bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“I KNOW EVERYTHING. STOP TELLING ME I’M FINE”: A DYAD STUDY ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OLDER PATIENTS
Authors: Tong Juncheng , Cao Jiawei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the increasing societal attention and concern towards older patients with cancer, self-perceived social discrimination by patients, along with benevolent discrimination by their families, are often too subtle to be recognized. Since only a few studies have investigated such issues, this qualitative study aims to investigate the sources and causes of social discrimination in this group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 dyads of older patients with cancer and their primary caregivers (i.e., family members) about perceived self-discrimination and quality of life. Interview transcripts with dyads were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed line-by-line using thematic analysis. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and reviewed discrepancies until a consensus was reached. Four significant themes were uncovered from interviews with patients: 1) self-definition, 2) withholding information from primary caregivers, 3) socialization anxiety, and 4) stereotypes about aging and dying. Four themes emerged from interviews with primary caregivers: 1) avoiding provoking patients’ frustration and discomfort by withholding medical information, 2) being considerate but lack of communication, 3) exhaustion with repeated disappointment, and 4) family love and compromise. These findings suggest that such actions by the caregivers could result in feelings of discrimination, distrust, or even betrayal by the patients. This study provides guidance to both clinicians and caregivers to 1) identify unintended discrimination practices in healthcare, 2) strengthen dyad trust and communication, and 3) accept external support services (e.g., counseling and palliative care), which are essential for improving patients’ quality of life.
THE IMPACT OF SYNCHRONIZED DYADIC DANCE ON SOCIAL BONDING AND INTERGROUP CLOSENESS
Authors: Suberry Assaf , Bodner Ehud 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Synchronization of bodies in time encourages positive social functions such as cooperation and compassion. This study examined the effect of synchronous dance movements on social bonding and perceived intergenerational closeness. 168 participants ranging in age from 20 to 45 (young adults) and 65+ (older adults) were randomly assigned to six dyad conditions, which included dancing synchronously or asynchronously with an in-age-group or with an out-age-group stranger for 11 minutes. Participants completed social bonding with the partner and perception of distance between social groups (in terms of religiosity, ethnographic origin, political stance, and age) questionnaires. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeling to assess variation across both individual measurements and measurements within dyads. Social bonding significantly increased in the synchronized condition (b = 0.51, p =.014), with participants reporting higher bonding with the dancing partner compared to the asynchronous condition. Relative to older participants, younger participants demonstrated a greater enhancement in perceived closeness across diverse social groups, as well as a greater increase in perceived closeness between age groups following the intervention. Lastly, participants reported a greater sense of closeness across generations when dancing asynchronously with in-group members compared to out-group members. We explore the possibility that declining openness and a shift towards conservatism in older adults may influence social connectedness and attitudes. Intergenerational dance programs may promote intergenerational relations and social cohesion, particularly for young adults. Practitioners from various fields - welfare, nursing, sport, music education, and community therapy may benefit from intergenerational rhythmic activity.
EFFECTS OF HEARING INTERVENTION ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FUNCTION: FINDINGS OF THE ACHIEVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL
Authors: Huang Alison , Schrack Jennifer , Glynn Nancy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This session examines the long-term effect of hearing intervention on physical activity and function. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) randomized controlled trial (2018-2022) is a multi-center randomized controlled trial of 977 adults aged 70-84 with untreated hearing loss and without substantial cognitive impairment (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422). The trial’s primary outcome was to determine efficacy of hearing intervention for reducing 3-year cognitive decline. Data on exploratory outcomes, such as physical activity and function were also gathered. Associations between hearing loss and lower physical activity and function have been consistently demonstrated across large epidemiologic studies. The mediating factors that may underlie these associations include changes in auditory awareness, communicative difficulty, cognitive decline, and/or reduced social connection. Hearing intervention (e.g., provision of hearing aids and related technologies, counseling, and education) may modify these mechanistic pathways and could potentially serve as an intervention for improving or maintaining physical activity and function among older adults with hearing loss, but has yet to be investigated in a randomized controlled trial. This session will describe the overall study design of the ACHIEVE trial and present results on the 3-year effect of the hearing intervention vs. health education control on four exploratory outcomes of physical activity and function: accelerometry-based and self-reported physical activity, fatigue, and physical performance.
EFFECT OF HEARING LOSS TREATMENT ON ACCELEROMETRY-MEASURED DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Schrack Jennifer , Wanigatunga Amal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hearing impairment is widespread in older adults and associated with lower physical activity, but whether hearing loss treatment reduces or attenuates age-related decline in physical activity as individuals become more aware of -and interactive with- their surroudings is unknown. This study tested the effect of a hearing intervention vs. successful aging health education control on quantities and patterns of wrist-worn, accelerometer-derived daily physical activity over 3-years among older adults with hearing loss, a pre-specified exploratory outcome in the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study. Two-level linear mixed effects models with an interaction term (intervention x time) were used to test if 3-year change in physical activity outcomes differed by intervention assignment. Function-on-scalar regression (FOSR) models were used to examine potential intervention time-of-day differences in physical activity. Participants were (mean±SD) aged 76±6 years, 89% White, 52% female, and 53% had a Bachelor’s degree or higher. At baseline, mean activity counts/day were 1.86x106±810,889, active minutes/day were 382.3±160.5, and activity fragmentation was 23.8%±8.2%. At year 3 of follow-up, activity counts/day and active minutes/day declined (β [95%CI]) (-49,584 [-61,873, -37,294] and -8.7 [-11.4, -6.1]), respectively, and activity fragmentation increased (0.18% [0.01, 0.35%]). Results did not differ by intervention assignment. FOSR models showed no difference in time-of-day activity by intervention assignment. Results suggest the hearing intervention did not attenuate 3-year declines in physical activity in older adults with hearing loss. Findings may have been attenuated by the content of the successful aging program (single-session on physical activity), or relatively short follow-up time.
EFFECTS OF HEARING INTERVENTION WITH HEARING AIDS ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION: FINDINGS FROM THE ACHIEVE STUDY
Authors: Zhang Wuyang , Deal Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hearing loss is an underrecognized risk factor for physical function decline that may be amenable to rehabilitative intervention. Using data from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, a randomized controlled trial of best practices hearing intervention on cognitive decline (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422), we investigated the effect of hearing intervention versus health education control on 3-year changes in physical function, a pre-specified outcome for the trial. 977 participants were randomized 1:1. The primary outcomes for this analysis included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), rescaled according to published guidelines developed in the Health Aging and Body Composition study to address ceiling effects in high-functioning populations, and grip strength. At baseline, the study sample had an average SPPB score of 1.80±0.34, with a mean age of 76.8±4.0 years, 54% female, and 11% self-reported Black race. In linear mixed effects models adjusted for participants’ baseline socio-demographic characteristics, health status, and hearing status (and corresponding time interactions), 3-year changes (in SD units) were did not differ between treatment groups in SPPB scores (β=-0.001; 95%CI: -0.115, 0.113; p-value: 0.98) and grip strength (β=0.016; 95%CI: -0.054, 0.085; p-value: 0.66). In pre-specified sensitivity analysis, the strongest estimated effect of hearing intervention on SPPB performance was among those with worse cognitive test performance (β=0.237; 95%CI: -0.019, 0.493; p-value: 0.07). Given that physical function was not the primary outcome of the ACHIEVE trial, these results should be considered exploratory. Follow-up of ACHIEVE participants is ongoing to determine if intervention effects require longer follow-up time.
THE JOINT EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION AND HEAT ON EPIGENETIC AGING IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Dang Kristina , Choi Eunyoung , Finch Caleb , Crimmins Eileen , Ailshire Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior research shows independent associations of exposure to air pollution and heat on epigenetic alterations. However, less is known about the combined effects of long-term air pollution (PM2.5) and acute heat events. We examine joint effects of elevated PM and heat on DNA methylation (DNAm). Data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study DNAm Sample (N=3,464) were merged at the census tract level to (1) annual ambient concentrations of PM2.5 from CACES and (2) daily heat index data averaged 7-days before blood collection from gridMET. Four categories of joint PM2.5 and heat were analyzed: (1=reference) low PM2.5 (&lt; 9.2 𝜇g/m3) and low heat (&lt; 80 on heat index); (2) low PM2.5 and high heat; (3) high PM2.5 and low heat; and (4) high PM2.5 and high heat. We used five epigenetic aging measures: Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE. Linear models were adjusted for age, sex, cell type, race/ethnicity, education, and neighborhood poverty. Compared to the reference of low PM2.5 and heat, we found associations of short-term heat and low PM with accelerated DNAm aging for Hannum (𝛽=0.61 95%CI:0.05, 1.18) and PhenoAge 𝛽=0.90 95%CI:0.28, 1.52). High PM2.5 and low heat had weaker associations (Hannum 𝛽=0.41 95%CI:-0.28, 1.11; PhenoAge 𝛽=0.13 95%CI:-0.61, 0.89), as did joint effects of high PM2.5 and heat (Hannum 𝛽=0.21 95%CI:-0.61, 1.03; PhenoAge 𝛽=0.27 95%CI:-0.68, 1.22). Short-term heat may accelerate epigenetic aging, particularly in areas with low air pollution. These findings suggest underlying physiological responses to acute heat exposures may differ between residents in low and high air pollution environments.
EVIDENCE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE FORTITUDE TO AD IN RACIALLY/ETHNICALLY MINORITIZED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Clark Alexandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
It is essential that emerging research focuses on characterizing important heterogeneity in risk and resiliency to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) within minoritized communities of color. Our previous work has used empirical methods to identify distinct psychosocial-behavioral and cognitive phenotypes within a large sample of community-dwelling Black and Latinx older adults enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities (HABS:HD). This first part of this presentation will discuss the identification and characterization of unique psychosocial-behavioral phenotypes. We will highlight how these phenotypes displayed varied cognitive, neuroimaging, and AD biomarkers outcomes, with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms by which a “resilient” Low Resource/Low Distress group defies the odds of economic inequality and does not appear to be at increased risk for developing AD. This second part of this presentation will highlight data that provides a more nuanced understanding into why bilingualism has been linked to a later age of AD onset. We demonstrate that there is significant variability in the cognitive profiles of bilingual Latinx speakers that is partially attributable to language of testing, proficiency, dominance, and age of acquisition. Furthermore, we discuss the identification of a unique group of bilingual speakers with above average memory performance who are less likely to progress to the mild cognitive impairment phase. Collectively, this work illustrates the need to move beyond racial/ethnic group comparison studies to non-Latinx whites, highlights the importance of characterizing within-group heterogeneity, and further emphasizes potential points of prevention and intervention for optimizing aging outcomes in racially/ethnically minoritized older adults.
LIFECOURSE STRESS EXPOSURES, RESILIENCE, AND BIOBEHAVIORAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE AGING
Authors: Chen Ruijia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Stress exposures across the lifespan, such as childhood adversities and financial strain, may contribute to social disparities in cognitive outcomes. Individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds tend to be exposed to more stressors than their advantaged counterparts. Prior research has indicated that psychosocial stressors are key determinants of physical and mental health as well as health disparities. However, their roles in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) risk have received considerably less attention. In addition to understanding and intervening directly on stressors, elucidating modifiable factors, such as social networks, further along these pathways may offer additional intervention avenues. Greater social networks have been consistently noted as predictors of lower ADRD risk, yet the structure and impact of social networks may vary across racial and ethnic groups, making it essential to assess the associations between social networks and ADRD risk in diverse racial and ethnic groups. Psychosocial stressors may lead to sleep disturbances (e.g., sleep apnea and insomnia), biobehavioral factors that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. With the availability of effective treatments for some types of sleep disturbances, evaluating how these disturbances contribute to ADRD risk across different racial and ethnic groups could identify novel targets for reducing disparities in ADRD. This presentation will cover a series of studies applying advanced epidemiologic methods, including causal inference, to investigate the roles of life course stress and resilience factors in contributing to disparities in cognitive aging.
IMPACT OF STRUCTURAL RACISM ON COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Ali Talha , Cohen Joshua , Gilani Owais , Needham Belinda , Dokshina Darya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Black individuals are twice as likely as White individuals to develop cognitive impairment. However, little empirical research has investigated the sources underlying these racial disparities. We examine the effects of exposure to structural racism as a fundamental cause of racial disparities in the risk of subjective cognitive decline among older adults. Data on subjective cognitive decline from the 2015-2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed among adults aged 45 years and older. We operationalized structural racism as an index of the number of racist vs. neutral vs. anti-discriminatory state-level policies. BRFSS participants were assigned structural racism exposure based on their state of residence at the time of the survey. The association between exposure to structural racism and the risk of subjective cognitive decline was examined using multilevel logistic regression models. Interaction terms were used to examine how this association was modified by individual-level race. American Indian Alaska Native, multiracial, and Hispanic individuals had the highest reports of experiencing subjective cognitive decline. Black individuals were the most likely to live in states with high levels of structural racism. Greater exposure to structural racism was associated with higher odds of reporting subjective cognitive decline. This association was modified by individual-level race and ethnicity, such that the risk of subjective cognitive decline decreased with increasing exposure to structural racism among Hispanic individuals. These findings warrant further research into exploring the social and emotional factors that offer resilience among Hispanic older adults.
NEIGHBORHOOD WALKABILITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC CORRELATES OF STEP ACTIVITY FOR NON-HISPANIC BLACK OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Moored Kyle , Desjardins Michael , Varma Vijay , Richards Emily , Ohgi Sayuri , Donahue Patrick , Carlson Michelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neighborhood socioeconomic resources and walkability (e.g., proximity of services/amenities) may promote health in later life by encouraging physical activity. Yet, structural racism (e.g., redlining) has caused Black Americans to disproportionately reside in more disadvantaged neighborhoods. We examined whether neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, both independently and jointly with neighborhood walkability, was cross-sectionally associated with objective step activity in non-Hispanic Black older residents of Baltimore City, MD. Participants were from the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial at baseline (n=168, mean age=67.0±5.5). Neighborhood measures included validated indices of Census tract-level walkability (e.g., transit access, street connectivity, service/commercial density) and socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g., poverty, unemployment). Individuals were further categorized into combined walkability/disadvantage groups using median splits of each index: low walkability/low disadvantage (40%), high walkability/low disadvantage (7%), high walkability/high disadvantage (46%), low walkability/high disadvantage (8%). Average daily step activity was measured using an ankle-worn monitor (mean=4.3 wear days). Linear regression was used to examine associations with step activity adjusted for age, gender, and education. Being in the highest (vs. lowest) tertile of disadvantage was associated with 1513 fewer average steps per day (95% CI: -2873,-153). While walkability was not independently associated with step activity (p&gt;.05), the high walkability/high disadvantage group had an average 1381 more steps per day (95% CI: 204,2558) compared to the low walkability/high disadvantage group. Higher neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was linked with lower physical activity for non-Hispanic Black older residents of Baltimore City. Yet, positive neighborhood attributes like walkability may buffer against socioeconomic disadvantage, potentially by providing access to services/amenities that promote activity.
THE IMPACT OF CULTURE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF AGING ASIAN IMMIGRANTS: FINDINGS FROM A MIXED STUDY IN EDMONTON, CANADA
Authors: Tong Hongmei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As a well-known immigrant-receiving country, Asian immigrants constitute most immigrants in Canada. However, the understanding of cultural diversity and intra-cultural similarities and differences among aging immigrants’ civic activities is limited. A mixed-methods study was conducted to examine civic participation experienced by Filipinos, Indians, and Chinese, since they are the three largest ethnocultural communities in Edmonton. Thematic analysis related to research questions was used for data analysis. Findings show diversity in the understanding of civic engagement and willingness, and their understanding and engagement in civic activities are affected by culture-related factors such as country of origin, time since immigration, citizenship status, greater official language proficiency, and pre-migration participation in activities. Public policies, such as immigration and integration policies (e.g., multiculturalism, diversity, and social inclusion), also influence immigrants’ civic participation. The findings suggest that cultural diversity should be considered in promoting civic activities among aging immigrants.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS, RELIGION, AND SPIRITUALITY FOR OLDER ADULTS IN ENGLAND
Authors: Victor Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although there is evidence linking the prevalence of loneliness with religion and/or spirituality in north America, this topic is rarely researched in the UK. This study explored the relationship between measures of religious affiliation, attendance, and practice with loneliness for older adults in England. We generated an analytic sample of 6225 adults aged 50+ who took part in wave 9 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The exposure variables of religious affiliation, attendance and practice were measured by questions on religious identity; frequency of attendance at places of worship in the last year; and 4-point Likert scales of agreement or disagreement with religious importance, meaning and purpose, prayer and meditation, and activity. Loneliness outcome was measured using the three item University of California Los Angeles loneliness scale. The majority of our analytic sample were Christian (77%), 22% had no religion and 49% had not attended a place of worship in the last year. The prevalence of loneliness (score 6+ on UCLA scale) was 19%. Religious attendance was significantly associated with loneliness (OR =.73 CI.62-.85, p &lt;.001), with attendance protective against feeling lonely. However, this relationship was not significant after adjustment. No relationship was observed between loneliness and religious affiliation or spirituality. Religious identity remains prevalent in older adults in England, but attendance and practice less so. Further studies in diverse populations, using validated measures of loneliness and religion, are necessary to investigate whether loneliness can be moderated or mediated by religion/spirituality alongside other determinants.