bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RE-ENERGIZING GERONTOLOGY: BARRIERS TO PROGRAM GROWTH AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT THEM
Authors: Sugar Judith , Sterns Harvey , Maiden Robert 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With the growing population of older people in the U.S., it is more important than ever to increase the number of well-educated gerontology professionals. Beginning in 1972 with support from the Administration on Aging, resources were mobilized to establish and fund regional gerontology centers that would provide educational opportunities at all levels. Over the last 50 years, important work has been done to optimize the development of gerontology education. So it is ironic that at a time when we need more people to work with older adults, gerontology degree programs often struggle to enroll students. Low enrollments threaten the survival of existing programs. We have not done a good job marketing our field either inside or outside academia. We propose an effort to develop partnerships among like-minded organizations to promote the field and to attract funding to re-energize it. A coalition of partners needs to work with the employer community to convey the value of a gerontology education and ensure that graduates have the skills employers need. Accrediting gerontology programs and credentialing individuals can help to raise the profile of academic programs and graduates, and to assure employers that their employees bring the knowledge and skills to work with and for older clients, patients, and customers. The symposium presenters will engage attendees in a discussion of ways we can re-energize the field of gerontology to strengthen our academic programs and recruit more students to take advantage of the opportunities and meet the challenges of our aging population.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Deshmukh Madhyami , Martin Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness, health, and life satisfaction are important quality of life issues for older adults, but does having children indicate support in quality of life? The aim of this research is to examine the relationship of loneliness on self-reported health, and life satisfaction with number of living children as a moderator. Three recent waves (waves 10, 12, 14) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used. A total of 14,252 individuals (Mean age = 73) participated in this study. Bivariate correlations and multiple regressions were computed. Results indicated that loneliness at wave 10 negatively correlated with self-reported health at all three waves (all r &lt; = -.20, p &lt;.05) and life satisfaction (all r = &lt; -.22, p &lt;.05). Similar results were obtained at wave 12 and 14, but the associations were stronger for each wave. Loneliness at wave 12 (but not at wave 14) was positively correlated with age. Life satisfaction at waves 10 and 12 was positively associated with age. The multiple regression indicated that loneliness predicted self-reported health (β = -25, p &lt;.001). For life satisfaction, loneliness and number of children predicted life satisfaction (β = -.37 p &lt;.001 and β =.33, p &lt;.001, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, the number of children did not moderate the association between loneliness on self-reported health, and life satisfaction. Future implications could help guide better family health planning, better mental health of older adults and opportunities and action plans to informal family caregivers.
THE VA GERIATRIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM IMPACT ON CLINICAL INNOVATIONS: QI COMPONENT IMPACTS OVER THE PAST DECADE
Authors: Callaway-Lane Carol 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since 2009 one of the key components of the Geriatric Scholars Program (GSP) has been the Quality Improvement Workshop and Practicum, offering the fundamentals of improvement science to scholars and guidance through real-time improvement projects within rural clinical settings. The GSP has offered this component to a wide range of providers, starting in 2009 with prescribing providers and pharmacists, expanding to an interprofessional consortium including the initial professions as well as social work, psychiatry, psychology, and functional therapists and assistants. Impact on the aging Veteran population is demonstrated through completion of improvement projects at the local level with 79 national presentations completed from 2010 - 2024. This session will explore the evolution of the QI Program over the past decade and how the program has adapted to changes in audience type based on clinical training, presentation format for the workshop material, and impact on project topic and completion rates over time. Improvement projects throughout the years and their impact on the national push for High Reliability Organization (HRO) status will also be discussed.
BEYOND THE DYAD: A SCOPING REVIEW OF CORE COMPONENTS OF FAMILY-CENTERED CAREGIVING INTERVENTIONS
Authors: O’Sullivan Kelly , Jackson Alexandra , Park Sooyoun , Weaver Raven 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dementia prevalence is predicted to increase alongside the number of older adults, magnifying the demand for informal caregiving. While there are many effective caregiver interventions for people living with dementia and their care partners, most interventions focus on a single caregiver, overlooking the value of including other relatives in the caregiving process. Having education programs that expand beyond the traditional care dyad is crucial in meeting the needs of informal caregivers, especially considering ethnically and racially diverse populations whose cultures center around family. To explore these needs, we conducted a scoping review of 13 previously identified family-centered dementia caregiving interventions to 1) identify core components of these interventions, 2) how effectiveness was measured, and 3) the implementation and impact across cultural groups. We defined family-centered interventions as programs with at least two caregivers participating in the intervention. We initially identified 108 articles, and excluded 41 articles that were either not empirical studies or the intervention did not include at least two caregivers, yielding 67 articles for data extraction. Despite being family-based programs, interventions focused on the care dyad, offering only a few activities to engage multiple caregivers. Similarly, measures of effectiveness were at the individual level (e.g., caregiver burden or depression). However, many of these interventions were tailored and evaluated in multiple cultural groups. The identification of core components can assist with understanding active ingredients, serving as a foundation for programs that can be efficiently tailored to serve diverse families that rely on care involving multiple caregivers.
JOURNEYING BEYOND CARE: A CAREGIVER’S PERSPECTIVES ON AGING AND HEALTH PLANNING
Authors: Turner Shelbie , Cruz Roberta , Malone Carolyn , Epstein-Lubow Gary , Moreno Monica , Mroz Emily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Emerging research suggests that caring for an older family member influences how caregivers think about, anticipate, and plan for their own aging and health changes. In 2017, nearly all (91%) caregivers participating in the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging reported that being a caregiver made them think about their own needs for caregiving in the future. But the pathways between caregiving, planning for health changes, and (re)defining aging self-perceptions are complex. Research on these pathways benefits from collaborative partnership with individuals with lived experiences. In this special session, we will hold a conversation with Roberta Cruz, a caregiver for her mother who has been living with dementia since 2014. Roberta is a member of the National Institute on Aging’s IMPACT Collaboratory Lived Experience Panel and the National Alzheimer’s Project ACT (NAPA) Advisory Council. She is excited to bring her voice to the Gerontological Society of America for the first time. During this conversation, to set the stage, we will present descriptive findings on caregivers’ perceptions of their future from waves of the Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. We will hear Roberta’s perspectives on how caregiving can evoke positive and negative views on one’s own aging and health changes, and the extent to which caregiving can be reasonably expected to guide one’s own preparedness for aging and health changes. Roberta will reflect on the presentations in this symposium and offer insights for building successful partnerships with individuals with lived experience as this area of research expands.
CARERS, AGE, AND A NONINTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST DISCOURSE: THE (IN)VISIBLITY OF CARE IN US LITERARY FICTION
Authors: Trinkaus Eva-Maria 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
How do we want to be cared for and who do we want our carers to be? In this narrative analysis of US literary fiction, I am looking at intersectional inequality in the context of domestic work as care work (Folbre 2006). Focusing on overlapping aspects of aging studies and postcolonial studies, I trace care work in literary fiction back to the late 19th and early 20th century to look into the feminist shift of ‘new women’ leaving the domestic spheres to participate in a broader public discourse and thereby opening up a gap for ‘other’ workers to fill within the setting of care. In order to understand what constitutes a ‘good care’ or a ‘good care worker’ respectively, this contribution investigates the fictional representation of caregivers in literary texts in order to look at how intersections of multilayered marginalizing aspects – gender, race, class, age, education, among others (cf. Crenshaw 1991, Calasanti & Slevin 2002) – contribute to the undervaluing and under-recognition of care work, but do not necessarily affect its quality (cf. D’Ignazio & Klein 2023). By investigating dimensions of care work through literary fiction, this contribution aims at challenging the current esteem of care work, and contributes to a broader discussion of adding visibility and value to the professional field.
INTERSECTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT IN LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Keller Valerie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Based on personal accounts of people living with dementia this study examines how people affected react on mechanism of societal exclusion such as pathologization, vulnerabilization and disempowerment. Although it has been called for citizenship of people affected in dementia activism and dementia studies for decades, public voices of people with dementia still remain unheard. The present study therefore examines intersectional entanglement of age and disability and highlights power structures which continue to silence people with dementia and exclude them from social participation. Furthermore, it will be outlined how people affected act at the margins not only to improve their own quality of life, but to achieve agency and to act as a social and political subject.
MAKING OLDER MIGRANTS NARRATIVES VISIBLE: AN INTERSECTIONAL ETHICAL ANALYSIS FROM AN AGING STUDIES PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Kainradl Anna-Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite their heterogeneity, the lives of older migrants are in many ways shaped by intersecting patterns of injustice (Ciobanu et al. 2017). In particular when it comes to health issues, the interplay of race, gender, class, nationality, and age often impedes access and effectiveness of health services for this population group. In order to better address these challenges, it is essential to shift from the dominant perspective of professionals and family members to that of older people with migration biographies (Tezkan-Güntekin 2020). In my paper, I explore findings from an intersectional ethical analysis of the care narratives of older migrants and professionals in the context of aging studies. The paper examines the extent to which the concept of intersectionality as an analytical lens for the narratives of older migrants brings in new perspectives to their negotiations of age(ing). In analyzing the potential of the concept of intersectionality within the aging studies framework, further insights and challenges of postcolonial perspectives for ethical analysis are discussed. This theoretical paper shows how we can further apply and develop the concept of intersectionality in order to better understand the care narratives of older migrants.
CAN LARGE MULTIMODAL MODELS INTERPRET HEALTH CARE INFOGRAPHICS IN DEMENTIA CAREGIVING MATERIALS?
Authors: Luo Zhimeng , Zou Ning , Xie Bo , He Daqing , Hilsabeck Robin , Aguirre Alyssa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Infographics are widely used in health education materials for patients and caregivers. As generative artificial intelligence like large multimodal models (LMMs) become increasingly used for content generation, there is a great need to understand if infographics could be used to train LMMs. Addressing such a need, we tested four LMMs, GPT-4V, Gemini-Pro-vision, LLaVA-1.6-34B, and CogVLM-17B, using 5 infographics designed for dementia caregivers as examples. Two independent coders analyzed LMMs’ interpretations of each infographic on accuracy (i.e., the number of model-generated key points that correctly matched those in an infographic divided by the total number of key points contained in the model-generated content) and completeness (i.e., the number of model-generated accurate key points divided by the total number of key points contained in the infographic). Agreement rate was high: Cohen’s kappa=0.8205. Differences were resolved through discussion. Across the 5 infographics, the average accuracy of GPT-4V, Gemini-Pro, LLaVA, and CogVLM was 99.0% (range: 94.4-100%; median: 100%), 83.1% (range: 63.3-100%; median: 81.8%), 76.3% (range: 45.5-100%; median: 81.7%), and 81.5% (range: 50-100%; median: 86.6%), respectively; average completeness was 93.7% (range: 68.8-100%; median: 100%), 53.7% (range: 15.2-77.8%; median: 65.5%), 65.7% (range: 14.3-100%; median: 70.1%), and 37.2% (range: 6.3-77.8%; median: 37.2%), respectively. Overall, GPT-4V significantly outperformed the other LMMs on completeness [F(3,16)=3.55; p=0.04]; no difference was found on accuracy [F(3,16)=2.20; p=0.13]. These findings shed light on LMMs’ abilities to interpret visual and textual data and their applicability in real-world settings like designing high-quality health education materials for patients and caregivers. We conclude with future research directions.
ENHANCING EQUITY TO QUALITY CARE FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA IN RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF AGETECH
Authors: Freeman Shannon , Sousa Sarah , Banner-Lukaris Davina , Skinner Kelly 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults living with dementia in rural and northern communities deserve equitable access to technologies that enhances quality of life and supports aging in place. To explore contextual barriers and facilitators to implementation, we conducted a process evaluation guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework in a dementia care home newly opened in a rural and northern community. Through a partnership with the Center for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), health systems leaders, and community partners, multiple technologies designed to support persons who are aging (AgeTech) were purposefully implemented to enhance clients’ care and quality of life. AgeTech included a hydroponic gardening wall, circadian lighting, and a virtual exercise program. Semi-structured interviews were held with facility staff, health systems leaders, representatives from the AgeTech companies, and implementation leads and a secondary analysis of existing documentation was conducted. Barriers to AgeTech implementation included geographic context, complexity of dementia symptoms, and limited experiences by older adults with technology. Facilitators of AgeTech included collaborative partnerships with AgeTech companies, client interest and motivation, and creation of AgeTech educational resources. Results provide insights to inform planning and policy decisions for rural AgeTech implementation initiatives, highlight considerations for ongoing AgeTech innovation and describe the engagement of community partners in the process of integrating aging technologies. Persons living with dementia can greatly benefit from use of AgeTech to support their health and wellbeing. Successful and sustainable implementation of AgeTech is possible when the AgeTech enables, empowers, and engages persons to age well.
MEETING IN-PERSON NEEDS OF ELDERS LIVING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES BY UTILIZING APPS AND INTERNET ACCESS
Authors: Clayton-Jones Kate 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Challenges and success for meeting the in person needs of elders living in rural communities by utilizing apps and internet access takes tenacity and workarounds as many rural communities lack community wide internet, WiFi or cell phone coverage that providers of care can access. This lack of infrastructure impacts everything from first responder access and communication to efficient routing and access to information and charting by providers while in the home providing care. This lack of infrastructure is an impediment to quality care and also employment opportunities. Rural communities typically have more older adults residing in them. These older adults benefit from in home care, especially with ADLs. Technology access allows people to work from home, on the road and live in rural communities. It is a win win in health care when rural communities embrace community wide communication access.
AN EXAMINATION OF STAFF SELF-EFFICACY MEASUREMENT IN THE PALLIATIVE CARE EDUCATION IN ASSISTED LIVING INTERVENTION
Authors: Dobbs Debra , Yauk Jessica , Meng Hongdao , Haley William , Peterson Lindsay , Buck Harleah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is a necessary first step to meeting care preferences at the end of life and an important aspect of palliative care provision. ACP in assisted living (AL) is lacking for older adults living with dementia. A palliative care educational intervention found that only 12% of residents in AL living with dementia at baseline had documentation of (ACP) in their charts. Increased staff self-efficacy to have ACP discussions could potentially improve outcomes in ACP documentation. The current study is an NIH Stage 1b intervention using a sample of 23 nurses and administrators in 10 ALs to test if staff self-efficacy mediates the effects of increased documentation of ACP discussions. We estimated mediation models to examine whether staff self-efficacy (using a two-item scaled measure) mediates the relationship between the Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living intervention and ACP discussion rate. The PCEAL intervention had a positive impact on both staff self-efficacy and ACP discussion rate but the mediation results were not significant. In addition, an analysis of treatment fidelity ACP discussion checklists data showed the scores overall were lower than average (3.5 out of 7). We will discuss the differential scores between the self-reported increases from baseline to one-month (post-intervention) and lower than average observed treatment fidelity checklist scores of ACP Discussions by treatment staff and ways to improve the measurement of staff self-efficacy in future intervention research with staff who provide dementia care in assisted living settings.
FEASIBILITY AND PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF THE KINDER INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY CARE RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Meyer Kylie , Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine , Kim Sohee , Benton Donna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Knowledge and Interpersonal Skills to Develop Enhanced Relationships (KINDER) is a psychoeducational intervention designed to prevent emotional-type elder mistreatment by family caregivers to persons living with dementia. Informed by evidence-based approaches in intimate partner violence, caregivers in this virtual 8-week course develop disease knowledge, communication strategies, and coping skills to manage sources of relationship strain. Components include facilitated group Zoom discussion sessions and asynchronous weekly readings and practice exercises, including story-based videos informed by caregiver focus groups. In this pre- and post-test study, we examine KINDER’s feasibility and preliminary efficacy. A total of N=45 caregivers enrolled from March 2023 to January 2024. Among participants, n=39 have already completed all data collection activities, including n=4 who were lost to follow-up and n=3 who withdrew (82% retention). The primary reason for withdrawal was believing the program was not relevant to their care situation. On average, study participants attended 2.4 of 3 Zoom discussion sessions (SD=0.7). Seventy-eight percent (78.1%) of participants indicated they completed asynchronous activities “all” (40.6%) or “most” (37.5%) of the time. Findings from paired t-test analyses of outcomes indicate a reduction in potentially harmful care behaviors (e.g., threatened to send family member to a nursing home; p=0.025). Consistent with the goal of the intervention, caregivers also reported improved relationship quality with the care recipient (p&lt;0.001). All program completers indicated they were “very satisfied” (77.4%) or “satisfied” (22.6%) with KINDER. Findings from this pilot study demonstrate KINDER’s feasibility. Future research will rigorously test intervention efficacy and examine likely mechanisms of change.
ASSESSING THE CAREGIVING NEEDS OF ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER ADRD CARE PARTNERS
Authors: Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine , Mosqueda Laura , Gassoumis Zachary 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Care partners (CP) are essential in supporting persons living with dementia (PLWD). Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) may be more likely to engage in caregiving and may cope with caregiving stressors in culturally-distinct ways, thus necessitating development of culturally-appropriate supports and interventions. This study explores CP needs and identifies potential targets for intervention among AAPI communities. Explanatory sequential mixed-methods analyses were conducted with AAPI dementia care partners (N=8) who took part in the Better Together Dementia Care study. Caregiving characteristics and outcomes data from quantitative surveys were paired with findings from a thematic content analysis of semi-structured interview data. Key informant interviews AAPI CPs and providers will also be analyzed. Participants included AAPI spousal (n=4) and adult child (n=4) CPs supporting a PLWD, including 4 who had recently experienced elder mistreatment. Due to their emigration (n=3), spousal caregivers reported a lack of instrumental caregiving support from extended family. In child-parent dyads, PLWDs had lost their partners due to death (n=3) or divorce (n=1). PLWDs varied in relational and emotional closeness with children. Preliminary findings highlight the diversity of CP experiences. Romantic partners may serve as the preferred “default” CP; in their absence, adult children may relied upon more heavily. While traditional API cultures often emphasize a child’s duty to care for elders, acculturated older adults may prefer to receive care from their partner whenever possible. Findings also suggest immigrant CPs and CP-PLWD dyads may benefit from culturally-specific instrumental supports to supplement the emotional support provided from family members overseas.