bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN THE OLDEST-OLD
Authors: Lynch Morgan , Beam Christopher 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior research suggests that loneliness is a precursor for depressive symptomatology (hereafter “depression”) in older adults (Cacioppo et al. 2010). Yet, whether their findings extend to the oldest-old is an open question. Moreover, recent work suggests that loneliness does not predict depression after accounting for trait-level components of each variable (Griffin et al., 2022). In the current study, we model five waves of loneliness and depression scores, measured two years apart, from 702 pairs of Swedish twins 80+ years of age from the Origin of Variances in the Oldest-Old study (OCTO). We use a Trait-State-Error (TSE) model to estimate trait, correlated time-specific, and uncorrelated time-specific components of loneliness and depression in the oldest-old. Lag-1 phenotypic correlations between loneliness and depression were small to moderate (rs:.23-.42). Univariate models were first compared; a State Error (SE) model best fit both variables. Model comparison tests indicated between-person differences (i.e., trait-like components) were not significant for either loneliness or depression. In a bivariate SE model, we found bidirectional cross-trait effects; depression positively predicted loneliness (b = 0.19, 95% CI [0.03, 0.46]), and loneliness negatively predicted depression after accounting for within-timepoint correlations (b = -0.33, 95% CI [-0.61, -0.09]). Within-variable autoregressive components were also significant; higher scores at the previous timepoint predicted an increase in loneliness (b = 0.91, 95% CI [0.84, 0.96]) and depression (b = 1.19, 95% CI [1.11, 1.27]). Findings suggest that in the oldest-old, loneliness does not presage depression as it does in young-old, alternatively, depression may precede loneliness.
MOMENTARY SOLITUDE AND WELL-BEING ACROSS ADULTHOOD: THE MODERATING ROLE OF TRAIT MINDFULNESS
Authors: Peng Xinyuan , Da Jiang  , Tse Dwight , Ho Yuen Wan , Lay Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Solitude (an objective state of being alone without social contact) evokes positive and negative experiences. People spend more time alone as they age. Little is known about factors influencing affective experiences in solitude. Trait mindfulness facilitates emotion regulation in various social contexts. The person-environment fit theory posits that individuals enjoy better well-being in environments aligning with their traits. Mindfulness emphasizes self-awareness and stress reduction, which seems consistent with the nature of solitude. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether trait mindfulness would moderate the relationship between solitude and affective well-being in a lifespan sample. An experience sampling study (N = 191; Mage = 51.49, SDage = 17.70, range = 19-93, 66% women) was conducted. Participants completed smartphone-based assessments measuring momentary social situations (in solitude vs. not) and affective experiences five times per day for seven consecutive days. High- and low-arousal positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) were assessed with nine items. Five facets of trait mindfulness were examined as moderators. Results revealed that mindfulness facets played protective roles in maintaining well-being in solitude. Higher levels of “describing” and “acting with awareness” weakened the negative association between solitude and high-arousal PA. A higher level of “nonreactivity to inner experiences” amplified the positive association between solitude and low-arousal PA. A higher level of “observing” weakened the positive association between solitude and low-arousal NA. Age did not moderate these relationships. These findings enhance understanding of affective well-being in solitude across adulthood by highlighting the roles of different facets of mindfulness.
PROMOTING PURPOSEFUL RETIREMENT IN NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA
Authors: Brown Leacey , Strommen Jane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A sense of purpose is correlated with a variety of outcomes in older age. Outcomes associated with purpose include mortality, longevity, psychological health, dementia/memory, physical health, and health promotion. Yet, many adults may not view older age and retirement as a time to live with purpose. As a result, educational programs are needed to help adults learn how they might incorporate purpose into their retirement planning. As the land-grant universities in their respective states, North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University are well positioned to fill this void. Both organizations are tasked with providing education and outreach on a variety of topics for individuals and families. For this reason, they came together to develop the Purposeful Retirement Book Club. This program was first piloted in 2020 and has been offered five times, reaching 81 adults. This poster will describe the value of including purpose in retirement planning, discuss evaluation results and lessons learn piloting the program, as well as strategies other organizations might use to implement this program in their community. Participants will also learn about the facilitator guide that was developed following the pilot of the program. This guide is available for anyone interested in offering the program.
ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP MEASURES WITH IMMUNE CELL PHENOTYPES IN THE FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Chen Jiachen , Cao Yumeng , Doyle Margaret , Lunetta Kathryn , Murabito Joanne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sleep plays a significant role in regulating immune functions. Disordered sleep is linked to higher risk of infection and chronic inflammation. The relationship between sleep and the immune system is reciprocal, with each influencing the other. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a balanced immune response and overall health. The associations between sleep measures and comprehensive immune cell phenotypes have not been well studied. Among Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring participants who participated in the Sleep Study (1996-1998) and had immune cell data, we investigated five different sleep measures, average weighted sleeping hours per week, apnea hypopnea index with 3% oxygen desaturation, self-reported snoring &gt;3 times a week, percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90% (TST90%) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in relation to fourteen immune cell phenotypes. At exam 7 (1998-2001) using flow cytometry immune cells were profiled including T cells, B cells, NK cells, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD28-CD27-, CD8+CD28-CD27-, CD4+ TEMRA, CD8+ TEMRA, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, CD4+(TN/TM), CD8+ (TN/TM), CD8+ Tc17/Treg ratio and CD4+ Th17/Treg ratio. Linear Mixed Effects models were used for analysis with adjustment for covariates. Among 199 participants (mean age 62 years, range 42 to 83 years, 51% female), CD8+ TEMRA and CD8+CD28-CD27- were significantly associated with ESS and TST90% after adjusting for age, sex, CMV status, time difference between exams, family relationships, sleep medications and cardiovascular risk factors (Beta Coeffs:0.05, -0.02; FDRs=0.03, 0.03) respectively. We conclude that CD8+ TEMRA and CD8+CD28-CD27- are associated with daytime sleepiness and sleep-related hypoxemia. Further investigation is justified.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP HYGIENE INDEX SCORE AND WHITE MATTER MICROSTRUCTURE
Authors: Weimar Lisa , Zhang Meina , Magnotta Vincent , Axelson Eric , Cochran Josh , Hopkins Lauren , Moon Chooza 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sleep complaints are common among older adults. Sleep hygiene refers to practices that promote adequate sleep and may represent an interventional target for improving sleep quality. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often exhibit white matter (WM) microstructure degenerations observable through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). As people age, poor sleep quality can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and damage WM microstructures. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between sleep hygiene and the structural integrity of WM among older adults. Data was collected from 49 older adults (51% female) with mean age 70.4 years (SD = 6.50). Diffusion-weighted MRI sequences were acquired using a 3.0T scanner. Fractional anisotropy (FA) scalar maps were generated through FSL-DTIFIT, and the Johns Hopkins University-ICBM white matter atlas was utilized to assess FA values within WM tracts. Participants completed the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), which is a self-reported instrument. In this preliminary analysis, poorer sleep hygiene was associated with lower FA values in the bilateral cerebral peduncles and posterior limb internal capsules, right anterior limb internal capsule, and left uncinate fasciculus compared to those who have better sleep hygiene. This preliminary data suggests that among this small, homogenous sample poor sleep hygiene is associated with reduced WM integrity. Future studies should include larger samples, longitudinal designs, comprehensive sleep measures, and multimodal imaging methods to confirm these findings and identify the mechanisms underlying these associations.
DAILY SLEEP AND EMOTION INERTIA IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Zhou Zexi , Fingerman Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Emotion inertia, conceptualized as the extent to which specific emotional states persist over time, is a crucial aspect of emotion dynamics associated with psychological well-being. This study examines the associations between sleep and emotion inertia in older adults’ daily life. We used the ecological momentary assessment data over 5–6 days from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study (N = 251, Mage = 73.7). Each morning, older adults indicated their sleep (i.e., duration, quality, disturbances) the prior night. At each three-hour assessment, they rated feelings of positive (e.g., loved, content) and negative (e.g., worried, lonely) emotion. They also reported depressive symptoms in the baseline interview. Multilevel models showed that higher sleep quality was associated with lower emotion inertia on days when older adults had lower averaged positive emotion or higher averaged negative emotion. In contrast, on days featuring higher averaged positive emotion or lower averaged negative emotion, high sleep quality was associated with increased emotion inertia. Furthermore, more overall hours of sleep predicted less emotion inertia across the study period only among older adults who had more depressive symptoms but not among those with fewer depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that good sleep may benefit older adults’ everyday emotional well-being by maintaining good mood on days characterized by favorable emotional states, and facilitating susceptibility to change in mood on days with less favorable emotional states. Results also underscore the heightened protective role of good sleep in older adults experiencing more depressive symptoms.
SUBJECTIVELY AND OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED SLEEP IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Lafontant Kworweinski , Brightman James , Suarez Jethro Raphael , Blount Amber , Fukuda David , Stout Jeffrey , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been proposed as a potential confounding factor when subjectively assessing sleep in older adults. However, it is unclear whether older adults with MCI are less accurate in self-reporting sleep than those without MCI. This cross-sectional investigation compared the mean absolute difference (MAD) between subjectively and objectively assessed sleep duration, efficiency, and latency among community-dwelling low-income older adults with MCI (n = 13, females = 11, age = 77.5 ± 7.83 years, BMI = 29.0 ± 4.29 kg/m2) and those without MCI (n = 77, females = 69, age = 73.8 ± 7.07 years, BMI = 30.6 ± 7.38 kg/m2). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), wrist-worn actigraphy (GT9X Link, ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale were used to assess subjective sleep, objective sleep, and MCI, respectively. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test revealed that data were non-normally distributed, so Mann-Whitney U tests were used for between-group comparisons. There was a significant difference in sleep duration MAD between older adults with MCI (6.04 ± 2.22 hrs) and those without MCI (6.42 ± 1.47 hrs; p = 0.03). However, sleep efficiency and latency MAD were not significantly different between the groups. While older adults with MCI may be less accurate at recalling sleep duration, their ability to distinguish sleep duration from time spent in bed is comparable to that of older adults without MCI. Future research should include older adults with MCI when assessing specific subdomains of sleep quality subjectively.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SLEEP HEALTH FOLLOWING SPOUSAL LOSS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Calfee Kristin , Lee Soomi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The loss of a spouse is consistently rated as one of the most stressful life events. Both spousal bereavement and divorce have been associated with poorer physical and mental health, including worsened sleep. However, the impact of spousal loss on sleep health may be mitigated by robust social support networks. This study utilizes a multidimensional measure of sleep health to examine its association with spousal loss, considering potential moderation by social support. 2,462 adults (Mage=66yrs) from the Midlife in the United States study provided longitudinal data at 2004-2005 and 2013-2016, 277 of whom lost a spouse to death or divorce between the two timepoints. A composite score of sleep regularity, satisfaction, alertness, efficiency, and duration was used to measure sleep health (higher=better). Social support was measured using Affectual Solidarity (AS), capturing both support and strain. General linear regression adjusted for sociodemographic covariates and depression was used to examine the association between spousal loss and sleep health, and the interaction between spousal loss and AS. Spousal loss was not a predictor of sleep health at follow-up. However, there was significant moderation by AS, such that the loss of a spouse was associated with worse sleep health for those who experienced a decrease in AS since the spousal loss (Slope=0.19, SE=.09, p=.03), but not for those who experienced an increase or no change in AS. Findings suggest that spousal loss may not necessarily degrade sleep health when social support is stronger. Future analyses will examine these associations separately by bereavement vs. divorce.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES AMONG OLDER ADULTS: PERCEPTIONS OF PROVIDERS AND OLDER ADULT STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Groden Sheryl 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Finding proper nutrition for individuals living in or near a food desert is of particular concern for older adults, many who experience chronic health problems. This qualitative study explores barriers and challenges in food accessibility for older adults in Flint, Michigan. Qualitative data was collected at four focus group sessions in early 2022. Two focus groups included 15 older adults, 65 years of age or older. They shared their experiences and challenges regarding food accessibility. The other focus groups included six professionals employed at agencies connected to food distribution. Based on responses from both groups, we revealed challenges to food access/distribution among older adults. Data analysis highlights gaps in communication and knowledge of community food provision as barriers to older adults accessing food. Community providers noted while Flint doesn’t have adequate grocery stores, the community was not short of community-provided meals. Despite numerous food assistance programs in the community, older adults were unaware of all food distribution options. They were also unaware of digital apps to find food distribution or the best pricing for goods at grocery stores. As non-profit agencies and businesses rely more on digital communication, written communication is often forgotten, leaving out many older adults. Other identified communication barriers included literacy issues, language barriers (growing Arabic and Spanish-speaking populations), and lack of overall knowledge on where to go for community food. Implications for addressing gaps in communication will help to address food access and nutrition security for older adults in marginalized communities such as Flint, MI.
FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS IN NAVIGATING COMMUNITY AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AMONG INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Boah , Wister Andrew , Mitchell Barbara , Li Lun , Kadowaki Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Informal caregivers are fulfilling important support roles for older adults who tend to require a greater range of services while navigating these community and healthcare systems to fulfill their growing complex needs. Yet, there is sparse knowledge on the most significant facilitators and barriers to effective system navigation (SN) among caregivers. This paper aims to fill these gaps through an investigation of the key factors affecting SN difficulties among informal caregivers of older adults. The Behavioural-Ecological Framework of Healthcare Access and Navigation (BEAN) model is used to frame the study. Using the General Social Survey (GSS) on Caregiving and Care Receiving 2018, a total of 2,733 informal caregivers whose primary care receivers were aged 65 or older were analyzed. Hierarchical logistic regression showed that the probability of reporting SN difficulties was lower for caregivers with social capital/cohesion compared to those without social capital/cohesion. In comparison, the probability of reporting SN difficulties was higher among caregivers with caregiving supports and among caregivers whose care receivers use a higher amount of formal health services. Several sociodemographic covariates (e.g., sex, education level, self-rated stress) were also identified. Given the significance of the social capital and utilization factors, as well as several key covariates as facilitators/barriers in SN among informal caregivers, our findings support certain aspects of the BEAN model. To address the challenges and to fill the care gaps on SN among informal caregivers, there is a need to implement coordinated schemes and health policy for older adults and their caregivers.
GOALS OF CARE IN A MEDICAID HCBS PROGRAM: VARIATIONS BY RACE, ETHNICITY, AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Robison Julie , Elisha Victor , Kellett Kathy , Baker Kristin , Fortinsky Richard 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults aim to prolong independent living despite physical and cognitive disabilities. HCBS person-centered care plans ideally align services provided with recipients’ goals of care. Medicaid-eligible HCBS populations are racially and ethnically heterogenous, with multiple chronic conditions. This study aims to determine how living with dementia, and racial and ethnic group membership, are associated with meeting self-identified goals of care and person-centered outcomes based on their HCBS-related experiences. 148 ethnically diverse adults ages 65+ with and without dementia were interviewed 9-10 months after enrolling in Connecticut’s Medicaid HCBS waiver program about the goals they set at enrollment. Structured interviews were conducted in person or virtually, based on respondent preference. Assistant or proxy unpaid caregiver respondents participated when warranted. 90% of respondents said they had as much input as they wanted in setting their goals. 76% felt they had met their goal, including 49% doing better than they had expected, and 16% reporting changing their goal. 83% said that thinking about goals was helpful in planning future care and many had discussed their goals with another health care provider (45%) or friends and family (76%). Goal achievement was equally likely for people with dementia compared to people without dementia as well as between race and ethnicity groups. However other aspects differed both by dementia status and race/ethnicity. Examples of specific goals for various subgroups will be presented.
UNMET SERVICE NEEDS AND HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE USE IN RURAL AND URBAN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , McClellan Angela , Russell David , Bouldin Erin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The lack of resources and services for caregivers of people with dementia (PWD) in rural areas in the U.S. has been well-documented. However, less research has explored the conditions of caregivers in urban areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the unmet caregiver service needs of urban caregivers of PWD, explore factors associated with their service use, and compare the outcomes with those of rural counterparts. Guided by Andersen’s theory of health service use, we interviewed 20 caregivers in rural Western North Carolina and 18 caregivers in urban Houston, Texas. Using the same interview guide, we inquired about their service needs and use, and contextual factors that facilitate their service use, and conducted a thematic analysis of the interviews. Interviews revealed that rural caregivers wished for more information and caregiver support whereas urban caregivers searched for information until they found satisfactory solutions. Rural caregivers expressed guilt about using services because they were limited and zero-sum while urban caregivers sought to assist their fellow caregivers through sharing available resources. Urban caregivers needed more culturally tailored services while rural caregivers’ cultural needs were more place-specific. Increasing options for online and virtual support groups and expanding the reach across the U.S. might address the unique concerns of rural caregivers. Developing ethnic-specific resources for their diverse population and PWD represents a priority among urban caregivers. Racially/ethnically diverse health professionals, including nurses and social workers with multi-linguistic skills, are needed to meet the needs of racially/ethnically diverse patients and caregivers in urban areas.
BEYOND PHYSICAL ABILITY: PROMOTING INCLUSION IN DEFINITIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Rule Payton , Willroth Emily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Physical function and the absence of disability have long been conceptualized as key components of successful aging in most frameworks. However, prior work in disability studies and psychology have suggested that physical functioning is not necessary for successful aging and that this conceptualization may be ableist in nature. Specifically, this definition implies that people with congenital disabilities are not able to age successfully and reinforces society’s view that able-bodied lives are better, happier, or more worthy than disabled people’s lives. This stands contrary to prior research demonstrating high engagement and wellbeing among individuals with disabilities. Moreover, this definition fails to acknowledge the role of inclusive environments (e.g., no stairs, wide doors/walkways) in promoting participation and successful aging. All these factors may lead to increased disability shame, stigma, and discrimination, which can decrease wellbeing, health, and longevity for people with disabilities. In this conceptual presentation, we draw from research in psychology, gerontology, and disability studies to suggest a broader and more inclusive definition of successful aging as continued engagement in activities one needs and wants to participate in. We describe how this definition promotes inclusion by acknowledging that participation can take many forms (e.g., through adaptive devices) and recognizing the power of the environment for promoting successful aging. In this way, we argue that this definition of successful aging takes the onus of functioning off the individual and places it on society to create inclusive environments, allowing all individuals the potential to age successfully, regardless of physical ability.