bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHARTING NEW TERRITORIES: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF MICRO-CREDENTIALS IN GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION
Authors: Guest M Aaron 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, educators constantly aim to meet and anticipate growing demands. This includes catering to learners’ interests while also aligning with the skill sets sought by employers in an ever-evolving economic environment. Flexibility has become paramount, leading to new methods for demonstrating competency and acquiring knowledge and skills. One such approach has been the development of micro-credentials. Micro-credentials signify competency in specific skill sets or areas of knowledge acquired through focused and concise learning experiences. While prevalent in other fields, such as computer science, their emergence in gerontology is relatively recent. Their growth requires us to consider the purpose and objectives of a gerontology-infused curriculum, exploring how they may challenge existing paradigms while fostering new approaches to learning. Guest et al. will provide an overview of gero-micro-credentials and their utilization within private and public sectors. Bronwyn will share a university-based program, emphasizing how these credentials fulfill an emerging need for ongoing education. Heyn highlights the potential impact of these credentials at Hispanic Serving Institutions, particularly regarding opportunities within resource-limited environments. Ellis will then lead our discussion by exploring the undefined nature of these credentials, indicating the necessity for further research and evaluation. With reference to these exemplars, we discuss the strengths and considerations of micro-credentials in the field of aging and work to identify a consensus on how we should engage with and leverage these credentials for advancing gerontology education and practice.
MICRO-CREDENTIALS IN GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION: ENHANCING EXPERTISE OR THREATENING EXISTENCE?
Authors: Guest M Aaron , Kim Suk-hee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As a field, gerontology faces the challenge of preparing a workforce to address the complex needs of an aging population. Yet, in the twenty-first century, gerontology has faced many challenges in accomplishing this goal. Academic programs continue to face closure, combination, and student recruitment challenges. This is despite national and global aging. Ensuring continued access to gerontology-related content has become central for many educators. A movement from independent programs and classes to gerontology content infused throughout the curriculum has been one approach. Another has been the development of micro-credentials. These programs offer the opportunity to demonstrate competency in an area through a short, focused program of study. They are characterized by their specificity, flexibility, and accessibility and may offer a viable solution for rapidly equipping professionals with gerontological competencies. They differ from formal degree programs and continuing education, although they can be components of each. In addition, they cost fractions of a traditional degree program, often have no requirements for admission, and usually can be completed through self-paced learning. Yet, learners have limited guidance in deciding what constitutes a viable micro-credential. Indeed, micro-credentials are offered through a continuum provider, including academic-based institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit providers, and even employers. As such, it is unknown what many of these programs provide education, what skills they provide their learners, and if the content is scientifically accurate. While these programs can undoubtedly assist in infusing gerontological competency throughout the workforce, they also pose a severe threat to ensuring a trained and competent workforce.
STANDARDIZATION OF GERONTOLOGY MICRO-CREDENTIALS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FREE MARKET
Authors: Ellis Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Micro-credentials are an emerging market for gerontology and thus require understanding before we can advance and identify their contribution to the field. In this presentation, we will review and discuss the standardization of gerontology micro-credentials in the United States. The function and role of micro-credentials vary beyond just disciplinary backgrounds and are also based on institution type and geographic location. The diversity of short-term credit- and non-credit micro-credentials expands in response to the workforce’s training needs. Yet, the assessment of certificates and other micro-credentials is in its infancy. There are limited directions, competing viewpoints, and misconceptions about what micro-credentials are and who they serve. The lack of infrastructure or expectations from the gerontology community has opened the free market to respond at a time when credit-based programs are waning. What are the implications of aligning industry standards with all short-term training and education, and how do they correlate with the needs of aging service providers? This presentation aims to open dialogue with educators, providers, and systems leaders to extrapolate the opportunities and challenges with gerontology-focused micro-credentials.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Zaninotto Paola , Ayalon Liat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The symposium focuses on the intersection of climate change impacts and the aging population. It includes presentations on the unique vulnerabilities of older adults to climate-induced disasters, the effect of heat exposure on their immune functions, the implications of extreme temperatures on healthcare utilization among the elderly in Europe, insights from older adults on climate change through a photovoice study, and strategies for building resilient communities for older adults. Each presentation would draw from comprehensive research and findings to highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies that address the specific challenges faced by older populations in the context of a changing climate. Climate Change and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
BUILDING AND SUPPORTING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kieffer Elana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
2023 was Earth’s warmest year on record, and the planet’s temperatures will only continue to rise. Older adults are among those most vulnerable to the intense and increasingly dangerous effects of climate change. Extreme heat and extreme cold can cause significant health consequences, particularly for older adults, that impact their body temperatures, respiratory systems, levels of exhaustion, and even survival. In addition, weather disasters such as hurricanes and floods are on the rise due to climate change. Not only do they pose immediate threats to the safety and well-being of older adults, but they contribute to prolonged challenges in the aftermath, including disruptions to essential services, displacement of individuals and families, and compromised access to healthcare. In this session, the Center for Healthy Aging at The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) will describe how older New Yorkers and the professionals who work with them can build resilient response systems, strategies, and programs in the face of these challenges, as outlined in “Strengthening Community Resilience: Supporting Older Adults Through Emergency Preparedness And Response In A Post-COVID Era”, published by NYAM in 2023. We will discuss recommendations and strategies in four key areas: partnerships, education, efficiency of services, and access to services. Building and supporting resilient communities with a focus on the strengths and needs of older adults is imperative in the fight against climate change, and we will outline concrete ways to achieve this objective.
DOES COGNITIVE RESERVE MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STROKE SEVERITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION?
Authors: Ou Yinuo , Lv Yalin , Wei Hui , Zhang Yanrong , Li Juan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive decline is common after stroke. This study aimed to explore the moderating effect of cognitive reserve on the relationship between stroke severity and long-term cognitive function.A longitudinal survey of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was conducted in 2023 at four stroke centers in Nanjing and Shanghai, China. A total of 371 eligible patients were interviewed at acute stage and re-interviewed at 3 and 6 months after onset. Stroke severity was assessed using The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) at admission. Cognitive reserve was assessed by Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) within 7 days after stroke onset. Cognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Changsha Version(MoCA-CS) at each wave. A series of general linear mixed models were applied to test the moderating effect of cognitive reserve.The study found that cognitive function improved over time in all patients after stroke(β=1.314, p&lt;0.001). The cognitive function of patients with higher NIHSS score was worse than those with lower NIHSS score(β=-1.315, p&lt;0.01).Patients with a higher level of cognitive reserve had better cognitive function after stroke than those with a lower level of cognitive reserve(β=0.048, p&lt;0.01). The interaction between NIHSS and cognitive reserve was statistically significant(β=0.012, p&lt;0.05)after controlling for a covariate[Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST)].Cognitive reserve can mitigate the impact of stroke burden on long-term cognitive decline in Chinese AIS patients to some extent. Cognitive reserve provides a potential target for the prevention and intervention of cognitive impairment after stroke.
MULTIMORBIDITY PATTERNS PREDICT THE ORDER OF PHYSICAL FRAILTY AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OCCURRENCE
Authors: Wang Shuomin , Li Qianyuan , Xue Qian-Li , Liu Minhui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior studies showed the difference in temporal sequence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment occurrence. Chronic conditions often co-occur in specific disease patterns, that is multimorbidity patterns, revealing shared pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. However, whether different multimorbidity patterns predict the order of frailty and cognitive impairment occurrence remain unknown. Combined participants recruited in 2011 and 2015 from National Health and Aging Trends Study, a total of 6055 community-dwelling older adults free of frailty or cognitive impairment at baseline were followed for 4 years. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify multimorbidity patterns with clinical meaningfulness. We used Fine & Gray competing risks models to examine the associations between multimorbidity patterns and risk of different orders of frailty and cognitive impairment occurrence. Four multimorbidity patterns were identified: cardiometabolic, osteoarticular, cancer-dominated, and multisystem pattern. Compared to non-multimorbidity, all four multimorbidity patterns were associated with a higher risk of developing frailty first. Specifically, multisystem pattern had a threefold higher risk (Sub-distribution hazard ratios [SHR]= 3.07, 95% CI= 2.21-4.26). However, those in the cardiometabolic (SHR =0.99, 95% CI= 0.88-1.12), osteoarticular (SHR =0.96, 95% CI= 0.82-1.11), and cancer-dominated (SHR =0.93, 95% CI= 0.79-1.09) patterns had a decreased risk of cognitive impairment-first occurrence, even though not statistically significant. In addition, older adults only from multisystem pattern showed a higher risk of co-occurrence of frailty and cognitive impairment. Clinician should be aware of etiological heterogeneity between frailty and cognitive impairment, and thus provide more effective prevention strategies for those comorbid older adults.
EAST MEETS WEST: WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD AN AGE-INCLUSIVE SOCIETY THROUGH RESEARCH ON AGEISM
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Chen Limei , Kusmaul Nancy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This East-Meets-West symposium aims to address how ageism as age-based discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes manifests across various settings in Japan and the United States. Ageism can lead to negative outcomes such as missed employment opportunities, poor health, and lower social well-being. This symposium will serve as a platform to integrate findings and insights from the ageism studies in two distinctive Eastern and Western cultural zones. Although both countries are economically developed nations and experiencing population aging, the perception and treatment of older adults as well as their strategies to cope with ageism significantly vary due to distinctive cultural norms, health care systems, and social support systems. This symposium consists of four presentations. Dr. Yasumoto will present findings on age stereotypes and longevity aspirations among older Japanese people. Dr. Takeuchi will present findings from a large-scale survey research and differential effects of ageism by gender and employment in Japan on older adult’s health and social participation. Dr. Gonzales will present findings from their analysis of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study on how ageism affects racial and ethnic minorities’ health and civic engagement. Finally, Dr. Mulhorn will present findings on the prevalence and situated use of ageist terms on Twitter based on 60 million tweets. The symposium will provide a discussion to triangulate findings from these four studies and to identify culturally sensitive innovative solutions to address ageism and break barriers for all individuals to achieve high quality of life at any age over the life course. Japanese and Japanese American Aging Studies Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF AGEISM: FINDINGS FROM SURVEYS IN JAPAN
Authors: Takeuchi Masumi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ageism is a detrimental bias directed towards older people, and understanding its existence and the associated issues is crucial for eradicating ageism. Palmore (1985) posited that in a Confucian society like Japan, older people are respected and ageism is not prevalent. However, subsequent studies have shown that negative prejudices against older people also persist in Japan. This presentation aims to provide an overview of the current state of ageism in Japan and examine its psychosocial impact on older adults. Firstly, I will present the findings of a 2021 survey conducted among 800 individuals aged 60-74, revealing that 75% of respondents reported experiencing some form of age-based discrimination. Employed women encountered age discrimination more frequently than their non-employed counterparts, as well as men. This result is consistent with previous research indicating that older women face a double jeopardy of ageism and sexism in the workplace (Palmore, 1997). Secondly, the data indicates that those who encountered age discrimination exhibited more negative attitudes towards aging and reported poorer subjective well-being. Thirdly, a longitudinal analysis of the “National Survey of the Japanese Elderly,” conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology in 1987, 1993, and 2002, among individuals aged 60 and older residing in Japan, demonstrated that older adults with negative attitudes towards aging experienced worse health outcomes and reduced social participation later in life. These findings underscore the pressing issue of ageism in Japan and emphasize the necessity for social initiatives to combat ageism in the country.
CONFLICTING IMAGES OF AGING IN JAPAN: WHY DON’T PEOPLE WISH TO CELEBRATE THEIR 100TH BIRTHDAY?
Authors: Yasumoto Saori , Nakagawa Takeshi , Masui Yukie , Gondo Yasuyuki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Japan is a country known for its longevity. While people practice customs to celebrate old age, negative stereotypes and discrimination against older people exist as well. This presentation discusses how people perceive aging and longevity in a society where such conflictive images exist. The research on the perception of aging is essential because it impacts older people’s physical and psychological well-being; however, culturally sensitive research to understand why people perceive aging as such is limited. In this presentation, we introduce the research results from surveys: 1) on age stereotypes conducted by targeting 1,000 people aged between 30 and 75, 2) on wish to live 100 years old by targeting 550 people aged between 77 and 81, and 3) on the longevity aspiration by targeting 33,500 people aged between 20 and 69. We found that people in Japan tend to be pessimistic about becoming old and living a long life. The most common reason was, “I do not want to cause trouble to other people.” Studies conducted outside Japan often indicate that sickness and functional decline make people see aging negatively. In Japan, the socially constructed value of “people become a burden on others due to nursing care” creates a negative image of old age. The number of centenarians is expanding in Japan, whereas people have a negative image of living longer. For us to age happily, there is an urgent need to create a culture where receiving care is not a burden to others.
STRUCTURAL AGEISM AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH
Authors: Gonzales Ernest , Whetung Cliff , Lee Jane , Gordon Stacey , Green Natalie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ageism is structural: hostility, incivility, and discrimination crosscut socio-ecological domains from intrapersonal beliefs and behaviors to interpersonal dynamics in everyday interactions within the workplace, neighborhood, and in health care settings. Ageism also intersects with minoritized identities that often result in experiences of racism and sexism, and elevates the risk for worse health outcomes. This presentation is informed by structural ageism in the productive aging framework (Morrow-Howell & Gonzales, 2023) and has three main goals: first, we apply an intersectional lens to examine the relationships of discrimination in the workplace, everyday interactions, and neighborhoods with health and retirement among a diverse sample (Hispanics, Blacks, and Whites) in the United States. This goal primarily focuses on employment contexts. The second goal is to reveal risk and protective factors that mediate the relationship between discrimination and cognitive health among Indigenous, Hispanic, Blacks, and Whites in the United States. Here, we examine the unique contribution of civic engagement. Finally, we will share our latest research on ageism in the family and health – with an emphasis on informal caregiving. Across these studies, productive activities are our organizing principle – employment, civic engagement, and caregiving – to examine risk and protective factors with health. Data primarily come from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2020) with longitudinal analyses that informed goals 1 and 2 above; the third goal is informed by critical reflections in geriatric care management and social work practice. We conclude with implications for future research, namely recruiting diverse samples, experimental and intervention research.
ESPO AND NIA’S BUTLER WILLIAMS PROGRAM: RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS TO CULTIVATE THE FORTITUDE FACTOR
Authors: Hughes Jaime , Hu Rita , Jones Patricia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging research, education, and practice all continue to expand in their diversity across methods, scope, and reach. Navigating a career in any of one of these sectors requires many elements of fortitude – curiosity, discipline, collaboration, creativity, and resilience. The Gerontological Society of America’s Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO) has long collaborated with the National Institute on Aging to support students, trainees, and emerging professionals in their scientific and professional development. The Butler Williams Scholars Program, hosted by the NIA’s Office of Special Populations, is an annual immersive program for advanced postdoctoral fellows and early career faculty. For many attendees, participating in this program is an opportunity to engage with Program Officers, exchange ideas among colleagues with diverse training and interests, and develop a national network of scientific and professional collaborators. This symposium features work by past Butler Williams participants, including reflections on how GSA and NIA have each helped to shape professional and research trajectories. Specifically, Dr. Matos-Moreno will discuss ongoing work around kinship structures in different migratory scenarios. Dr. Hughes will discuss a portfolio of interdisciplinary research focused on the scale and spread of health promotion programs for older adults. Dr. Dotson will discuss a career composed of diverse funding mechanisms and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and optimize brain health. The session will close with remarks by staff from NIA’s Office of Special Populations and other program areas.
USING DATA TO DRIVE POLICY: AN EXAMPLE OF A STATE–UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES
Authors: Degenholtz Howard , Albert Steven , Kastner Keri , Mentch Heather , Hancock Kevin , Szymanski Gabrielle , Lampenfeld Nathan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Pennsylvania Department on Aging (PDA) is developing a “Master Plan for Older Adults” called “Aging Our Way.” The plan will help guide policies and programs for the next 10 years. Agency leadership turned to the University of Pittsburgh to conduct a statewide needs assessment survey as part of a broad stakeholder engagement process that involved community meetings in all 67 counties. The University conducted a statewide telephone survey drawing on the Age-Friendly Community model. A sample of adults age 60 and older was stratified into eight regions to assure that the entire state was represented. To reach non-English speaking adults and disabled adults who might not respond by telephone, a web-based version of the survey was developed and translated into Chinese, Spanish and Russian and distributed via email to stakeholder groups. Paper versions in were mailed to community-based organizations to reach individuals who were not able to access the internet. The telephone survey results (n=900) were weighted to match the 2021 American Community Survey. The web-based survey results (n=6950) are reported separately. Findings were presented to the Long-Term Care Council, a stakeholder group that is convened by the PDA to advise on policy. The Council was formed into several subcommittees that addressed different policy topics (e.g., housing, transportation). The draft report developed by the Council was shared with the University team to develop objectives that could be measured by repeating the survey. The overall collaboration between the University and the PDA led to a strong, empirically based report.