bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INTERGENERATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN MEDICAL EDUCATION: THE PIVOTAL ROLE OF OLDER ADULT MENTORS
Authors: Severance Jennifer , Waters Leland , Ihara Emily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Medical education engaging older adults as mentors can broaden students’ perspectives about social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influencing health; increase knowledge and skills in collaborative practice; and improve attitudes towards older patients. The Health Resources and Services Administration funded a national network of Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEP) to train health professions students in assessing and addressing the primary care needs of older adults. This symposium examines GWEP models of medical education involving older adults as mentors to promote person-centered, age-friendly, and dementia-friendly care. First, presenters from the University of Washington and University of Minnesota GWEPs will describe dementia education programs pairing medical students and individuals with memory loss. This is followed by a project at the Virginia Commonwealth University GWEP engaging older adults as mentors to medical student teams. Finally, presenters from the University of North Texas Health Science Center GWEP will describe strategies to expand and sustain an older adult mentorship program through volunteer engagement and interprofessional collaboration. Presenters will discuss partnerships to develop and sustain older adult mentorship programs as well as challenges and lessons learned. The symposium will conclude with an exploration of the input, feedback, and perspectives collected from older adults about their involvement in medical education as well as opportunities to adapt these intergenerational models to a local context.
PARTNERS IN DEMENTIA – NORTHWEST: NEW APPROACHES IN MEDICAL STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING
Authors: Wang Mengru , Rosenbloom Michael , Becker Marigrace , Adaniya Stephanie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Partners in Dementia – Northwest is the first service-learning program at the University of Washington School of Medicine focused on older adults and persons living with memory loss, established in 2023. First year medical student volunteers, “mentees”, were paired with older adults living with memory loss, “mentors”, recruited from a memory disorders clinic based at the University of Washington. In its pilot year, 10 students were paired with 10 older adults and their caregivers, for bimonthly to monthly visits at the Memory Hub, a community space affiliated with the University that provides education, support, and wellness services. Students participate in mentor visits and group activities at the Memory Hub and accompany mentors to medical appointments to experience the health care system from the perspective of a person living with memory loss. The goals of the program are to provide medical students with early clinical exposure to memory disorders, reduce stigma surrounding aging and memory loss, and inspire students to pursue underserved specialties in dementia care. Pre-implementation surveys of students found that reasons for participation in the program included interest in learning more about the dementia disease process, building communication skills, recognizing signs of memory loss to enhance clinic skills, and learning how to maximize quality of life for persons with memory loss. Initial challenges identified by students include difficulties in engaging mentors when a caregiver is not present, navigating conversations, and transportation barriers.
SUSTAINABILITY OF OLDER ADULT VOLUNTEERS IN A MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Authors: Christensen Keri , Knebl Janice , Severance Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Returning to pre-COVID learning expectations in a post-COIVD learning environment has presented new challenges in medical education. One is the sustainability of older adult volunteers, who are the center piece of a medical education program. Creating a sustainable volunteer program through engagement opportunities provides a space for volunteers to build community. UNTHSC has developed educational opportunities for older adult volunteers to learn about geriatrics as well as to create a space to connect with other volunteers. In the Seniors Assisting in Geriatric Education (SAGE) Program, teams of interprofessional health professions students are paired with volunteer older adults in the community, called Senior Mentors. The students visit their Senior Mentor at home, providing health screenings, safety assessments, community resources, and health education. With the onset of COVID-19 and the transition to virtual meetings with students, volunteers’ attrition was a challenge to administering the program. In response, the SAGE mentors were polled about events they would be interested in attending to increase volunteer engagement. A total of 166 surveys were administered and 78 volunteers responded. Results indicated that the majority (81%) would be willing to attend events and that events would be primarily educational health topics related to older adults. The results of that survey were then used to develop education events held twice a year to give the SAGE volunteers the opportunity to connect to other mentors, to expand their knowledge in caring and advocating for themselves, and to build personal relationships with the team involved with SAGE itself.
MEDICAL STUDENT OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS FROM A MEMORY DISORDERS BUDDY PROGRAM
Authors: Roy Mishy , Rosenbloom Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impacts 5.4 million individuals with an estimated cost of $215 billion annually in the United States, yet cognitive impairment goes unrecognized in half of affected patients. Potential barriers to diagnosis include physician lack of comfort as well as fear of delivering a devastating diagnosis. Although most medical schools offer training related to AD pathophysiology, few curriculums provide experiential learning that may shape student attitudes toward dementia. Employing the buddy program model, the Partners in Dementia (PND) program paired 20 mild AD patients from the HealthPartners dementia clinic with first year medical students from the University of Minnesota. Students were required to spend four hours/month interacting with their patient families and submit monthly journal reflections of their experiences. A qualitative text analysis of journal entries for 2 cohorts over 2 years was done using line by line text coding, and identified the following major themes: support systems, social-occupational decline, mentor/caregiver’s emotional challenges, activities, self-reflections, and objective/clinical narratives. The primary observations across both years were emotional challenges to living with AD and self-reflections on how to become better and more humanistic physicians. 100% of the families thought this was a valuable exercise and 94% of the students said it changed the way they think about people living with dementia. We concluded that educational models like PND provide medical students with opportunities to make reflections that may shape their future clinical approach to dementia. In turn, these programs may facilitate better identification and management of AD in the community.
INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE: EXTENDING AGE INCLUSIVITY IN AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Authors: Montepare Joann , Andreoletti Carrie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Higher education is becoming more age-inclusive on several fronts and age-friendly teaching and learning strategies are being used in new and novel ways to support a variety of educational outcomes. In this AIHE-ILRCE Interest Group collaborative symposium, presenters will discuss the diverse ways in which intergenerational service activities extend learning beyond the classroom and can enhance age inclusivity in higher education. To begin, Montepare and Baldizar (Lasell University) will provide an overview of contemporary age-inclusive campus initiatives in higher education (Age-Friendly University/AFU, Age Inclusivity Domains of Higher Education/AIDHE) and discuss The Empty Bowls project in which students and older adult community members work together to craft bowls to raise money to support the local Food Pantry. Brothers (Colorado State University) will describe the student-supported Market Days for Older Adults project, a farmer’s market-based program that aspires to address food insecurity and social isolation in older adults. Wei and colleagues (Stockton University) will discuss an intergenerational service project in which students organize technology training sessions aimed at educating older adult community members about various technology-related topics such as using smartphones for chronic disease management, personalized medicine, and more. Kwong (Connecticut College) will describe an interdisciplinary class, Intergenerational Play and Learning, which connects young children, college students, and older adult volunteers to promote learning through storytelling and engaging in play and group activities to strengthen social ties across generations and explore local history. AGHE Fellow and intergenerational scholar, Carrie Andreoletti (Central Connecticut State University), will serve as discussant. Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
INTERGENERATIONAL WORKSHOP TO EMPOWER OLDER ADULTS IN SMART TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Wei Duo , Morales Joseph , Burdick David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intergenerational programming, as outlined by the National Council on the Aging, involves those “activities or programs that increase cooperation, interaction, or exchange between any two generations. It involves the sharing of skills, knowledge or experience between old and young.” The overall goal of the intergenerational service learning project of the Medical Informatics class is to promote learning between university students and older adults in the community, and to put the concept of lifelong learning into practice. In the Medical Informatics class, students collaborate in multiple groups to organize technology training workshops. These workshops are tailored to educate older adult community members on a range of technology-related subjects, including utilizing smartphones and AI technologies for social engagement, entertainment, and health management, with the aim of enhancing health outcomes. The training sessions have been held at various venues across the South Jersey region, including AtlantiCare, Center for Family Services, Hammonton Canoe Club, Capital Health Medical Center, Four Seasons Clubhouse at Smithville, and others. The effectiveness of the intergenerational programming has been assessed through student feedback, surveys of the older participants, student faculty/course evaluations, and media coverage. Results indicate that this service learning initiative is a valuable approach in fostering a culture of learning among university students and community partners alike. University students act as mentors to older adults, while also benefiting from the diverse perspectives shared by the older generation, thus enriching their learning experience. Moreover, this collaborative effort nurtures stronger bonds between communities and the university, promoting mutual understanding and support.
INTERGENERATIONAL PLAY AND LEARNING: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGING PRESCHOOLERS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kwong Katherine , Franzone Monica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The U.S. Census notes that the population age demographic is rapidly changing, with approximately 10,000 individuals a day crossing the age threshold of 65, the mismatch between the number of individuals over the age of 65 and those under the age of 65 will have lasting implications in the coming decades. So, how can we take advantage of this resource? How can we benefit multiple generations? Intergenerational Play & Learning was a new course offered at Connecticut College during the Spring 2024 semester that introduced students to the intergenerational (IG) studies field and engaged them in experiential learning activities with older adults and preschool children. These students studied the changing relationships between young children and older adults through readings, videos, and personal observations. Through journals, interviews, and observation, students gained insights into the benefits of intergenerational learning (IL) and how IL can challenge discrimination. Course participants designed activities to promote social ties across age groups. The main goals for the course were: (1) provide a venue for young children, young adults, and older adults in the New London area to learn from and engage with each other; (2) encourage young and older adult participants to reevaluate stereotypes and discover how generations different from one’s own can provide an opportunity for learning; (3) evaluate the importance of family and community ties; and (4) develop a model for future intergenerational programming.
INTERSECTION OF AGE, SEX, AND FRAILTY: CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRANSLATIONAL GEROSCIENCE, GERIATRICS, AND FORTITUDE
Authors: Hilmer Sarah , Mach John , Howlett Susan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Understanding aging, optimising care of older adults and facilitating fortitude, must consider the intersection of chronological age, sex and frailty. While existing initiatives consider these factors separately, they occur together in old age and have complex interactions. This symposium brings together basic and clinical scientists, at differing career stages, from three countries, who have explored these issues in their research. Dr Alice Kane will discuss work from her laboratory in the Institute for Systems Biology, USA, on important sex differences in translational biomarkers for ageing and frailty. Dr John Mach will describe insights from a pre-clinical model of chronic drug therapy and polypharmacy, developed at the Kolling Institute, Australia, on the impact of age, sex and frailty on drug effects. Prof Sarah Hilmer, Australia, will discuss key considerations in age, sex and frailty for development of drugs for older adults, drawing on a recent position statement from the Geriatric Committee of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacologists that she chairs. Prof Heather Allore, Yale, USA, will share her expertise in biostatistics in aging research, to demonstrate design and analysis techniques that can untangle the relationship between age, sex and frailty, applicable to biological and health sciences research. Prof Paula Rochon, University of Toronto, Canada, will highlight the importance of disaggregated data on sex, age and frailty to inform research, health care and policy for older adults. Finally, Prof Susan Howlett, Dalhousie, Canada, who pioneered research in the intersection of age, sex and frailty, will lead the discussion. Women’s Issues Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
RICH HISTORY OF GERONTOLOGY AND GSA
Authors: Zarit Steven 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this presentation, Dr. Steven H. Zarit will lead a panel discussion exploring the historical underpinnings of gerontology and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), drawing from his distinguished career and vast contributions to the field. Dr. Zarit, celebrated for his groundbreaking research on caregiver burden and stress, as well as family relationships across the lifespan, will delve into the evolution of gerontology and its profound impact on his work. Acknowledging his accolades, including prestigious awards from the GSA and the American Psychological Association, Dr. Zarit will reflect on his journey into gerontology and its intersection with seminal figures like Drs. Powell Lawton, James Birren, and Bernice Neugarten. The panel discussion will feature additional insights, drawing on personal experiences and perspectives. Through a series of questions posed by the moderator, the panelists will delve into their personal motivations, the transformative developments within gerontology, and the enduring influence of key figures in the field. Following the moderated discussion, the audience will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive question-and-answer session, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. By drawing on the lessons of the past, this presentation aims to inspire visionary approaches to the future of gerontology informed by a panel who collectively have 145 years in the field.
SUSTAINING VALUES AND CHARTING FUTURES
Authors: Wilber Kathleen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this presentation, Dr. Kathleen Wilber will lead a panel discussion exploring enduring values and evolving challenges within the field of gerontology, aiming to guide the trajectory of the discipline into the future. Dr. Wilber’s research is dedicated to enhancing health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable older adults through systemic improvements in healthcare delivery. Her expertise in collaborative care models has contributed to understanding cost-effectiveness and optimizing service delivery structures. Recognized for her leadership in gerontology, Dr. Wilber was honored with the prestigious Donald P. Kent Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in 2023. In her presentation, she will share insights on timeless values that continue to shape the field and propose strategies for addressing persistent challenges. Dr. Wilber will also offer valuable advice for emerging scholars based on her personal journey, reflecting on lessons learned and potential areas for improvement. The panel discussion will further explore visions and directions for advancing the society. Following the moderated discussion, the audience will engage in an interactive question-and-answer session, fostering collaborative dialogue and actionable insights. By deliberating on enduring values, emerging challenges, and future directions, this presentation aims to catalyze concrete action plans to propel the society forward.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT OF OLDER ADULTS AND DISPLACEMENT DURING ARMED-CONFLICT CIRCUMSTANCES
Authors: Mannheim Ittay , Lifshitz Rinat , Bachner Yaacov , Cohn-Schwartz Ella 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Digital engagement is perceived as having the potential to improve the well-being of older adults. This study tests this notion in extreme circumstances, such as an ongoing military conflict. The association of digital engagement with the well-being of older adults was examined within the context of forced displacement and imminent threat (e.g., rocket attacks) due to the ongoing war in Israel. Ninety-three older persons that were evacuated from their homes, and 150 that were not evacuated responded to an online or paper survey. The survey measured their digital engagement before the war and in the weeks after it began, perceptions towards aging and technology, and well-being (depressive symptoms, loneliness, subjective health, and control). Evacuees were found to be lonelier, with lower subjective health and a lower sense of control compared to non-evacuees. Baseline digital engagement retrospectively reported from before the war was the same between groups. However, following the war, those evacuated reported using a lower number of devices, had different patterns of uses, and perceived higher limitations in using technology. Importantly, a stepwise regression analysis identified that digital engagement was a stronger predictor than displacement on higher loneliness and lower subjective health. Whereas rocket threat was the strongest predictor for depressive symptoms and displacement for sense of control. Negative perceptions towards aging and technology were also predictors of higher depressive symptoms. This study discusses the importance of digital engagement for the well-being of the older population in a world with ever-growing prevalence of extreme circumstances such as armed conflicts.
LONELINESS AMONG ADULTS AGING WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: THE ROLE OF LIVING SITUATION
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey , Waldron Danielle , Stam Elisabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Loneliness is a serious public health concern among the aging population. Not only is loneliness an unpleasant emotional experience, it is also associated with worse health, well-being, and even mortality. This is a particularly important issue among the population aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), who are more likely to experience loneliness across the life course, and who – particularly if living in an intermediate care facility (ICF) or nursing facility – may lack social connections.

Research Design and Methods
We analyzed panel data from the 2013-2014 through 2021-2022 waves of the National Core Indicators In-Person Survey (NCI-IPS; 8 waves total), a national survey of adults with I/DD receiving state services (N = 101,374 observations drawn from 49 states). Multilevel logistic regression models examined whether loneliness varied according to living situation.

Results
Results indicated that (1) adults aging with I/DD in ICF and nursing facilities reported significantly greater loneliness than those living in the community, and especially those living with family; (2) having friends was associated with reduced loneliness overall, yet (3) significant moderation analysis revealed that having friends was associated with reduced loneliness among those living in the community, but not for those living in ICF or nursing facilities.

Discussion
These results indicate not only that adults with I/DD living in institutionalized settings are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and its detrimental effects, but that specialized interventions are required to meet their unique needs and reduce their loneliness in mid and later life.
LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN THE COVID ERA
Authors: Cunningham Solveig , Hale Jo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness diminish health and wellbeing and may have been exacerbated during the Covid-19 lockdown. We examined the relationship between social isolation and loneliness among U.S. older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic, when social isolation was high due to transmission reduction measures. Data are from the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS), representative of the age 70+ Medicare beneficiary population in the United States. Prior to the pandemic, one third of older adults experienced loneliness at least on some days. One in 5 older adults (22.5%; 95% CI: 20.0, 25.0) report an increase in loneliness during the pandemic. Those who were severely socially isolated had double the odds of feeling lonely. However, while unadjusted models suggest an increasingly positive correlation between social isolation and loneliness among older adults, associations in the fully adjusted model have weak and directionally variable correlations, suggesting that the relationship can be largely explained by other social and demographic characteristics. This may also explain why existing literature is divided on the relationship between social isolation and loneliness. During the pandemic, those who felt lonely were also more likely to strictly follow social isolation measures. The frequency of loneliness prior to the pandemic is a strong predictor of loneliness during COVID. Still, loneliness and isolation were only weakly correlated, even during this period of widespread increases in social isolation. The implications of social isolation and of loneliness for older adults’ wellbeing should be considered both jointly and independently, as they are not fully overlapping.