bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
APPLYING THE DYNAMIC SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK TO AN INTERGENERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Juris Jill , Scrivano Rachel , Leedahl Skye , Colvin Meaghan , Santilli Josie , Jarrott Shannon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cyber-Seniors (CS) is an intergenerational technology program developed to increase older adults’ digital competence and adoption through reverse-mentoring facilitated by trained students. Leveraging higher education as a platform offers mutual benefits, fostering positive attitudes toward aging among students while enhancing technology literacy among older adults. CS often operates within community settings with volunteers and high school students; however, systematic assessment within higher education remains unexplored. This study examined the determinants of sustainability associated with implementing CS in higher education through the Dynamic Sustainability Framework. Through semi structured interviews conducted between April and October 2023, we explored challenges and facilitators employed by ten partnered higher education institutions and two key CS representatives. Data were analyzed by two coders using directed qualitative content analysis in Atlas.ti. Three themes characterized higher education and CS representative experiences implementing CS: adapting the intervention for higher education, navigating the role of resources, and engaging university and community buy-in. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique challenges to CS implementation. This study presents the first comprehensive evaluation of CS in higher education, highlighting the necessity of tailored approaches and identifying barriers to sustainability. Results suggest the need for a structured implementation checklist to optimize program delivery within higher education.
INTERGENERATIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION PROJECT TO REDUCE OLDER ADULT SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS: A FEASIBILITY STUDY
Authors: Holloway Jeremy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Emerging research demonstrates that social isolation and loneliness are linked to significant physical and mental health conditions. To address these concerns, the Tellegacy program was developed as an intergenerational health-promoting intervention to ameliorate older adult social isolation and loneliness in an effort to increase wellness. The purpose of this study was to reflect on testing of the Tellegacy program as a behavioral intervention. University students trained in goal setting, mindfulness, and listening strategies were paired with 11 older adults in the northern Midwest area via weekly in-person and phone conversations. Oral reminiscence therapies were used and books containing their stories were given to the older adults after participation. Older adults were surveyed using the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Satisfaction of Life Scale, and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to elucidate the effectiveness of the intervention. Improved scores in loneliness, satisfaction of life, and PHQ-9 demonstrated favorable improvements in older adults. Additional benefits for the student Legacy Builder were revealed from self-reported changes. This suggests the potential benefits of structured encounters between trained students and isolated or lonely older adults. The Tellegacy intergenerational feasibility program warrants further studies to fully demonstrate its impact on health outcomes.
ACADEMIC–PRACTICE PARTNERSHIPS IN NURSING HOMES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES, PROCESSES, AND OUTCOMES
Authors: Boltz Marie , Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Spilsbury Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Academic-Practice Partnership model is increasingly gaining attention as a feasible approach to grow the geriatric workforce, generate meaningful research, and integrate evidence-based, person centered care into nursing home operations. They offer practicable approaches to optimize knowledge and skill development for students, support lifelong learning of staff, optimize research capacity and productivity, and improve resident outcomes. This symposium will describe interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, care providers, and educators in nursing homes in three countries: United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. The engagement and experiences of stakeholders, daily operations, and research activity will be discussed. The first presentation will describe the TCALL project in Germany, which creates a direct pathway for research to care delivery via training and vice versa. The Teaching Home project in the US will be presented next, including the process of co-designing the program with nursing home leadership and staff, developing the curriculum, preparing faculty, and the content for practice. A qualitative exploration of the US students’ experiences and lessons learned in the teaching home program will be shared in the third presentation. The fourth presentation will provide an overview of the Dutch Living Lab in Long-term care; the outcomes related to quality of life of older people and their families, quality of care and quality of work will be discussed. A discussion will follow addressing future directions including inter-university collaboration, measurement considerations, and policy implications.
REVISITING THE US TEACHING NURSING HOME: WHAT ARE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: Kitt-Lewis Erin , Heaton Felicia , Yoder Maria , Fick Donna , Boltz Marie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2050, over 20% of the U.S. population will fall into the category of older adults and will be the “core business” of the nursing profession. This growing demand is coupled with critical staff shortages, especially in nursing homes, a deficit that was exacerbated by the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has identified care for older adults as a priority for undergraduate nursing programs and nursing education literature suggests there are critical barriers toward greater integration of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to adequately care for older adults living in nursing homes. The purpose of this study was to understand undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions about their first clinical learning experience in a nursing home and working with older adults., Students (N= 105) from a large research university who were enrolled in the Nursing Fundamentals course were recruited to participate in the study. De-identified course artifacts (e.g., Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework course assignments) generated by consented participants were compiled and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged from the data and included students’ assumptions and lessons learned about caring for older adults living in nursing homes. In addition, students identified opportunities that could improve care for older adults, especially around “What Matters” and functional mobility. These findings will serve as the basis to guide best practices for integrating additional learning experiences in the undergraduate nursing curriculum using the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework.
PATIENT-REPORTED PAIN AND SLEEP DISTURBANCE AFTER HOSPITALIZATION FOR MEDICAL ILLNESS
Authors: Hastings Susan , Stechuchak Karen , Coffman Cynthia , Kappler Caitlin , Hughes Jaime , Webster Amy , Allen Kelli 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults experience a well-documented period of vulnerability following hospitalization; yet contributing factors are not fully understood. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to examine associations between post-discharge pain and sleep disturbance with quality of life (QoL) and function in the month following hospitalization for medical illness. As part of a larger study evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of a hospital-based mobility program, we conducted telephone surveys with 618 adults aged ≥60 discharged from one of 8 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Primary predictors of interest were pain interference and sleep disturbance measured by PROMIS-29 short forms. Outcomes were QoL measured by EQ-5D, function measured by late-life function and disability instruments (LLFDI total and advanced lower extremity function) and community mobility measured by Life Space. For each outcome, separate multiple linear regression models were fit including the key explanatory variables of interest (pain interference and sleep disturbance) and selected covariates (sociodemographic, clinical, hospitalization characteristics) social/regional factors (e.g., social vulnerability, hospital). Participants were mean age 70.6 years, 95% male, 25% Black, 34% lived alone, 8% reported being discharged to a nursing home and 15% had been readmitted to the hospital. In adjusted models, pain interference and sleep disturbance were negatively associated with QoL, total function, lower extremity function, and community mobility (P-values &lt; 0.01). In this sample of recently hospitalized older adults, pain and sleep disturbance were independent contributors to worse QoL and functional status. Pain and sleep may warrant further attention and/or intervention during the post-hospitalization period.
IMPACT OF FRAILTY SCREENING IN A BURN CENTER: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Authors: Patel Purvi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Burn injuries create significant risk for the development of new or worsening frailty. Identifying risk for frailty is key to recognizing patients who are at risk for negative outcomes who may benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A quality improvement project was conducted in a burn center setting with the primary aim to determine if implementation of the FRAIL scale screening tool impacted frequency of consultation to the geriatric medicine team for a CGA within a 10-week pilot period. Secondary aims were to evaluate feasibility of implementation and to stratify patients’ risk of frailty into categories based on the tool measurements: robust, pre-frail, or frail. The project included 44 patients (22 in the pre-frailty tool group and 22 in the post-frailty tool group). The data revealed a three-fold increase in the number of consultations to the geriatric medicine team between the pre (n=5) and post (n=15) groups with statistical significance (p =.002). The frailty tool was most often administered on the first (54.5%) or second (31.8%) hospital day. In the post group, stratification of frailty risk was 27.3% robust, 45.4% pre-frail, and 27.3% frail. The FRAIL scale is shown to be useful in identifying patients who would benefit from a CGA compared to routine clinical practice. The tool is feasible to implement in a burn center. The clinical significance of the majority of patients being classified as pre-frail and frail underscores the need to identify patients’ frailty risk and implement measure to mitigate adverse outcomes.
AGE AS A PREDICTOR OF BURN-RELATED OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Wang Claire , Lee Jieun , Khvatova Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While older age has been linked to worsened burn outcomes, the specific effects of age on high-risk older adult burn patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not well understood. Utilizing the WHO Global Burn Registry data from 2017-2021, older adults (n=2,257) were stratified into three age groups at time of burn injury (&gt;40 and ≤60; &gt;60 and ≤80; &gt;80). Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between age groups and detailed burn outcomes (left against medical advice, discharged home without physical impairment, discharged home with physical impairment, or mortality), adjusting for potential confounders such as sex, country, percentage of total burn surface area, access to rehabilitation services, and surgical interventions during hospitalization. After adjustment, individuals ages 80+ showed a statistically significant increase in burn-related mortality/impairment compared to those in the &gt;40 and ≤60 age group, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-3.20). A separate analysis on mortality revealed that those 80+ had significantly higher odds of burn-related mortality compared to the youngest age group, with an OR of 3.47 (95% CI: 2.10-5.74). No significant differences were identified in impairment outcomes across the age groups. Our study reveals a marked increase in mortality risk from burns in individuals 80+ in LMICs, not observed in younger counterparts. Despite no significant age-impairment correlation, the findings indicate a need for age-tailored interventions to improve outcomes for this high-risk group, urging further research into targeted, age-specific care.
SELF-REPORTED FRAUD VERSUS OBSERVED VICTIMIZATION INCIDENTS: A RISK FACTOR COMPARISON
Authors: DeLiema Marguerite , Gao Siyu , Langton Lynn , Brannock M Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
According to the age-associated financial vulnerability model, older adults may be more susceptible to scams. Research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for targeted intervention. We surveyed 934 law enforcement-identified victims of mass marketing scams (mean age=74.7) to determine what characteristics and behaviors are associated with the number of (1) self-reported victimization incidents, and (2) observed victimization incidents. The survey was administered online and by mail. Data on participants’ observed incidents of mail fraud victimization between 2022 and 2023 were provided by the US Postal Inspection Service. Linear regression results indicate that behaviors that increase fraud exposure (e.g., answering calls from unknown numbers, talking with telemarketers, opening all pieces of mail), as well as purchasing lottery tickets, loneliness, and a preference to take financial risks are associated with a greater number of self-reported fraud and exploitation incidents. Identifying as non-Hispanic White and being more active online were protective. Purchasing lottery tickets and greater preference for financial risks were also significantly associated with observed incidents of fraud. Being female and reporting less social engagement were significant for observed incidents only. Based on the difference in significant risk factors between the two models, results indicate that self-reported victimization is an imperfect measure of actual fraud victimization. Fraud prevention programs that increase social engagement and reduce behaviors associated with fraud exposure are promising targets for intervention. Results also suggest that embedding fraud awareness education in locations where lottery tickets are sold may be a prevention strategy to reach vulnerable older adults.
USE OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING TO INTERVENE ELDER ABUSE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL
Authors: Yan Elsie , To Louis , Wan Debby , He Jasmin , Lai Daniel W L , Burnes David , Pillemer Karl , Lachs Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Elder abuse causes serious harm to individuals, families, and society. There is an urgent need to develop and test appropriate interventions to tackle it. This study tested the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing (MI)-based intervention in reducing elder abuse severity and promoting positive changes among community dwelling older Chinese in Hong Kong. The intervention involved a 90-minute individual engagement session and three 30-minute booster sessions delivered by trained MI facilitators. Personal goals for improvement of known risk factors such as poor physical and psychological health, lack of social support were set out followed by the application of MI processes. Pre- and post-test comparison of 33 intervention cases and 28 control cases are presented here. Analysis of pre-treatment differences found significant difference between the two groups in their monthly income, number of offspring and co-residing persons, physical frailty, general self-efficacy and abuse severity. Difference in differences technique was applied to mitigate the effects of extraneous factors and selection bias. Results show that intervention group performed significantly better than the control group upon completing the intervention program. Significant between group differences were found in terms of changes in psychological distress (GHQ, z=-3.043, p&lt; 0.05), general self-efficacy (GSES, z=-4.988, p&lt; 0.05), social support (MSPSS, z=-3.080, p&lt; 0.05), abuse severity (CTS2, z=-2.593, p&lt; 0.05), and perceived ability to change (z=-3.749, p&lt; 0.05). MI has demonstrated good potential for elder abuse intervention. Further study should be conducted to identify key elements in MI leading to positive changes and refine the model for elder abuse prevention and intervention.
THE HEALTHIER BLACK ELDERS CENTER COMMUNITY-ENGAGED PROGRAM
Authors: Lichtenberg Peter , Perry Tam , Rorai Vanessa , Hall LaToya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
For the past 25-years the Healthier Black Elders Center has been the community-engaged program run by the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology as part of the Michigan RCMAR program. The HBEC has an active Community Advisory Board and engages in year round community education and health programs, provides a lay person newsletter and has a Participant Registry. During the past five years the HBEC began a community-engaged consultancy program in order to assist others across the country in engaging with older black adults for research participation. The HBEC is also a science generating program, with research publications across the past 20 years on recruitment and retention of older black adults into research. Beginning in 2012 the HBEC also expanded to include the Successful Aging through Financial Empowerment program. The SAFE program has been the nexus for financial-decision making, financial exploitation and day to day financial management in older black adults. The SAFE program is not only a research program but also a service program. The SAFE program provides 1:1 assistance for older adults who were victims of scams or identity theft and are having difficulty straightening out their finances. In order to reach older black adults and the professionals who work with them the SAFE program has its own year round community engaged efforts including the program “Financial First Fridays” and a regular series of community-based talks. SAFE has assisted over 350 older adults and caregivers and provided 1:1 services for 200 clients during the past five years.
ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY AND REDUCING DISPARITIES: COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED AND DRIVEN PROJECTS
Authors: Frazier Robbin , Johnson Elma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Soon after its re-launch in 2021, the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI) at the University of Minnesota established its Equity and Community Engagement (ECE) Core to develop the infrastructure for community engagement in CHAI and build relationships with a variety of community partners serving older adults in BIPOC and underserved communities. After careful planning and a thoughtful recruitment process, the ECE Core launched CHAI’s first Community Advisory Board (CAB) in the fall of the same year. This diverse group brings together older adults from the largest ethnic groups in the state, and provides input, wisdom and lived experience to guide CHAI’s work and priorities. Two years after its launch, the CAB has identified key community needs related to aging and started work on several community-led projects to address ageism and social isolation among diverse older adults. It also helped form the Strategic Advisory Council, a group complementary to the CAB composed of community leaders, faculty, scholars, and policymakers, and charged with developing recommendations to address systemic inequities impacting the aging experience of diverse older adults. In 2024, the group entered its next phase, focused on strengthening the academic-community collaboration and aligning research priorities with those of the communities CHAI serves. CHAI will present key findings and highlights from each stage of its community-engagement process and will share lessons learned on its way to achieving its mission - the one of a truly community-engaged academic Center on Aging.
BLOOD BIOMARKERS OF NEURODEGENERATION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH SMARTPHONE-ASSESSED SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE CONCERNS
Authors: De La Garza Ángel García , Wang Cuiling , Mogle Jacqueline , Derby Carol , Lipton Richard , Rabin Laura , Katz Mindy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The association between blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease (BBBs) and daily diary smartphone assessment of subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) is unexplored. In the Einstein Aging Study, we collected digital diary information on 18 types of cognitive lapses per day over a 14-day period on 271 participants (mean age 77.50, SD 4.90, 66.8% Female, 47.6% Non-Hispanic-White, 40.2% Non-Hispanic-Black, 12.1% Hispanic). BBBs investigated included β-amyloid (Aβ40, Aβ42), the Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio, pTau181, neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Daily diary SCC was analyzed by calculating the average daily number of lapses related to memory (12 items, mean = 0.99, SD = 0.97), the average daily number of lapses related to executive functioning (6 items, mean = 0.53, SD = 0.74), and the daily average number of all cognitive lapses (18 items, mean = 1.53, SD = 1.59), where higher scores indicated greater self-reported cognitive difficulties. Utilizing separate linear regression, we assessed the association between BBB levels and cognitive lapses, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, depression, and years of education. Findings indicate that, on average, for every 1 standard deviation increase in blood levels of pTau181, participants reported an additional 0.21 additional cognitive lapses in the memory domain (p&lt; 0.001) and 0.11 in the executive functioning domain (p=0.012) for a total of 0.32 daily cognitive lapses (p&lt; 0.001). No significant associations were identified between Aβ40, Aβ42, Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio, NfL, GFAP, and daily diary SCC. Captured in this manner, SCC may serve as a scalable indicator of AD pathology, progression, and monitoring the disease.
MITOPHAGY ACTIVATION EXTENDS LONGEVITY AND PREVENTS AGE-RELATED CARDIAC FUNCTIONAL DECLINE
Authors: Sun Nuo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mitophagy is a specialized autophagic pathway that removes damaged mitochondria, providing a critical mechanism to maintain mitochondrial quality. Accumulating evidence suggests that a decline in mitophagy might contribute to the development of age-related cardiac pathologies. Therefore, pharmacological manipulation of mitophagy offers a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate the risks of disease and mortality associated with aging. We conducted high-content image-based assays for mitophagy modulators using the pH-dependent fluorescent mitophagy reporter, mt-Keima. Additionally, we designed an algorithm to analyze a collection of over 10,000 compounds at 15 concentrations. This algorithm identified several selective mitophagy inducers, with Mito-I emerging as the most effective mitophagy activator. We demonstrated that Mito-I potently induces mitophagy in human cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CM) and mouse hearts. Interestingly, our mechanistic studies revealed that Mito-I effectively upregulates BCL2-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), which acts as a mitophagy receptor and is indispensable for Mito-I-induced mitophagy. Excitingly, we also found that Mito-I treatment extended lifespan in C. elegans. Moreover, we showed that Mito-I administration in aged (18-month-old) mice alleviates the detrimental effects of aging on cardiovascular health. These results demonstrate that the age-induced decrease in mitophagy contributes significantly to diminished cardiovascular function and identifies a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cardiovascular function with aging.