandemic concerns (i.e. health disparities, vaccine hesitancy). At the end of the sessions, participants can ask questions to experts and share resources. Attendance has ranged from 15-20 participants, predominantly formal and informal caregivers. In post-attendance surveys, 80% of respondents identified as Black or African-American. Of the 20 respondents, 95% felt more knowledgeable about the topics discussed and all felt more knowledgeable about local health resources. Three-quarters felt more confident in the caregiving role, and 95% planned to make healthy lifestyle changes to benefit themselves or a loved one (i.e. more exercise, seeking respite care). These results demonstrate the positive impact of a timely community-informed virtual workshop. Providing virtual education on COVID-19 and healthy aging directly to older adult-focused community organizations and their clients is an early step health systems can take to address health disparities.
DEVELOPMENT OF PODCAST IN SERVICE OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEROPSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Schaff Branden , Weiskittle Rachel , Dodson Lindsey Jacobs 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The current geropsychology workforce falls woefully short of meeting the mental healthcare needs of older adults, with only 3% of licensed psychologists identifying Geropsychology as their primary or secondary specialty. Formal training in geriatric mental health is extremely limited. Out of the over 400 APA-accredited doctorate-level psychology programs in the U.S., only five provide specialty training in Geropsychology. Consequently, the vast majority of psychologists who treat older adults have never received formal education or training in geriatrics. It is imperative that evidence-based geropsychology education is disseminated to a wide audience of mental health providers across all levels of training and career development. The Geropsychology Podcast was developed to address this gap as a novel pedagogical resource commensurate with educational competencies established by the ‘Pikes Peak Model for Professional Geropsychology.’ Topics include geriatric assessment methods, intervention, consultation, and foundational knowledge on adult development and aging. The feasibility and acceptability of the podcast was evaluated with a two-year pilot study from 2019 to 2021. During this time, eleven episodes were published across multiple podcast platforms. Preliminary results found the episodes were downloaded by over 1,500 unique listeners across 34 countries. These results indicate that The Geropsychology Podcast is scalable, acceptable, and potentially fulfilling an educational need that people are actively seeking. This poster describes the podcast’s model of curriculum development and ongoing quality metrics and impact analysis. Future work holds that this podcast will continue to be a vital resource for the field.
PAEAN: PAIN IN AGING, EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF NEED: OPIOID DIAGNOSES AND IMPACTS ON PAIN DIAGNOSIS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hogans Beth , Siaton Bernadette , Witter Julie , Katzel Leslie , Brown Lana , Frey-Law Laura , Sorkin John 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Pain is prevalent in older adults of both genders but more so in women. The extent to which this is impacted by opioids is not well established. We sought to evaluate common pain diagnoses among older adults noting whether the pattern of female preponderance holds across all conditions and whether opioids might impact this. Utilizing the 2017 Medicare 5% standard analytical claim sample we examined the rate of pain condition diagnoses in older females and males with or without opioid-related diagnoses. We have previously reported that low back pain and opioid diagnosis coding rates interact in older adults, we here expand this finding. We established a condition definition file for opioid use, not including overdose-related codes. We segmented the older adult Medicare part B claims file into those with and those without opioid diagnoses, separated by CMS-coded gender. Diagnostic rates of the 100 most common pain diagnoses in each of the subpopulations showed low back pain was the most prevalent pain diagnosis regardless of gender or opioid diagnosis status. Chest pain unspecified, neck pain, and abdominal pain unspecified, were also highly prevalent. All pain conditions were diagnosed at higher rates in the opioid subpopulation. Few diagnoses were more common in males, these included sex-specific conditions, diabetic neuropathy, and vascular claudication. Although pain conditions are common in older adults, diagnosis rates are elevated in those with opioid diagnoses. This impacts the educational needs of geriatricians, and other healthcare providers, and may indicate needs for more research in pain and aging.
OLDER ADULTS' INDIVIDUAL TRAJECTORIES IN SOCIAL STATUS AND AGING ANXIETY
Authors: Kuball Tim , Jahn Georg 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A high social standing in comparison to others is associated with positive psychological and health outcomes. Highest social standing is assigned to the group of middle-aged adults, hence, on average, older adults face a loss in status relative to younger age groups and relative to their former selves. Experienced and expected age-related changes in subjective social status and their association with aging anxiety have not yet received much attention in aging research. Using a new methodological approach, respondents indicated their perceived and expected social status for five points in time: 10 years ago, 5 years ago, now, in 5 years, in 10 years, which allowed for inter- and intrapersonal comparisons. They did the same for the average status of members of their age group. Early and later in old age (N = 191; range 65 – 88; MW = 73.5 years), participants expected higher losses in status than they have experienced in the past. However, low personal status in relation to others showed higher associations with aging anxiety (R2 = .16) than disadvantageous age-related intrapersonal changes (R2 = .14). Perception of a stable subjective status trajectory as well as distancing oneself from the group older adults, as in perceiving one’s personal status above the groups’ status, was related to reduced anxiety of aging. Taken together, analysis of individual status trajectories can help to gain new insights on attitudes toward aging. Implications for creating a more positive perception of aging are discussed.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION, SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Nah Suyoung , Martire Lynn , Tate Ashley 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Poor physical function has been linked to greater depressive symptoms among older adults. On the other hand, older adults’ perceptions of positive and negative age-related changes provide personal strength and vulnerability to stressful events, respectively. We therefore expected that positive self-perceptions of aging (SPA) would be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, while negative SPA would be related to greater depressive symptoms, beyond the effect of physical function. We further tested the hypotheses that positive SPA would buffer the association between physical function and greater depressive symptoms, whereas negative SPA would exacerbate this association. This study used data from 108 older adults (mean age = 81.09) in independent-living or retirement communities. Results from a linear regression revealed that more positive SPA (B = -0.21, p = .02) and less negative SPA (B = 0.21, p = .06) were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, even after controlling for physical function, both types of SPA, and other covariates. In contrast, physical function was no longer significantly associated with depressive symptoms (B = -0.15, p = .19), after controlling for both types of SPA. There were no significant moderating effects of positive and negative SPA. Findings suggest that how positively and negatively older adults perceive their own aging may be important for their mental health while experiencing less physical function in late life.