bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS ON HEALTH ACROSS FRAILTY LEVELS IN TAIWAN’S DISABILITY PROGRAM
Authors: Chiu Wan-Yu , Mao Hui-Fen , Chang Ling-Hui , Chen Ya-Mei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Taiwan’s nationwide Prevention and Delay of Disability (PDD) program aims to maintain the physical and mental health of older adults through community-engaged partnerships. This study explored key organizational factors within the PDD program and their impact on health outcomes across different frailty levels. A cross-sectional study (2019-2020) involved 392 administrators from PDD service centers and 13,213 participants, categorized into frail (563), pre-frail (2,397), and healthy (10,253) groups. Over a 12-week period, multiple centers provided a consistent, multi-domain intervention across service centers, universities, and communities. This intervention included physical exercise, nutrition guidance, cognitive training, and social participation, all uniformly applied to the participants. Data were analyzed using multilevel and regression models, employing a tool with twenty items and six dimensions: internal efficiency, responsiveness, professionalism, community cooperation, environmental factors, and sustainability. Results showed that organizational professionalism significantly benefited pre-frail participants by reducing depression (β = 0.347, p &lt; 0.001), fall risk (β = 0.010, p = 0.007), and improving overall health (β = 0.625, p = 0.005). Universities enhanced independent function for both frail (β = 1.215, p = 0.024) and pre-frail (β = 1.287, p = 0.006) participants. Additionally, organizations with favorable environmental factors and strong professionalism had the most positive impact on pre-frail participants, while providing limited benefits to frail participants and minimal impact on healthy participants. It is recommended that healthy participants engage in community activities better aligned with their health status, while frail participants may require more intensive and personalized interventions to maintain functionality and support health improvements.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL REGULATIONS IN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES: BEFORE AND AFTER COVID-19
Authors: Gerken Danielle , Smith Lindsey , Carder Paula , Hua Cassandra , Jutkowitz Eric , Thomas Kali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Assisted living (AL) residents are at high risk for adverse health outcomes due to infection, particularly those living in memory care. Despite this, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most states had minimal or no regulations regarding infectious disease control within AL communities. In this study, we sought to determine if state agencies responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing infectious disease control regulations for AL. We systematically sourced AL regulations for all 50 states and Washington D.C. from the legal policy database Westlaw. We then used search-term driven text retrieval to identify sections of policy relevant to infection control to determine the applicability and scope of each policy. In 2019, there were 13 regulations from 9 states regarding how AL providers should respond to pandemics and epidemics. In 2020, 13 regulations from 10 different states were found. In 2023, this number increased to 18 regulations from 11 different states. The majority of regulations required AL providers to inform a local health department or official about any disease outbreak occurring within the facility. In 2019, 7 of the 9 states (77.8%) had regulations requiring reporting. In 2020, that number decreased to 6 out of the 10 states (60%), and in 2023 the number of states requiring reporting was 8 out of the 11 (72.7%). Our analysis revealed that while a few states have made improvements, there is still a gap in regulatory protection that could result in poor health outcomes for AL residents.
INNOVATIVE PERSON-CENTERED SERVICES THROUGH THE KŪPUNA SUPPORT NAVIGATORS
Authors: Lee Jenny Jinyoung , Nishita Christy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Kūpuna Support Navigator Program in Hawai’i employs Community Health Workers, known as Kūpuna Support Navigators, to connect kūpuna (older adults in Hawaiian) with essential community resources tailored to their specific needs. This innovative, person-centered approach significantly enhances the aging support network in Hawai’i through comprehensive education, seamless integration of care services with advanced tracking software, and rigorous impact evaluation. Its strategic design offers scalable, replicable, and sustainable solutions that enhance the ability of older adults across diverse communities to age-in-place. This program increases the availability of trained Community Health Workers embedded in the aging support network, fostering a supportive environment that enhances the well-being and independence of older adults, ensuring they receive better support and care. The program encompasses a holistic framework that addresses immediate health and social needs while focusing on long-term sustainability and community empowerment. In this presentation, we will detail the setup, structure, and processes of the Kūpuna Support Navigator Program. We will leverage data visualization to present specific outcomes that illustrate the program’s effectiveness in meeting the complex needs of its target population. Additionally, we will discuss the lessons learned and best practices developed, emphasizing the program’s potential as a model for similar initiatives. This overview aims to highlight the significant role of the Kūpuna Support Navigator Program in promoting and enhancing the well-being and independence of older adults.
INTERGENERATIONAL TUTORING: HEALTH BENEFITS FOR OLDER ADULTS IN A TWO-YEAR QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Sun Peter , Morrow-Howell Nancy , Click Mary , Minch Kendra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted older adult volunteering. It is important to understand if prior relationships between volunteering and health remain consistent in a post-pandemic context. We surveyed Oasis tutors aged 51 and over before and after two years of volunteering and used three matching algorithms—nearest-neighbor matching, optimal full matching, and subclassification—to match them with a comparison group of non-volunteers in the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. G-computation was then used on the merged sample (N = 518) to estimate the effect of volunteering on depression, functional limitations, and self-rated health. With all three matching algorithms, Oasis tutors experienced lower levels of depression and fewer functional limitations, compared to the HRS group of non-volunteers. When using nearest-neighbor matching, Oasis tutors had better self-rated health than the HRS comparison group. Volunteering in the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program positively impacts older adults’ health, supporting the social model of health promotion.
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AND ADVANCEMENT OF DIRECTORS (LEAD) PROGRAM: FIRST INSIGHTS FROM A NEW MENTORSHIP MODEL
Authors: Bacsu Juanita , Buck Harleah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mentorship is critical to advancing leadership skills and building confidence in academia. However, there is a paucity of programs focused on supporting new center directors in the field of aging. Working with the Gerontological Society of America, we created the Leadership Excellence and Advancement of Directors (LEAD) Program as a mentorship model to provide peer support, networking opportunities, professional growth, and skill development for new center directors. This presentation aims to: 1) identify critical planning steps and strategies to develop high quality mentorship programs to support new center directors in the field of aging; and 2) recognize the LEAD Program as an emerging prototype to elevate leadership skills, build confidence, and advance research excellence to support new directors of gerontological research centers. The Lead Program is a groundbreaking GSA model that is geared towards new directors by providing peer support, leadership development, mentorship, and a dynamic network of fellow directors. The need for the LEAD Program was identified during a recent GSA Center Directors meeting where several directors shared that they were retiring and new directors were looking for mentorship support. The development of the LEAD Program was cultivated by: i) identifying priority topic areas and needs; ii) establishing meeting forma and frequency; iii) addressing potential program barriers and obstacles; and iv) exploring opportunities for peer support and collaboration to advance new directors in the field of aging. The next steps are to implement and evaluate the LEAD Program to strengthen the mentorship model for future cohorts of center directors.
LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION AMONG SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITY OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jun , Haitsuka Kilohana , Jung Hailey , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are at elevated risks of cognitive impairment (CI). High rates of loneliness and depression are particularly concerning for SGM older adults living with CI as they are linked to decreased physical health, lower life satisfaction, and accelerated cognitive decline. Yet little is known about the risk and protective factors of loneliness and depression for SGM older adults with CI. This study, utilizing the Health Equity Promotion Model, analyzes the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study to examine socioeconomic status, adverse life course experiences, and psychological and social factors that predict depressive symptomatology and the mediating role of loneliness. Data were a sub-sample of 160 participants with CI assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Approximately 50% reported feeling isolated from others, 33% were experiencing depression, 40% reported physical or sexual child abuse, 70% were single, and 25% had a network size of 3 or less. A bootstrapped mediation analysis using Mplus revealed that child abuse, day-to-day discrimination, perceived stress, not being partnered, reduced network size, and lack of social support and community engagement were indirectly associated with depressive symptomatology via loneliness. Those with adverse childhood experiences, ongoing distressing stigma, and social isolation are of major concern. Improving support networks may reduce the risk of loneliness and depression. These findings can be utilized to develop culturally tailored interventions to enhance the mental health and overall quality of life of this understudied and underserved population.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS OF HEARING PROBLEM AND DEMENTIA IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Chu Jun , Mair Christine , Boudreaux Michel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There is evidence linking hearing problem to greater risk of dementia among older adults. However, no study has assessed such association longitudinally using nationally representative survey data. In addition, studies examining racial/ethnic differences in the association are limited. Using data from 2011-2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study and cox proportional hazards model, we examined the longitudinal association between having hearing trouble and dementia among older adults, and whether this association varied by race the ethnicity. Adjusting for demographics characteristics, number of chronic conditions, hearing aid status and social isolation status, we found that having hearing trouble was significant associated with a 2.29 (Hazard ratio=2.29, p&lt; 0.001) higher risk of developing dementia over 11 years. After interacting race/ethnicity and hearing problem in a separate model, we did not find any statistically significant difference in the association by race and ethnicity. The findings suggest that older adults with hearing problem may be at a greater risk of developing dementia. Future studies should assess the effects of policies that promotes hearing tests and hearing aid usage among older adults on dementia delay and prevention.
MOVING BEYOND DISCRIMINATION: BUILDING A COALITION FOR LGBTQ+ OLDER PERSONS LIVING IN EAST TENNESSEE
Authors: Winberry Joseph , Bowland Sharon , Smith Jennifer , Mukherjee Namrata 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aims
Research with 50+ older members of the LGBTQIA+ community, conducted by Winberry (Forthcoming), aimed to identify important needs and healthcare gaps in services in East Tennessee. This poster describes establishing a coalition to address their complex needs and gaps.

Methods
As part of a larger community-based participatory research project, a strategic plan created through interviews and focus groups with LGBTQIA+ older persons identified the type of partners needed to accomplish what this population wanted around aging services.

Results
The coalition was formed in a three-step process. First, the earliest members identified organizations and individuals who could address participants’ needs: Culturally competent healthcare, services specifically for LGBTQIA+ people, social support, life planning, and caregiver services. Second, potential members who could address those needs were engaged. Those with personal ties or compelled by a social justice ethos around the LGBTQIA+ community were particularly interested in joining. Last, the role of the coalition members had to be negotiated, given limitations around staff, money, and time. Understanding exactly how members will contribute and when this needs to be renegotiated is essential to coalition success.

Conclusion
The Aging Rainbow Coalition (ARC)—consisting of older members from the LGBTQIA+ community, the local Pride agency, the state flagship land grant university, and other aging services organizations—was established at the county Office on Aging. This poster on the coalition creation process provides details across the three steps of the creation process and highlights insights useful for researchers and practitioners.
MULTIGENERATIONAL DYNAMICS AND FUTURE CARE PLANNING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THREE-GENERATION FAMILIES IN HONG KONG
Authors: Bai Xue , Kang Rui , Ma Ke , Tian Kun , Hu Jing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Numerous ageing adults need to provide care for older and/or younger generations while also facing life challenges associated with the transition to old age. However, no systematic investigation has examined aging sandwich carers’ future care planning, nor the impacts of intergenerational care provision on their care planning. A purposive sample of 120 individuals from 40 multigenerational families in Hong Kong was recruited through various channels. The families all filled the following inclusion criteria: (a) had at least one adult aged 50–69 years with both surviving parents and children, (b) all three generations were willing to participate, and (c) the participants spoke Chinese and lived in Hong Kong. For each eligible family, an older parent from the oldest generation, an adult from the sandwiched, and a child from the youngest generation were interviewed separately. Both inductive and deductive coding approaches were used for data analysis. The findings reveal that lifelong multigenerational care transfer and intergenerational relationships shaped the future care planning and preparation processes and experiences. The upward care provision and substantial investment in child-rearing often lead to delayed and indirect reciprocity expectations from the sandwich generation. Moreover, the experience of caring for aging parents prompts sandwich generation to make financial, health, and social life-related care plans. However, traditional family communication patterns often obstruct open discussions about care plans between sandwich generation and their children. Anticipated future circumstances of both aging parents and children further shape the intended care arrangements of the sandwich generation.
NURSES’ PERSPECTIVES ON MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION SAFETY FOR RESIDENTS IN NURSING HOMES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Shieu Bianca , Wang Mei-Chen , Harris John , Lee Ya-Wen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Medication administration (MA) in nursing homes (NH) offers several key benefits to residents. However, the complexity of MA often overwhelms existing systems and individual capacities, leading to dissatisfaction among NH residents and staff. Enhancing safety and efficacy requires a robust, user-centered evaluation of the NH MA system, focusing on safety, efficiency, and staff satisfaction issues and opportunities. This qualitative study examined NH staff nurse perspectives regarding MA safety concerns and potential solutions for NH residents, including those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). We used purposeful sampling to recruit 12 nurses employed at two NHs in the northeastern United States to participate in phone interviews. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) constructs informed the question guide, coding, and qualitative theme identification. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews verbatim. We organized the themes based on SEIPS components, which include (1) Technology-related concerns (non-user-friendly charting systems). (2) Organization-related concerns (teamwork, communication, and leadership). (3) Person-related concerns (variability in staff training and backgrounds). (4) Task-related concerns (different care approaches for ADRD residents, extreme workload variation throughout the day, task prioritization). (5) Environment-related concerns (staff shortages). Overall, the key themes identified by participants included the significance of user-friendly charting systems, customizing MA to accommodate diverse nursing backgrounds, and appropriate nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.
OLDER ADULT ACCESS TO SELF-DIRECTED SERVICES THROUGH MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICE WAIVERS
Authors: Turner Natalie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Self-Direction (SD) is an underused service delivery model shown to improve health outcomes and increase care satisfaction for older adults. Rooted in choice, empowerment, and control over long-term services and supports (LTSS), SD epitomizes person-centeredness. And, because of its ability to provide LTSS in a culturally responsive manner, has the potential to enhance racial equity in LTSS provision. Since each state determines what services can be self-directed and how many beneficiaries can self-direct, state policy impacts access to and use of SD. This mixed-method study identified state differences in access to SD among 1915(c) waivers that serve older adults using Framework Analysis approach and descriptive statistics. Findings indicate potential access barriers to SD provided through 1915(c) waivers. Of the 60 waivers serving older adults in the U.S., 35 allowed SD (58%), representing 26 states and DC. While states described the benefits of SD within waiver applications and highlighted its alignment with person-centeredness, most set very low goals for the number of beneficiaries expected to use SD. Seventy-five percent of waivers set goals for participation in SD at less than 25% of beneficiaries. Furthermore, states acknowledged SD’s flexibility and ability to tailor services to participant needs, while limiting the types of services individuals could self-direct. In light of the established benefits of SD, these findings raise questions about potential underutilization of SD among older adults. Further research is needed to better understand apparent discrepancies between state descriptions of SD and perceived and actual access to these services.
OUTCOMES OF A PILOT WELLNESS PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS IN INDEPENDENT LIVING: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
Authors: Yusuf Khalid , Erb Isabelle , Tunningley Joan , Ronis-Tobin Victor 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
By 2030, one-fifth of U.S. residents will be of retirement age, leading to increased demand for residential services for older adults (OAs). Effective wellness programming is crucial to support the physical and psychological well-being of low-income residents, yet there is limited evidence to guide such program development and evaluation. This pilot study details the first phase of a program development initiative in two independent living communities in Southwest Ohio managed by Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS). A mixed-methods approach was used to inform program design. Participants were 57 residents, with an average age of 75.71 years (SD = 7.75); 89.5% were female, and 59.6% were Black or African American. Most participants (86%) reported incomes below $25,000, and 52.6% were divorced. Baseline engagement levels were low (M = 19.82, SD = 6.92), as measured by the Social Engagement and Activities Questionnaire (SEAQ). SEAQ scores did not correlate with program attendance; however, significant positive correlations were observed between going outside the home and both the number of friends (r(55) =.380, p =.004) and having friends within the residence (r(55) =.314, p =.018). Focus group analysis (n = 13) identified eight themes: Holistic Engagement, Activities for Social Connection, Participation Challenges, Personalization Desires, Impact of Isolation, Male Engagement Issues, Strategies for Boosting Engagement, and Self-Improvement Aspirations. These findings emphasize the need for wellness programs that address physical health, foster social connections, and promote personal growth. Active resident-staff collaboration in the development and maintenance of such programming is crucial for success.
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE DEMENTIA CARE WORKFORCE VIA SERVICE LEARNING: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Green Makenna , Mayer Jamie , White Laura , Kouame Gail 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia’s (ADRD) is rising rapidly with the aging of the baby boomer generation. A large workforce gap in dementia providers is widening with education as a frequently cited barrier to entry into the ADRD workforce (Mayer et al, 2023). This scoping review aimed to explore the extant literature on the use of service learning (SL) pedagogy related to ADRD in higher education settings for students in health-related majors. A systematic search was conducted using seven databases. Sources were included if participants were undergraduate/graduate students in any health-related discipline and if SL was utilized in conjunction with specific instructional paradigms (e.g., coursework, on-site workshops). SL, though individually defined by authors of included studies, was required to include community engagement with adults with ADRD; studies specific to clinical rotations were excluded. Included sources (n=32) were systematically extracted for characteristics including student demographics, SL components (learning instruction methods/training, experiences, reflection), and outcomes. Analysis of training revealed most ADRD SL paradigms relied on setting-specific training (n=15) over didactic academic instruction (n=7) or a combination (n=7). SL experiences ranged in type with informal activities (n=13) and creative arts (n=9) most commonly utilized to engage participants. The reflection component most commonly included open-ended reflective journals (n=15). Analysis revealed variability in how SL is represented in the literature. Despite this variability, sources frequently report SL as a viable option for educating the next generation of dementia service providers, with observed improvements in student attitudes and knowledge related to ADRD.