bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VISUAL DIFFICULTY AND VALUED ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND AGING TRENDS STUDY
Authors: Xu Shu , Wang Haowei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Vision loss is common among older adults and is associated with reduced activity. However, few studies have examined the value of various activities for older adults with visual difficulty. Using nationally representative data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2022, we examined activity preferences and participation among older adults with and without visual difficulty (N=5,807). We explored potential barriers (e.g., transportation, health, and COVID-19) limiting participation in valued activities. Visual difficulty was measured by self-reported vision status and impairments. Valued activities were assessed by four items: visiting friends and family who lived separately, attending religious services, participating in clubs, classes, or other organized activities, and going out for enjoyment. Activities rated as “very important” were considered to be of personal value to the individuals. Weighted sample characteristics showed that 56.3% of participants aged between 65 and 74 years old, and 8.6% experienced visual difficulty: 6.5% near or distance visual difficulty, 1.9% near and distance visual difficulty, and 0.3% blindness. Overall, most older adults (58.7%) rated visiting friends/family as important. Logistic regression results showed that older adults with near and distance visual difficulty were less likely to engage in valued activities (OR = 0.36) and more likely to report health-related (OR = 2.75) or COVID-19 restrictions (OR = 2.04) for ceasing participation in any valued activity, compared to those with no visual difficulty. Findings underscore the significance of developing interventions that bridge the gap between activity preferences and participation for older adults with visual difficulty.
EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR PROGRAM TO IMPROVE SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS IN CLINICAL SETTINGS
Authors: Smith Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify social disconnectedness among older patients, coordinated linkages to community-based organizations are essential to provide social engagement opportunities. The Reduce Social Isolation and Lift Outcome for Seniors (SILOS) program was created to screen older adults for social disconnectedness risk and link them to community services, resources, and programs. Patients ages 50 years and older were screened in the healthcare setting or by community health workers (CHW) using the Upstream Social Interaction Risk Scale (U-SIRS-13) and Duke Social Support Index (DSSI). Participants completed baseline assessments, and data were collected again at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed from 119 participants enrolled in the SILOS program. On average, these individuals were age 67 years. Sixty-six percent of participants were female, 15.3% were Hispanic, 70% were Caucasian, and 36% were Black or African American. At baseline, 92% of participants reported social disconnectedness risk. On average, participants reported significantly lower social disconnectedness from baseline to 3-month follow-up (t=6.15, P&lt; 0.001), 6-month follow-up (t=7.65, P&lt; 0.001), and 12-month follow-up (t=5.01, P&lt; 0.001), respectively. On average, participants reported significantly higher social support from baseline to 3-month follow-up (t=-3.28, P&lt; 0.001), 6-month follow-up (t=-3.67, P&lt; 0.001), and 12-month follow-up (t=-3.81, P&lt; 0.001), respectively. Findings from this initiative highlight the benefits of navigated clinical-community linkages to identify and address social disconnectedness among older adults. Including CHW in SILOS was essential to build trust and create rapport with the older adults, facilitating an in-depth understanding of social deficits, risk, and need for clinical and community services.
GEOGRAPHY AND LIVING ARRANGEMENT AS LONELINESS FACTORS FOR OAA NUTRITION CLIENTS DURING COVID-19
Authors: Menne Heather , Osborne Jason , Pendergrast Claire 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness is increasingly understood as a public health crisis. Multiple risk factors for increased loneliness in older adults have been identified in previous studies, including age, gender, race, geographic location, and living alone. Social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased loneliness among older adults. This study uses two cross-sectional waves of the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP) from 2019 and 2021 to expand understanding and identify possible points of intervention to increase social support for vulnerable older adults. Results reveal that while home-delivered meal participants have higher overall levels of loneliness than congregate meal participants. Those receiving home-delivered meals did not experience changes in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and did not differ significantly by age, geographic location, or living arrangement. Congregate meal participants’ loneliness was lower before the pandemic but increased during the first year of the pandemic, particularly for participants aged 65-74, those living in suburban or rural areas, and those living alone. The significant differences based on geography and living arrangement for congregate meal clients (but not home-delivered meal clients) suggest the need for further investigation as to whether living arrangement has a buffering effect on loneliness or whether the closing and less access to congregate meals sites impacted loneliness. These findings suggest opportunities for policymakers and aging services providers who seek to increase social engagement among older adults who participate in Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition programs.
LONELINESS AMONG PERSONS WITH LONGSTANDING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
Authors: Stuifbergen Alexa , Grimes Darla , Becker Heather , Kim Nani 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The isolation induced by the global COVID pandemic highlighted the negative health and quality of life impact of loneliness and loss of social connections, especially among those who are aging with chronic disabling conditions with associated mobility and sensory impairments that make community participation more difficult. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms and health behaviors and quality of life outcomes for persons with MS using data collected in 2023 as part of an ongoing longitudinal survey study. The survey included measures of loneliness, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, health behaviors and quality of life outcomes. The sample (N=157) of community-residing persons with MS had a mean age of 70.70 (SD=7.80) and had been diagnosed with MS for an average of 35.16 years (SD=6.16). The majority were married (61%) and female (90%). Fifty-five percent of participants rated their overall health as good or excellent. Reports of loneliness were strongly positively correlated with reports of depressive symptoms (r=.63, p&lt;.001), negatively correlated with economic adequacy (r= -.64, p&lt;.001) and had a small negative correlation with age (-.23, p&lt; 01). Greater functional limitations were associated with greater loneliness (r=.27, p&lt;.001) and depressive symptoms (r=.37, p&lt;.001). Loneliness and depressive symptoms had a similar pattern of moderate to strong negative correlations with reports of health behaviors and quality of life outcomes. Novel interventions to identify and treat loneliness and depression among older adults with chronic disabling conditions may improve important health and quality of life outcomes.
PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD LONELINESS DETECTION USING PASSIVE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Cho Emma , Demiris George , Cho Hannah , Lee Insup , Yuh Ahhyun , Ji Xiayan , Harrison Sean Lee , Sokolsky Oleg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While passive sensing has been examined in terms of older adults’ acceptance for the purpose of tracking activity levels or daily routines, less attention has been paid to how older adults perceive monitoring technologies that specifically capture levels of loneliness and social isolation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions and attitudes of older adults toward passive sensing technologies installed in their homes to assess loneliness. Structured interviews were conducted to assess older adults’ perceptions and attitudes toward passive sensing technologies to assess their loneliness after six months of having seven types of sensors (e.g, motion, temperature, bed and door sensors) installed in their homes. Audio recordings were transcribed and content analysis was conducted. A total of 15 older adults participated in the interview sessions. Themes included participants’ adaptation and adjustment, privacy and trust in data sharing, and perceived benefits and concerns of the installed sensors. Benefits included detecting and reducing loneliness, monitoring physiological parameters, improving healthier behaviors, etc. Concerns were raised about privacy, such as potential misuse by authorities or third parties, lack of accuracy of functions or feasibility of sensors, and lack of human response. All participants had an overall positive attitude towards sensors that could be installed in their homes to assess their loneliness.
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR INCREASING ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hughes Tiffany , Fang Fang , Wang Yueting , Jacobsen Erin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor health and quality of life as well as decreased longevity. This study examines patterns of change in self-reported isolation and loneliness, and factors associated with these patterns, using data from 1,474 cognitively normal participants followed annually for up to 12 years in a population-based cohort study of older adults. Composite measures of isolation and loneliness were created, and trajectory analyses were conducted to detect patterns of change in these composites over time. Multinomial logistic regression tested associations of baseline demographic, health, and lifestyle factors with patterns of change in isolation and loneliness. Trajectory analyses revealed three patterns of change in isolation - slowly decreasing, slowly increasing, and quickly increasing; and three patterns of change in loneliness - stable, increasing, and decreasing. Participants who had ever smoked, currently drank alcohol, were physically active, had hypertension, used the computer, and were not obese at baseline were less likely to be in the quickly increasing isolation pattern. Those with greater isolation and loneliness at baseline, who lived alone, were obese, did not have daytime sleepiness, and rated health as very good or excellent were more likely to be in the increasing loneliness pattern. Distinct patterns of change in isolation and loneliness were found over 12 years with different factors associated with risk for changing isolation and loneliness over time. Understanding characteristics of participants associated with change in isolation and loneliness over time may help to identify older adults for interventions.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS: EXAMINING THE POTENTIAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Ogunjesa Babatope , Ashrafi Sadia Anjum , Alam Rifat , Dubure Emmanuel , Schwingel Andiara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As individuals age, the issue of loneliness and social isolation becomes a growing concern for public health. These can have significant health consequences for older adults, including an elevated risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and dementia. To explore the association between social isolation and self-reported general health as well as the interaction of physical activity, we conducted a study analyzing a sample of 2,203 older adults (aged 65 and above) from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6). We used a logistic regression model while controlling for socio-demographic factors. Our study found that older adults with high levels of social isolation are less likely to report high self-reported general health (OR=0.958, 95%CI=0.931 – 0.987). However, those who met the recommended guideline of 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-vigorous physical activity are more likely to experience better self-reported general health (OR=3.37, 95%CI=1.878 – 6.050) than those who don’t meet the guideline. In our interaction effect analysis, we observed that for both physical activity groups, the predicted general health outcome decreases over time with an increased isolation score, but it decreases faster for those getting less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. These findings suggest that social isolation has negative impact on health in later life and that regular moderate physical activity and meeting recommended guidelines may help protect older adults against the adverse health consequences of isolation. Interventions targeting social connectivity and promoting physical activity may improve isolated older adults’ health outcomes.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kilaberia Tina , Hu Yuanyuan , Bell Janice 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social relationships of older adults in two groups: eleven who were part of a caregiving dyad and seven who were not (mean age=79; 12 White, 5 Black, 1 More Than One Race). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were combined with the Lubben Social Network Scale (six-item version, LSNS-6). Those in dyads and not in dyads reported comparable extent of social connections on average with family (9 monthly social engagements vs. 9.5 on LSNS-6, respectively). Those in dyads reported greater social engagement on average with non-family individuals than those not in dyads (8.5 vs. 7 on LSNS-6). Older adults in both groups had greater social connections with family than non-family members. Qualitative themes such as seeking, losing and keeping ties represent the range of social connection experiences: all in dyads (vs. five not in dyads) referred to family members as key persons during the pandemic, five (vs. one) reported social isolation from family members specifically, zero (vs. three) identified a spouse or partner as most protective, five (vs. three) described supportive relationships, and four (vs. one) described relationships needing adjustments as a result of the pandemic’s impact. Six older adults in dyads (vs. two not in dyads) described non-family contacts as key, eight (vs. three) described the loss of connection with friends, and three (vs. zero) identified friends or hobbies as most protective. Type of dyadic relationships (spouses vs. parent-child vs. friends) and relationship quality may influence older adults’ social connections differently.
THE INNER DYNAMICS OF THE OLD AND SOCIALLY WITHDRAWN IN JAPAN: INSIGHTS FOR INTERVENTIONS FROM CASE STUDY ANALYSES
Authors: Ikeuchi Tomoko , Hayashida Cullen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An increasing number of older adults in Japan are refusing social support even when offered. This lack of support elevates their risk of health deterioration, delays evacuation in disaster scenarios, and increases the likelihood of premature and lonely deaths with inadequate closures. This study examines the psychological factors contributing to the lack of motivation among socially isolated older adults in Japan to seek help. We conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews with nine individuals aged 60 years or older who reside in the community identified as socially isolated by community-based healthcare personnel. Using a narrative case study approach, the study revealed a prevalent concern among these socially isolated individuals about causing inconvenience to others by seeking help. The findings suggest that their reluctance to ask for help may be driven not by a desire to maintain independence but rather by a concern about inconveniencing others. In the context of Japanese culture, maintaining harmony with others is considered important. Asking for help might inconvenience others and potentially disrupt this harmony. To effectively assist those who refuse necessary support, social and community health workers should develop ways of minimizing the perceived burden of the recipients. However, further research is necessary to establish whether these findings are unique to the Japanese cultural context. Examples of innovative strategies to address this challenge will be discussed.
DEMENTIA STATUS AND PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES OF OLDER ADULTS OVER 11 YEARS
Authors: Tu Yufang , O’Connor Melissa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Religious/spiritual activities positively impact older adults’ health and well-being, and are associated with reduced cognitive decline and dementia progression. The current study explored the connection between dementia status and changes in the perceived importance of religious service participation (RSP) over an 11-year period. We used data from 12 longitudinal waves (2011-2022) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). NHATS is nationally representative of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. The current study included 41,567 participants at baseline. The outcome variable measured the self-rated perceived importance of RSP on a 3-point scale. Longitudinal multilevel modeling was conducted with dementia diagnosis as a time-invariant predictor (yes/no). Covariates included sex, age group, education level, and self-rated health. The interaction between time and dementia status was also examined. Individuals with dementia had a lower baseline perceived importance of RSP by 0.28 points (estimate = -0.28, p &lt; 0.001) compared to those without dementia. The average trajectory of the perceived importance of RSP significantly declined over time for both individuals without dementia (p &lt; 0.001) and those with dementia (p &lt; 0.001). Notably, individuals with dementia exhibited a faster decline, decreasing by 0.05 points for every 1 unit/year increase, in contrast to 0.01 points (estimate = -0.01) for those without dementia. This study demonstrated that older adults with dementia perceive RSP as less important compared to those without dementia. However, spiritual/religious engagement has been shown to help individuals with dementia cope with their symptoms.
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS MEDIATE THE LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATION OF RELIGIOUSNESS WITH SLEEP HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Domingo Divine , Chen Tuo Yu , Mgabhi Philile , Lim Kian Lee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although previous research shows that religiousness is significantly associated with better sleep health, their underlying mechanisms are unclear. We examined whether psychological distress and healthy behaviors mediated the association of baseline religiousness with multidimensional sleep health at 4-year follow-up among community-dwelling older adults. Data were from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011-2015; N=2182). Multidimensional sleep health was conceptualized using the SATED model (satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, duration; total score: 0-5), with a higher score indicating better sleep health. Religiousness was operationalized using the average frequency of five religious activities (praying, studying the sutra or bible, going to temple or church, watching or listening to religious programs, and making donations for religious purposes). Mediators at baseline included depressive symptoms (the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale), self-reported frequencies of exercise and drinking, and number of cigarettes smoked per day. We used PROCESS macro to test the mediational relationship adjusting for age, sex, education, and chronic conditions at baseline. The results from bootstrapping showed that baseline depressive symptoms significantly mediated the effects of baseline religiousness on multidimensional sleep health at follow-up (indirect effect: B=.01, SE =.004, 95%CI=.0004-.02). Exercise frequency, drinking frequency, and number of cigarettes smoked per day at baseline were not significant mediators. Our finding provided further insights on the link between religiousness and multidimensional sleep health by showing that religiousness was associated with better sleep health through decreased depressive symptoms but not by increased exercise frequency, reduced drinking frequency, and fewer number of cigarettes smoked per day.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEXUAL SATISFACTION AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Lou Vivian Weiqun , Cheng Clio Yuen Man 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recognizing the significance of sexual activity in the holistic health of older adults, this research is the first to explore how sexual satisfaction contributes to the broader well-being dimensions, particularly spiritual well-being. Guided by an integration of the attachment theory and the spiritual well-being of Chinese older adults’ framework, we conducted a longitudinal study with 290 married young-olds aged 50 to 75 years. Participants completed self-reported measures assessing sexual satisfaction at baseline and three dimensions of spiritual well-being at 1-year follow-up. Linear regression analysis results indicate gender differences emerged in the associations between sexual satisfaction and these components of spiritual well-being. For the meaning of life, while males did not exhibit a significant association with sexual satisfaction, females demonstrated a positive association, suggesting that higher sexual satisfaction was linked to a greater sense of meaning in life (β =.728, SE =.365, t(1) = 1.997, p = 0.047). In terms of transcendence, no significant associations were found between sexual satisfaction and this component of spiritual well-being for either gender. Regarding overall spiritual well-being, males did not show a significant association with sexual satisfaction, while females displayed a positive association, indicating that higher sexual satisfaction was associated with higher levels of spiritual well-being (β = 1.175, SE = 0.410, t(1) = 2.868, p = 0.004). The findings underscore the significance of considering sexual satisfaction as a factor influencing spiritual well-being in older adults. Moreover, considering gender-specific patterns in future studies and interventions development for holistic well-being is warranted.
ROLES OF LONELINESS, STRESS, AND RELIGIOSITY IN SUICIDE IDEATION IN A SAMPLE OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ebulum Genevieve , Eze John , Ezeihuoma Obinna , Njoku Crystal , Chukwuorji JohnBosco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Suicidal behaviour in older adults is a fundamental public health problem globally and the highest suicide rates occur in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is limited research on suicidality among older adults especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to find out whether loneliness, stress and religiosity would significantly predict suicide ideation among Nigerian older adults (N = 500). They completed a questionnaire form comprising the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale – version 3, Perceived Stress Scale and Religiosity Scale. While including age, educational qualification, and number of children as covariates, regression results showed that loneliness (β =.23) and stress (β =.10) were positively associated with suicide ideation while religiosity (β = -.16) exhibited a negative association with suicide ideation. The models substantially improved with the addition of each predictor. This suggests that whereas suicide ideation could be exacerbated by loneliness and stress, more religious older adults were less likely to report suicidal ideation. Interventions aimed at managing and protecting the mental health of older adults during their transition to late adulthood should guard them against loneliness and buffer their resilience and coping strategies with the connectedness that religiosity offers.