bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WELL-BEING AND FUNCTIONING PROFILE AMONG OLDER ADULTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT LIVING SETTINGS
Authors: Hsu Wan-Ling , Ahn SangNam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Addressing the care needs of older adults in the United States is complex and challenging, especially considering that more than half of Americans aged 65 years and older have three or more chronic diseases, often accompanied by cognitive impairment. Thus, it is imperative to identify the types of care that may be more suitable for older adults who are potentially cognitively impaired. This study examined well-being and functioning profile (WFP) among older adults with probable or possible dementia between nursing home and comprehensive senior living settings, using the living settings as a proxy for types of care. The WFP includes assessments of emotional well-being, bothersome pain, general health, and functional limitations. The analysis is based on data collected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study spanning from 2018 to 2022. Linear regression with survey weights revealed a significant association between living settings and WFP among the 338 participants with probable or possible dementia. Specifically, older adults residing in comprehensive senior living settings exhibited notably enhanced emotional well-being (Coef= -5.276, p &lt; 0.001), general health (Coef= -1.117, p = 0.006), and limitations with mobility (Coef=-3.180, p = 0.003) compared to those in nursing home settings. Findings emphasize the potential strength of comprehensive senior living settings in caring for older adults with probable or possible dementia, enhancing improved outcomes. This prompts further research into specific care components and strategies to integrate successful practices from comprehensive senior living settings into nursing home settings, fostering well-being for this growing demographic facing cognitive challenges.
ASSISTANCE, PLANNING, AND UNMET NEEDS: FACTORS SHAPING OLDER ADULTS’ PET CARE BEHAVIORS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Bibbo Jessica , Nicolay Sarah , Tuft Samantha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pets continue to be an important relationship for many people throughout life, while the abilities and resources available to provide for a pet change over the life course. This study surveyed people ages 50 and older on the assistance they had with pet care, whether they had gone without necessities to provide for their pet, and whether they had plans in place for their pet in case of emergencies or major life events. Participants (N=1,039) were enrolled in Foresight 50+, an omnibus survey representative of the US household population aged 50 or older. Descriptive statistics determined the proportion of adults who had experienced pet care behaviors along with specific types of assistance, necessity, and planning. A series of multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify associations between demographics and having assistance, going without, and planning. Most pet owners (72.4%) had some type of help with pet care, 18.8% had gone without at least one necessity to provide for their pet, and 23.7% had at least one plan in place for their pet. Larger household size was associated with having assistance (OR=1.96, p=.026). Lower income (OR=1.20, p=.024) and younger age (OR=1.06, p=.038) were associated with going without a necessity. Being female (OR=4.54, p=.003), smaller household size (OR=1.76, p=.036), and older age (OR=1.06, p=.010) were associated with having at least one plan in place. Available resources and personal characteristics significantly impact pet care behaviors. These results are a step toward better understanding how to support people and pets age in place.
DISCHARGE PREPARATION FOR OLDER ADULT IN PROLONGED EMERGENCY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Liu Jinming , Gao Fengli , Chen Zijing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of discharge preparation services in older adult with prolonged emergency observation and functional impairment. From August 2020 to June 2023, older adult (age ≥60 years) with Barthel Index &lt; 100 and a hospital stay of &gt;7 days in the emergency observation ward at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China were included. A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The intervention group, guided by dedicated nurses, underwent personalized assessments, comprehensive care planning, and follow-up, while the control group received standard care. Primary outcomes included average hospitalization costs, length of stay, and 30-day readmission rates. A total of 628 patients were included after one-to-one nearest-neighbor matching without replacement. Among them, 314 received routine discharge preparation, and 314 received specialized nurse-led discharge preparation. Both groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics. The intervention group showed no significant difference in average hospitalization costs (72030 ± 63533RMB vs. 72446±68282RMB, t = 1.99, P = 0.906) or average length of stay (36 ±32days vs. 36 ±27days, t = 1.159, P=0.803). However, the intervention group exhibited a significantly lower 30-day readmission rate compared to the control group (6.7% vs. 15%, t = 3.36, P = 0.008). The findings suggest that while discharge preparation services may not impact immediate costs or length of stay for older adult with prolonged emergency observation and functional impairment, they significantly contribute to reducing the 30-day readmission rate. This emphasizes the importance of specialized nurse-led interventions in enhancing post-discharge outcomes and reduce healthcare system burden.
HEALTH CARE USE IN DIVERSE OLDER ADULT POPULATIONS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Authors: Kim Gee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Average medical costs for people aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are far higher than for people in the same age range without an ADRD diagnosis. Prior research shows the incidence of ADRD is significantly higher for Black and Hispanic populations than for non-Hispanic white and Asian populations. It is unclear, however, whether there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in the overall utilization and cost of care among patients with ADRD. An independent nonprofit organization, with the nation’s largest collection of private healthcare claims, studied the relationship between imputed race and ethnicity and overall healthcare utilization and spending in over one million patients aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of ADRD. Among the preliminary findings: In comparison with patients in other racial/ethnic groups, Black patients with ADRD had (1) on average poorer health, as measured by a higher average number of chronic conditions and a higher Hierarchical Conditions Category (HCC) score; (2) more intensive healthcare utilization, i.e., on average more admissions, longer admissions, more total days spent in the hospital, more claims filed, more distinct procedures received and more distinct providers seen; and (3) higher spending even after controlling for race/ethnicity-related HCC scores. These findings suggest race/ethnicity influences healthcare utilization and spending directly and indirectly for patients with ADRD. Results can be used to inform healthcare research, clinical guidelines, care delivery and benefits for older people with ADRD, as well as inform health equity approaches among minority and diverse populations.
AGEIST ATTITUDES AND PREPARATION AS INDIRECT PREDICTORS OF TRAINEES’ INTEREST IN CLINICAL WORK WITH OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Caskie Grace , Kirby Mackenzie , Root Eve 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The striking discrepancy between the number of older adults in need of mental healthcare and the small number of psychologists with specialized training in providing this care (Moye et al., 2019) underscores the importance of identifying modifiable factors that could increase psychology trainees’ interest in future clinical work with older adults. We tested a structural equation model specifying ageist attitudes and preparation regarding aging as having indirect effects on interest in working with older adults through three measures of perceived work with older adults. Doctoral trainees (N=187; age=22-43 years) in clinical/counseling psychology completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, a 10-point item assessing trainees’ perceptions of how well their program prepared them to work with older adults, the Working with Older Adults Scale (assessing perceptions of ease/difficulty of work, social approval for work, favorable evaluation of work, and interest in work), the Social Desirability Scale, and demographic items. Controlling for trainees’ age and social desirability tendencies, the model demonstrated good fit (CFI=.95, TLI=.94, RMSEA=.07). Significant indirect effects were found for ageist attitudes (p&lt;.001) and preparation (p=.01) on interest. More ageist attitudes related significantly to greater perceived difficulty (p&lt;.001), less favorable evaluations (p&lt;.001), and less social approval (p=.02) regarding working with older adults, while greater preparation related only to less difficulty of working with older adults. Difficulty, social approval, and evaluation of work with older adults each significantly predicted interest (p&lt;.001). Implementing training opportunities for trainees that aim to reduce ageist attitudes could increase interest in working with the older adult population.
DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAINING MODEL WITHIN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Laffer Alex , Kumar Chandrika , Shamas Tracy , Gillespie-Heyman Sarah , Podosek Alexandra , Ruskin Andrea 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Workforce shortages within palliative care restricts availability of this service. Although clinicians may develop an interest in this specialty later in their careers, acquiring the necessary education and training is challenging. In academic medical centers like the Veteran’s Administration (VA), interprofessional palliative care teams are well-positioned to deliver high-quality, accessible palliative care services when patient needs surpass what can be addressed by primary care and surgical subspecialities. Given workforce shortages, this quality improvement project aims to increase competency for nurse practitioners (NPs) in hospice and palliative care. A 12-month, minimum 500 clinical hour, training program designed to provide clinical and skill-based education to NPs currently working on the VA Community Living Center was developed. The predominantly practical curriculum focuses on interprofessional teamwork, communication skills, and application of medical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual, and ethical content. The curriculum is designed in a longitudinal manner that supports the NP’s ability to maintain their routine clinical care responsibilities. The program includes two hours of protected time each day consisting of hospice and palliative care clinical experiences alongside interprofessional learning. The training cohort, beginning March 2024, consists of two NPs. The team developed a mixed methods approach to assess competencies and progress across the training period. This project has resulted in an innovative approach to enhance hospice and palliative care training that will advance mid-career clinicians’ skills and help address workforce shortages without requiring clinicians to leave their jobs for extended training. Implementation will have implications for the feasibility, sustainability, and replication of this model.
EFFORTS TO INCREASE GERONTOLOGY DEGREE-SEEKERS AND DEVELOP THE LOCAL WORKFORCE
Authors: Hall Lisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since 1990, Gerontology majors at Missouri State University (MSU) have served their practicums at a variety of sites, which we consider to be “community partners”. These community partners consist of public and private entities that serve older adults, ranging from the local Area Agency on Aging, which is authorized by the Older Americans Act, to caregiving individuals who own Limited Liability Companies (LLC). The services offered range from high-activity recreation to end-of-life care. The MSU Gerontology Program has routinely surveyed our community partners to understand their expectations for and opinions about our program and students. In 2023, we added two additional areas of inquiry: (1) their current networking practices with each other and (2) the degree to which they and their employees were interested in taking aging-related courses at our university. Results from our online survey and follow-up interviews will be shared. Next steps in our continued efforts to increase Gerontology degree-seekers and to develop the local age-related workforce will be discussed.
IMPROVING ELDER HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES WITH HOPE-BASED INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Authors: Howell Britteny , Redmond Leslie , Worthington Amber , Musa Najma , Mahanna Allexis 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although Interprofessional Education (IPE) and research enhances learning, communication, and care of patients, it remains underutilized in higher education, demonstrating the need for extracurricular IPE opportunities. This presentation describes an interprofessional research project that brought together faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students from several health and social science disciplines to design and deliver a 15-week healthy aging program for older adults living in the urban Circumpolar North. Five faculty and one graduate research assistant led the project while eight students team-taught weekly, 1-hour sessions in the community focusing on healthy lifestyles within a framework of Persuasive Hope Theory. We will present the results of the student satisfaction survey regarding their involvement with the research as well as the participant satisfaction with the program. Students reported gains in “thinking like a scientist,” increased confidence conducting research tasks, benefits from teamwork, and greater consideration of the needs of older adults in their field of study. Older adult participants (N=39) also indicated favorable opinions of the program, responding that they were satisfied with the student-instructors, learning, application, impact, and value of the program. Despite small sample sizes, results from student and participant surveys both demonstrate that the IPE and intergenerational learning opportunities were meaningful. Additionally, results suggest that students may be more likely to consider a career working with older adults if given hands-on research experiences.
TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH LENS
Authors: Jurkowski Elaine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) have become increasingly important in workforce training for health/medical professionals working with older adults to improve health outcomes. Inter-professional collaboration across disciplines such as primary care medicine, physician assistants, social workers etc. does not occur naturally since educational programs are siloed. However, these disciplines are required to work collaboratively with each other, targeting SDOH’s and patient outcomes. The objective was to promote communication across disciplines and help each discipline understand the roles played in practice with older adults. Three specific strategies to address Interprofessional Education were devised and implemented within a rural context to address the goal of improving collaboration and communication. An educational seminar was conducted using cases and guide questions. A second strategy was through “Student hot-spotting” where students worked with a high-need complex case over the course of a school year weekly, as a team-based approach. A third strategy made use of a weekly medical clinic for team-based patient care with students from medicine, social work, PA, nursing and nutrition. Findings suggest professionals were surprised at what they learned from the other disciplines they were collaborating with. They also learned about community-based resources and improved health outcomes when the lens of public health was in the forefront and an intentional part of the curricula. All participants felt that the chance to collaborate outside of their disciplines strengthened their skills and impact. In conclusion, curricula intentionally devised using a public health lens, in collaboration with other disciplines improves overall collaboration among professionals.
THE RAFT DEBATE: GETTING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT AGING
Authors: Fiscella Andrew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A student-centered approach has been advocated to help students develop as learners, as it allows students to think critically, beyond what might be required in an essay. However, it can be difficult to achieve in larger classes, where a teacher-centered approach is more often utilized. The current study explores adapting a traditional debate format for students in a Physical Changes & Aging course as a tool to engage them in critical analysis of various topics related to biological aging, allowing the incorporation of student-centered techniques. In the Raft Debate, students represent gerontologists who become stranded on a desert island. There is a raft which can take them off the island, but it is only big enough for one group. To determine who gets off the island, students are split into teams, with pairs of teams assigned a topic which had been briefly introduced over the course of the semester. Students will be asked to prepare not only arguments in favor of their position but must also effectively counter-argue their opponents. After arguments by both teams have been presented, the audience will vote for the team which made the most convincing argument. Additionally, students will complete a peer review of their teammates. The goal of this assignment is that as students collaborate with each other and ultimately, compete against their classmates, they will gain a deeper understanding of the biological aging process and how it may be applied to both their professional and personal lives.
BEYOND BORDERS: LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING AND SLEEP HABITS IN SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Siddiqui Aziza , Chekuri Srujana , Chataut Akankshya , Karki Dinesh , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Caregiving is generally altruistic in South Asian (SA) communities; however, caregiving activities can still create significant strain for caregivers depending on situational factors, including sleep and built environments (Hossain et al., 2020). Particularly, long-distance caregivers may grapple with the added complexities of not being physically present to provide care. This study utilized an online survey to investigate sleep habits and routines, caregiving activities, neighborhood satisfaction, and access to community resources for the SA community located in Omaha, Nebraska (N=74, MAge=25.8, SD=4.58). Caregivers reported on their perceived burdens, highlighting the unique challenges faced as they logistically navigate from afar, which remains underrepresented in research for the SA community (Hossein et al., 2020). Results revealed that SA caregivers’ sleep satisfaction was significantly related to caregiver responsibilities, including familial and professional expectations (χ2(6, N=74)=20.74,p&lt;.05). Caregivers concerned about their sleep patterns were significantly more likely to have impaired quality of life (r(72)=0.62, p&lt;.001). Self-rated home cleanliness was also considerable in caregivers’ controlling their bedtime (r(72)=0.36, p&lt;.001). Thus, control over sleep length and quality are essential factors to reduce caregiver burden. This highlights that how better sleep habits and a clean surrounding environment can potentially reduce strain experienced by many long-distance caregivers. The impact of home environments for the long-distance SA caregiving community is yet to be fully understood. It would be valuable to investigate this community’s caregiver norms and cultural expectations further to promote environments conducive to sleep quality and overall quality of life.
CLEAN AIR ACT 1990 AND ITS LONG-TERM IMPACT ON MORTALITY RISK AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Lu Siyao , Zang Emma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Air pollution significantly influences public health, being a predominant cause of illness and death in the United States. The 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) marks a pivotal regulatory initiative aimed at confronting this issue by enhancing air quality and public health outcomes. This study investigates the long-term effects of the CAA 1990 on mortality rates among the elderly, paying special attention to racial differences in health outcomes.

Methods
This study adopts a difference-in-differences approach, analyzing county-level administrative data from 1982 to 2000. This approach evaluates the long-term impact of the CAA 1990’s implementation on the mortality rates of older adults across counties classified as “attainment” or “nonattainment” regarding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 1990.

Results
The analysis reveals that the CAA 1990 significantly lowered mortality risks among the older population. Black men experienced the most substantial health benefits, although the impacts on Black older adults manifested more slowly compared to their White counterparts. The next phase of this research will explore potential mechanisms by examining the CAA 1990’s influence on air pollution reduction.

Discussion
This study underscores the CAA 1990’s role in mitigating public health burdens among older adults and highlights the essential need for policies that address racial disparities in the effects of environmental health. The insights are crucial for guiding future environmental policy, promoting environmental justice, and narrowing health disparities.
AN OBJECTIVE MEASURE OF STRESS REACTIVITY/RESILIENCE IN BLACK WOMEN DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Wright Kathy , Moss Karen , Helsabeck Nathan , Adams Ingrid Richards , Rose Karen , Klatt Maryanna D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Real-time objective measures of stress are crucial for identifying mechanisms applicable to health behavior change research for dementia caregivers. We explore the Pittsburgh Stress Battery (PSB) in a non-laboratory setting (R21AG077069) as an objective measure of stress reactivity/resilience. The PSB was administered to 16 Black American women caregivers with hypertension (40-65 years old). PSB includes three challenging tasks (Stroop, Mental Math, and Mirror Tracing). An automatic cuff measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) at three intervals during the 20-minute battery followed by a 30-minute recovery. Average participant age was 62.4 (SD= 6.1). Ten assessments were completed in an office and six at home. One Stroop and three Mental Math were not completed due to computer/internet issues or refusal. Mean SBP, DPB, and HR at baseline were 128.9 mmHg, 81.6 mmHg, and 71.3 (beats per minute). The difference from baseline in SBP was 10.5 mmHg (SD= 8.3) for Stroop, Mental Math -.94 mm Hg (SD= -0.6), and Mirror Tracing 1.6 mmHg (SD= 9.4). For DBP, Stroop was 5.0 mm Hg (SD=4.6), Mental Math 0.2 mm Hg (SD= 3.2), and Mirror Tracing 0.3 mm Hg (SD= 7.0). HR difference from baseline was 3.8 (SD= 0.5), Mental Math -4.24 (SD= 8.2), and Mirror test -0.75 (SD= -3.4). Findings indicate that PSB elicits SBP/DBP/HR stress reactivity/resilience. PSB was portable for use in community settings. Study results will help guide interventions for behavior change, aiming to improve health outcomes in Black Americans.