bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DAILY EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL CONNECTION: REAL-WORLD ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES TO UNDERSTAND MECHANISMS
Authors: Van Orden Kimberly , Donovan Nancy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social connection is multifaceted construct that encompasses structural, functional, and subjective (quality) dimensions of relationships, all of which are associated prospectively with health, functioning, well-being, and longevity. Despite clear evidence linking social connection to health in later life, there are no clear evidence-based interventions and available community programs are under-utilized. One barrier to effectively intervening is the inability to tailor programs to person-specific contributors to disconnection. This symposium will describe findings from studies of social connection in later life that use innovative methods to examine person-specific and proximal causes, contributors, and consequences of social connection, including passive sensing via smartphones, analysis of social behavior (including speech patterns), and ecological momentary assessment. These methods allow for frequent measurement of indices of social connection in real-time (reducing recall bias) and in real-world contexts. Dr. Lee will present on the assessment of loneliness and social isolation among older adults using unstructured speech data in comparison to research surveys. Ms. Zhou will present on associations between sleep, social encounters, and momentary loneliness in older adults’ everyday life. Ms. VanBogart will present on associations between momentary loneliness and indices of stress (diurnal cortisol). Dr. Bower will present on momentary experiences of belonging in a sample of older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Dr. Van Orden will describe procedures and design considerations for EMA and passive sensing indices of social connection as outcomes in clinical trials to promote social connection. Dr. Donovan will facilitate a discussion to integrate findings and identify opportunities for future research.
DAILY HEALTH PROCESSES IN POPULATIONS OF DIVERSE DEMOGRAPHIC BACKGROUNDS
Authors: Roecke Christina , Luo Minxia , Bielak Allison 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Health processes are studied increasingly commonly in older adults’ daily life. This symposium includes four studies that investigated daily health processes in populations of diverse demographic backgrounds and explored differences in the daily processes between individuals. First, with seven-day data from 207 adults aged 18-82 years, Ferguson, Corley, and Scott found that negative affect was associated with occurrence of stressors at both the within-person momentary and between-person levels, but age or neuroticism did not moderate the association. Second, Ng, Kratz, and Birditt conducted a five-day study on effects of interactions with care recipients and with friends on cardiovascular functioning in 159 Black and White dementia caregivers. In particular, they found that negative interactions with care recipients were linked to momentary increases in HR in Black but not in White caregivers. Third, Luo, Röcke, and colleagues investigated the short-term time-lagged associations between leisure activities and cognitive performance over hours and the differences across age, gender, education, and ethnicity. They analyzed data from two two-week studies from a total 542 young and older adults with diverse ethnicity backgrounds, but did not find any time-lagged associations. Fourth, Hartung and Hülür examined daily subjective memory lapses in relation to cognitive activity and mood in 325 university students over 10 days. Their results showed that memory lapses were associated with more cognitive activity and worse mood both momentarily and between individuals. Finally, Allison Bielak will discuss all papers about generalizability of observations of daily health processes across populations of different demographic backgrounds.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF LIMITED SOCIAL NETWORK AND SOLITARY LIVING ON HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: PARADOX OF ISOLATION
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this presentation, I will discuss the distinct effects of a limited social network (SN) and solitary living on health outcomes in later life, drawing on findings from two studies. While both a limited SN and solitary living indicate forms of social isolation, their health implications, especially those associated with solitary living, remain controversial. A limited SN was characterized as engaging in contact with family members living separately or with friends less than once a week, and solitary living was defined as residing without cohabitants. Utilizing extensive cohort data from older adults residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area, we examined the factors modifying the relationship between cognitive decline (CD) and all-cause mortality. The Cox proportional hazard model indicated the CD-mortality association was stronger among those with a small SN than a large SN. Conversely, the association was weaker in living-alone individuals than in cohabiting individuals. The variance in effect was also evident in brain volume metrics. Employing data from a separate cohort study of older Japanese adults, we assessed the impact of social isolation on hippocampal volume changes. Participants with a smaller SN exhibited a more significant reduction in hippocampal volume than those with a larger SN. Surprisingly, solitary living was associated with a lesser decline in hippocampal volume. Although both a small SN and solitary living are indicators of social isolation, they appear to have opposite effects on health. Our results underscore the necessity of differentiating types of isolation when designing and implementing interventions for social isolation.
THE EMPOWERED CAREGIVER: A SCALABLE AND PRAGMATIC EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Judge Katherine , Grant Claire , Stratton Lauren , Moreno Monica , Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Informal caregivers provide the bulk of care to older adults with dementia. Few studies have evaluated pragmatic and scalable on-line educational programs for caregivers. An RCT (N=247) was used to evaluate a new program, Empowered Caregiver, across 3 timepoints (T1/baseline; T2 after program completion; and T3 45 days after T2.) The program included two 90-minute sessions delivered online via community educators and addressed communication, dementia-related behaviors, caregiver stress/support, and person-centered care. Materials provided pragmatic and easy to implement caregiver strategies. Program acceptability also was assessed. Participants were M=46.41 years old (SD=16.23), female (63.6%), Caucasian (54.3%), married (47%), heterosexual (80.2%), and worked part- or full-time (50.4%). Separate 2 (condition) x 3 (time) repeated measures GLMs were conducted. Program participants (n=131), compared to control (n=116), reported significant improvements with: Caregiver Self-Efficacy, Emotional Health Strain, Role Captivity, Caregiver Mastery, Personal Gain, Unmet Needs, Unmet Needs Distress, Anxiety Symptoms, Depression Symptoms, Behavioral Intentions, and Behavioral Actions. Mean ratings of program acceptability using a 5-point Likert scale ranged from 4.17 to 4.58. Participants indicated they would very likely recommend the program to others (91.5%). Results indicated the Empowered Caregiver program was efficacious in improving a wide range of caregiver outcomes along with being highly acceptable. Overall, findings address a significant gap in the literature and a current limitation in providing caregivers with timely evidence-based information, tools, and resources. Discussion will highlight key implementation issues, alignment of program dosage with measures, the need for pragmatic and scalable programs, and future directions.
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HELPLINE
Authors: Hodgson Nancy , Talwar Sonia , Huang Liming , Finegan Kerry , Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Most persons living with dementia in the US live at home and are supported by family. The Alzheimer’s Association national Helpline offers free 24/7 support, including telephone care consultations. Three iterative studies evaluating the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline were conducted between January 2019 and December 2023. The first study compared the benefit of the Helpline Care Consultation to a Care Consultation Plus program on the emotional and mental health of 445 callers (75% White, 80% women). The second study compared outcomes in 1822 callers (75% White, 79% women) randomly assigned to staff who provided the traditional care consultation model, or those trained in a brief solution-focused approach. The third study (2503 callers – 80% women, 73% White) evaluated the efficacy of up to two additional care consultations. In all three studies, we observed statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy in managing emotions. In the first study, callers’ mental health and self-efficacy improved significantly. In the second study callers assigned to the solution-focused approach had higher therapeutic alliance than callers assigned to the traditional care consultation. The self-efficacy scores in the third study were significantly lower in callers that requested an additional. Self-efficacy improved significantly in those who opted for one or two calls. Support services provided via the Helpline can be very effective at improving caregiver self-efficacy, managing emotions and ability to take action. Additional research is indicated to understand the diverse needs of caregivers and what types of supportive services work best for Helpline callers.
USER CHALLENGES AND PREFERENCES FOR VOICE INTERFACE DESIGN ON SMART SPEAKERS AMONG LOW-INCOME MINORITY OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Chung Jane , Mansion Natalie , Viceconte Madeleine , Syros Reiley , Winship Jodi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Voice-assisted smart speakers offer benefits for independent living and wellness, particularly for individuals with mobility disabilities, vision impairments, or dexterity issues. Voice user interfaces (VUIs) integrated into smart speakers enable hands-free and eyes-free interaction, allowing users to perform tasks through voice commands. Despite increasing research on older adults’ adoption and interaction with voice-operated smart speakers, the specific usability challenges faced by low-income, minority older adults remain largely unexplored. We synthesized qualitative findings from two smart speaker-related projects, focusing on low-income, primarily African American older adults. Employing qualitative descriptive methods, including matrix analysis and content analysis, we explored usability issues and VUI design preferences. Overall, participants expressed positive experiences with hands-free interactions. However, some encountered difficulties due to a lack of instruction on using different buttons or specific commands to navigate to or exit certain functions. Users also experienced unintentional voice assistant activation, requiring careful command monitoring. While many participants were satisfied with the voice assistant’s gender, tone, and accent, occasional misunderstandings or actions that users do not comprehend have been noted. Participant interviews highlighted the significance of designing VUI that can be customized to accommodate users’ health conditions and speech abilities, given the prevalence of poorly managed chronic conditions and dental health issues among low-income minority older adults. This customization is essential to smart speaker adoption and use, as health outcomes such as stroke or missing teeth may affect users’ ability to pronounce certain words or articulate commands understood by the voice assistant.
CELL SENESCENCE AND MITOCHONDRIA: A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH
Authors: Passos Joao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Senescence is a multi-functional cell fate, characterized by an irreversible cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory phenotype, commonly known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence indicates that accumulation of senescent cells in multiple tissues drives tissue dysfunction and several age-related conditions. This has spurred the academic community and industry to identify new therapeutic interventions targeting this process. Senescence is a complex and highly heterogenous phenotype and despite tremendous progress in recent years we are still far from fully understanding it. There is no single, stand-alone marker that allows the identification of senescent cells, posing a challenge to their identification and targeting. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an often-unappreciated hallmark of cellular senescence which plays important roles not only in the senescence growth arrest but also in the development of the SASP and resistance to cell-death. In my talk, I will first describe some of our recent efforts to accurately map senescent cells in different tissues, including the application of imaging methods involving artificial intelligence. Additionally, I will describe how mitochondria contribute to the development of senescence and resistance to cell-death. Finally, I will propose that a detailed road map of mitochondrial biology in senescence will be crucial to guide the future development of therapies targeting cellular aging.
GEROSCIENCE-DRIVEN THERAPIES TO TARGET HEALTHSPAN WITH AGING: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Espinoza Sara , Gonzales Mitzi , Musi Nicolas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The geroscience hypothesis posits that by targeting aging we may simultaneously prevent or delay several age-related diseases and thereby increase healthspan, or lifespan spent free of significant disease and disability. Clinical trials of candidate agents are underway to examine several pharmacological interventions for this purpose. Beyond determining the safety of these agents, substantial work will be needed to determine the efficacy of these interventions on various domains of healthspan, i.e., physical function, cognitive function, frailty, disability, patient reported outcomes and health-related quality of life. Further, we will need consensus to identify the most meaningful and clinically relevant outcomes and biomarkers of target engagement to identify appropriate patient populations and monitor therapeutic response. It is likely that no single intervention will be broadly indicated, but agents will be tailored using an individualized, patient-centered approach. Larger pragmatic clinical trials will be needed to demonstrate efficacy beyond smaller, early phase clinical trials. Furthermore, any interventions for older adults must not inadvertently exacerbate existing medical comorbidities or geriatric syndromes, such as contribute to polypharmacy or cause side effects that outweigh any potential benefits. This will require that physicians and others providing medical care to older adults, the vast majority of which are not geriatricians, must be trained and knowledgeable in basic principles of geroscience and the use of such therapies toward the goal of improving healthspan (as opposed to the traditional single disease approach). Clinical practice guidelines specific to promoting healthspan in older adults may be needed to guide any future broad clinical use.
GAIT SPEED IMPLEMENTATION IN TWO GERIATRIC CLINICS IS CONSISTENT ACROSS PATIENTS AND VISIT TYPES
Authors: Baillargeon Emma , Jones Nancy , Rosso Andrea , Brach Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We are implementing gait speed assessment in two outpatient geriatric clinics of a large, academic hospital system in an ongoing quality improvement project. We trained rooming staff (Clinic A: n=5; Clinic B: n=4) to measure 4-meter gait speed using a stopwatch and document the measured speed, or reason for not measuring, in the electronic health record (EHR). The project has been active since 11/1/2023 in Clinic A and 1/19/2024 in Clinic B. EHR data are analyzed monthly to track progress; data through 2/29/24 are included here. We tested whether patient (age, sex) and visit (type, ICD-10) factors were associated with gait speed documentation (yes/no) and measured gait speed. Documentation was completed in 23-58% of visits-per-month for a total of 621 visits (542 patients) in Clinic A and 186 visits (173 patients) in Clinic B. Whether gait speed was documented was not associated with patient age (p=0.3), sex (p=0.2), or appointment type (p=0.2). Gait speed was negatively associated with patient age (R=-0.24, p&lt;0.001) but did not differ by patient sex (p=0.2) or appointment type (p=0.5). Gait speed documentation was not associated with an abnormality of gait and mobility diagnosis (ICD-10 R26; p=0.8), but gait speed was slower in visits with this diagnosis (median (IQR): 0.60m/s (0.51,0.75)) than without (0.69m/s (0.56,0.86), p&lt;0.001). Gait speed documentation is feasible and is being used similarly across patients and visit types. Ongoing data will be assessed as available to inform our goal of increasing the reach and adoption of gait speed assessment in geriatric primary care.
INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE GAIT SPEED
Authors: Brach Jennifer , Shuman Valerie , Perera Subashan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Numerous evidence-based interventions exist to treat patients’ mobility limitations once identified in primary care. We will present an overview, focusing on the Program to Improve Mobility in Aging (PRIMA) study as one example. Interventions to improve walking historically focused on underlying impairments, with modest improvements. We hypothesize mobility limitations are a result of the loss of motor skill in walking and timing and coordination exercises targeting the skill of walking are an essential component of a mobility intervention. Participants &gt;64 years were randomized to the standard strength and endurance (STD, n=125) or standard-plus timing and coordination (PLUS, n=124) intervention, 50-60 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants with slower initial gait speed (&lt; 1.0m/s) in both groups improved gait speed after the intervention (STD: 0.111m/s, PLUS: 0.088m/s) and maintained those improvements at the 12-week follow-up (STD: 0.087m/s, PLUS: 0.086m/s). In contrast, participants who initially walked faster (≥1.0m/s) in both groups improved gait speed after the intervention (STD: 0.060m/s, PLUS: 0.074m/s) but only those in the PLUS intervention maintained those improvements at the 12-week follow-up (STD: 0.027m/s, PLUS: 0.052m/s). Individuals in the PLUS group who were most likely to improve had better baseline endurance (longer six-minute walk distance) and were more active (greater activity counts by actigraphy) than those who did not improve. Both interventions improved gait speed. Faster walkers and those with greater capacity (i.e., endurance and activity level) may need the challenge of the timing and coordination component to become motor experts in walking and sustain treatment benefits.
USING GENERATIVE AI TO ENHANCE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR CARE PARTNERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Washington Karla , Demiris George , Huh-Yoo Jina , Rezapour Rezvaneh , Wang Lu , Aghakhani Elham , Song Max 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Care partners play an essential role in providing long-term care to community-dwelling older adults, offering vital support to individuals who require or desire assistance with instrumental and other activities of daily living. However, care partners’ responsibilities often entail significant physical, emotional, and financial strain, resulting in compromised health and well-being. Numerous studies support the efficacy of behavioral interventions in reducing the deleterious health outcomes often associated with serving as a care partner, but the resource-intensive nature of many such interventions introduces numerous implementation barriers. This presentation will explore the promise and potential pitfalls of using generative AI to enhance the delivery of behavioral interventions for care partners of older adults. Presenters will supplement a review of relevant literature with specific examples drawn from their own research using a large language model (ChatGPT 3.5) to enhance the delivery of PISCES (Problem-solving Intervention to Support Caregivers in Everyday Situations), a cognitive-behavioral intervention developed for care partners of older adults with serious illness. Generative AI’s potential as a tool to deliver the intervention’s psychoeducational content and also to monitor intervention fidelity demonstrated by human interventionists will be described, as will researchers’ intentional efforts to ensure the tool does not perpetuate problematic (e.g., ageist) perspectives based on an analysis of 250 transcribed intervention sessions used to train it. The presentation will conclude with actionable practice recommendations that harness the potential of this rapidly emerging technology in an ethically sound manner that enhances the equitable delivery of evidence-based care partner support for all.
THE ERA OF CHATGPT: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF LLMS IN GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Friedman Ari 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Large language models (LLMs) and the platforms they support such as ChatGPT have experienced an exponential growth in popularity and use in the last year. ChatGPT surpassed100 million users in just two months after it was released to the public. These technological advances introduce opportunities for health care applications and it is anticipated that LLMs and various chatbot applications may significantly redesign clinical and health related processes and services. More specifically, in the space of gerontology, the use of Generative AI is anticipated to inform applications including automating clinical decision making, and even predicting cognitive decline based on end user data, providing digital companionship chatbots for isolated older adults, processing and increasing the accessibility of health education material and assisting in the documentation of care transitions. Rather than aiming to anticipate how companies will use LLMs to disrupt the field of gerontology, we have the opportunity and responsibility to define how ethical and appropriate gerontological care will shape the training of LLMs and the creation of guidelines for the use of Generative AI in gerontology. In December 2023 a group of national experts in the fields of gerontology, LLMs, AI and bioethics convened with the goal to propose guidelines to inform appropriate use of LLMs for systems that target older adults and persons with dementia and recommendations for the promotion of transparency in the design of LLMs for gerontology. This presentation will provide insights into these recommendations and guidelines for the role of LLMs in gerontology.