bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VOICES OF CARE: INSIGHTS FROM DIVERSE CAREGIVERS
Authors: Campos Barbara Mendez , Lyons Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recognized as the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system, informal caregivers face unprecedented challenges amidst an ongoing care crisis. Understanding the profound effects of informal care responsibilities is critical to the health and well-being of our society. According to AARP, in 2020, the number of individuals engaged in caregiving for an ill or disabled family member surpassed 53 million, up nearly 10 million since 2015. There is increasing evidence documenting that social inequalities often compound the negative health and financial outcomes for caregivers as they age, making research that focuses attention on the racial, ethnic, and cultural contexts that shape not only the caregiving experience, but also the outcomes that result, central to our ability to develop interventions. This symposium delves into the intricate realities of caregiving, providing valuable insights into economic, cultural, and health-related dimensions. It proposes solutions to positively influence the experiences of older adults, their families, and the broader healthcare system. The first paper explores the enabling factors and barriers African American women caregivers confront in seeking support. The second paper evaluates a digital storytelling intervention’s impact among African American caregivers. The third paper investigates the repercussions of caregiving on older workers’financial, health, and employment outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The final paper reports a scoping review on the role of interpersonal factors in shaping health behaviors among Hispanic older adults. A discussant will reflect on these studies, underscoring the imperative for ongoing research encompassing diverse voices, methodologies, and the impacts on informal caregivers. Family Caregiving Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
CARE’S ECHO: THE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING DURING COVID-19 ON OLDER WORKERS’ FINANCIAL, HEALTH, AND JOB OUTCOMES
Authors: Matz Christina , Lai Patrick , Campos Barbara Mendez 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Informal caregivers are a critical resource to their loved ones and an essential component of the health care system in the United States. In the context of an ongoing care crisis, it is more important than ever to understand the effect of informal care responsibilities on individuals and their families as they age to develop appropriate solutions. This study examines how caregiving responsibilities during COVID-19 affected older workers’ financial well-being, health, job turnover, and employment experiences. Using 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data and the 2021 HRS Perspectives on the Pandemic survey, we examined older workers aged 50 and above. Our logistic regression analysis focused on two caregiving scenarios: 1) individuals with a spouse or partner with ADL/IADL limitations, and 2) those who paused work for at least two weeks due to caregiving during the pandemic. Our findings reveal significant challenges for caregivers. Spousal caregivers were 1.65 times more likely to face financial difficulties and 1.87 times more likely to have health issues due to delayed care compared to non-caregivers. Those who had to stop working for 2 weeks or more for caregiving reported even higher risks (2.69 times for financial difficulty and 3.29 times for health issues). Caregivers also experienced greater job stress, safety concerns, and decreased job satisfaction. The pandemic has illuminated the struggles of older working caregivers, emphasizing the need for supportive workplace policies and societal interventions. These measures are essential to support caregivers, who often sacrifice their well-being and career progress for their caregiving roles.
I’LL TELL YOU IF YOU ASK: MESSAGES ABOUT SUPPORT FROM AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN CAREGIVERS
Authors: Galambos Colleen , Keller Abiola , Platt Katherine , Vidal Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers are vital for ensuring the health of a growing older adult population. African American women represent a critical population of caregivers, since 60 percent of caregiving among older adults within the African American community is performed by women (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). Additionally, there is added cultural pressure to provide this care to family members and African American women caregivers (AAWC) face multiple competing stressors and demands (Imoh & Charity, 2023). Given these cultural dynamics, it is important to understand what type of assistance AAWC need to enable them to engage in self-care and support themselves in their caregiving role. Furthermore, there may be barriers faced by AAWC in accessing supportive interventions and resources. To increase knowledge about barriers and preferences for interventions and services, qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 AAWC of older adults. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed using Microsoft TEAMS. To analyze the data, inductive content analysis was employed, responses were coded and emerging patterns determined. This presentation reports on the most frequently mentioned barriers and enablers to receiving support that emerged from the interviews as well as cultural considerations. Some barriers that surfaced from the data include supporting others over self, time constraints and logistical barriers. Some enablers or facilitators include sharing care responsibilities, support of family and friends, and obtaining information/receiving resources. Additional barriers and enablers and other experiences identified by the participants will be discussed. Community stakeholder’s response to the study will be highlighted.
DIGITAL STORYTELLING AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN CAREGIVERS: EVALUATION OF THE INTERVENTION PARAMETERS
Authors: Keller Abiola , Gubrium Aline , Dixon Saharra , Bell Bethani , Hart Dani , Haglund Kristin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Digital storytelling (DST), a process involving creating 1–3-minute videos about an important moment in one’s life, is an innovative approach for data collection and intervention and it is imperative to understand storytellers’ perceptions of the process. This study explores the experiences of African American women caregivers enrolled in a DST intervention. The specific aims are to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of the DST process. Women who self-identified as African American, a caregiver (i.e., taking care of another adult), and agreed to attending all sessions were eligible to participate. Women were invited to participate in an interview via Microsoft Teams after each DST session. Interviews lasted approximately 15 minutes and were audio recorded and manually transcribed. Responses were examined for patterns and key content-related categories using inductive content analysis. In Cohort 1 (Spring 2023), five caregivers consented to participate in the DST sessions, three completed their story, and those three participated in interviews. In Cohort 2 (Fall 2023), five caregivers consented to participate in the DST sessions, four completed their story, and two participated in interviews. Women spoke about three distinct ways the DST process met their needs: 1) having a shared experience, 2) breaking the silence around caregiving, 3) learning and trying new things. Identified challenges included resistance to writing down their story and limited access to technology outside of the sessions. These findings suggest that DST may be used as an additional resource for supporting the well-being of African American women who care for older adults.
WHO FITS AND HOW? SUPPORTING TENANCY AND FOSTERING BELONGING IN HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Richardson Lena Rebecca , Weldrick Rachel , Perry Tam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Homelessness among adults age 50+ years is increasing across North America. The Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) Partnership is a 5-year study of eleven promising practice organizations addressing older adult homelessness in three Canadian cities. This symposium will share findings from AIRP research on what supports a sense of belonging and social integration among older persons experiencing homelessness (OPEH) within temporary and permanent supportive housing programs. Presenters include interdisciplinary researchers with a diversity of perspectives stemming from gerontology, education, and social work. The symposium will begin with Erisman presenting a study of service providers’ perspectives on who is eligible for services and what actions providers can undertake to support clients’ ongoing tenancy in shelter/housing organizations. Weldrick will then discuss mechanisms for successfully supporting social integration from a study with OPEH in a temporary housing program. Following, Richardson will present findings on how multidirectional caring relations can foster belonging in a homeless shelter for older adults fleeing abuse. Finally, Walsh’s study findings will highlight ways to promote AIRP for male veterans in a temporary housing program. Tam Perry, an expert in housing transitions for older adults, will discuss the implications of these papers and reflect on processes of social integration and cultivating belonging for OPEH in temporary and permanent housing. Together, participants of the symposium will advance this emerging scholarship using a wide range of methods and perspectives.
BEING AND STAYING ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES: PROVIDERS’ VIEWS ON SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Erisman Morgan Cruz , Canham Sarah , Richardson Lena Rebecca , Weldrick Rachel , Mahmood Atiya , Walsh Christine , Sussman Tamara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older people experiencing homelessness (OPEH) are a marginalized population with limited access to shelter/housing supports. Amidst these limited resources, understanding program-specific (in)eligibility criteria, along with strategies to sustain tenancy in different shelter/housing settings, is crucial to supporting OPEH in their housing goals. This study examined providers’ understanding of housing (in)eligibility in different shelter/housing settings, factors that impact the criteria for staying eligible, and interventions and steps providers use in assisting OPEH to maintain their eligibility and move towards their housing goals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 providers from five shelter/housing organizations serving OPEH across three Canadian cities. These organizations represented a range of shelter/housing services for OPEH, including emergency shelters, temporary/transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. We conducted a thematic analysis and organized findings into three themes: 1) Medical and behavioral factors that impact (in)eligibility of OPEH for shelter/housing services; 2) Challenges to maintaining eligibility due to medical and behavioral factors; and 3) Provider and organizational support mechanisms to sustain tenancy. Findings provide insight into who is (in)eligible for different shelter/housing programs catered to OPEH, along with different support mechanisms available to support OPEH in their housing goals. Findings highlight the supports and services needed by OPEH with medical and behavioral challenges to remain eligible in different shelter/housing settings and recommendations for how to increase and target services to OPEH with specific needs. Understanding medical and behavioral factors that impact the shelter/housing tenancy of OPEH provides an opportunity to foster client success and promote positive housing outcomes.
BRIDGING REGULATORY GAPS IN DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER HEALTH MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ho Anita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This presentation explores unique ethical concerns that result from regulatory gaps in direct-to-consumer (DTC) AI health monitoring platforms, with a focus on the current landscape in the United States. Many older adults have multiple co-morbidities and are increasingly encouraged or even expected to continuously monitor their health, including by AI-powered predictive digital technologies. Some medically oriented AI-based algorithms can seek and receive regulatory approval as a medical device. Nonetheless, a much larger category of DTC AI health platforms includes wellness technologies that are not subjected to regulatory scrutiny or approval, even when many unregulated devices collect similar types of data as medical devices and vast amounts of health-related and personal information, blurring the line between medical and commercial data and products. Older adults are generally more risk averse and have limited digital, medical, and statistical literacy, and may also experience cognitive impairments. Enthusiasts often cite the potential of DTC health monitoring technologies to democratize health information and users’ well-being. However, the lack of governance for DTC applications raises unique and intersecting ethical concerns for the field of gerontology, particular around barriers for informed consent, lack of validation for product safety and clinical value, perpetuation of infantilization, non-transparent practices of data sharing, and potential impact of these technologies on familial care relationships and formal health care delivery. This presentation concludes with recommendations for regulatory considerations to uphold monitored older adults’ agency and well-being.
AI EXPLAINABILITY IN LONG-TERM CARE: A SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY
Authors: Gallistl Vera 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Transparency, fairness, and explainability are integral components of contemporary discourses on AI governance, as evidenced by recent policies such as the AI Act by the European Commission. The concept of explainability reflects a growing recognition of the importance to understand AI systems’ operations and decisions, ultimately fostering trust in their utilization (Markus et al., 2021; Ghassemi et al., 2021). While AI explainability is commonly framed within technical parameters, focusing on tools within data science and informatics to elucidate the algorithms behind automated decision-making processes, this perspective tends to overlook the broader, contextual dimensions of AI explainability. In contrast, this paper adopts a sociological lens to explore the multifaceted nature of explainability (Borch & Min 2022) in the context of AI for long-term care settings (LTC). Drawing on insights from multiple-perspective case studies centered on two AI applications—fall detection and social robots— the study investigates how technology developers, care staff, and older adults conceptualize AI explainability. The paper uses data from 30 qualitative interviews and 50 hours of participant observations. The findings highlight the diverse and at times conflicting understandings of explainability that underpin the development and implementation of AI in LTC. They also illustrate how explainability needs of stakeholders in LTC go beyond technological aspects and instead focus on trust, transparency and meaning-making with AI. Finally, the findings underscore the need to broaden concepts around AI explainability to include the more nuanced explainability needs of older adults and avoid ageist tendencies in the AI explainability discourse.
IRVING S. WRIGHT AWARD AND TERRIE FOX WETLE AWARD LECTURES
Authors: Herman Hattie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction Lecture will feature an address by the 2024 recipient Jeremy D. Walston, MD, FGSA, Johns Hopkins University. The Terrie Fox Wetle Award lecture will feature an address by the 2024 recipient Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, MD, MPH, AGSF, University of Chicago. The George M. Martin Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award will also be presented at this event to 2024 recipient Steven N. Austad, PhD, FGSA, University of Alabama at Birmingham. These awards are given by the American Federation for Aging Research, Inc.
HARNESSING HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH TO FUEL FRAILTY IMPLEMENTATION AND INNOVATION
Authors: Huisingh-Scheetz Megan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Broad implementation of frailty assessment and management in clinical practice has been a core mission of geriatricians for decades, and now medical and surgical subspecialists have joined the effort. Dr. Terrie Fox Wetle has demonstrated the power of health services research paired with passion to foster change. In this presentation, I will pay tribute to Dr. Wetle, review the health services research and its application to frailty science, and reflect on the importance of passion to one’s career. I will share successes and remaining challenges of frailty implementation as exemplified in the Successful Aging and Frailty Evaluation clinic established in 2011. I will then discuss novel directions for frailty assessment and management using technology that may help overcome hurdles. Throughout the presentation, I will highlight mentors, collaborators and obstacles that have shaped my direction. I will end with a call for team science and policy change to advance frailty care.
ADVANCING DEMENTIA RESEARCH THROUGH AN EARLY CAREER SUMMER INSTITUTE
Authors: Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In 2020, the National Institutes on Aging (NIA) funded the five-year Alzheimer’s Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI) focused on early career researchers interested in psychosocial and public health research related to dementia. This program is designed to equip researchers with the knowledge and tools to advance the field of dementia research. Specifically, the Institute aims to promote skill building and substantive knowledge of emerging leaders, better preparing them to develop the evidence to ultimately improve care and outcomes for persons living with dementia. During each of the first three years of the project, feedback from faculty and trainees underscored areas in which training is more and less beneficial and the importance of facilitating new and ongoing networks. During this symposium, we will 1) describe the inception and development of AA-ISRI; 2) provide insights from a psychosocial track alum on training and the impact AA-ISRI has had on their research and career; 3) provide insights from a public health track alum on training and the impact AA-ISRI has had on their research and career; and 4) detail lessons learned and steps that other organizations can take to develop similar programs, as well as suggestions for faculty working with individual mentees.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE/TRAINING NEEDS OF EARLY RESEARCHERS IN DEMENTIA
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl , Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Across the first three years of the Alzheimer’s Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI), 98% of respondents indicated they were satisfied with the program, 95% felt the program increased their understanding of Alzheimer’s, and 90% said the program improved their independent research skills. Alongside the positive reception of AA-ISRI, feedback from participants, faculty, and faculty leadership led to several adjustments and changes to the structure and content of the program. For example, breakout sessions meant to provide deeper exposure to issues targeted to either public health or psychosocial research were found to be of relevance to both tracks of trainees, informing overlapping needs despite the particular area of focus. This and other changes have refined the overall flow of the program, the relevance of information shared, and the recruitment and selection of appropriate participants. This presentation will review the key lessons learned that have helped to shape the AA-ISRI over the first three years, future improvements that have been discussed for subsequent years of the program, and ideas and considerations for organizations looking to implement similar programs for researchers, and mentors working with individual mentees.
INTERGENERATIONAL HEALING: GENERATIVITY AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AMONG ALASKA NATIVE ELDERS
Authors: Lewis Jordan , Kim Steffi , Thompson Lena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The concept of generativity, defined as teaching and guiding the next generation, is an important stage of human development. Little research has been conducted with Alaska Natives on their understanding of generativity and its role and impact on their emotional health. This presentation is part of a parent study that consists of 162 qualitative interviews with AN Elders over the course of 16 years and were thematically analyzed to explore generativity and emotional health in successful aging. Across the lifespan, Alaska Native Elders engage in healthy and unhealthy behaviors which may or may not contribute to a healthy identity, or their ability to age successfully. This presentation will discuss four cultural factors, or indigenous cultural generative acts, used by Alaska Native Elders to improve their emotional wellbeing and fill the role of an Elder in their family and community. Throughout this study, Elders described ways that they “found balance” in their lives, including through family influence, being recognized as respected Elders in their communities, community and cultural engagement, and spirituality or living their Native ways of life. Elders felt that it was their responsibility and role to share their wisdom, knowledge, and experiences to help younger generations avoid some of the challenges they experienced and live healthy lives. This presentation will discuss how cultural factors can be used to guide development of culture-specific mental health treatment approaches, and more broadly, prevention strategies for all ages. Intergenerational healing can result in improved mental health for Indigenous Peoples of all ages.
THE JOYS OF GIVING: EXPLORING BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ELDERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES
Authors: Kim Steffi , Thompson Lena , Lewis Jordan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While Western community engagement with older adults research often focuses on topics such as community program involvement, volunteerism, and civic engagement, few studies have explored the role and impact of community engagement from an Alaska Native (AN) perspective. This presentation is part of a parent study consisting of 162 qualitative interviews with rural and 12 urban-based AN Elders over the course of 16 years and was analyzed using thematic analysis to explore the role of community in successful aging. AN Elders described bidirectional involvement in community engagement, in which they were involved as participants or as leaders. These engagements increased social connectivity and maintained cultural values. While few Elders described formal volunteer roles, they often supported one another through informal roles, like delivering food to others without access to traditional foods gathered from the land and the ocean. AN Elders also explained that the role of “Elder” is an important and respected community role, and often a title given based on their sharing of wisdom, experiences, and knowledge. A unique finding of this study is the bidirectional relationship between Elders and their communities. For example, Elders often expressed interest in participating in community activities, but communities also reach out to Elders to let them know they sought out their knowledge and experiences. Rural and urban based programs and services working to enhance engagement of Indigenous Elders in their community must consider expectations and desires communities may have of Elders and the desires of Elders to share their wisdom and experiences.