bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING AGE INCLUSIVITY USING THE AGE-FRIENDLY INVENTORY AND CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY
Authors: Eaton Jacqueline , Friberg-Felsted Katarina , Whitbourne Susan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
During a time of increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutions of higher education, age inclusion remains largely unexplored. The Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) is a tool that institutions of higher education can use to identify strengths and weaknesses specific to age-friendliness. This instrument measures age inclusivity by comparing age-friendly practices with student, staff, faculty, and lifelong learners’ perceptions of these practices. This symposium explores the process of using the ICCS at four different universities to understand the methods used to target each institution’s unique needs, with the goal of improving age-friendliness in higher education: 1) Zimmer et al., present the outcomes of using the ICCS to establish a baseline of age-friendliness at the University of Calgary and the process to generate action items from the results to develop a plan to enhance age-friendliness. 2) Waterhouse et al., describes the process of customizing the ICCS to meet the unique needs of an academic medical campus at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. 3) Zisberg et al., report on the experience of translating the ICCS into Hebrew and the subsequent results implementing the tool at the University of Haifa. 4) Eaton & Friberg-Felsted explore the use of the ICCS within the College of Nursing at the University of Utah to identify ways to meet the learning needs of age diverse groups. Dr. Susan Whitbourne, from the team that developed the ICCS, will facilitate discussion surrounding age inclusivity in higher education.
ASSESSMENT OF AGE INCLUSIVITY: RESULTS FROM A RESEARCH-INTENSIVE COLLEGE OF NURSING
Authors: Eaton Jacqueline , Friberg-Felsted Katarina , Martin Summer , Perkins Rebekah , Dassel Kara , Hart Sara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Age inclusivity is crucial for meeting the needs of an aging population. However, in higher education, age-stratification reinforces categorization of traditional and nontraditional students. This reduces the ability to educate and prepare trainees for work with older adults upon graduation. Seeking to improve educational opportunities at the University of Utah College of Nursing, a needs assessment was conducted using the Age-Friendly Inventory (AFI) and Campus Climate Survey (CCS). The outcomes of the CCS assessment are reported here. All faculty, staff, and students in the College of Nursing were invited to access the CCS e-survey via email or QR code. The survey was available during the months of October and November 2023. During this time, the research team used e-flyers, presentations at college meetings, and invitations from administration to increase response rate. Data was managed using Qualtrics and analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify perceptions of age-friendliness and beliefs about age inclusivity. A total of 247 individuals completed the survey. Students made up the majority of participants (63.6%); nineteen percent were faculty and 17% were staff. The majority (53%) were unfamiliar with the age-friendly university initiative. Ageism was seen as a major problem in society by 80.8% of the sample, yet only 29.4% believe it to be a problem on campus. Overall, 14.7% percent perceived our campus as age-friendly, which implies a need to increase knowledge about age inclusivity and age-friendly practices. Strategic planning is underway to outline specific initiatives to improve perceptions and practices within the College of Nursing.
DECIPHERING THE CHEMICAL LANGUAGE OF GUT BACTERIA IN AGING AND LONGEVITY
Authors: Han Shuo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The human gut microbiota encodes diverse metabolic pathways, where gut microbes make numerous compounds that are relevant to human health and hold untapped therapeutic potential. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to delay age-associated decline in mouse and fish models. However, how specific gut bacteria and their metabolites impact host physiology represent a new frontier that remains to be fully explored. Leveraging our expertise in the gut microbiome and aging biology, we tackle this underexplored area from both the microbial and host’s perspectives. Specifically, our lab seeks to 1) mechanistically characterize gut bacteria and bioactive small molecules in host aging and physiology, and 2) identify gut microbial-dependent, host cellular mechanisms underlying organismal health-span and lifespan. We aim to understand how gut bacteria mechanistically contribute to host aging and longevity and to identify new molecular targets to delay age-associated decline.
AGE RELATED CHANGES IN THE MICROBIOME AND THEIR IMPACT ON DISEASE
Authors: McCullough Louise 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Trillions of microbes live symbiotically in the host, specifically in mucosal tissues such as the gut. Recent advances in metagenomics and metabolomics have revealed that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of host immunity and metabolism, communicating through bidirectional interactions in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The gut microbiota regulates both gut and systemic immunity and contributes to the neurodevelopment and behaviors of the host. Disruption in the balance of gut microbial communities (often referred to as “dysbiosis”) has many detrimental effects in the host including gut and brain inflammation. Reversing these changes may have therapeutic potential. With aging, the composition of the microbiota changes, and emerging studies have linked these shifts in microbial populations to age-related neurological diseases (NDs). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota-targeted therapies can improve behavioral outcomes in the host by modulating microbial, metabolomic, and immunological profiles. We will summarize the role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites across the lifespan and in disease. We will highlight recent studies investigating 1) microbial changes with aging; 2) how aging of the maternal microbiome can affect offspring health; and 3) the contribution of the microbiome and its metabolites to outcomes after experimental ischemic stroke.
FOOD INSECURITY AND CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIORS AMONG BLACK MEN LIVING IN FOOD DESERTS
Authors: Esiaka Darlingtina , Odo Obinna , Udeh Kingsley 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research shows an intricate relationship between food insecurity and health behaviors. The relationship reflects the profound impact of inadequate access to nutritious food on overall well-being. Individuals facing food insecurity often encounter barriers to adopting health-promoting behaviors, influencing their physical health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between food insecurity and cancer screening behaviors among Black men dwelling in food deserts, examining a critical intersection of health disparities. Participants (N=186; Mean age = 48.45, SD = 10.95) responded to questions assessing their demographic characteristics, experience with food insecurity, health risk behaviors, healthcare access, and current and future cancer screening behaviors. We found a significant association between food insecurity and current cancer screening behaviors (B=-.118, p=0.043) but not between food insecurity and future cancer screening behaviors (B=-.048, p=0.329). Black men experiencing food insecurity were less likely to engage in cancer screening compared to their counterparts with more reliable access to nutritious food. Also, we found that socioeconomic status (B=-.163, p=0.006), medical insurance (B=-.672, p=0.019), and access to primary care physician (B=-.609, p=0.026) were significantly associated with future cancer screening behaviors. Understanding the link between food insecurity and cancer screening behavior provides crucial insights for tailoring targeted interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by individuals living in food deserts, particularly within the context of racial and ethnic health disparities.
DYNAMICS IN INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CHINESE CONTEXT
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Fung Helene H , Hoppmann Christiane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Various intergenerational family relationships play essential roles in maintaining older adults’ well-being and promoting successful aging. The intergenerational family relationships are particularly important in the Chinese culture as it has a long tradition emphasizing familism values. This symposium consists of four studies which investigate the dynamics of intergenerational family relationships in the Chinese context at different stages of later adulthood. The intergenerational relationships covered range from the relationship between aging parents and their adult children (Jiang et al.), grandparents providing care to young grandchildren (Hu et al.), the relationship between grandparents and adult grandchildren (Li et al.), and grandparents receiving care from family members (You et al.). The results jointly support the importance of the bidirectional support between the older and younger generations and demonstrate how the balance of support evolves over time. Chinese Gerontology Studies Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
INTENSIVE GRANDCHILD CARE AND SUCCESSFUL AGING: THE ROLE OF INTERNAL MIGRATION IN CHINA
Authors: Hu Yue , Fung Helene H , Charness Neil , Wong Jason , Wang Yiqi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Around two thirds of adults aged 60 years or above are providing grandchild care in China, some of whom even migrate to where their adult children live to provide grandchild care. However, it still remains unclear whether and how grandchild care provision impacts successful aging among migrant or non-migrant grandparents. This study examined whether grandchild care provision contributed to successful aging via increasing proactive coping among two groups. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 301 migrant or non-migrant grandparents who provided non-custodial grandchild care (mean age 61.2 ± 4.8, 158 female) and currently lived in a tier-1 city in China. Results showed that grandparents who provide more non-custodial care to their grandchildren experience more successful aging. Migrant grandparents are less able to rely on their proactive coping when providing intensive grandchild care as compared to non-migrant grandparents. Theoretically, this study is the first to examine the mechanism underlying the association between grandchild care provision and successful aging, contributing to the literature on positive gerontology by examining successful aging in specific contexts. Practically, findings suggest the potential guidelines to improve grandparents’ well-being. Extra support should be provided to migrant grandparents to foster their proactivity in coping with the predictive challenges of intensive grandchild care provision in terms of policy.
WEATHER AND AGING RESILIENT MODEL (WARM) FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Authors: Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Rao Smitha , Bartlett Sean 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Low-income housing residents, especially older adults with disabilities, face heightened risks during weather-related disasters. This study examines how older adults in affordable housing experience extreme weather, and roles and experiences of service coordinators in preparedness and response. Utilizing a mixed methods community-based participatory case-study design, we conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=40) and focus group (N=26) with residents in one senior affordable housing property in Central Ohio. Another survey (N = 8) and focus group (N = 11) included service coordinators and supervisors working within eight affordable housing properties in the region. Among residents, a third reported fair or poor health and over half (53%) did not drive. Most (73%) had experienced extreme weather events, with snow/ice storms and hurricanes being most common and extreme heat the most recent. Nearly 70% experienced power outages, the average outage lasted a week, and 40% did not have an evacuation plan. Service coordinators experienced extreme heat, fire, and severe snow/ice and few had advance-warning to prepare residents for extreme weather. Thirty-eight percent lost power in their buildings, and only half had reliable information and communications during the event. Seventy-five percent were somewhat or very concerned about disasters and the same number reported their residents were unprepared. Seventy-five percent lacked emergency preparedness training and 63% were not confident in their ability to evacuate residents. Focus groups among residents and coordinators revealed challenges in communication, transportation, sheltering, power sources, and evacuation. Findings are critical to the co-development of a disaster preparedness toolkit for affordable housing communities.
POLICY SERIES: EXPLORING DISPARITIES IN LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Flatt Jason , Shippee Tetyana , Brennan-Ing Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA+) older adults are a growing population that has been mostly ignored in research and development of long-term services and supports (LTSS). Due to fears of prejudice and discrimination, institutional policies, and state and federal laws, many LGBTQIA+ older adults may be reluctant to use LTSS. In this symposium, we explore micro-, meso-, and macro-level influences that may impact inequities in LTSS access and use. First, Dr. Jason Flatt will focus on micro- and macro-level factors from a national study with LGBTQIA+ older adults that explores how past experiences of discrimination may result in barriers for aging-related care and LTSS planning. The second presentation by Dr. Rajean Moone will examine micro- and meso-level factors via experiences of 354 LGBTQIA+ older adults from Minnesota on needs for LTSS and training of providers. Next, Dr. Tetyana Shippee will share meso- and macro-level findings via an analysis of LGBTQIA+ affirmative LTSS policies across 166 nursing homes and 267 assisted living facilities in Minnesota. Finally, Dr. Carey Candrian will provide meso- and macro-level perspectives in terms of a training program and lessons learned from a cultural change project with over 800 staff from Christian Living Communities on inclusion of LGBTQIA+ in LTSS. Dr. Mark Brennan-Ing an expert in LGBTQIA+ aging research will facilitate a conversation about the conclusions from each speaker’s presentation and place them in the context of efforts needed at micro-, meso- and macro-levels to ensure inclusive LTSS practices and policies for LGBTQIA+ elders.
DISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS TO AGING AND LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Flatt Jason , Klenczar Brittany , Uddin Jalal , OHala Max , Rook Erin , Hernandez Elise , Sprague Karalin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
By 2030, there will be over seven million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. who are aged 50+. Past research finds that LGBTQ+ older adults are less likely to reach out to providers and use aging-related and long-term care services because of fear of discrimination. Partnering with SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ older adults, we conducted a national study, State of LGBTQ+ Aging Study, with LGBTQ+ older adults (n=643) across the U.S. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to examine associations between experiencing lifetime and everyday discrimination and concerns with access to aging-related and long-term care services. In terms of discrimination/victimization, over 41% (n=261) reported experiencing one or more lifetime discrimination events, 42% (n=263) reported experiencing violence due to being LGBTQ+, and 45% reported everyday discrimination. For aging-related and long-term care services, 28% reported planning for long-term care (e.g., family caregiving, nursing facilities, and home healthcare), 65% were concerned about accessibility of aging services, 64% were concerned about access to future medical care, 71% were concerned about access to future caregiving, and 76% were concerned about finding inclusive long-term care/caregiving resources. LGBTQ+ older adults who reported past LGBTQ+ violence, lifetime and everyday discrimination were more likely to report being concerned about accessibility of aging services, access to future medical care, and having a future caregiver (p-values &lt;0.01). These findings highlight how discrimination may impact access to aging-related and long-term care services for LGBTQ+ older adults, and the need for future research and inclusive care efforts.
CREATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES FOR LGBTQ RESIDENTS AND STAFF IN FAITH-BASED ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES
Authors: Candrian Carey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Seventy-five percent of older LGBTQ adults report having to hide their identity (and therefore, their true selves) in order to avoid discrimination in long term care settings. The stress of hiding takes a serious toll on the lives of LGBTQ people: higher rates of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and suicide. Knowing first-hand the pain of not belonging, residents at a faith-based assisted living community in the Rocky Mountain Region have been working to create a more welcoming community for LGBTQ residents since 2017. Their LGBTQ + Friends group is made of LGBTQ people and allies (residents and team members) who meet monthly to create an inclusive and safe space for all. A few years ago, the group asked, what could help long term care communities become a more welcoming place for LGBTQ residents and staff? Through this community-initiated idea, and after foundation funding, we developed a two-year cultural change initiative for over 800 staff across 6 assisted living communities called, “Caring for all: Opening hearts and minds.” The result is a 25-minute video of voices of residents, staff and leadership talking about the impact of creating inclusive communities where all residents can belong and be embraced. This project was not without enormous challenges and barriers. During this presentation, we will also walk through lessons learned and stories of success for creating inclusive communities for LGBTQ residents and staff in faith-based assisted living communities.
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION: HOW UPDATING OUR GERONTOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Authors: Sadeq Nasreen , Kaskie Brian , Dobbs Debra , Peterson Lindsay , Norstrand Lu , Haley William 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The University of South Florida is a public research university in Tampa, FL with approximately 50,000 students across three campuses. The School of Aging Studies is one of several departments throughout the university that offers interdisciplinary undergraduate degree programs. However, like many gerontology programs across the country, the School of Aging Studies experienced a decline in undergraduate enrollment over the past decade and often struggled with generating enthusiasm for gerontology education and training. In order to continue our mission of providing an interdisciplinary gerontology education to undergraduate students, the School of Aging Studies performed an in-depth analysis of one of their undergraduate programs and determined that several updates were necessary to modernize the program and provide a more comprehensive education to students planning to work in the health care industry. In this presentation, we will describe our redeveloped Health Care Administration undergraduate program, including updates that were made to the curriculum and changes in program requirements. We will report on the intensive marketing and networking strategies that were developed with our university and community partners, and how our continued efforts led to the enrollment of approximately 40 students within one academic year. We will also describe our plans for the continued growth of the program and discuss the challenges that we have experienced and will continue to face in the future, including the increased demands placed on our faculty and staff, the availability of community internships available for our students, and the ability to sustain student interest in gerontology.
OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE INDICATORS OF CAREGIVER BURDEN FOLLOWING AN AMYLOID-Β PET SCAN: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Authors: Couch Elyse 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dementia caregiving is often associated with high levels of burden which can lead to negative outcomes. Caregiver burden consists of disease-specific and perceived stressors - or objective and subjective indicators of burden. Amyloid-β positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be used to enhance the accuracy of dementia diagnoses. However, the relationship between amyloid scan results and caregiver burden is less well understood. We conducted a parallel mixed-methods study. We used quantitative survey data from 1,338 care partners to persons with MCI and dementia who received an amyloid scan as part of the CARE-IDEAS study in the US. Logistic regression models were used to test the association between the scan result and objective measures of caregiver burden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subsample of 62 care partners. Thematic analysis was used to investigate subjective indicators by exploring care partners’ perceptions of their role following an amyloid scan. Quantitative analysis showed that an elevated amyloid scan result was associated with spending more hours caregiving for MCI care partners. However, our thematic analysis showed that the scan result influenced participants’ perceptions and expectations of their caregiving role and helped some care partners to develop coping strategies. All care partners described needing practical and emotional support. Amyloid scan results can influence objective and subjective indicators of burden and may present an opportunity for diagnosing clinicians to identify and address care partners’ emotional and practical support needs.
INTEGRATING ORAL HYGIENE AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: GLOBAL INSIGHTS AND INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACHES
Authors: Qi Xiang , Mao Weiyu , Saunders Michele 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The symposium presents four studies investigating the intersection of oral health, cognitive functions, and healthcare accessibility among older adults in China and India. The first study employs a co-design approach to develop a school-based oral hygiene intervention that leverages intergenerational ties between youths and older adults to enhance oral health education. This initiative demonstrates a promising avenue for promoting healthy behaviors across generations, emphasizing family dynamics and resource allocation in the design of oral health interventions. The second review underscores the potential of regular toothbrushing as a simple yet effective strategy to mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risk. This meta-analysis illuminates the direct benefits of oral hygiene on cognitive functions, advocating for the inclusion of oral hygiene practices in daily routines to promote cognitive health. The third study finds significant correlations between cognitive decline and poor oral health using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, highlighting the urgent need for improved dental care accessibility and oral health education as preventive measures against cognitive impairment. Finally, the fourth study investigates into the dental care utilization patterns among older adults in Shanghai reveals a troublingly low engagement with dental services, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities and insurance coverage limitations. The study calls for comprehensive reforms to extend dental care access and integrate it within broader health insurance schemes. Together, these studies shed light on the critical link between oral health and cognitive health and propose actionable strategies to improve public health outcomes through enhanced education, policy reform, and community-based interventions. Oral Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium