bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE MASON CARES RANDOMIZED STUDY: ASSESSING CAREGIVER BURDEN FOLLOWING A STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Authors: Gimm Gilbert , Pantleay Harveen , Ihara Emily , Inoue Megumi , Layman Shannon , Tompkins Catherine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The Mason CARES study examines the impact of a virtual stress management program and personalized music intervention on the stress of family caregivers of older adults with dementia. This study presents early findings on 31 participants (Cohort 1) who enrolled in January 2022.

METHODS
Using primary data, we analyzed caregiver stress levels among 31 participants in Weeks 1 and 5 of a stress management program. Caregiver stress was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) score with a range from 0 to 48 (Bédard, 2001). Higher values (ZBI &gt;=17.0) are associated with higher levels of stress.

RESULTS
Among the 31 caregivers, 51.6% were spouses and 48.4% were non-spouses (e.g., adult children, nephew, etc.). While mean ZBI scores in Week 1 were similar for spouses and non-spouses (24.2 vs. 24.9), caregiver stress was higher when older adults had advanced versus moderate dementia (26.2 vs. 23.2). Between Weeks 1 and 5, spouses reported a greater decrease in stress (-2.6 vs. -2.2) compared to non-spouses. However, caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia experienced less of an improvement (-1.5 vs. -3.0).

CONCLUSION
Findings show that all caregivers had high stress levels in Week 1 (ZBI score of 17 or more) with no difference between spouses and non-spouses. Between Week 1 and 5, spouses reported greater stress improvement than non-spouses. However, caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia had less improvement in stress. Future research will examine caregiver stress levels after random assignment to a Phase 2 music intervention group and control group.
INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS AS GOOD AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY PRACTICE
Authors: Hancock Cynthia , Kutcher Katie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Service-learning is an established practice in gerontological education. At UNC Charlotte, our service-learning is embedded in our foundational gerontology course which is open to students across the University. Students engage in 10 hours of conversations utilizing topic prompts that align with course content to engage in comfortable conversations with an older adult they have never before met. Students then complete five reflective writings to process the experience. Our model aligns with the AFU principles of promoting “intergenerational learning” and increasing “the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society.” Through a qualitative analysis of student reflective writings, the authors will share how this service-learning model leads to increased student gerontological literacy and in particular a better understanding of their future aging selves.
UTILIZING POPULATION DATA TO CHARACTERIZE NURSING HOME DECEDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE END OF LIFE
Authors: Stephens Caroline , Hollingshaus Michael , Kelly Brenna , Tay Djin , Ornstein Katherine , Smith Ken , Utz Rebecca 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Over 2/3 of nursing home (NH) residents are eligible for palliative care (PC), but do not receive it. Utilizing the Utah Population Database, we examined EOL characteristics for 39,672 NH residents who died in Utah between 1998-2016. Dementia was the leading cause of death (36.6%), followed by cardiovascular disease (23.9%) and COPD (16.7%). Women were more likely than men to die in a NH (21.0 vs 15%) and more likely to die in a NH with heart disease (20.0% vs. 11.7%) or cerebrovascular disease (25.9% vs. 21.0%), compared to men. Use of PC, hospice, and life-sustaining treatments was low within this NH sample, particularly among persons with dementia. First-degree family characteristics varied at EOL with presence of a spouse exerting the greatest influence on EOL care utilization. Understanding population-based NH resident EOL life characteristics can help inform the development of resident- and caregiver-centered PC interventions and health policies.
REACHING THE SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS IN DEMENTIA RESEARCH
Authors: Emlet Charles , Goldsen Karen Fredriksen , Kim Hyun-Jun , Teri Linda , Jung Hailey , Jones Brittany 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are at greater risk for dementia and social isolation compared to their heterosexual peers. Lack of an available caregiver is of major concern. Yet, most dementia interventions to date have been designed primarily for caregiver-care recipient dyads or solely caregivers. A pilot study evaluated a 9-session virtual program designed to address social isolation, physical functioning and quality of life among SGM older adults living with dementia without a caregiver. Participants in the experimental group (n = 14) showed high attendance (75%) and retention rates. Social support was associated with intervention adherence. Compared to controls, the experimental group showed a significant increase in physical functioning and quality of life and decrease in depressive symptomatology and perceived stress. To meet the needs of this population without adequate social resources, research must address the different configurations of resources to better serve socially isolated SGM older adults.
CO-CREATING A GUIDELINE FOR MANAGING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR OF MIGRANTS WITH DEMENTIA AT HOME
Authors: van de Ven Leontine Groen- , van der Kaaij Serena , Visser Geraldine , Veld Judith Huis in het , Gobbens Robbert , de Bruin Simone 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Challenging behaviour is common in people with dementia at home. Nurses guide people with dementia and their informal caregivers managing challenging behaviour. However, common nursing guidelines for challenging behaviour in home care are unsuitable to the situation of migrants with dementia. We started a co-creation project with home care nurses, dementia case managers, informal caregivers of migrant background and student nurses as co-researchers that aims to develop an appropriate guideline. Semi-structured interviews at the start explored the current experiences with challenging behaviour. Interview results informed several working sessions where we discussed the results and used creative working methods such as role play to develop a first prototype of the guideline. The prototype was implemented in the daily practice of six home care teams and followed up during reflection meetings with our co-researchers. Our guideline puts special attention to getting familiar with each other before taking steps in managing challenging behaviour.
BSS Flash Poster Session 2: The Power of Purpose and Personal Ties in Late Life
Authors: Nelson Niccole , Bergeman Cindy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This study examined (1) the time-varying relationship between purpose in life and perceived stress reactivity, (2) the trajectory of perceived stress reactivity as it relates to both within- and between-person purpose in life, as well as (3) the predictive utility of perceived stress reactivity and its rate of change on cognitive ability and allostatic load. The sample comprised 933 participants from the Notre Dame Study of Health & Well-being, a 10-year study of annual questionnaire packets and biennial daily diary bursts. Analyses included three-level multilevel models from which random effects were extracted and used to predict allostatic load and cognitive ability. Results indicated that individuals were affectively reactive to perceived stress, and that perceived stress reactivity declined over time. Considering the effects of purpose in life on these processes, there were two cross-level interaction effects indicating (1) more purposeful individuals were less stress reactive than less purposeful individuals, and (2) more purposeful individuals declined less in negative affect over time than less purposeful individuals. There was also preliminary evidence for a within-person interaction effect between yearly purpose in life and daily affective reactivity such that when individuals felt particularly purposeful, they also tended to be less stress reactive. Finally, higher perceived stress reactivity, as well as less decline in this construct, was predictive of better cognitive ability. These findings indicate purpose in life buffers against environmental and maturational effects on negative affect, and that perceived stress reactivity may indicate a different, more adaptive process than affective reactivity to experienced stressors.
OLDER ADULTS SHARE CHALLENGES IN THEIR LIFE STORY: SENSE OF PURPOSE AS A RESOURCE FOR RESILIENCE
Authors: Habib Semper , Narine Ameesha , Bluck Susan , Sharma Shubam 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Maintaining a sense of purpose promotes mental and physical well-being in older adults (Musich et al., 2018). Drawing on one’s sense of purpose is thus important for late life resilience. How older adults’ sense of purpose manifests in their everyday lives remains understudied. This study used qualitative methods to amplify older adults’ voices regarding purpose and resilience through analysis of their life stories. This study 1) explored what factors contribute to maintaining purpose in older adulthood, and 2) identified how older adults draw on their purpose during major challenges, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighteen older men and women (Mage = 79.1; including the young-old, old-old, and oldest-old) participated in semi-structured life story interviews that asked about participants’ individual interpretations of purpose in their lives and their experiences navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was conducted using established methods (Braun & Clarke, 2012). To address the first research question, analyses revealed that older individuals largely maintain their purpose through engaging in acts of service to others, fostering connections with close others, and actively setting and achieving goals. Regarding the second question, older adults described how drawing on purpose through acts of service and connections with others fostered resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, older adults’ own expressions of their life stories illuminated how they are guided by purpose. Findings demonstrate the functionality of purpose in late life and how purpose can be practically fostered, specifically within the context of universally challenging experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMPASSIONATE LOVE AND LONELINESS: LATER LIFE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Lekhak Nirmala , Bhatta Tirth , Kahana Eva , Synder Joel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Loneliness is a serious public health problem that affects over 25% of older adults and is associated with an increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and premature death. Previous research on social support mechanisms that contribute to loneliness has consistently illustrated the role of emotional support in reducing loneliness. However, the importance of compassionate love in reducing loneliness and, as a consequence, improving psychological well-being in later life has received little attention. Neurobiology indicates that the brain regions associated with loneliness and compassion overlap, suggesting that increasing compassion-related emotions may help alleviate loneliness. Using data from a nationwide web-based survey (n=1,861), we examined the influence of compassionate love on loneliness and assessed whether loneliness mediates the relationship between compassionate love and mental health outcomes. Even after controlling for emotional support, estimates from an ordinary least squares regression (OLS) model suggest that older adults who felt loved had significantly lower levels of loneliness (b=-0.84, p&lt; 0.001). Feeling of love also contributed to significantly fewer depressive symptoms (b=-2.03, p&lt; 0.001) and anxiety (b=-1.07, p&lt; 0.001). Loneliness completely mediated the effect of compassionate love on anxiety (b=-0.82, p&lt; 0.001) and significantly mediated its influence on depressive symptoms (b=-1.18, p&lt; 0.001). Our findings underscore the need to design interventions that increase compassionate love to reduce loneliness and improve psychological wellbeing among older adults.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SLEEP AND BIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF AGING
Authors: Kaufmann Christopher , Stone Katie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is well documented evidence that sleep architecture and circadian patterns change as people age in part due to accumulation of comorbidities, polypharmacy, and other factors inherent to the aging process. While a number of studies have examined sleep in the context of these factors, recent advances in the assessment of biological aging (including epigenetic age, metabolomics, and measurement of inflammatory biomarkers) have made it possible to identify potential mechanisms by which sleep impacts the aging course. In this symposium, we will highlight research that investigates the link between sleep disturbances and biological factors in order to identify whether sleep could be a modifiable risk factor for accelerated aging. Our first presentation will examine the association between insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration with epigenetic age acceleration using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Second, we will describe whether objectively measured sleep characteristics are associated with a number of metabolomic markers of aging. The third presentation will center around the extent to which social disparities in presence of inflammatory biomarkers may be mediated by sleep quality. Finally, we will examine how daytime sleepiness may be associated with longitudinal BMI trajectories. These presentations will, as a whole, highlight the importance of sleep as a contributor to healthy aging and longevity, and inform the development of interventional approaches targeting biological mechanisms to promote successful aging more broadly.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AEROBIC CAPACITY AND PERCEIVED FATIGABILITY: THE STUDY OF MUSCLE, MOBILITY, AND AGING (SOMMA)
Authors: Moffit Reagan , Forman Daniel , Coen Paul , Nicklas Barbara , Moored Kyle , Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Cawthon Peggy , Glynn Nancy W 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Peak aerobic capacity declines with age concomitant with greater fatigability and slower gait speed. We explored these relationships with cross-sectional SOMMA data (N=422, age=76.7±5.1, 57.4% women, gait speed= 0.97±0.18 m/s from a 4m walk). Participants completed a treadmill peak oxygen consumption test (VO2peak) and the self-administered Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, range: 0-50; higher=greater fatigability). Mean VO2peak was 19.4±4.2 ml/kg/min, PFS Physical score was 16.9±8.5 points, and PFS Mental score was 8.1±8.2 points. Pearson correlations between VO2peak and PFS Physical and Mental scores were r=-0.36 and r=-0.23, respectively. For every one standard deviation higher VO2peak, PFS Physical and Mental scores were lower by 2.07 points (CI: -3.00, -1.13) and 1.10 points (CI: -2.07, -0.17), respectively, when adjusted for clinic site, age, race, sex, and self-reported physical activity. Future SOMMA analyses will evaluate a likely bidirectional association between VO2peak and fatigability, as well as examine their potential mediating effects on physical function.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: BUILDING AND LEVERAGING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS THAT EMBRACE DIVERSITY, ENRICH DISCOVERY, AND REIMAGINE AGING
Authors: Johnson Kalisha Bonds , Morgan Brianna , Abbott Katherine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Are you an ESPO member or early careerist who is interested in creating meaningful and engaging partnerships with different stakeholders? Want to learn how to leverage partnerships across diverse research settings and make impactful change? Or are you unsure of all the “hype” surrounding engaging communities and key stakeholders? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this symposium is for you. The ESPO Presidential Symposium will highlight three speakers who will share their career stories and a discussant with expertise in building and keeping important collaborations that influence aging research. Speakers include Drs. Christopher G. Engeland, Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, and Martina Roes. Dr. Katherine Abbott will serve as the discussant. Starting at the basic science end of the research spectrum, Dr. Engeland will focus on communicating and collaborating at the intersections between research settings to carry science from the bench to the bedside. Next, moving to research that focuses on aging older adults in clinical research, Dr. Gilmore-Bykovskyi will discuss how she has established, maintained, and evolved her career in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across diverse research paradigms. Lastly, Dr. Roes will provide and international perspective and shares how she builds trust with the co-creation of research with persons living with dementia and their significant others.
GENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF SOCIAL RELATIONS: FINDINGS FROM MULTIPLE US LONGITUDINAL STUDIES
Authors: Hu Rita , Antonucci Toni , Neupert Shevaun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This symposium provides diverse findings documenting the long reach of social relations over generations. Ali and Rohner examine data from 41 adult offspring showing that recalled perception of rejection of parents during childhood are associated with fewer positive caregiving behaviors and social interactions with their now aging parents. Using three waves of longitudinal data over 23 years, Manalel, Cleary & Antonucci examine changes in composition, proximity, and contact frequency in social relations among 193 participants who were 8-12 years old at wave 1 (1992). Findings indicate increased diversity from wave 1 to 2 and increased stability from Wave 2 to 3, reflecting normative life transitions. Gender and race differences were also evident. Suitor, Gilligan, Frase & Stepniak examine 725 adult (aged 30-60) children’s experience of their mother’s advice concerning experienced depression and whether these differ by race, age, and gender. While there were no age differences, men, regardless of race and black daughters receiving advice had higher levels of depression but this had little effect white daughters. Finally, Hu and Antonucci use the Social Relations Study to examine the longitudinal association between social ties and self-esteem. They examined 553 people who were 13-77 at Wave 1 in 1992. Findings indicate that network closeness matters with increases in weak and close, but not closest network size related to increase in self-esteem 23 years later. In sum, this symposium offers multiple and diverse perspectives of generations in social relations and their association with well-being over the life span.
ANOCRITICISM: THEORIZING AND DISCOVERING INTERSECTIONS OF AGE AND GENDER
Authors: Maierhofer Roberta 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This paper presents historical research on the theoretical foundations and application of ‘anocriticism’ as a method to trace portrayals of female aging in American literary texts to understand what it means to be “aged by culture” (Gullette 2004). Originally developed in the 1990s in context of American Studies as an analytical framework for the analysis of cultural representations of intersections of age and gender in literature, anocriticism brings together the feminist tradition of Elaine Showalter’s (1985) “gynocriticism” – a study of women writers and of the history, styles, themes, genres and structures of writing by women – through analysis of narratives and Germaine Greer’s (1992) use of “anophobia” (from Latin “anus” for “old woman”) to describe the fear of old women. The paper presents examples of anocriticism in practice in age studies and gerontology and highlights its potential for future multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary application.
PHOTOVOICE STUDY TO EXPLORE THE PHYSICAL DISABILITY EXPERIENCE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MCI/EARLY DEMENTIA
Authors: Jenkins Emerald , Taylor Janiece , Evelyn-Gustave Allyson , Hornstein Erika , Wolff Jennifer , Rebok George , Szanton Sarah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Adults aging with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/early dementia often experience physical disability, yet most research is focused on cognitive or physical disability rather than both. Understanding the experiences of this population and their care partners will help identify unmet needs and potential solutions. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of daily experiences relevant to aging in place in this population. We used human-centered design, critical ethnography, photos, written narratives, and semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling care partners (mean age: 63 years (SD= 7.48)) and older adults with MCI/early dementia and physical disability (mean age: 84.5 years (SD =2.60)) (total n= 9). Example participant insights included: preferred nonpharmacological remedies for pain, environmental constraints resulting in further isolation, systems of reminders relevant to the older adults’ preferences, and the importance of shared dyadic activities. This study demonstrates participants’ lived experiences and challenges faced and informs tailoring of an evidenced-based intervention.
EXPLORING THE USE OF MACHINE LEARNING TO IMPROVE DEMENTIA DETECTION: AUTOMATING CODING OF THE CLOCK-DRAWING TEST
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Murphey Yi Lu , Wang Song , Qin Tian , Zhao Zixuan , Gonzalez Richard , Freedman Vicki , Zahodne Laura 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, a leading cause of disability among older adults, has become a critical public health concern. The clock-drawing test (CDT), which asks subjects to draw a clock, typically with hands showing 11:10, has been widely used as a screening tool to detect dementia in clinical research and surveys. The clock-drawings are often coded into binary (e.g., normal vs. abnormal) or ordinal scores. A limitation in large-scale studies is that the manual-coding of CDT could result in biases if coders interpret and implement coding rules differently. Several small-scale studies have explored the use of machine learning methods to automate CDT coding. Such studies either have had limited success with ordinal coding or have used methods that are not designed specifically for complex images. This study aims to create and evaluate an intelligent CDT-scoring system that automatically codes ordinal CDT scores using deep learning neural networks (DLNN) methods including resnet101, EfficientNet-B3, and Visual Transformer. We used a large repository of CDT images from the 2011-2019 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a panel study of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. Results show that 1) DLNN has achieved a high scoring accuracy; 2) DLNN generates more consistent and accurate scores than trained lay coders, compared to expert coders with a neuropsychology background; 3) DLNN-coded CDT scores are highly correlated with self-reported dementia diagnosis and performance-based assessments of memory. This study offers a model for automating coding of other drawing tests used to evaluate a variety of cognitive functions.