bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“I FEEL LIKE A SOMEBODY AGAIN”: THE ETHICS OF CARE IN A SHELTER FOR OLDER ADULTS FLEEING ABUSE
Authors: Richardson Lena Rebecca , Canham Sarah , Weldrick Rachel , Hoselton Jill , Grittner Alison , Walsh Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Elder abuse is one pathway into homelessness for older adults. Given the limited research on the experience of older adults staying in homeless shelters for victims of abuse, we conducted qualitative interviews with ten clients and five providers from an elder abuse shelter in Western Canada. Drawing on a feminist ethics of care framework, we explored what supports older survivors of abuse use to cultivate a sense of belonging at the shelter. Conducting a secondary qualitative data analysis, we identified three themes: 1) trust-building between providers and clients supports successful care-receiving by clients; 2) mutual care and caregiving by clients fosters clients’ sense of belonging; and 3) a perceived lack of care disrupts trust and impedes belonging. Our findings reveal how client trust is, in part, cultivated by providers’ acts of flexible, responsive care, supported by organizational policies and practices. In addition, clients’ acts of mutual care and caregiving towards other clients, friends, family, strangers, and animals contributes to their sense of belonging. In contrast, a perceived lack of care could be a source of conflict, though such experiences can be repaired through responsive care by providers and clients. Findings highlight the importance of shelter policies and practices which conceptualize older clients fleeing abuse as part of a multidirectional web of caring relations in fostering belonging. This study has implications for shelter program design that prioritizes trust-building through flexible, responsive care by providers, and recognizes client needs for care-receiving, caregiving, and mutual care.
WHY AI GOVERNANCE SHOULD BE A FOCAL ISSUE FOR GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Berridge Clara , Berridge Clara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-mediated decision making currently impact older adults in numerous ways. From algorithmic decision making used in health insurance, employment, housing, and public benefits, to the information ecosystem, to social robots, AI applications implicate important issues of ethics, access, and ageism. The World Health Organization reports that the diverse interests of older adults are not well represented in discourses about AI policy making or governance. As AI harms are better understood, the call from public interest groups and from many academic fields has gotten louder for comprehensive AI and data privacy policy in the United States (U.S.), which lags behind other countries. Drawing from the international insights of European, Canadian, and U.S.-based research, this symposium will consider how older adults and their rights are represented in AI policy documents, laws, and policy discourse. Dr. Ho will discuss ethical concerns resulting from regulatory gaps in direct-to-consumer AI health monitoring platforms in the U.S context. Dr. Stypinska will highlight how European national (Germany, Spain, UK, Holland and Poland) and international policy documents related to AI position older adults. Dr. Gallistl will discuss the relevance of AI explainability in later life, as one of the key terms that currently inform EU AI-governance. Dr. Robillard will review findings and gaps from an analysis of international policies for social robots with aging applications. Participants with and without prior policy knowledge or AI research experience are welcome. Technology and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
END-USER PERSPECTIVES ON POLICIES FOR SOCIAL ROBOTICS WITH AGING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Robillard Julie , Dosso Jill , Ye Haiger , Guerra Gabriella , Riminchan Anna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social robots, including those with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled functionalities, are promising in their potential to support brain health in older adults in both home and healthcare environments, but their benefits must be weighed against ethical considerations and risks. To characterize and evaluate existing guidance in this field, we conducted a content analysis of n = 47 international policies on social robotics and conducted n = 18 semi-structured interviews with lived experience experts within the dementia and care partnership community and professional experts in the field of aging and dementia. Participants viewed social robots as potentially helpful assistive technologies and agreed with existing recommendations around the needs for respect for human rights and dignity, clear and consistent regulation, and public engagement. Participants recommended that policies prioritize cost and accessibility considerations, represent the needs of minority groups, and that they center around issues specific to aging and dementia. They reported that the responsibility for social robot policy development should lie with governments and the healthcare sector and called for increased consultation with end-users and medical professionals. Results also highlighted misalignments between the priorities of the aging and dementia community members and the existing social robot policy landscape. Potential harms and challenges to adoption of social robots were discussed, including discrimination, bias, and deception. Taken together, findings from this two-phase study can inform evidence-based policy recommendation for the development and implementation of AI-enabled social robots for aging.
AI DEVELOPMENT AND AGING POPULATIONS: CRITICAL JUNCTURE OR PATH DEPENDENCY? POLICY ANALYSIS
Authors: Stypinska Justyna , Rosales Anrea , Sourbati Maria , Koçer Rüya , Nadobnik Halina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper presents policy landscapes of five European countries - Germany, Holland, Spain, Poland, and Great Britain, as well as international documents (EU, UNESCO, Council of Europe) - scrutinizing their approaches to AI development through the lens of aging population. The research question addressed is: How are older persons represented and situated within AI governance in these national and international documents? The study, conducted as part of the “Ageism in AI (AGEAI)” research project, employs a policy text analysis to examine the explicit and implicit ways ageism manifests in AI development strategies. The research scrutinizes policy texts to discern the extent to which the needs, rights, wishes and perspectives of older individuals are acknowledged and integrated. The results show that economic growth, expected due to advancement of AI technologies, leaves a large segment of population – those not active in the labor market - beyond the scope of the policies. Furthermore, we observe diverse approaches and levels of inclusivity of the aging population across the five countries. While some nations exhibit explicit efforts to incorporate considerations for older adults within their AI policies, others demonstrate a significant gap in addressing age-related concerns. Moreover, the presentation will reflect on whether the direction of AI development proclaimed by the strategic documents reflects a pattern of path dependency of those policy instruments or suggests a more radical approach – a (new) critical juncture in development of technology for, by and with older adults.
PHYSICAL FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS: WHAT DRIVES AND PREVENTS IT?
Authors: Walston Jeremy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Physical frailty puts older adults at very high risk of adverse health outcomes and early mortality. There are multiple physiological and molecular changes that drive the development of frailty, including altered metabolism, activated inflammatory pathways, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Over the past several decades, our team has worked to identify specific physiological and molecular changes that drive earlier onset of frailty and late life decline in older adults. These pathway discoveries have also informed the underpinnings of physical resiliency in a subset of older adults, and helped to identify potential mechanisms by which older adults can live at lower biological risk of developing illnesses as well as functional and cognitive decline. This lecture will encapsulate how the evolving understanding of physical frailty, underpinned by decades of research, is reshaping our approach to healthy aging and reflecting a profound shift in the landscape of gerontology research.
OUR WAYS ARE A GIFT: NATIVE WAYS OF LIFE AND SPIRITUALITY AMONG ALASKA NATIVE ELDERS
Authors: Thompson Lena , Kim Steffi , Lewis Jordan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Spirituality plays an important role and tends to increase in importance as one ages, including for Alaska Natives. Spirituality is also one of the guiding principles of aging well and contributes to other aspects of Elders’ lives. The presence of spirituality does not ensure successful aging, but rather enables them to maintain a positive and healthy life. This presentation is part of a parent study that consists of 162 qualitative interviews with AN Elders over the course of 16 years, representing over 21 rural and urban communities across Alaska, and were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore the role of spirituality as a part of Native ways of life and successful aging. The Elders in this study practiced different forms of spirituality, including prayer, spending time on the land, participating in their Native arts and crafts, and spending time with family and community. Elders discussed how spirituality is found within most of their Native ways of life, including hunting, gathering, and preparing Native foods, and spending time with family and community. Spirituality is self-defined, unlike religion which relates to participation in a Western form of religion, like attending church. Some Elders in this study are both spiritual and religious, so it is important to ask about these practices and understand how they impact their understanding of aging in a good way. This presentation will conclude with a discussion of recommendations families, communities, and programs can do to integrate spiritual and religious activities into their programs to promote successful aging.
EVALUATION OF STAFF TRAINING FOR DELIVERING A GROUP MOVEMENT PROGRAM TO VA NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Miller Matthew , Molly Delzio , Chesney Margaret , Jacob Riya , Lee Jennifer , Chao Linda , Barnes Deborah , Nicosia Francesca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Residents with dementia in VA nursing homes require complex care, but interprofessional staff rarely receive specialized training. Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is an evidence-based group movement program for residents with dementia that provides an opportunity for interprofessional staff to support mobility through functional movement, mindfulness, and other core principles. This study evaluated acceptability and impact of a remote program designed to increase scalability of interprofessional training for PLIÉ delivery among VA nursing home staff. The 10-week training program included weekly didactic sessions with pre-recorded videos (staff); weekly experiential sessions (staff, resident); and supervised teaching practicums (staff, residents). Satisfaction (staff, resident) and staff confidence in delivering PLIÉ were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Changes in resident fall history and physical function were examined using electronic medical records and the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Among 38 interprofessional staff enrolled across 4 sites, 29 (13 nurse, 6 recreation therapist, 10 other) attended at least 80% of the training sessions. The mean±SD staff satisfaction (N=22) was 4.5±0.7 (1: Poor, 5: Excellent) and confidence delivering PLIÉ was 6.7±0.7 (1: Cannot do, 7: Certain I can do). The mean±SD resident satisfaction (N=11) with the PLIÉ program was 3.7±1.0. The proportion of residents (N=32 residents; 31 male, 11 Black/African American) with a documented fall was lower after PLIÉ (Pre: 29%, Post: 6%, p=0.02), and attending more PLIÉ sessions was associated with physical function improvement (β:-0.83, p=0.03). These findings suggest the remote PLIÉ training program is acceptable and potentially improves resident fall rates and physical function.
SUICIDE IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT [MCI]: DATA FROM OVER 370,000 OLDER VETERANS WITH MCI
Authors: Morin Ruth , Ritter Aaron , Li Yixia , Byers Amy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior research has demonstrated that receiving an MCI diagnosis increases risk for near-term suicide attempt. Moreover, psychiatric comorbidity associated with MCI, which may exacerbate conversion to dementia, is also associated with suicide risk. To our knowledge, the current study is the first to comprehensively characterize the occurrence of suicide attempt and associated clinical factors in a large nationally representative sample of older Veterans with MCI. This study leveraged a cohort of Veterans over age 50 who used VA healthcare between 2012-2020 (N = 5,059,526). There were 370,546 individuals with clinically diagnosed MCI identified. Among those, 5,101 attempted suicide (fatal and non-fatal) during the study period (1.4% of the MCI sample). Of those who attempted suicide, 574 were fatal (11.3%). Individuals who attempted suicide were significantly younger, more likely to be female, and less likely to be White than those who did not attempt (all p&lt;.001). Psychiatric comorbidity was strikingly high among the MCI group with a suicide attempt (98.4% with an attempt had at least one psychiatric comorbidity compared to 81.5% who did not attempt). Specifically, there was significantly higher prevalence of any mood disorder, anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, psychotic spectrum disorders, and sleep disturbances. Of individuals with MCI who attempted suicide, 71.4% had prior suicide attempt before receiving an MCI diagnosis and nearly 80% had reported suicidal ideation at some point during the study period. Findings indicate a call for investigation into mechanisms of suicide risk and strategies for prevention/intervention in this vulnerable population of adults with MCI.
USING MICRO-CREDENTIAL TO ADVANCE LONG-TERM CARE STAFF EXPERTISE IN PALLIATIVE CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Sun Winnie , Calver Jen , Martignetti Lucas , Peters Volletta , Lemonde Manon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Ontario Tech University partnered with experts from Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (Durham Region of Ontario) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences to develop a micro-credentialing certificate program in dementia care. This study aims to evaluate the usability and applicability of using micro-credential learning to advance long-term care staff’s expertise in providing palliative care for people with dementia.

Methods
Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) (n=19) who worked in long-term care homes located in Southern Ontario completed a one-day training to pilot-test a gamified micro-credential education related to palliative care for people with dementia. Upon completion of the training, a quantitative pre-assessment and post-assessment were used to evaluate learner’s perceived knowledge, skill, attitude and confidence as measured by the Educational Self-Efficacy Scale.

Results
Overall, there was a statistically significant increase in knowledge after the micro-credential training (P&lt;.0001), with a mean increase of 3.2 more questions answered correctly. Focus group findings revealed four key themes: opportunities of using gamified simulation to promote learner’s engagement; lack of palliative care training to support people with dementia; need to strengthen workplace training using micro-credential for upskilling; and meaning of palliative care in long-term care sector.

Conclusion
Palliative care is recognized to be an important part of work in long-term care as residents are often admitted with complex and life-threatening conditions. Participants highlighted the feasibility of enhancing their knowledge and competence in palliative care through specialized training using gamified, simulation learning through micro-credential training.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO MITOCHONDRIA AND CELLULAR SENESCENCE
Authors: Passos Joao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Senescence is a multi-functional cell fate, characterized by an irreversible cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory phenotype, commonly known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence indicates that accumulation of senescent cells in multiple tissues drives tissue dysfunction and several age-related conditions. This has spurred the academic community and industry to identify new therapeutic interventions targeting this process. Senescence is a complex and highly heterogenous phenotype and despite tremendous progress in recent years we are still far from fully understanding it. There is no single, stand-alone marker that allows the identification of senescent cells, posing a challenge to their identification and targeting. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an often-unappreciated hallmark of cellular senescence which plays important roles not only in the senescence growth arrest but also in the development of the SASP and resistance to cell-death. In my talk, I will first describe some of our recent efforts to accurately map senescent cells in different tissues during aging. Additionally, I will describe how mitochondria contribute to the development of senescence and resistance to cell-death. Finally, I will propose that a detailed road map of mitochondrial biology in senescence will be crucial to guide the future development of therapies targeting cellular aging.
HOW OXIDATIVE DAMAGE TO TELOMERES PROMOTES PREMATURE CELLULAR SENESCENCE
Authors: Opresko Patricia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Telomeres are protective caps at chromosome ends required for genome stability and sustained cell proliferation. Oxidative stress is associated with accelerated telomere shortening and dysfunction, and telomeric sequences are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. To study how oxidative damage impacts telomere function, we use a chemoptogenetic tool that produces the common oxidative lesion 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG) selectively at telomeres. Human cancer cells =are largely unaffected by a single induction of telomeric 8oxoG, but chronic damage impairs cell growth and increases telomere shortening and loss. In contrast, a single induction of telomeric 8oxoG in non-disease human fibroblast and epithelial cells triggers hallmarks of p53-dependent cellular senescence. Telomeric 8oxoG promotes replication stress at telomeres, leading to telomere fragility rather than accelerated telomere shortening. Surprisingly, the loss of repair enzymes OGG1 and MUTYH partially rescues the telomeric 8oxoG-induced senescence and telomere dysfunction, while double knockout causes a near complete rescue. These glycosylases initiate base excision repair at sites of 8oxoG, leading to repair intermediates, including abasic sites and single strand breaks. Following telomeric 8oxoG damage, repair intermediates accumulate at telomeres in wild type, but not OGG1/MUTYH deficient cells. These data suggest that inefficient completion of 8oxoG BER at telomeres triggers cellular senescence via repair intermediates which disrupt telomere function. We uncovered a novel mechanism for telomere-driven rapid senescence that depends on DNA replication and glycosylase activity but occurs in the absence of telomere shortening. This mechanism may contribute to markers of telomere dysfunction that increase with age and oxidative stress in slowly proliferating tissues.
HIGH RESOLUTION SPATIAL PROTEOGENOMICS TO ASSESS TARGET ENGAGEMENT AND COMPARE SENOLYTIC EFFICACY IN THE BRAIN OF TAU TRANSGENIC MICE
Authors: Orr Miranda , Garbarino Valentina , Orr Timothy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Tau protein accumulation induces cellular senescence in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies contributing to dysfunction and disability. Treating tau transgenic mice with pharmacological agents to clear senescent cells, “senolytics,” reduced brain pathology and improved structure and function. We now report results from directly comparing the previously used senolytic therapy, dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q), to fisetin (FIS), a senolytic with a potentially favorable side-effect profile. Fourteen-month-old male and female wild type (WT) and tau transgenic (rTg4510) mice were treated intermittently for 12 weeks with D+Q, FIS or vehicle by oral gavage. Physical and behavioral outcomes were measured before and after treatment, and we utilized spatial proteogenomics for high-resolution target engagement. In vivo assessments included assays for exploratory behavior, cognition, stereotypic behavior, physical performance and frailty. Genotype- and sex-specific treatment effects will be discussed. Both senolytic treatments were equally protective against neurodegeneration as evidenced by smaller lateral ventricle size in senolytic treated rTg4510s compared to those vehicle treated. GeoMx digital spatial profiling and CosMx spatial molecular imaging data indicate treatment-specific effects with a genotype interaction. In general D+Q exerted a greater effect on tau neuropathology in rTg4510 mice; other treatment-specific differences across cell types and brain regions will be presented. Overall our data suggest that tailoring senolytic therapies to specific individuals in the future based on sex and disease state may provide the most benefit as we continue to translate this promising therapy to clinical use.
THE UNEQUAL ENTITLEMENT TO FILIAL CARE: HOW DO OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS MOBILIZE SUPPORT FROM ADULT CHILDREN
Authors: Cao Xuemei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The broad-brush image of vulnerable older immigrants conceals their heterogeneous pathways to later life and their varied abilities to mobilize care during personal and health crises. This study examines why some older immigrants hesitate to seek help from their children whereas others feel entitled to ask for help. I conducted in-depth interviews with 42 older Chinese immigrants (aged 60 and above) in Massachusetts and ethnographic observations at various spaces where my participants congregated. Built on the cumulative advantage/ disadvantage theory, I show that international migration is a critical life transition that triggers immigrants’ unequal and gendered cumulation of material, cultural, social, and moral resources in the US and China. Those with earlier age at migration, higher socioeconomic status, and legal and social membership in the US can selectively preserve aspects of the ethnic culture of filial piety, and request help from their children as needed. By contrast, those who arrived in mid-to-late adulthood, who are of lower socioeconomic status, and who question earlier parenting and migration decisions (e.g., transnational separation) feel less entitled to seek help despite their desires for filial care. Unequal life-course resource cumulation leads to widening disparities in immigrants’ later-life health outcomes and well-being through the process of support mobilization. Considering that those who need help the most often feel least entitled to ask for help from their families, social and aging services should proactively offer support to these older adults to ensure their well-being and reduce inequalities.