bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGING AT HOME IN BRAZIL: COMMUNITY RESEARCH FROM AN ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: da Nascimento Mariana Alves Silva do 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Environmental Gerontology has been an essential aspect of aging studies worldwide for years. However, its integration into fields like Architecture and Urban Planning is still limited in Brazil. Professionals who design urban spaces must consider how their decisions impact people’s lives, especially the older population who often face challenges accessing the city’s amenities. This presentation shares insights from a qualitative study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil with community residents aged 56 to 74 (N=23; mean age=64; 73% women). Using the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) analysis technique to investigate their perceptions, preferences, and expectations of aging in place, participants highlighted the importance of features such as sidewalks, green spaces, subway lines, and accessible shops and services, to support daily activities and enable aging in place. Participants also expressed a desire for a range of activities and amenities tailored to older adults, reducing their reliance on relatives to fulfill their social needs. Furthermore, 39% of participants expressed a sense of attachment desiring to age in their current homes, indicating that home environments should also be continuously adapted to the wishes and needs of older individuals. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary education and of collaboration among professionals in aging, architecture, and urban planning to ensure the inclusion of older adults in the creation of age-inclusive environments for all.
PROPHYLACTIC AND LONG-LASTING THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF SENOLYTIC CAR T CELLS AGAINST AGE-RELATED PHENOTYPES
Authors: Amor Corina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Senescent cells accumulate in organisms over their lifespan and play a key role in age-related tissue decline and the development of chronic aging pathologies. Thus, effective strategies to eliminate senescent cells (senolytics) could have broad therapeutic implications. In a departure from conventional chemical approaches we developed the first cell-based senolytic therapy based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting uPAR, a cell-surface protein upregulated on senescent cells. Our initial proof of concept showed their efficiency in young animal models of liver fibrosis and cancer. We now show that uPAR-positive senescent cells accumulate during physiological aging and characterize their cell types and expression profiles. Importantly, we find that they can be safely targeted with senolytic CAR T cells in aged animals where they result in significant improvements in both tissue regeneration and metabolic function. Of note, we find that the beneficial effects of senolytic CAR T cells are long lasting; single administration of a low dose is sufficient to safely achieve long-term therapeutic and preventive effects in healthspan.
MOLECULAR DETERMINANTS OF POOR T CELL MEMORY DURABILITY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sturmlechner Ines , Jain Abhinav , Goronzy Jorg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Generation of a protective and long-lasting immune memory is central to effective vaccination strategies and healthy aging. However, age-associated changes in immune cells, particularly T cells, impair immune memory generation and maintenance rendering older adults vulnerable to infectious diseases. Here, we investigated signatures of age-related memory T cell dysfunction and uncovered molecular determinants of a protective, persistent T cell memory in older individuals. We leveraged the contrasting T cell memory elicited in younger (&lt;30 years) and older adults (&gt;55 years) by vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV). Using ex vivo peptide stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of vaccine recipients several years after vaccination, we collected antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry and tri-modal single-cell sequencing analyses. We found that older vaccine recipients predominantly suffer from a quantitatively and qualitatively impaired CD8+ T cell memory response compared to younger adults receiving the same vaccine type. Conversely, comparisons of two VZV vaccine strategies with contrasting efficacies in older adults demonstrated that a CD4+ T cell response rich in self-renewing Th17-like and low in regulatory T cells overcomes the age-associated T cell memory defect and associates with a durable, protective T cell memory. Collectively, we propose that vaccine strategies targeted towards older adults benefit from a Th17-focused CD4+ T cell memory response. Our results not only uncover traits of immune cell dysfunction with aging, but also inform vaccination efforts tailored towards healthy aging.
INVESTIGATION OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL CHANGES IN IMMUNE CELL POPULATIONS OF MICE TREATED WITH RAPAMYCIN
Authors: Yousefzadeh Matt 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for many chronic degenerative diseases, for example osteoarthritis, dementia and heart disease. This robs individuals of quality of life and is very costly to treat. This has led to great interest in finding rational strategies for extending health span, the years of disease-free life at the end of one’s lifespan. Theoretically, if we could treat aging itself, all of the diseases associated with old age would be prevented, delayed or attenuated simultaneously. Thus, discovering fundamental mechanisms of aging is a priority. Aging is generally thought to be driven by an accumulation of damage in cells over time. The progressive decline of immune function with age, known as immunosenescence, plays a pivot role in not only the aging process but also susceptibility to infections and reduced vaccine responses. Thus it is critical to find interventions to potentially correct the age-related deficits in immune function. The potent mTOR inhibitor rapamycin has been shown to extend lifespan in mice and reduce age-related pathologies. Over the past decade the use of rapamycin or analogs of rapamycin have been investigated for its ability to rejuvenate aged immune systems. Treatment of elderly human participants with a rapalog was able to significantly enhance antibody titer levels to the annual influenza vaccination as well as reduce immune exhaustion markers. I was able to recapitulate some of these findings in a mouse model of immune aging. However, which immune cell populations are benefited from rapamycin treatment remains to be seen. My working hypothesis is that rapamycin is able to restore function to aged T cells and possibly other immune cell types. In order to test this hypothesis 18-month-old WT C57BL/6 mice were placed onto chow containing encapsulated rapamycin (126 ppm) or control chow for 7 months. Spleens were harvested from these mice and 5-month-old young control mice (n=3-4 per sex per group). Splenic samples are currently undergoing single-nuclei RNA sequencing to investigate the effect of rapamycin on gene expression changes in different immune cell populations of the spleen and address the following questions: Question 1: What are the differences in gene expression profiles in the different immune cell populations between young versus old splenic samples? Question 2: Does treatment with rapamycin in old mice restore a more “youthful” expression profile to all immune cell types or just a subset of them? Question 3: Are there sex-based differences in the gene expression patterns of aged immune cells or in response to rapamycin treatment?
BALANCING HEALTH AND CAREGIVING: ADULT CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROBLEMS IMPACT ON CAREGIVING
Authors: Stepniak Catherine , Suitor J Jill , Gilligan Megan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
When older mothers face chronic or acute health problems their adult children often become caregivers, serving as either as the primary or secondary sources of informal care. However, when adult children are facing their own serious health problems, their ability to serve as caregivers may be limited. Surprisingly, the literature provides no clear insight into whether children’s health affects their provision of care to their mothers. In the present study, we shed new light on this question using quantitative and qualitative data collected from 412 adult children nested within 224 families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. Quantitative analyses showed that adult children with health problems were as likely as their healthy siblings to serve as their mothers’ primary and secondary caregivers. Consistent with the literature, daughters were substantially more likely than sons to serve as caregivers. Qualitative analyses revealed that this gendered pattern occurred even in families in which daughters had serious health problems and sons were healthy. Daughters’ explanations for becoming caregivers despite their health limitations indicated that they had internalized messaging that they were the “naturally better” caregivers compared to their brothers. Adult children caregivers reported higher level of caregiver burden than that reported by healthy caregivers as they shouldered joint responsibility for their own and their mothers’ care. These findings underscore the ways in which gendered expectations for care and health problems across generations intersect to increase the risk of caregiver burden and unmet care needs for members of both generations.
ADAPTING A VIRTUAL MEDICAL PLANNING PROGRAM FOR CARE PARTNERS OF PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Santoyo-Olsson Jasmine , Barnes Deborah , Li Brookelle , Martinez Angelica , Sudore Rebecca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Care partners want to help persons with cognitive impairment (PCI) engage in advance care planning (ACP) before they lose decision-making capacity, but report needing more support and access to virtual information. We created the video-based PREPARE for THEIR Care website to support care partners in helping others with their medical planning. However, PREPARE for THEIR Care has not yet been adapted for online, facilitated, synchronous classes to allow participants to ask facilitators ACP-related questions. We conducted virtual semi-structured interviews with experienced virtual group facilitators (n=4) and care partners of PCI (n=10) recruited from a research study of online exercise group classes for PCI and care partners. We used the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) framework to explore barriers, enablers, and implementation recommendations and to guide qualitative thematic analysis. All facilitators were women. Care partner mean age was 62.3 (SD=13.8) years and 70% were women. Barriers included ACP complexity; virtual facilitation complexity; complicated dyad relationships; technology limitations; pessimism; fear of death; and lack of readiness. Enablers included ACP, technology, and teaching experience; participating from home; peer support; normalizing and modeling ACP; and belief that ACP is impactful. Implementation recommendations included providing staff trainings/scripts; care partner technology support before and during sessions; easy-to-use written materials; interactive group activities; and facilitating PREPARE for THEIR Care over multiple short (30-60 minute) sessions with &gt; 50% of the session for discussion. Future ACP interventions should include training for facilitators, easy-to-use ACP materials, technology support, and modelling of ACP in virtual sessions.
USING COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS PROGRAMS
Authors: Cotton Samantha , Long Monica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Launched in 2015, the University of Chicago’s SHARE Network and the University of Louisville’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) showcase transformative approaches to aging and dementia care through dynamic community and state partnerships. SHARE Network addresses the needs of Chicago’s South Side, aiming to mitigate health disparities through collaborations that have led to the development of resources like memory cafes and caregiver support groups. This initiative enriches healthy aging and dementia education among healthcare professionals and community organizations.Similarly, the University of Louisville’s GWEP focuses on ensuring accessible services via collaborations with Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and other service organizations, alongside strategic partnerships with Kentucky’s health departments. These efforts underscore the development of career pathways for Community Health Workers and Certified Nursing Assistants, supporting workforce development and enhancing dementia care. In this presentation, we will delve into the critical need for community partnerships in dementia care, highlighting how the SHARE Network and the University of Louisville’s GWEP have successfully harnessed these relationships to improve care for those affected by dementia. We will also explore the challenges and barriers encountered in implementing these programs and discuss strategies to overcome them. By sharing insights on engaging diverse stakeholders, navigating systemic obstacles, and leveraging resources for maximum impact, the presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to strengthen dementia care through effective community collaboration, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
DISCRIMINATION, STRESS, AND AGING ACROSS THE LIFECOURSE
Authors: Thorpe Roland , Hill Carl V 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Stress and discrimination are posited as two explanations for understanding why race disparities in health and aging across the life course remain elusive. This symposium contains papers seeking to address the impact of discrimination or stress on Black health or health disparities across the life course. First, Thierry and colleagues examined how lifetime exposure to structural stressors and current perceived neighborhood stressors are associated with cognitive function in Black adults in the HRS. They found that life course exposure to multiple domains of neighborhood-based stressors may be important for cognitive function in later life. Second, Cobb and colleagues hypothesized that self-reported instances of everyday discrimination are related to higher levels of cardiometabolic risk among older Black and White adults. The relationship between self-reported instances of everyday discrimination and cardiometabolic risk was significantly weaker for older Black adults than older White adults. Third, Mitchell and colleagues investigated how exposure to chronic stressors during mid-life indirectly affects cognitive function through changes in physiological dysregulation in HRS. Adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity and education fully accounted for the significant effects of financial strain and discrimination on changes in cognition. Fourth, Forrester and colleagues examined racial/ethnic differences in the association between self-reported discrimination and brain imaging in the MESA study. Findings suggest that instances of racial discrimination over a lifetime may be detrimental to brain health for Black adults. This collection of papers provides insights into how discrimination or stress impacts Black health or health disparities in middle to late life.
PREDICTING USE OF ADVANCED DRIVER-ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS IN OLDER DRIVERS THROUGH STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING
Authors: Hansen Abigail , Kiely Kim , Attuquayefio Tuki , Hosking Diane , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Anstey Kaarin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older drivers are an at-risk population when on-road. Normal ageing processes, such as declines in visual, sensorimotor and cognitive processes, impact driving skills and contribute to the increasing crash rate. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) may provide a solution to keep older drivers safe on the road. This study investigated what technology acceptance and trust factors predict use of ADAS between older drivers who have ADAS in their car and a) use it (n=790) or b) do not use it (n=32). We conducted an online survey to 1330 Australian drivers aged 65 years or older (M=72, SD=6.9, 23% women) in partnership with National Seniors Australia. ADAS acceptance was measured by the Partial Automation Acceptance Scale, measured by the latent factors attitudes towards ADAS, attitudes towards technology, perceived risk and trust. Structural equation modeling examined the structural relationships between use of ADAS, the acceptance scale, locus of control and driver self-efficacy. The results indicated positive attitudes towards ADAS had a significant positive direct effect on use (y =.06, S.E =.02, p =.002 (β =.26)) and trust in ADAS had a significant negative direct effect on use (y = -.03, S.E =.01, p =.024 (β = -.15)). The model tested accounted for 93.4% of the variance in use of ADAS. These findings highlight the importance of older drivers to hold positive attitudes and trust in ADAS in order for them to use it, highlighting potential factors that could be targeted in behavioural change interventions seeing to improve usage rates.
EXTENDING THE FAMILY TREE: NEW FACES OF DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Savla Jyoti , Roberto Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research has predominantly focused on spouses and adult children as primary caregivers for individuals living with dementia. However, evolving family dynamics necessitate a critical examination of caregivers beyond this immediate circle. This symposium explores the understudied area of informal dementia caregiving, which includes care provided by extended family members, stepchildren, and chosen kin. This emergent focus is crucial in redefining the family caregiver archetype amid changing family structures. McConnell & Haggar employ social network analysis to underscore variations in family/non-kin participation in care networks, influenced by factors such as disease severity and caregiver availability. Roberto & Savla provide an in-depth exploration of historical and current family dynamics that shape niece and nephew caregivers’ responsibilities, practices, and outcomes. Savla & Roberto address the individual and family challenges faced by older adult sibling caregivers, as well as identify factors that facilitate and impede their caregiving capacities. Silverstein et al. leverage longitudinal data to explore the impact of kinship strength and early relationship histories on stepchildren’s support for stepparents living with dementia. Flatt et al. synthesize insights from their multiple studies on the health outcomes of sexual and gender minority dementia caregivers within biological and chosen familial networks. Collectively, these studies underscore the complexity and diversity of caregiver roles within families, emphasizing the need for supportive programs and policies tailored to their unique circumstances. Findings serve as a call for action to recognize and support the wide range of dementia caregivers in today’s society who demonstrate remarkable resilience in navigating dementia care challenges.
THE CLOSURE OF RURAL CO-HOUSING AND CHANGES IN LONELINESS IN OLDER WOMEN LIVING ALONE
Authors: Park Sojung , Park Soobin , Lee Hyunjoo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prolonged social restrictions during the pandemic have increased loneliness among the population, with people living alone in rural areas being particularly vulnerable due to geographic distances, transportation, and finances. Congregate senior housing may be a helpful alternative living environment that can help address the challenges of social isolation. Drawing on the environmental perspective of aging and the literature on loneliness, we investigated the influence of the pandemic-imposed closure of senior cohousing on the changes in loneliness in older women living alone in Korea. Using a mixed-method approach, we analyzed survey data from 160 participants using structural equation analysis focusing on multiple mediators, such as physical, social, and service environment and depressive symptoms. Also, we conducted a thematic analysis with 18 former cohousing residents. Our synthetic analyses showed that senior cohousing protects against loneliness by serving as a community hub for gathering, sharing, and caring among the housing residents and the members of the whole community. We found that community service plays a critical role in protecting against depressive symptoms and loneliness. Our study setting is a publicly subsidized cohousing program with no embedded program manager. The residents are not necessarily empowered yet to self-organize for online technology learning. Intentional programming that includes social activity and online learning would benefit vulnerable subgroups of older women. Our findings make a significant contribution to the limited knowledge base on the intersection of senior housing and rural aging during the pandemic.
AGING IN PLACE IN A MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY AT RISK OF RURAL DEPOPULATION
Authors: Watanabe Yuichi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Japan is known as one of the most aged societies globally. As of 2022, the aging ratio is approximately 29%. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, in 2019, over 50% of the population in 20,000 neighborhoods, known as “marginalized communities,” are 65 or older. These communities are at a higher risk of rural depopulation or local extinction. Between 2009 and 2019, questionnaire surveys were conducted every two years to assess the experiences and strengths of residents in a marginalized community. The aim was to identify ways to promote sustainable living in the community. As each survey sample size was small, the analysis used all samples as a pooled dataset (N=831). The questionnaire included variables related to people’s anticipation of permanent community living and their engagement in “IBASHO” activities. In Japan, “IBASHO” refers to a place where people can feel secure, have roles, and consider their lives meaningful. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between anticipation of permanent community living and engagement in “IBASHO” activities. The study revealed that residents who participate in “IBASHO” activities are more likely to feel at ease living in their community permanently, even if they live alone or have poor health. These individuals care for one another in their “IBASHO” community, sharing their strengths and anxieties and providing emotional and practical support. Encouraging “IBASHO” activities can help promote permanent community living, even in areas with an aging population.
MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE: IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACADEMIC DEMENTIA CARE MODEL IN A TEXAS HEALTH PLAN
Authors: Smithroat Noemi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Maximizing Independence at Home (MIND at Home), a well-researched holistic, family-centered dementia care coordination program, provides collaborative support to community-dwelling persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their informal care partners (CP). Through comprehensive home-based assessment of 13 memory-care domains covering PLWD and CPs, individualized care plans are created, implemented, monitored, and revised over the course of the illness. Non-clinical Memory Care Coordinators (MCCs) working with an interdisciplinary clinical team provide education and coaching to PLWD and their identified CP and serve as a critical liaison and resource navigators bridging families with medical professionals, and formal and informal community resources. This presentation will describe a pilot implementation of the program within Superior HealthPlan, a managed care organization, across diverse sites in Texas. We will present descriptions of how the program was effectively translated to practice, including the associated dementia support to enhance knowledge and skills, and review key aspects of the implementation experience including how the program was operationalized and adjustments made based on the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities; and summarize, the best practices that have emerged.