bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRADITIONAL COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE OF KOREAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS: CULTURAL AND HEALTH NEEDS
Authors: Yi Grace , Jang Yuri , Martinez Leah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Korean American population, primarily comprised of first-generation immigrants, is rapidly growing and aging. Literature underscores the significant challenges faced by KAs, largely due to limited English proficiency and cultural differences, which impact their accessibility to the healthcare system and, as a result, health disparity. This study examines the use of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), such as acupuncture and traditional herbal medicines, as a culturally appropriate means to address health inequality. Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multisite survey conducted in 2017-2018 across five states (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida), this study analyzed factors influencing TCAM use among Korean American older adults (KAOA) aged 60 and above (N=2,176) through logistic regression analysis using StataBE18. Over one-quarter (27.2%) of participants reported TCAM use. After controlling demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, education, financial status, and spirituality), significant predictors of TCAM use included acculturation factors, such as ethnic culture closeness (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.04, p&lt;.05), the need for a translator in healthcare settings (OR=.69, p&lt;.01), and residing in areas with a high density of Korean Americans (OR=1.40, p&lt;.05). Also, health and mental health-related factors included cancer (OR=.53, p&lt;.05), arthritis (OR=1.69, p&lt;.001), needing help with daily activities (OR=1.10, p&lt;.05), and experiencing a lack of interest in life (OR=1.72, p&lt;.05). These findings highlight the significance of acculturation and health/mental health factors in determining TCAM use among KAOA and call for health policymakers and providers to adopt culturally competent approaches when working with ethnic minority older adults.
VIEWS ON AGING AND PERCEIVED DISCRIMINATION: THE MODERATING ROLE OF GENDER TYPICALITY
Authors: Smith Kelly , Strough JoNell 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Age and gender are outwardly visible personal characteristics upon which people make social judgments (Cuddy & Fiske, 2002). As such, these different characteristics may be associated with perceived discrimination. Here, we examined whether perceived discrimination varied depending on individuals’ views of their own aging (VoA) and their gender typicality when each was measured as a multidimensional construct. VoA was comprised of aging-related cognitions, self-perceptions of aging, and subjective age. Gender typicality was comprised of gender roles and expectations, gender self-concept, and gender social presentation. Participants (N = 616; 40-93 yrs., M = 53.43 yrs.; 56% women, 85% White) completed self-report measures collected online via Prolific. Interactions between VoA and gender typicality were assessed using an SEM framework in Mplus, and there were two significant interactions among components of VoA and gender typicality. First, perceptions of discrimination were greater for participants who reported less positive aging-related cognitions and highly-gender-typical gender roles and expectations. Second, perceptions of discrimination were greater for those with less positive self-perceptions of aging, and this was amplified for those with lower gender typicality (roles and expectations). Together, these findings suggest that high and low gender typicality in the form of conformity to gender roles and expectations are differentially associated with perceptions of discrimination depending on VoA. The importance of considering multiple personal characteristics to better understand perceptions of discrimination is discussed along with recommendations for future research that considers the intersection of VoA and other individual difference characteristics.
YOU MADE IT TO A BIG NUMBER”: PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER ADULTHOOD AMONG ADULTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Authors: Linton Elizabeth , Gallo Joseph , Schrack Jennifer , Pecker Lydia , Lanzkron Sophie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study categorizes how adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) define older adulthood and identifies topics important for future gerontology research. Individuals aged 18 and older were recruited from a pilot mixed-methods study in an outpatient SCD clinic, selected for representation across age, sex, genotype, and frailty (physically robust, prefrail, frail) according to the 5-item FRAIL scale. Interviews were analyzed using Lieblich et al’s interpretive categorical-content approach. Five thematic categories defining the onset of older adulthood emerged: (1) SCD’s cumulative impact, (2) Observed lifespan of others with SCD, (3) Social determinants of health and lifestyle, (4) Statistical life expectancy, and (5) Social roles and transitions. Proposed research to promote healthier aging were (1) studying SCD sequelae and age-related comorbidities, (2) developing new SCD treatments and cure, and (3) identifying non-opioid pain management. Population aging for people living with SCD presents novel opportunities to promote dignity across the lifespan. This study’s findings may inform the content of health communications to facilitate goal-concordant SCD care.
A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN THE DISTANCE CAREGIVING CONTEXT
Authors: Budnick Andrea , Bünning Farina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As demographic change progresses, fewer and fewer relatives are available to provide care locally. Consequently, distance caregiving has increasingly attracted the attention of the gerontological research community. Technological support plays a role in enabling the distance caregiving arrangement. However, there is a paucity of research on this type of support in the distance caregiving context. Hence, this qualitative study explores actors’ experiences, perceptions, and attitudes in performing their roles within the distance caregiving arrangement by utilizing technological support. One-on-one guided interviews were conducted face-to-face with distance caregivers (N=20; mean age=51.8 years), care recipients (N=20; mean age=82.4 years), and representatives of the supportive local network (N=18; mean age=55.4 years). Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using phenomenological analysis. Our findings show that distance caregivers successfully implement various forms of communication technology to keep the care arrangement running by using devices like landline phone, smartphone, and/or e-mail. In everyday life, aids such as dementia clocks, smart home applications for automated door and/or window control, or smart speakers are used. Around-the-clock video surveillance of care recipients is used in only two distance caregiving arrangements. Potentials and risks of technological support are viewed by all actors and include maintaining independence or social participation, but concerns are also expressed regarding the triggering of false alarms, possible misuse, or data protection. Fear of technology or lack of tech literacy prevent actors from using technological support. Triangulated findings imply that improved tech literacy could create more reliability and simplify distance caregiving for all actors involved.
A SCOPING REVIEW OF OBESITY INTERVENTIONS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES AMONG OLDER RURAL ADULTS
Authors: Karakida Maki , Avila Jaqueline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Rural communities are known for their limited access to care, transportation, and healthy foods, which can increase obesity risks. Obesity among older adults is associated with mobility impairment, falls, diabetes, hypertension, and can further deteriorate the health of older rural residents. This scoping review assessed studies targeting obesity/overweight among rural adults aged 50+ to: 1) analyze the prevalence of obesity and the highest risk groups in epidemiological studies, and 2) assess the efficacy of clinical/community interventions to reduce obesity/overweight in this population. CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases were searched from January 1, 2000 to June 27, 2024. Fifteen articles met the eligibility criteria. Selected studies were then divided into: community interventions (n= 3), remote interventions (n= 3), hybrid intervention (n= 1), and cross-sectional epidemiological studies in the US (n= 3) and abroad (n= 5). Epidemiological studies consistently showed that the prevalence of obesity/overweight was higher among older women than men. While one US study found significant associations between lower educational attainment and higher obesity rates, one non-US study reported no associations between obesity and educational levels. Community interventions included nutrition and exercise sessions. One randomized-controlled intervention significantly reduced participant’s weight compared to those who did not receive face-to-face counselling. Remote/hybrid interventions, including telehealth and video conferencing, were cost- and time-effective, but only three of them successfully lowered participants’ weight and/or improved physical functions. Further interventions need to focus on the prevention and control of obesity among high-risk groups, such as women and people with lower educational attainment.
“A NEVER-ENDING CYCLE”: ANXIETY AND SLEEP AS PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF FREEZING OF GAIT
Authors: Ghose Sarah , Dautovich Natalie , Williams Claire , Luehrsen Samantha , Karlsen John , Blackwell GinaMari , Cloud Leslie , Pretzer-Aboff Ingrid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
More than 50% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from Freezing of gait (FoG). This debilitating symptom is characterized by an intermittent inability to initiate voluntary forward movement. Much research has focused on biological mechanisms underlying FoG, but less on psychosocial correlates. This study used a mixed-method design to elucidate associations between sleep, anxiety, and FoG. Participants were engaged in a more extensive NIH-funded parent study protocol. Thirteen people with PD (76.9% male; M age = 69 years old, SD = 6.73 years) participated. Sleep measures using actigraphy were collected one week before the parent study started. Measures of anxiety and FoG were collected pre- and post-walking through a FoG-triggering protocol. On average, participants self-reported higher State Anxiety scores at baseline and lower anxiety scores post-task. Contrarily, salivary alpha-amylase levels measuring anxiety increased steadily from baseline to post-task. Additionally, on average, participants’ self-reported (sleep diaries) better sleep across indices when compared with actigraphic measurement. Qualitatively, participants reported noticing strong associations between anxiety, sleep, and worsened FoG outcomes. Higher levels of anxiety were associated with worsened FoG. Poor sleep was associated with worsened next-day functioning and FoG. A few participants reported noticing no association between their sleep and FoG. Findings highlight the importance of anxiety and sleep for FoG outcomes, supporting prior research suggesting that higher anxiety and worse sleep may exacerbate FoG. These results suggest a need and utility for (1) further investigation and (2) the assessment and treatment of anxiety and sleep concerns beginning at PD diagnosis.
AGE-SPECIFIC DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A MULTIGROUP ANALYSIS
Authors: Jung Mi Sook , Cui Xirong , Cha Kyeongin , Lee Ahrim , Park Eunyoung , Yeom Hyun-E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Physical activity is highly beneficial for breast cancer survivors. However, many survivors often have insufficient levels of physical activity due to fatigue, psycho-social barriers, limited knowledge, and low self-efficacy. These barriers vary in type and severity due to age-related factors, potentially leading to differences in physical activity levels and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study drew upon the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory to explore the interrelationships between contextual and process factors and proximal outcomes (physical activity, HRQOL). Community-dwelling 450 breast cancer survivors were recruited to assess cancer stigma, health literacy, social support, exercise self-efficacy, behavioral regulation, physical activity engagement, and HRQOL. Structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis with the moderating effect of age were performed. Greater stigmatization of cancer, lower social support, and worse behavioral regulation were directly associated with lower physical activity engagement while health literacy, behavioral regulation, and physical activity engagement had direct effects on HRQOL. Behavioral regulation mediated the association between contextual factors (stigma, health literacy) and physical activity. After confirming full measurement invariance between the groups, significant differences in factor loadings were found in specific pathways from contextual (stigma) and process factors (behavioral regulation, social support) to physical activity, highlighting age-related differences in how these factors interact. The findings underscore how complex patterns of contextual and process correlates influence physical activity in older and middle-aged women with breast cancer, respectively. The age-specific uniqueness should be considered when developing targeted strategies to promote active living and achieve optimal health in later life.
AGING IN PLACE WITH A WARMING CLIMATE: HOUSING POLICY AND DESIGN FOR AGING WITH EXTREME HEAT
Authors: Kain Nichole 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging populations—particularly in areas prone to extreme heat—are facing unique residential challenges. In the past 10 years, extreme heat has killed more people in the United States (U.S.) than all other weather hazards combined, and it is expected to get hotter, with extreme heat events predicted to happen more often in the future. People over the age of 65 are disproportionately represented as the majority of heat victims, and are likely to perish in their own homes during these events. This study reveals that age-adaptive and climate-adaptive housing designs contribute to our quality of life and ability to survive as we age in a warming world. In addition to advancing our understanding of aging in places with extreme heat, this research offers two pieces of applied materials: A residential guide/handout for the general public that combines mitigation for both extreme heat and age-friendly design, as well as a policy research brief promoting the future development of energy efficient and age-friendly housing.
AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON AND CHINA’S REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: EVALUATION OF QINGDAO’S LONG-TERM CARE POLICY
Authors: Song Huiru , Mi Hong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Qingdao is the first city in China to fully implement long-term care insurance, and its system has important reference significance for the healthy and equity development of the elderly population in Shandong Province. The policy divides long-term care insurance benefits into medical services and nursing services, with the medical service fee being 3,500 yuan per year for employees and 3,000 yuan per year for residents, and the nursing service fee being 18,000 yuan per year for employees and 5,000 yuan per year for residents. According to forecasts, the GDP of Shandong Province is expected to reach 14,145.63 billion yuan in 2035. Therefore, according to the ratio of one employee to two permanent residents, under the fixed disability rate program, the province’s disabled elderly population is 1,554,800, including 513,100 employees and 1,041,700 permanent residents, and under the variable disability rate program, the province’s disabled elderly population is 1,728,700, including 570,500 employees and 1,158,200 permanent residents. At the same time, under the fixed disability rate plan, the long-term care insurance expenditure in Shandong Province in 2035 will be 8826,153,360 yuan, accounting for 6.23/10,000 of GDP. Under the variable disability rate scenario, long-term care insurance expenditure is 981,3526,560 yuan, accounting for 6.937 per 10,000 of GDP, which is much lower than that of OECD countries. In the future, Shandong Province should implement precise positioning based on Qingdao’s policies and combine the regional characteristics of each city to promote long-term care insurance from wide coverage to full coverage.
ASSESSING READINESS OF BLACK OLDER ADULTS TO DISCUSS ADVANCE CARE PLANNING WITH THEIR SURROGATES
Authors: Akabike Ekenechukwu , Howe Rebecca , Agnoli Alicia , Bidwell Julie , Amadi Grace 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is a tool to identify health care goals in serious situations or if anticipating end-of-life circumstances. ACP is not always utilized by those who might most benefit from it and appears underutilized by black older adults for unclear reasons. This study explores 3 aims to better understand the readiness of black older adults to complete ACP including examining patient readiness to participate in ACP using the stages of change model, types of barriers and promoting factors to patient participation in ACP, and patients and surrogates’ concordance on ACP readiness. A sub-analysis explores how readiness for ACP participation varies based on the patient-surrogate relationship. A mixed methods design used surveys and qualitative interviews to assess black older adults aged 60 – 91 and their associated surrogate selected from outpatient clinics within an academic hospital and a local community church in Sacramento, CA. Participants included 30 older adult respondents with 12 surrogates consisting of 7 adult children and 5 spouses/partners. Results suggest variation of end-of-life care discussion readiness where 63% of surrogates report already completing this discussion but only 45% of patients with surrogates report similar findings. Variation also occurs with patient readiness to discuss end-of-life care with adult children (17% of patients with children surrogates report not thinking about having these discussions yet) compared to those with a spouse/partner surrogate (100% of patients with partners/spouses have already had discussions). Additional research may help increase understanding of themes of patient and surrogate readiness and engagement in ACP.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT SATISFACTION AND AGING ATTITUDES IN OLDER CHINESE ADULTS
Authors: Xu Sophie Zhijing , Zhao Dan , Mao Weiyu , Wang Jing , Yang Zhongfang , Zheng Yaguang , Wu Bei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With the aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in China, understanding the factors influencing aging attitudes among elderly individuals is crucial. This study examines the role of neighborhood environment satisfaction in shaping aging attitudes among elderly Chinese individuals with chronic diseases. Using data from the latest China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS, 2020), demographic characteristics including gender, marital status, education level, residence type, employment status, and age were analyzed. Regression analysis explored associations between aging attitudes and satisfaction with various neighborhood environment factors, controlling for demographic variables. The sample included 7,111 participants aged 60 years and older. Among them, 5,574 (78.38%) had chronic diseases. Higher satisfaction with road conditions (β = 0.815, P &lt; 0.001) and accessibility facilities (β = 0.339, P = 0.003) showed significant positive associations with attitudes toward aging in this group. Conversely, none of the neighborhood environment satisfaction factors were significantly associated with aging attitudes among older adults without chronic diseases. This study underscores the importance of neighborhood environment satisfaction in shaping aging attitudes among elderly Chinese individuals with chronic diseases. Creating age-friendly environments and tailored interventions can foster positive aging experiences and well-being in this demographic. These findings have implications for policymakers, urban planners, and healthcare professionals striving to create supportive environments conducive to healthy aging in rapidly aging societies like China.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WAIST-BASED ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT FROM THE KFACS
Authors: Lee Daehyun , Shin Hyung Eun , Jung Heeeun , Jang Jae Young , Cho Hyunjin , Lim Nahyun , Won Chang Won , Kim Miji 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While several studies have explored the association between obesity and cognitive function in older adults, definitive evidence linking waist-based anthropometric indices to impaired cognitive function remains lacking. Our study aimed to investigate the association between the waist-based anthropometric indices and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults according to sex. We conducted a retrospective study on 1,192 community-dwelling older adults (51.8% women; mean age 75.1±3.6 years) from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study during a 6-year follow-up. The waist-based anthropometric indices at baseline include waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-weight ratio (WWR), and weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI). These indices were calculated as follows: WHtR= WC (cm) / height (cm), WWR= WC (cm) / body weight (kg), and WWI= WC (cm) /√(body weight (kg)). MCI incidence was measured from Wave 2 to 4, with MCI defined as Mini-Mental State Examination&lt; 24. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the association between these waist-based anthropometric indices and MCI, and restricted cubic spline curve was used to assess the potential nonlinear relationship. The incidence of MCI was 21.1% in men and 34.1% in women during 6-year follow-up (p&lt; 0.01). The highest WWI quintile was significantly associated with MCI only in men (odds ratio: 4.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.39–14.47) in the fully adjusted models. However, no significant associations were found in WC, WHtR, and WWR. Our findings suggest that WWI is more strongly associated with MCI compared to other waist-based anthropometric indices in men, proposing its potential as a clinical indicator for MCI.