bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY-ENGAGED AGING RESEARCH IN GHANA
Authors: Washington Tiffany , Epps Fayron 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries have the fastest growing rates of older adults than other countries across the globe. In SSA countries, adults aged 60 and older will reach 161 million by 2050. Because SSA countries have under-developed economies, older adults in this region are at greater risk for a myriad of social, economic, and health conditions in comparison to their developed counterparts. For example, estimates suggest that the prevalence of dementia in the SSA region may be considerably higher than previously assumed, given the scarcity of comprehensive epidemiological data and the rapidly aging population. Addressing this knowledge gap is imperative to develop effective strategies for early detection, intervention, and support for affected individuals and their families. Therefore, the goal of this symposium is to describe efforts to better understand the experience of older adults in Ghana through community-university partnerships. Speaker one will discuss the development and implementation of a culturally adapted dementia education intervention in Ghana. Speaker two will describe nursing students’ experiences caring for older adults in acute care settings in Ghana. Speaker three will present barriers and facilitators to global community engaged dementia research using a collaboration between U.S.-based university and Ghanaian community partners as a case example. The discussant will outline steps forward in community-engaged aging research in Ghana.
ASSESSING CHANGE IN SOCIAL CONNECTION: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS WITH OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Van Orden Kimberly 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social disconnection is associated with suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in later life and is present in 70-90% of suicide deaths in older adults. However, it is not known if promoting social connection is an effective strategy to prevent suicide in later life because studies have not directly tested this mechanism. This presentation will describe the rationale and design of an ongoing clinical trial to test a brief behavioral intervention to increase social connection and thereby reduce suicide risk in older adults in senior living communities who endorse significant loneliness and recent suicide ideation. All study outcomes are measured via smartphone: two subjective indices of social connection are measured via EMA self-report (loneliness and satisfaction with social activities) as well as two objective indices of social connection (time spent outside the home [self-report via EMA, supplemented with GPS sensing] and quantity of conversations [ambient audio sensing]. Suicide ideation is assessed daily via EMA. Findings from baseline smartphone assessments will be presented, including compliance to the protocol. Currently, 5 subjects have completed the 10-day smartphone assessment protocol (2 males, 3 females), with an average age of 88 (range 77-96 years). Few studies with older adults use this methodology for outcomes assessment and no studies have used smartphone assessments to collect outcomes data for behavioral interventions for social connection, despite potential benefits of assessing social connection within real-world social contexts. Opportunities (maximizing sensitivity) and challenges (technology support) to this approach will be discussed.
DAILY MEMORY ISSUES: NATURE, CORRELATES, AND CONSEQUENCES
Authors: Hartung Johanna , Hueluer Gizem 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Memory lapses are common occurrences in daily life; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying their occurrence. The overarching goal of this project is to understand the nature, correlates, and consequences of memory lapses in everyday life. We conducted an experience-sampling study over ten days with three measurement occasions per day with 325 adults (age = 18 to 36 years). The momentary assessments included measures of memory lapses, working memory (WM) performance, activities, and mood. Participants also completed a retrospective memory lapse questionnaire. Our results show that the participants who retrospectively reported a higher number of lapses also reported a higher number of lapses across the 30 measurement occasions. Nevertheless, the frequency of momentary memory lapses was unrelated to WM, while the number of retrospectively measured lapses was associated with lower WM. The opposite pattern was found for interference/seriousness: WM was not associated with retrospective ratings of seriousness but with momentary ratings of interference. Memory lapses were more likely to occur on occasions with more cognitive activity and worse mood and individuals who reported more cognitive activity and worse mood than others also reported more memory lapses than others. The occurrence of memory lapses at a given time was unrelated to momentary working memory performance. Taken together, our findings suggest that the occurrence of memory lapses may be indicative of a cognitively active lifestyle, but not necessarily of objective performance deficits. We address the implications of our findings for theory and practice and discuss a replication with older adults.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE ROLE OF INCOME AND EDUCATION AS MEDIATORS
Authors: Taylor Harry , Roy Arka , Tsuchiya Kazumi , Nguyen Ann , Chen Yu-Chih , Cudjoe Thomas , Qin Weidi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Our study examines differences in loneliness by race/ethnicity among older adults in the United States and whether income and education mediate these differences. Data came from the Health and Retirement Study Leave-Behind Questionnaire, 2014-2016. Loneliness was measured by the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale. Race/ethnicity categories were White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino. The mediator variables were total household income and education. Sociodemographic covariates included gender, age, employment status, living arrangements, country region, urbanicity, and HRS LBQ Wave. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine differences in loneliness by race/ethnicity. The KHB mediation method was used to determine if income and education mediated racial/ethnic differences in loneliness. In bivariable analyses, White and Hispanic/Latinx older adults had comparable levels of loneliness, while Black older adults had higher loneliness scores. After multivariable adjustment, Hispanic/Latinx older adults had the lowest levels of loneliness while White and Black older adults had comparable levels of loneliness. A complete mediation was found between Whites and Blacks, in that income and education completely mediated differences in loneliness between these groups. A partial mediation was found between Whites and Hispanics, and between Blacks and Hispanics. Income as a mediator accounted for greater racial/ethnic differences in loneliness compared to education. Our study is the first to explicitly determine if socioeconomic factors mediate race/ethnicity differences in loneliness among a nationally representative sample of older adults. Study findings can inform evidence-based interventions and programs to reduce loneliness among older adults.
SUCCESSFULLY “AGING ALONE”? UNEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RISING RISKS IN FAMILY-BASED MODELS OF CARE CROSS-NATIONALLY
Authors: Mair Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
For the first time in human history, older adults will outnumber children and a substantial and growing proportion will live alone and lack one or more nuclear family tie. Such unprecedented shifts require a reevaluation of existing models of “successful aging”, particularly in terms of long-term care policies. This paper draws on country-level data from multiple publicly available sources (e.g., World Bank, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Our World in Data, and the World Values Survey) to examine cross-national patterns of development, health, demography, resources and policies, and cultural values in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Although there exists substantial heterogeneity across countries, country-level patterns illustrate the economic privilege of living alone and the dominance of “successful aging” opportunities in high income countries. Cultural values about family reflect standard patterns of economic development, yet friendship emerges as a particularly consistent global value. Living alone is associated with poor health in lower income countries, yet better health in higher income countries. Aging “alone” is a risk factor in some contexts, yet a marker of privilege in others. Models of “successful aging” are largely unobtainable in lower income countries, and therefore require a thorough incorporation of global realities, or final abandonment in favor of more nuanced structural perspectives. Long-term care policies that assume the presence of family will yield increasing risk over time across all global contexts and represent a key vulnerability in the future of healthy aging policy.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND SYMPTOM BURDEN IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Tucker Gretchen , Cagle John , Stump Timothy , Tu Wanzhu , Zhang Peiyuan , Floyd Alex , Ersek Mary , Unroe Kathleen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research suggests that family involvement improves the quality of life of nursing home residents. Using baseline data from an on-going multisite clinical trial (UPLIFT-AD), we examined the association between family involvement and staff-reported accounts of resident symptom burden. Symptom burden was measured as a composite of frequency and intensity of symptoms, using items from the End-of-Life Dementia (EOLD) scale. Higher scores indicate greater burden. Family involvement was measured by the family-reported average weekly in-person visit frequency over the past month (range 0-7 days). Data on 198 residents were collected, 61.9% of whom were in Indiana, with the remainder (38.1%) in Maryland. Of the 198 residents, 60.3% were female. The Brief Interview for Mental Status score, which indicates cognitive impairment level, was 6.5 (SD=3.9). Most family members were an adult child (58.7%), 7.9% were spouses, and 38.8% were “other.” On average, spouses visited 5 days a week, children 2 days a week, and other family members 1.5 days a week. In 53.5% of cases, the reporting staff member knew the resident for &gt;1 year. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the frequency of in-person family visits and EOLD scores while adjusting for resident demographics, mental status, family relationship to the resident, and facility location. Visit frequency was associated with higher EOLD scores (B=0.18, p=.037). Findings suggest family involvement may sensitize nursing home staff to the presence of a resident’s burdensome symptoms, which may become more discernible to families with increased involvement.
MOTIVATING OLDER ADULTS THROUGH IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL EXERCISE (MOTIVE)
Authors: Burch Brittany , Resnick Barbara , Reyes Jimmy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Physical activity among older adults can prevent and treat a host of chronic conditions and reduce mortality. However, people who are high-income are almost twice as likely to meet the physical activity guidelines compared to their low-income peers. Physical activity interventions are a critical approach to directly decrease health disparities among older adults who are low-income. We present pilot study results from an innovative intervention titled Motivating Older Adults Through Immersive Virtual Exercise (MOTIVE), which aimed to: 1) determine the feasibility of MOTIVE and 2) test the preliminary efficacy of MOTIVE at increasing physical activity among older adults who are low-income and living in urban environments. We randomized 10 older adults in Baltimore to the fully-immersive virtual reality exercise intervention (MOTIVE) and 10 to a physical activity education only control group. For 8 weeks, twice weekly, the participants in the MOTIVE intervention group biked through virtual naturalistic environments and smashed targets to the beat of their favorite music. To analyze the data, we performed descriptive statistics and used linear mixed models, controlling for covariates. We found that MOTIVE group participants attended an average of 15 out of the 16 sessions. During the 8 weeks, according to the Yale Physical Activity Survey Part 2, the MOTIVE participants significantly increased their physical activity (p&lt;.001, CI=-31.3,-11.3). While the interaction of time and group was not statistically significant, the Cohen’s d (.53) indicated a moderate effect, favoring the MOTIVE intervention group. These results provide strong preliminary data to support a scaled-up study.
GAIT SPEED AS A FUNCTIONAL VITAL SIGN: FROM IMPLEMENTATION TO INTERVENTION
Authors: Baillargeon Emma , Garbin Alexander , Bean Jonathan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults with impaired mobility have a greater risk of falls, hospitalization, loss of independence, and mortality. Interventions to improve mobility are effective, but because mobility limitations are under-diagnosed, patients are often not referred for treatment unless they fall or report a change in function. Walking (gait) speed is a strong predictor of overall health (a “functional vital sign”) and can identify patients who may benefit from intervention, but in most clinics is not routinely assessed like other vital signs. In this symposium, we will present four projects on using routine gait speed assessment to identify and treat mobility limitations in outpatient clinical care. The first two speakers (Baillargeon and Garbin) will present projects implementing gait speed in outpatient geriatric clinics, the factors associated with implementation, project outcomes, and strategies to integrate gait assessment into clinical workflows. The third speaker (Lo) will present on self-administered app-based walking assessments that can allow for more frequent measures of walking in various settings and how this data may inform clinical decision making. Finally, the last speaker (Brach) will discuss interventions to improve gait speed that could be used to treat mobility limitations once patients are identified. Our discussant (Bean) will lead a conversation about this work in the larger context and possible future directions for the field. Together, the talks in this symposium will provide evidence that routine, quantitative gait assessment in outpatient care is feasible and has significant potential to improve the care for older adult patients across the continuum of healthcare.
ASSESSING THE GENERALIZABILITY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN THE ALL OF US DATABASE
Authors: Plummer Narcissa , Ratnayake Aneeka , Olivieri-Mui Brianne , Cavanaugh Robert 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Few large databases are representative of the US population of people living with HIV. In 2018, the All of Us (AoU) Research Program launched, with the goal of enrolling 1 million Americans under-represented in biomedical research such as PWH. This study aimed to establish the generalizability of data self-reported by PWH in AoU to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV surveillance statistics (2021). We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of AoU participants who self-reported as living with HIV. The ‘allofus’ R package extracted survey responses to the HIV-related questions with the relevant concept IDs (1384391, 43530505, 43528832, 43530347). We compared AoU demographic statistics to CDC HIV surveillance statistics using Pearson’s chi-squared tests. Of the 409,420 AoU participants 1,714 people self-reported having HIV. Most were male (n=1,282, 76.4%) and reported a non-heterosexual sexual orientation (n=1,239, 71.2%). Almost half were 55 and older (n=821, 47.9%) and the largest race/ethnicity group was non-Hispanic White (n=783, 45.7%). Compared to national surveillance data AoU was similar in gender/sex (US: 76.9% Male vs AoU: 76.4% Male, p-value 0.103), but different in age (US: 22.7% Age 45-54 vs AoU: 26.8% Age 45-54, p-value &lt;0.001) and race/ethnicity (US: 39.8% Non-Hispanic Black vs AoU: 30.6% Non-Hispanic Black, p-value &lt;0.001). AoU has successfully oversampled older ages, but self-reported PWH are Whiter than expected. As such, interpretations of AoU are limited in generalizability to the US HIV population. Future research is to redefine AoU HIV cohort (including health records and medication) and evaluate generalizability.
THE DEMENTIA CARE PARTNER HUB: A NOVEL RESOURCE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA, CARE PARTNERS, AND CARE TEAMS
Authors: Dawson Walter , Reed Jenn Hollandsworth , Gelmon Sherril 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Care partners of people living with dementia (PLWD) need information and access to multiple services and programs to provide support and maintain their own wellbeing. Focus groups (n=5) and interviews (n=24) were conducted with care partners and interviews with organizations serving PLWDs in the Portland, Oregon region between July 2022 and September 2023. A review of organizational websites and relevant literature identified several US-based role model programs. Data analysis revealed community assets and unmet needs, and articulated resource priorities to inform programs/services. Dementia care partners need multiple supports for caregiving: information about dementia; navigation and coordination; psychological support; recognition of care partner burden; leisure activities; day services; transportation; legal and financial services; home health; and financial support. Feedback revealed care partner deficits in accessing information and social supports. To augment existing services and supports for care partners, a Dementia Care Partner Hub (the “Hub”) should be developed. The Hub would be the central node of a regional network of existing services. The Hub should serve all dementia care partners in its service region, with a responsive design to the specific assets and needs of historically and currently underrepresented communities. It should augment and complement current clinical, research, and social programs by connecting care partners to programs and services. Community-specific information for communities defined by geography and identity will ensure the Hub equitably serves care partners with varying needs. Key elements to achieving this equity goal include language access, culturally appropriate information, and accessibility of the Hub across the entire region.
“CULTIVA MENTE”: DESIGNING A BRAIN HEALTH CAMPAIGN FOR PROMOTING DEMENTIA-RISK REDUCTION
Authors: Aravena Jose , Castro Hugo , Poblete Ronald , Levy Becca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Implementing a successful campaign to promote dementia-risk reduction requires an understanding of how both older persons and healthcare providers conceptualize dementia risk as well as culturally relevant barriers and facilitating factors related to achieving brain health. Thus, this study aimed to achieve this goal through a qualitative study using a design-thinking approach with senior center participants aged 60 and older with no dementia, and healthcare professionals working at the senior centers in Chile. Ten centers, each with one focus group of senior center participants and one focus group of health professionals discussed topics related to a brain health campaign. Thematic analysis was conducted and supplemented with an analysis of previous educational campaigns. A total of 115 patients and 51 health professionals participated. Themes identified included: A) social images about dementia; B) knowledge about dementia risk factors; C) structural barriers to dementia prevention, including ageism; D) barriers and facilitating factors to dementia prevention, such as education: and E) role models of persons that worked toward brain health. Based on these results and analysis of previous initiatives, an educational campaign named ‘Cultiva mente’ (cultivate mind) was developed, referring metaphorically to nurturing minds like plants. The campaign includes posters and brochures highlighting positive images and behaviors about aging and brain health, an educational interactive website, and a training program for health professionals on dementia risk reduction strategies. This study constitutes the design of a culturally relevant campaign to promote dementia risk reduction that will be tested in a future efficacy study
NEW CONSUMER-REPORTED QUALITY INDICATORS FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES: THE NCI-AD SURVEY
Authors: Shippee Tetyana , Shih Regina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This symposium will introduce new consumer-reported quality indicators for home and community-based services (HCBS). The HCBS Quality Measures Set released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services includes few consumer-reported measures, most of which are not psychometrically validated or widely applicable. The National Core Indicators- Aging and Disability Survey (NCI-AD) is an underutilized source of consumer-reported data for measuring HCBS quality. This symposium includes 4 presentations. [1] The first presentation provides an overview of the NCI-AD database for researchers and policy-makers, including new features/survey tools added to more recent survey waves. [2] The second presentation introduces five new quality indicators (from 22 consumer-reported survey items) developed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the NCI-AD data. These indicators include staff quality, environmental safety, community inclusion, service satisfaction, and service decision-making; each with good reliability and validity (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.78-0.89). [3] The third presentation demonstrates measurement of service-specific unmet needs as a measure of consumer-reported quality for 6 commonly used HCBS, and how these differ between consumers with versus without dementia. [4] The fourth presentation discusses state-level factors as correlates of consumer-reported service-specific unmet needs, with emphasis on a higher proportion of Medicare managed care beneficiaries in a state as a predictor of greater unmet needs for some HCBS measures. Collectively, the four projects introduce new consumer-reported quality indicators for HCBS and equip the attendees with knowledge to measure consumer-reported quality in HCBS, including for older adults with dementia.