bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH A HISTORY OF INCARCERATION
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults returning to community settings after incarceration face a number of challenges, including food insecurity, difficulty finding housing, and adverse health outcomes. A number of qualitative studies have suggested poor employment outcomes among formerly incarcerated older adults; however, there have been few quantitative inquiries related to employment outcomes for these older adults. The purpose of this study was to understand associations between history of incarceration and employment outcomes among older adults. We used pooled data from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study to examine associations between history of incarceration and employment outcomes among community-dwelling older adults aged &gt;50 (n=4,985). History of incarceration and employment outcomes were assessed via self-report. While there were no associations between history of incarceration and employment status in the sample, employed older adults with a history of incarceration had more physically demanding jobs and reported more work stress and more work-related discrimination than their counterparts. They also reported less work satisfaction and less supervisor support than never-incarcerated older adults. Gender moderated the association between history of incarceration and several employment outcomes, with associations observed among women but not men. Taken together, our findings suggest that history of incarceration is associated with significant differences in employment outcomes, primarily among women. Future studies should explore factors contributing to poor employment outcomes in order to design interventions that improve outcomes in this population.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH FOR RETIREMENT DECISIONS FOR NURSES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, IRELAND, SWEDEN, AND THE UK
Authors: Leime Aine Ni , O’Neill Margaret , Pospisilova Marie , Jandric Jakov , Krekula Clary 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the implications of health considerations for retirement decisions among older nurses in Ireland, Czechia, Sweden, and the UK, in the context of demographic ageing and extended working life policies. Employing a life course perspective, the concept of cumulative advantage/disadvantage, and a gendered political economy of aging framework, this internationally comparative study focuses on the impact of the physical and emotional demands of nursing and diverse national policies on nurses’ retirement decisions. Through analyzing data from qualitative interviews with 148 pre/retirement-age nurses in four European countries conducted as part of an international EU study, findings reveal significant health challenges, including musculoskeletal injuries and work-related stress, as central in the decision-making process. The study highlights gendered nuances in these decisions, with societal caring norms and financial constraints due to low pensions pressing many female nurses to extend their working lives or face precarious retirements. Despite the onerous physical demands of nursing and a general reluctance to work past 60, options like part-time work and job sharing emerge as critical for those considering extended work. This research highlights the misalignment of current policies with the lived experiences of older nurses, proposing reforms that recognize the gendered and health-related implications of the profession. Recommendations include re-evaluating extended working life policies with a gender-sensitive lens, introducing flexible employment options, ensuring choice in retirement timing, and providing provisions for early retirement due to health issues.
LINKING JOB CHARACTERISTICS TO AMBULATORY DISABILITY BY RACE/ETHNICITY AND NATIVITY AMONG THE AGING WORKFORCE
Authors: Park Sung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Americans today are working longer, and more than half of adults aged 50+ work in physically demanding jobs. There are also well-known occupational risk factors for work injuries: physically demanding activities (PD) and nonstandard work schedules (NSW). This project uses a nationally representative, longitudinal sample, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, linked to a nationally representative dataset of objective, rather than subjective, measures of the work environment for all civilian occupations in the U.S. to examine the potential health burden of PD and NSW as sources of short- and longer-term ambulatory disability (AD) for older workers. Specifically, the study investigates whether the risks associated with working in jobs with NSW and high PD interact to produce risks in short- and longer-term AD that are larger than each risk acting independently. Moreover, this study includes an examination of differential exposure and differential vulnerability by race/ethnicity and nativity to these work characteristics on the risks of AD. Results suggest significant heterogeneity in occupational exposure to PD and NSW, with racial/ethnic minorities, especially female immigrants, at a particular disadvantage. Moreover, the associations between these work exposures with both short- and longer-term AD also vary dramatically by race/ethnicity, nativity, and gender. The findings advance our understanding of how work demands and organizational factors impact the physical health of the diversifying older workforce, and contribute to health disparities in later life.
PROTEIN BIOMARKERS, CELLULAR SENESCENCE AND SECRETOMES, EXOSOMES AND BIOFLUIDS
Authors: Schilling Birgit , Koenigshoff Melanie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this component of the session, the opportunities and challenges of biomarker discovery and validation will be discussed and involve the audience. Cellular senescence-related biomarkers have been shown to be good biomarker candidates for aging. Key questions that will be raised will include organ-specific biomarkers, and the use and culturing of explant human tissues to generate specific biomarkers of senescence and aging. We will discuss the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), the role of the extracellular matrix during aging and their use as aging biomarkers. We will discuss challenges of biofluid complexities and methods to address these challenges. We will also discuss the value of multi-omics biomarkers, such as proteins, transcripts and lipids.
CANCER AND AGING RESEARCH FROM DIAGNOSIS TO SURVIVORSHIP
Authors: Halpin Sean 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The patient’s cancer journey is a complex and multifaceted involving many emotional, environmental, and structural challenges—all of which are further complicated by advanced age. In our symposium, we bring together researchers who apply quantitative and qualitative methods to studying multiple cancer types from diagnosis to survivorship. First, Halpin will discuss the use of discursive psychology to examine how patient medical education is delivered to patients with multiple myeloma in preparation for autologous stem cell transplant. Second, Carrion will present on the treatment experience of immigrant Latinas and cancer. Next, Chidebe will apply interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine the impact of belonging to a peer support group for older Nigerian women living with metastatic breast cancer. Last, Krok-Schoen will present using cross-sectional data to examine age differences in severity and correlates of symptoms and quality of life among older breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Examining how a variety of methodological approaches are applied to explore the patient’s cancer journey will help facilitate a broader understanding of gerontological cancer research. Cancer and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
USING DISCURSIVE PSYCHOLOGY TO EXAMINE PATIENT MEDICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Halpin Sean 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Patient-centered care is facilitated by succinct medical information delivered by nurse patient-educators. However, navigating the array of treatment options poses challenges, especially for patients with complex and co-morbid conditions, such as older adults with multiple myeloma. In the current study, I applied discursive psychology to analyze speech patterns in 12 education visits (1011 minutes of audio) conducted by three nurses. Patients had a median age of 65 (IQR- 54-75), were mostly white (75%), and split between male and female. I identified two overarching speech strategies used including (1) verbatim repeated (unwritten) sentences which nurses piloted and evolved from patient to patient and (2) application of language such as “I” to show authority versus “we” to demonstrate alignment with members of the medical team. Ultimately, nurses used these speech patterns to help recall information, revise their internal scripts, and assure patients.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF REMOTELY DELIVERED VERSUS IN-PERSON ENHANCE FITNESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Patel Kushang , Qiu Qian , Thompson Meghan , Denison Paige 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Access to evidence-based exercise programs, such as Enhance Fitness (EF), is limited for older adults who are homebound or live in rural areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, EF was adapted for remote delivery (Tele-EF) and implemented nationally; however, its effectiveness is not well established. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of Tele-EF with standard in-person EF among older adults who had no prior experience with EF. Between 2020-2024, a total of 3,924 older adults had enrollment, attendance, and functional outcome data available in EF’s national database (median time between assessments was 112 days [IQR: 103-126]). Baseline median age was 73 years (IQR: 68-79) and 3,040 (77.4%) were women. The monthly attendance rate in Tele-EF (n=132; mean=66.3% [95% CI: 63.5-69.1%]) and in-person EF (n=3,792; 64.8% [95% CI: 64.2-65.4%]) did not differ significantly (mean difference= 1.5% [95% CI: -2.4%, 5.3%]). The 30-second sit-to-stand test improved significantly from baseline for both Tele-EF (mean difference=3.0 chair stands [95% CI: 2.2-3.8]) and in-person EF (mean difference=1.9 chair stands [95% CI: 1.7-2.1]). Compared with in-person EF, participants in Tele-EF had greater improvement in chair rising performance (p=0.016). For the 8-foot Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, performance improved from baseline for both Tele-EF (mean difference=-0.6 seconds [95% CI: -1.0, -0.3]) and in-person EF (mean difference=-1.3 seconds [95% CI: -1.4, -1.1]). However, improvement in TUG performance did not differ between Tele-EF versus in-person EF (p=0.18). Overall, Tele-EF had similar rates of attendance and effectiveness for improving mobility function in older adults as in-person EF.
ENHANCEFITNESS FOR ADULTS WITH MEMORY LOSS AND CARE PARTNERS: A PILOT
Authors: Belza Basia , Wang Zih-Ling , McKiddy Sarah , Ash Kelly , Denison Paige , Pirone Judi , Thompson Meghan , Webel Allison 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate the feasibility of an in-person evidence-based, physical activity intervention, Enhance®Fitness (EF), for community-dwelling adults with memory loss and care partners. In partnership with a senior center in the Pacific Northwest we recruited dyads to participate in a one-hour EF class, three times per week for eight weeks. Each dyad consisted of one participant with memory loss and their care partner. We assessed depression, cognition, and strength and agility at baseline and post-intervention. We enrolled 8 dyads/16 participants. Most (n=6) care partners were spouses. At baseline, 5 participants had normal cognition and 5 mild, 2 moderate, and 4 had severe cognitive impairment. Eight participants were below average in strength and 12 participants below average on agility. Six of 8 dyads dropped out prior to conclusion of the program due to injury before the start of the study or illness and fatigue during the study. Two dyads who completed the eight-week program attended, on average, 19 of 21 classes. After the intervention of those dyads who completed the program there was improved cognition and strength but worse depression scores. In an exit interview participants reported liking EF for its group setting, focus on physical activity, social interactions, and relationship building. They appreciated that the instructor maintained an engaging and personalized experience and requested more visual and verbal cues. Care partners wanted an assistant to help their loved ones with exercises. Additional adaptations and support are needed for this population to participate safely in EF.
THE USE OF MICRO-CREDENTIALS IN OTHER DISCIPLINES: EXAMPLES FROM THE FIELD
Authors: Keefe Bronwyn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This presentation will describe training partnerships between Boston University’s Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER) and state and community-based agencies that provide health and social services to older adults. The workforce is looking for micro-credentials to build their competencies just as state and local agencies seek partnerships with academic institutions to build career ladders and finetune skills for their employees. Skills-based hiring and employers’ willingness to move beyond requiring college degrees has grown significantly, driven by the tight job market and employer concerns about diversity and equity. Many practitioners in the field of aging have not received any formal education in working with older adults, while those who seek services are more diverse than ever, and they have a complexity of medical and social concerns. We need a trained and competent workforce to provide high-quality care for older adults. It is imperative to build reciprocal academic and community-based partnerships to further prepare and retool the aging workforce, especially during a great exodus of social service practitioners. Training through CADER’s online certificates has led to statistically significant increases in core competencies in aging and increased knowledge and confidence. Almost half (47%) have taken CADER training for career advancement and personal interest, while the remaining (53%) participated because of work-mandated training initiatives, and a quarter (25%) stated that they had received a pay raise, title change, or promotion since taking the training.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE FOR AN AGING NATION
Authors: Kain Nichole , Arigoni Danielle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Our population is aging—by 2034, the US will have more people over 65 than under 18, and older residents make up a disproportionate number of casualties from natural disasters. In Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation, community resilience and housing expert Danielle Arigoni argues that we cannot achieve true resilience until communities adopt interventions that work to meet the needs of their oldest residents. Older adults are over-represented among fatalities in climate-fueled disasters, ranging from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the Maui wildfires of 2023 – and countless events in between -- people over 65 are significantly more likely to die as their younger counterparts. These rates of death have not improved in nearly 20 years, making it imperative that a renewed focus on climate resilience must be centered in the needs of older adults. This talk will provide an overview of how and why climate change differently impacts older people, and the range of solutions and strategies that can be deployed to reduce risk. Strategies include interventions in housing, transportation, emergency management, health care, utilities, and social infrastructure which can deliver a more climate-resilient community when designed with the needs of older adults in mind. With a role for people in all sectors and at all levels, achieving climate resilience for an aging nation truly is a job for all of us.
HEAT EXPOSURE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY AMONG OLDER US ADULTS
Authors: Choi Eunyoung , Seshadri Gokul , Ailshire Jennifer , Thyagarajan Bharat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Climate change is leading to more extreme heat events, potentially impacting host-parasite dynamics, immunity, and infectious diseases. While animal studies suggest that heat can induce long-lasting immune disorders, its effects on human immune function remain underexplored. This study examines how heat exposure is associated with adaptive immunity, focusing on T-and B-cell subsets in a national sample of older adults from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study Venous Blood Study (N=7,301). Using high-resolution meteorological data from gridMet, daily heat index values were calculated at the census tract level and linked to each respondent’s residential location. We examined both acute (day of blood collection) and chronic (1-year average) heat exposure using multilevel models, adjusting for individual factors (e.g., age, CMV seropositivity). For acute exposure, higher heat index values (standardized) were associated with decreased proportions of CD4+ naïve T-cells (B:-0.01;p&lt;.001), CD8+ memory T-cells (B:-0.002;p&lt;.05), and IgD- memory B cells (B:-0.003;p&lt;.01), but increases in Naïve B cells (B:0.01;p&lt;.001). For chronic exposure, higher heat index values were associated with decreased proportions of CD4+ naïve T-cells (B:-0.01,p&lt;.01) and CD8+ memory T-cells (B:-0.002,p&lt;.05). These findings show that heat stressors can affect the immune cells and subsequent cellular and humoral immune responses. Chronic heat stress potentially leads to a reduction in T-cell repertoire that may result in poor adaptive immunity. Acute heat stress may prompt both suppressive and proliferative responses in different cell types. This study underscores the need for further research to assess the broader implications of climate change on the immune health of older populations.
THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS-ORIENTED RECOVERY ENHANCEMENT INTERVENTION ON POSTSTROKE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Chen Lijing , Chu Jing , Li Juan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
About one-third of stroke patients are affected by cognitive impairment, and there is evidence that Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can improve cognitive function.

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the effects of cognitive intervention based on Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) on cognitive function in patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment (PSCI).

Methods
A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 44 patients with PSCI were enrolled, with 24 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. The control group received routine rehabilitation therapy (RT), and the intervention group received 45-60 minutes of cognitive intervention based on MORE twice a week for four weeks plus RT.

Results
In the intervention group, 21 participants reached the standard of active participation. In intervention group, the mean change of global cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) after intervention compared with before intervention was 2.33 (95%CI: 1.73 – 2.93, p&lt;0.001), while in the control group, the mean change of MoCA was 1.25 (95%CI: 0.77 – 1.72, p&lt;0.001). Using a per- protocol analysis, the score of MoCA in the intervention group improved significantly compared to that in control group. The intervention group also showed significant improvement in attention, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, self-efficacy, resilience, and quality of life compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions
The cognitive intervention based on MORE is feasible and effective in improving the cognitive function of patients with PSCI, as well as relieving depressive symptoms and quality of life.
EXAMINING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AGEIST TERMS ON TWITTER: CONTENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Mulhorn Kristine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Following the efforts of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Gerontological Society of America to raise awareness about ageist language and propose appropriate terms to denote the older adult population, there was a recognized hostile discourse on social media towards those most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to understand the prevalence and situated use of ageist terms on Twitter. We collected 60.32 million tweets between March and July 2020 containing terms related to COVID-19. We then conducted a mixed methods study comprising a content analysis and a descriptive quantitative analysis. There were a total of 58,930 tweets contained the ageist terms “old people” or “elderly.” The more appropriate term “older adult” was found in 11,328 tweets. Twitter users used ageist terms (eg, “old people” and “elderly”) to criticize ageist messages (17/60, 28%), showing a lack of understanding of appropriate terms to describe older adults. Highly hostile ageist content against older adults came from tweets that contained the derogatory terms “old people” (22/30, 73%) or “elderly” (13/30, 43%). The public discourse observed on Twitter shows a continued lack of understanding of appropriate terms to use when referring to older adults. Effort is needed to eliminate the perpetuation of ageist messages that challenge healthy aging. Our study highlights the need to inform the public about appropriate language use and ageism.
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING KINSHIP STRUCTURES FOR LEFT BEHIND OLDER ADULTS IN HIGH OUTMIGRATION CONTEXTS
Authors: Matos-Moreno Amilcar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
From early in my scientific career (doctoral student), the National Institute on Aging and the Gerontological Society of America have been a cornerstone of developing my scientific understanding, from training grants that allowed me to finish my Ph.D. to grant writing workshops that helped me land a K01 award. Participating in the RAND Summer Institute and the Butler Williams Scholar program gave me the tools to understand the many funding mechanisms within the NIA and clarify the many doubts that come with transitioning into a faculty position. Further, my research has evolved in ways that I could never imagine. My studies surround rapid aging and migration in Puerto Rico and other countries. I study the intertwined pathways between migration, left behind older adults, and kinlessness in the 21st century. Specifically, how the migration of working-age adults is increasing the number of kinless older adults in sending countries and the effect of reducing social networks on the health and well-being of left behind older adults. Furthermore, our current work projects the kinship structure of older adults in Puerto Rico and Mexico, considering different migratory scenarios.