bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SENSE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE PREDICTS HIGHER ENGAGEMENT IN COGNITIVELY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES
Authors: Lewis Nathan , Hill Kyrsten , Pfund Gabrielle , Rule Payton , Allemand Mathias , Hill Patrick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Several studies have noted associations between having a strong sense of purpose or direction in life and better cognitive health outcomes including better memory, executive functioning, and reduced dementia risk. However, limited research has considered why these associations occur. Engaging in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading is believed to promote cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to compensate for damage and maintain function even in the face of aging or neurological disease. The present study aimed to test this potential mechanism by examining whether a stronger sense of purpose predicts higher engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, and whether these associations differed based on age and retirement status. Data were collected from an online survey of 787 American adults on Prolific, with over-recruitment of older adults (Mage=50.31, SD=16.34, Range=19-85, 49.30% women, 71.08% White). Multiple regression tested whether those with higher in sense of purpose reported more frequent engagement in 15 activities from the Cognitive Leisure Activity Scale (e.g., reading a book/newspaper, doing puzzles, attending a club or group activity). Having a stronger sense of purpose in life was associated with more frequent participation in cognitive leisure activities (β=0.25, 95% CI [0.19, 0.32], p&lt;.001) adjusting for age, gender, race, income, and retirement status. Additional models found no significant interactions with age (β= 0.00, 95% CI [-0.00, 0.01], p=.156) and retirement status (β=0.09, 95% CI [-0.09, 0.24], p=.236). These findings suggest that a strong sense of purpose may encourage cognitive activity, regardless of age or retirement, potentially supporting cognitive health.
SKN-1 ISOFORM-C IS ESSENTIAL FOR C. ELEGANS DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Gaglio Marisa , Gorla Vandita , Nair Tripti , Ramos Carmen , Turner Chris , Curran Sean 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The transcription factor SKN-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans is a critical regulator of various biological processes, impacting development, diet and immune responses, cellular detoxification, and lipid metabolism; thereby playing a pivotal role in regulating the health and lifespan of the organism. The primary isoforms of SKN-1 (SKN-1a, SKN-1b, and SKN-1c) exhibit distinct functions resembling mammalian Nrf transcription factors. This study investigates the specific role of the SKN-1c isoform in development by generating mutants with targeted missense mutations in the skn-1c and skn-1a isoforms. The skn-1c Met1Ala mutants, which replaces a start methionine with alanine, renders SKN-1c non-functional while preserving other isoforms, produced inviable embryos, requiring a balancer chromosome for proper embryonic development. In contrast, skn-1a Met1Ala mutants, which replaces the start methionine with alanine for this isoform, displayed normal embryonic development and hatching. Moreover, the data suggest that SKN-1c plays a crucial role in embryonic development, as strains without maternally deposited SKN-1c lead to embryos that are developmentally arrested. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of SKN-1c’s specific role in influencing embryogenesis and development in C. elegans.
STAFF FOCUS GROUP TO INFORM A DYADIC PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR SHORT-STAYS IN NURSING HOME
Authors: Plys Evan , Law Makenna , Seward Morgan , Vranceanu Ana-Maria 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Subacute/post-acute nursing home (NH) stays represent a missed opportunity for psychological intervention with patient-caregiver dyads at a highly stressful time. Existing interventions are not designed specifically for this setting and dyadic population. This study aimed to identify: (1) psychological needs to inform intervention content; and (2) context-specific considerations for implementation.

Methods
We conducted 5 focus groups with 28 NH staff (e.g., leadership, clinical, administrative). Interview guides were iteratively developed and aligned with the Designing for Accelerated Translation of Emerging Innovations (DART) framework. Data were analyzed using hybrid indicative-deductive reflexive thematic analysis to map emergent themes onto the DART framework for intervention development (i.e., demand, user-centered design, and context-sensitive).

Results
A dyadic psychological intervention was identified as filling a gap in care, demonstrating value added. Two themes related to demand: (1) staff need help addressing psychological concerns, and (2) psychological services are lacking for short-stay dyads. Four themes related to user needs: (1) fear and worry related to declining health; (2) emotional responses to changes in independence; (3) impact of psychological distress on rehabilitation progress; and (4) impact of psychological distress on discharge. For context-sensitive approaches, staff provided feedback for intervention delivery (e.g., session length), implementation (e.g., referrals), and the research protocol (e.g., randomization).

Conclusion
Qualitative data was matched with theory and evidence-based skills to develop a dyadic psychological intervention for the NH setting: Building Resilience In SKilled nursing care (BRISK). This presentation will present intervention content, implementation, and protocol considerations to be tested in an upcoming open pilot.
STEREOTYPE EMBODIMENT AFFECTS FEAR OF FALLING: COMPARISON OF EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEASURES
Authors: Blount Amber , Ali Eman , Leinbach Carla , Kim Dahee , Lafontant Kworweinski , Lighthall Nichole , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Stereotype Embodiment Theory posits that societal stereotypes about aging affect older adults’ self-perceptions of aging (SPA). The implicit belief of negative stereotype associations may be less influential than explicit stereotype beliefs. Stereotype affirming beliefs can be implicit in which there’s no self-identification, while stereotype embodiment is explicit self-identification with negative stereotypes. Little is known about the role of implicit associations of aging in older adults. Negative SPA is associated with fear of falling (FOF) in older adults. This study explored the association between stereotype embodiment and implicit associations, and FOF among low-income community-dwelling older adults (N=162, MeanAge = 74.6, SD = 7.15). Stereotype embodiment was assessed using the Consequences-control-negative subdomain of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire, while implicit associations of aging was measured using the Age Implicit Association Test. FOF was assessed using the Short Fall Efficacy Scale-International. Most participants (86.9%) exhibited implicit aging stereotype beliefs, with 41.4% also displaying stereotype embodiment. Among those with both negative implicit associations and stereotype embodiment, 48.3% had high FOF. No significant correlation was found between stereotype embodiment and implicit associations. However, a significant association between stereotype embodiment and FOF was found (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the association between implicit associations and FOF was non-significant. These findings support stereotype embodiment theory, highlighting that self-identification with negative aging stereotypes can contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies more than mere stereotype beliefs do. This holds implications for clinical gerontologists by indicating a need for interventions targeting maladaptive self-stereotyping to mitigate overestimated FOF in older adults.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RACE, SEX, AGE, AND PERSONAL FINANCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Simon Lena , Allan Alexa , Tian Junyan , Buxton Orfeu , Zonderman Alan , Evans Michele , Gamaldo Alyssa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current study explored (a) the association between personal finances during the COVID-19 pandemic and depressive symptoms and (b) whether this association varies by sociodemographic characteristics. The sample included 158 aging adults (60% African Americans; 72% Female; age 46-83) from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhood of Diversity across the Life Span Sleep Study (HANDLSleep). Participants were asked to self-report changes in their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic on a scale from 0 (unstable or consistent decline) to 2 (consistent increase). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) measured depressive symptomology and severity. Linear regression models indicated reports of unstable/consistent decline in finances during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with greater depressive symptomology even after adjusting for age, sex, and race (β = -.24, p =.034). Additionally, a significant interaction between race and COVID-19 finances item was observed (β =.91, p =.033). Nonsignificant interactions were observed between the COVID-10 finances item and other demographic variables (age, sex). Subsequent race-stratified analyses suggested that the significant association between unstable/consistent decline in finances during COVID-19 and greater depressive symptoms were observed only among White adults (β -.52, p =.008) but not within Black/African American adults (β = -.10, p &gt;.05). These findings highlight the financial consequences of sociohistorical events (e.g., structural factors in a COVID-19 pandemic context) for mental health. These differential outcomes in groups of community dwelling adults suggest different public health measures and policies may be warranted under these circumstances.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH STROKE
Authors: Phianhasin Lalipat , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Ruksakulpiwat Suebsarn , Byun Eeeseung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults with stroke often experience physical and mental disabilities, resulting in limitations on social functioning, such as participating in social roles and activities. Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as education and income, are shown to have an impact on morbidity and mortality in stroke survivors. However, little is known about the impact of SDOH on social functioning in older adults with stroke. We aimed to examine the associations between SDOH (i.e., marital status, race/ethnicity, education, poverty income ratio [PIR], work status, and health insurance status) and social functioning (i.e., difficulty doing errands alone, participating in social activities, and work limitations due to health problems) in older adults with stroke. We used the National Health Interview Survey 2019-2022 data, which had 61,957 participants aged 60 years and older, including 4,163 stroke survivors. We used logistic regression to examine the associations between SDOH and social functioning after adjusting for covariates, including age, sex, and perceived health status. Being a racial/ethnic minority and not working over the previous week were associated with difficulty doing errands alone. Not being married, being Hispanic or non-Hispanic Asian, and not working over the previous week were associated with difficulty participating in social activities. Not being married, having a PIR &lt; 1 (income below the federal poverty threshold), and not working over the previous week were associated with work limitations due to health problems. Addressing SDOH in care plans for older adults with stroke may improve social functioning and quality of life in this at-risk population.
THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS, SOCIAL ISOLATION AND FIVE DOMAINS OF COGNITION
Authors: Yoon Dokyung , Zelinski Elizabeth , Eich Teal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations between loneliness, social isolation, and five cognitive domains by using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Participants included 2,884 older adults (mean age = 72.8) in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. The 11-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used for loneliness. For social isolation, several indicators were scaled (e.g., marital status, contact frequency with children, other family members, and friends, and participation in social organizations) using the Steptoe’s Social Isolation Index. Based on the confirmatory factor analysis findings from Zahodne et al. (2020)’s article, the average z-scores of the test results corresponding to each cognitive domain (memory, executive function, visuoconstruction, language, and processing speed) were calculated. Multiple regression for each cognitive domain was conducted. The results revealed that there were significant associations between loneliness and the cognitive scores across all five domains, indicating that the lonelier older adults were, the lower their cognitive scores tend to be. Even after controlling for demographics and depression, these associations remained significant for memory, executive function, and language. Social isolation showed a significant association only with processing speed. However, the interaction term between loneliness and social isolation was not significant across all five cognitive domains. This study provides that links between social isolation, loneliness, and cognition differ across domains. Furthermore, loneliness might have an association with memory, executive function, and language independently of depression.
THE CLOSER THE BETTER? AGE DIFFERENCES IN EXPRESSING EMOTIONS TO OTHERS
Authors: Stephenson Jane , Chen Enna , Whitman Kathrine , Carstensen Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory posits that as people age and future time horizons shorten, they prioritize emotional meaning over exploration. As a result, they selectively narrow their social networks to focus on close and emotionally meaningful relationships. Thus, older adults may be more likely to express their feelings to close social partners and benefit more emotionally from sharing their feelings in close relationships as compared to more distant ones. In an experience sampling study collected at five randomly selected times per day for seven days, 180 participants (aged 18 to 93, M = 57.3) reported whether they talked to someone about their emotions, their relationship to that person (spouse/partner, family, friend, acquaintance, coworker, stranger), and whether they felt better after talking to that person. On average, participants felt better after talking to someone about their emotions regardless of their relationship with that person, although they felt significantly better when they shared with close social partners (spouse/partner, family, friend) as compared to peripheral social partners (acquaintances, coworkers, strangers). While age was not significantly associated with the likelihood of expressing feelings to another person, sharing feelings with a family member was associated with feeling significantly better among older participants as compared to younger ones. These findings indicate that sharing feelings with others, no matter their relationship, can benefit emotional well-being at all ages. However, close social relationships provide the most emotional benefit and familial ones appear to play an especially important role at relatively advanced ages.
THE PARADOX OF DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: COMPARING THEORIES ON LONELINESS AND MOBILE PHONE DEPENDENCE
Authors: Andrews Hailey , Roque Nelson 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the Digital Age, smartphones and tablets are widespread, but their impact on well-being, particularly the relationship between loneliness and mobile phone dependence (nomophobia), remains debated. The direction of this relationship is unclear, with limited research across the lifespan. This study examines two theories: the Displacement Hypothesis, which suggests that nomophobia leads to loneliness, and the Theory of Compensatory Internet Use (CIUT), which proposes that loneliness drives nomophobia. Data were collected from 550 adults (Mage = 40.15, SD = 12.23, 54% female; 59% non-Hispanic White) via an online survey, delivered on Prolific. Linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographics (age, gender), evaluated the relationship between measures of mobile phone dependence (Nomophobia Questionnaire) and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale). For the model with loneliness as an outcome, (N = 550), age (β = -0.10, p =.028) and nomophobia (β = 0.06, p =.003) were significant predictors. For the model with nomophobia as an outcome, (N = 550), age (β = -0.35, p &lt;.001), gender (β = -6.40, p =.009), and loneliness (β = 0.28, p =.003) were significant predictors. Both directions showed a significant relationship, however, the model with loneliness as a predictor of nomophobia explained slightly more variance (4.6%) in the outcome (vs 2.5% for nomophobia predicting loneliness). Results suggest that reducing loneliness could help mitigate mobile phone dependence. Future longitudinal research could further clarify the relationship between loneliness and nomophobia, providing more evidence for either the CIUT or the Displacement Hypothesis.
THE POWER OF SHARED EXPERIENCE: VALIDATION AS A CATALYST FOR MEANING MAKING AMONG ADRD CAREGIVERS
Authors: Benson Jacquelyn , Haber Abigail , Washington Karla , Rolbiecki Abigail 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Caregiver Speaks is a professionally facilitated online group intervention designed to support hospice family caregivers of patients with dementia by using photos as a tool for expressing and processing their caregiving experiences. The structured intervention enables ADRD caregivers to articulate their feelings, challenges, and experiences, with the primary goals of reducing caregiver distress, alleviating grief, and enhancing overall well-being. The intervention emphasizes helping ADRD caregivers find personal significance in their roles through photo-elicited communication, fostering meaningful emotional expression and reflection. The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate ADRD caregivers’ descriptions of their experiences in the Caregiver Speaks intervention to determine how their interactions in the group facilitated meaning making. Forty-one (41) exit interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative method involving an iterative process of deductive and inductive coding. Results indicated that caregivers’ interactions with others in the group primarily evoked a sense of solidarity, although some outliers—particularly those with strained relationships with their care recipients—reported feelings of alienation or disconnection. While direct dialogue between group members was infrequent, caregivers found reconciliation in their caregiving experiences and their care recipient’s illness by seeing their own experiences reflected in the photos and stories shared by others. The indirect validation provided by fellow participants was particularly impactful for many caregivers, who often lacked connections with other dementia caregivers. These findings underscore the critical roles of shared lived experience and validation in the meaning-making process.
THE ROLE OF APOEE4 IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PRODUCTIVE AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Gonzales Ernest , Wu Yanyan , Braun Kathryn , Martin Peter , Willcox Bradley , Andel Ross 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive health is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study fills a gap of knowledge by examining the role of the apolipoprotein E gene, APOEε4, within the context of how employment, civic engagement, and leisure activities relate to cognitive health. Using pooled data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaires (2010/2012: Time 1 and 2014/2016: Time 2) and the HRS data on APOEε4 alleles, linear regression models with a lagged dependent variable were performed to examine associations between productive and leisure activities with cognitive functioning at the follow-up time point, as well as the role of APOEε4 in these associations. Among all participants (n=7,605), employment, low or high-intensity volunteering, cognitive leisure activities, and social leisure activities were associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning. The presence of at least one ε4 allele was related to poorer cognitive functioning at Time 2. Among people without the APOEε4 allele (n=5,630), employment, high-intensity volunteering, cognitive/social leisure activities were significantly associated with cognitive functioning. Among people with at least one APOEε4 allele (n=1,975), low-intensity volunteering, and cognitive/physical leisure activities were significantly associated with better cognitive functioning. We found that employment, civic engagement, and leisure activities all contribute to cognitive health, although the benefits may be restricted to low-intensity volunteering and cognitive/physical leisure activities among individuals with at least one APOEε4 allele who are known to be inherently at a greater risk of cognitive problems, highlighting an avenue to a relatively easily-implementable strategy for cognitive health promotion.
TIME TO ENHANCE THE MESSAGE? KNOWLEDGE OF DEMENTIA RISK AND SYMPTOMS IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
Authors: Germain Cassandra , Brown-Huges Travonia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
It is well known that Black-American and Latino adults are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease compared to their White counterparts. Yet, misconceptions about AD persist in ethnic-minority communities. For example, a recent Alzheimer’s Association Report (2021) suggests that concern about developing Alzheimer’s is lower among Native Americans (25%), Blacks (35%) and Hispanics (41%), compared with Whites (48%) and more than half of non-White Americans believe significant loss of memory or cognitive abilities is a normal part of aging. The current data is part of an ongoing study designed to evaluate existing knowledge about dementia risk factors and the early warning signs of dementia in low-moderate income communities in Central North Carolina. A 17-item true/false questionnaire framed as a “Brain Health Trivia” quiz was used to assess knowledge. Participants had the choice of completing an electronic (cell phone or tablet) or paper version. The electronic version provided respondents with an immediate completion score as well as the correct answers to incorrect questions. To date (N=307) adults aged 18+ have completed the survey. Results show that community members are knowledgeable about many preventive factors such as the importance of diet and exercise, but are less knowledgeable about the impact of chronic disease on brain health. Nearly 45% of respondents surveyed were not aware that diabetes was a risk factor for dementia and 34.4% were not aware that hypertension was a risk factor. These results demonstrate the need for ongoing education and outreach efforts on brain health particularly in low-moderately resourced communities.