bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL POLICY, STIGMA, SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE, AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN
Authors: Chan Alex Siu Wing , Lachmann Mark , Ku Hok Bun , Yan Elsie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Older MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) often face discrimination and marginalization due to ageism and homophobia, impacting their psychological well-being. This study investigates the influence of social factors on the psychological well-being of older MSM, considering variations in social policy and cultural contexts across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Methods
A comparative approach was utilized, gathering data (N=453) from older MSM in the aforementioned regions. Measures assessing social policy, stigma, social acceptance, and psychological well-being were employed. Control variables, such as age, education level, and income, were included to mitigate potential influences. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis.

Results
The findings demonstrate significant negative effects of stigmatization across all three regions. F-statistics indicate the regression models’ overall significance: China (F = 69.583, p &lt; 0.001), Hong Kong (F = 51.971, p &lt; 0.001), and Taiwan (F = 57.725, p &lt; 0.001). This highlights stigmatization’s strong influence on dependent variables in each region. Additionally, high adjusted R-squared values suggest substantial explained variance: China (Adj R2 = 0.632), Hong Kong (Adj R2 = 0.514), and Taiwan (Adj R2 = 0.565), emphasizing the model’s ability to account for variability in dependent variables.

Conclusion
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to combat stigma and promote social acceptance, thereby enhancing the psychological well-being of this vulnerable population.
HEALTH CARE WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON PROVIDING PALLIATIVE CARE TO MULTILINGUAL POPULATIONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Strohl Katyayani , Ghosh Neeta , Ahmed Syeda A Fatima , Dotolo Danae , Sharma Rashmi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Importance
Persons living with dementia (PLWD) who prefer a language other than English (PLOE) are at high risk for sub-optimal palliative care. Although data suggest that multi-level (individual, clinical, healthcare system, community/policy-level) interventions may help address inequities, few studies have identified specific targets. Objective: To identify targets for multi-level interventions to improve palliative care for PLWD and PLOE.

Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews with social workers and medical interpreters who work with Chinese, Spanish, or Vietnamese speaking PLWD. Interviews were conducted from October 2022-October 2023, audiotaped, transcribed, and coded by an interdisciplinary investigator team using an inductive iterative approach.

Results
Interviews were conducted with 5 Spanish, 2 Chinese, and 2 Vietnamese interpreters and 5 social workers. Four themes emerged: 1) interpretation when the patient ‘wasn’t making sense’; 2) complexity with patient/family dynamics in decision-making; 3) barriers to anticipatory communication about dementia trajectory and quality of life; and 4) lack of culturally- and language appropriate resources. These data suggest multi-level intervention targets to improve palliative care in the context of dementia and linguistic diversity: 1) training interpreters about palliative care and how to navigate interpretation with PLWD, and providing clinicians communication skills training; 2) facilitating clinician-interpreter pre-meetings; 3) improving staffing and resources for social workers to shift from a crisis-focus to facilitating goals-of-care communication; and 4) increasing culturally and linguistically-appropriate and accessible resources. Impact: Our findings contribute to a gap in the literature about how to address the unique barriers PLWD with PLOE face, informing future intervention development.
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Authors: Dao Jonathan , Kittleman Cory , Gangupantula Pratima , Siby Ninette , Kakulavar Avinash , Gogia Rhea , Morrow Jason 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Advance directives (AD) convey patient’s preferences about end-of-life care to physicians and loved ones when they lose capacity. Only 45.6% of older adults (OA) have filled out an advance directive due to lack of time, knowledge, or comfort discussing the topic. Our organization prepared and delivered presentations on ADs at seven community centers in San Antonio, Texas to primarily caregivers, community health workers, and OA. Pre- and post-surveys were developed to assess demographics and evaluate attitudes (Likert scale) regarding ADs. Of 119 surveys, 50 respondents were OAs over 65 years old with a mean age of 74.8; 48% (n=24) identified as Hispanic/Latino, 30% (n=15) as African American (AA), and 25% (n=13) as White. 37.5% of Hispanic, 40% of AA, and 61.5% of White respondents reported previously completing an AD. 29.17% of Hispanic, 46.7% of AA, and 69.2% of White respondents reported previously completing an MPOA. 37.5% of Hispanic, 29.7% of AA, and 46.2% of White respondents reported being offered help from a physician to complete an AD. A higher proportion of White OAs had completed an MPOA, AD, and were offered help by a physician than AA or Hispanic/Latino OAs. This data remains consistent with previous studies on racial disparities in AD completion. A majority of respondents (68%) were never offered help from a doctor to complete an AD indicating a need to continue engaging patients, especially those of lower socioeconomic status.
SOCIAL CLASS AND SOCIAL TRUST: THE CASE OF A NORDIC WELFARE COUNTRY
Authors: Jylha Marja 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Trust in societal institutions and other people is an important foundation of democratic systems and contributes to the quality-olf-life. Finland has been considered as a high-trust society, with a reasonably egalitarian society and educational system, and the welfare state, including universal public services. In recent years the availability of health care and home and long-term care for older people has decreased, and”care poverty” has increase. In the project”Aging and social well-being” we investigated the trust of older individuals in societal instutions and health and old people´s services, and the differences in trust between social classes, measured as education, income, and occupational social class. The nation-wide survey included 3085 invdividuals aged from 65 to 84 years. Of the five societal institutions incluced, schools and educational system was the most trusted, and business life the least trusted. Trust in each five societal institutions and for the summary score showed a linear association with each measure of social class. For health and care services, a clear majority in each social class trusted acute health care and care services for chronic conditions, but a clear minority trusted home care, and only one in fourth trusted long-term care. Trust in health care was associated with social class, but trust in older people´s services was low in all social classes. The findings show that even in a Nordic welfare state, trust in societal institutions is highly dependent on social position, but low trust in old people´s care is shared by all social classes.
A SCOPING REVIEW OF HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AND OLDER ADULTS’ HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: Kim Seon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Most older adults aspire to age in their homes and communities rather than in institutions. However, as functional limitations grow with aging, older adults often find independent living challenging. The demand for home- and community-based services (HCBS) has steadily increased to alleviate the challenges faced by older adults. This scoping review explores the relationship between HCBS and the health outcomes of older adults.

Methods
A search of the literature was conducted across major electronic databases between January 1, 2005, and August 1, 2023. 11,317 relevant peer-reviewed articles were identified, and 12 articles were selected for the final sample.

Results
HCBS is consistently found to be related to better health outcomes, including physical, mental, and hospitalization. However, black and Asian older adults reported lower accessibility to HCBS and SRH compared to their White counterparts. Also, the low density and lack of HCBS in the neighborhoods are also related to the lower health of older adults.

Discussion and Implications
HCBS is helpful in enhancing older adults’ health outcomes; however, the better accessibility of HCBS in neighborhoods and older individual demographic characteristics should be considered. Also, policymakers should consider addressing the diverse needs of older adults and tailor HCBS.
LEISURE ENGAGEMENT AND HAPPINESS IN LATER LIFE BASED ON A LEVEL OF FLOW EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ryu Jungsu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There has been a growing body of literature that examines various environmental predictors (e.g., time spent outdoors, and social interaction) of happiness. Furthermore, scholars have reported on the contributing role of leisure activities to happiness. However, research has rarely examined the associations between different types of leisure activity and happiness based on a different extent of flow experiences at an advanced age. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore what kinds of leisure activity contribute to happiness in later life based on the level of experiencing flow. A convenience sample of 188 participants was recruited from senior centers in South Korea, which consisted of 67 males and 121 females with ages ranging from 60 to 90 years (M = 74.99, SD = 5.49). The results showed that the participants in the high flow state significantly feel happier than those in the low flow state. Additionally, home-centered and social activity was the only significant contributor to happiness for the high flow state. For the low flow state, there was no significant relationship between each leisure engagement and happiness. Our findings elucidate that the importance of social engagement in happiness should be emphasized than any other activities in later life, and experiencing flow during social engagement considered meaningful also needs to be accentuated. It implies that older adults are more likely to be happy when social engagement is a meaningful and motivating activity compared to when simply participating in socializing without any motivation.
SOCIAL CAPITAL PROFILES AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS
Authors: Li Yuekang , Morrow-Howell Nancy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Existing literature often overlooks the multifaceted social engagements of older adults, neglecting how well-being is intricately influenced by diverse combinations of social capital. This study investigates social capital profiles among Chinese older adults, examining how these profiles vary in relation to demographic characteristics and health outcomes. The China Family Panel Study (CFPS) 2016 wave provided data for 7,295 adults aged 60 and above. Based on three levels of social capital (family, community, and societal), Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was employed to identify the social capital profiles of older adults. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models analyze the influence of personal and neighborhood factors on social capital profiles and their correlation with depressive symptoms. Through LCA, three distinct social capital profiles emerged: “Family-centered,” “Family Plus Society,” and “Diverse.” These profiles, each with their unique configurations of social capital, are linked to specific demographic and community features as well as mental health statuses. Notably, this research underscores the particular vulnerability of the “Family-centered” group, characterized by their restricted access to various forms of social capital. Meanwhile, older adults’ social capital is highly connected with the neighborhood they live in. The findings from this study deepen our understanding of social capital by adopting an ecological perspective. The methodology employed to discern social capital compositions and profiles more accurately reflects the diverse social engagements of older adults, offering important insights into the intricate interplay between different levels of social capital and varied older populations.
USING LATENT CLASS GROWTH ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY SUBGROUPS OF OLDER ADULTS WITH SHARED TRAJECTORIES OF FRAILTY STATUS
Authors: Spangler Hillary , Xie Wenyi , Lynch David , Lin Feng-Chang , Batsis John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome with significant clinical heterogeneity among older adults. Identifying groups experiencing different frailty trajectories is critical for identifying those at high risk of frailty progression and prevention.

Methods
We used data from the National Health and Aging Trend Study (2011-2020), a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries &gt;65 years. Individuals were categorized using Fried’s frailty phenotype. We included older adults (n=6,904) with ≥2 interviews with frailty status (improving, stable, worsening). We used latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify patterns of change in frailty status and the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH: transportation, family support, income, education) on frailty trajectories. We defined rural by The Office of Management and Budget’s standards.

Results
Participants were 56.9% female, median age of 70-74. At baseline, 24.6% were robust, 50.4% were pre-frail, and 25.0% were frail. LCGA identified three trajectories over 10 years. Most participants (54.1%) had a stable trajectory, with almost no change in frailty status. Fewer participants (29.1%) had an improving trajectory, initially experiencing a decrease in the number of frailty items at ~6 years, followed by a slow increase over time. The smallest group (16.9%) had a worsening trajectory, with an increasing number of frailty components over time. The worsening trajectory group was older at baseline, majority female. Marital status, lower education and income levels, and Medicaid enrollment were associated with higher odds of worsening frailty trajectory.

Conclusion
SDOH and rurality were associated with progressive frailty trajectories, highlighting the need for policy-level interventions for frailty mitigation.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PATTERNS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND FRAILTY STATUS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA
Authors: Che Sok Leng , Chao Ka Kei , Wong Ka Kit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness has been identified as a public health priority by WHO. Studies have indicated that participating in social activities could reduce loneliness and the probability of being frail. This study examines social activity among Chinese older adults and its impact on frailty. This investigation utilizes data from 10,762 participants aged 60 years and over in the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS). Frailty status was assessed by constructing a Frailty Index using health deficit accumulation model. Latent class analysis was employed to explore patterns of social activities, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with frailty status. The study identified five distinct types of social activity pattern, e.g. face-to-face interaction, socially active and diverse, socially inactive, socializing through the role of caregiver, and socializing through the Internet. Older adults in China are characterized by being socially inactive, accounting for 82% (n=8,827) of the total participants. Compared to older adults who practice face-to-face interaction, older adults who are identified as socially inactive (aOR=2.05, p&lt; 0.001, 95% C.I.=1.68 to 2.51), and socialize in the role of caregiver (aOR=1.43, p=0.01, 95% C.I.=1.08 to 1.88) showed significantly higher odds of being frail. Older adults who hold the role of caregiver are particularly susceptible to frailty. The caregiving role may restrict their social network, while social inactivity may increase the risk of social isolation. Therefore, older individuals exhibiting these patterns of social activity may benefit from enhanced community and family support.
CONNECTING THREADS: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION’S ROLE IN REDUCING LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Nahyun , Katagiri Keiko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social participation among older adults occurs within the context of local community networks, suggesting that engaging in such activities can expand neighborhood networks, enhancing social connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Active social participation serves to both bridge and bond social networks by expanding them to diverse communities and reinforcing close-knit within groups. Despite the acknowledged advantages of social participation in alleviating loneliness, research gaps persist regarding its specific function and effects on loneliness. This study explores the effects of social participation on loneliness, particularly through the lens of bridging new communities and reinforcing internal group bonds, focusing on relationships with weak neighborhood ties and their impact on reducing loneliness. An online survey was conducted with Japanese individuals aged 60–79 years (n=1000), focusing on 570 respondents who were actively involved in social participation. The survey collected data on variables such as bridging to new communities, internal group bonds, the size of weak neighborhood ties (greetings, casual conversations), and loneliness. A path analysis revealed that strong internal group bonds were negatively related to loneliness, highlighting the importance of deep, supportive relationships within groups. Although direct links between the extent of bridging to new communities and immediate loneliness reduction were not found, an indirect positive effect through the expansion of neighborhood networks was identified, associated with decreased loneliness. This highlights the dual benefits of social participation: fostering close-knit group connections and expanding community engagement through weak ties; both are crucial for reducing loneliness and enhancing well-being in older adults.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON THE WELL-BEING AND COPING MECHANISMS OF OLDER ADULTS IN BISHOFTU TOWN, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Kotecho Messay , Kassay Abraham , Adamek Margaret 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research concerning older adults is gaining attention in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, previous research has disregarded the issue of social isolation among elders in Ethiopia. The prevalence of social isolation among older adults is now a significant concern worldwide due to its impact on both individuals and society at large. This study examined how social isolation affects the well-being of older adults and their coping mechanisms, focusing specifically on the experiences of older adults in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia. A phenomenological approach was used to investigate the experiences of 10 older adults (5 male and 5 female) aged 60 and above, purposefully selected for in-depth interviews and observations. The results indicate that participants are increasingly susceptible to social isolation due to factors such as negative perceptions of aging, loss of meaningful relationships, economic hardships, and age-related health issues. Consequently, elders experience a reduction in social connections, health issues, psychological distress, and challenges in meeting basic needs. Despite these obstacles, older adults have developed various coping strategies, including engaging in prayer and spiritual practices, depending on intergenerational support, participating in traditional savings associations (Idir), and sleeping excessively. Nonetheless, many participants express feelings of pessimism, weakness, lack of affection, and a sense of worthlessness about their future. Additionally, participants report facing disengagement and a loss of social ties alongside grappling with severe poverty and inadequate access to healthcare services. The study underscores the urgent need to bolster intergenerational solidarity and social capital within the community to tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting older adults in Ethiopia.
THE EQUITABLE AGING IN HEALTH CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: CASE STUDIES OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Authors: Perone Angela , Zhou Leyi , Yaisikana Mo’e , Urrutia-Pujana Leixuri 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research has well-documented health disparities associated with social isolation and loneliness among older adults. However, much of this research focuses on the United States, and conceptual and theoretical frameworks incorporating power are underdeveloped. This poster presents a new conceptual framework that bridges theories of power and social and political determinants of health to provide a new vision for developing interventions that incorporate power and justice from a global perspective. The Equitable Aging in Health Conceptual Framework foregrounds power as a core driver of social and political determinants of health and the interventions addressing health disparities that flow from power inequities. We argue that interventions that infuse justice must inherently address power, and this conceptual framework aims to help researchers, policymakers, and practitioners accomplish that objective. To illustrate the utility of this conceptual framework, this poster presents three case studies. The first case study applies this conceptual framework to loneliness among rural indigenous older adults in Taiwan. The second case study applies this framework to social isolation among urban community-dwelling older adults in mainland China. The final case study applies this framework to social isolation and loneliness among nursing home residents in Spain. These case studies illustrate how this framework can serve as a tool to visually identify and map how five domains of power can shape social and political determinants of health and a blueprint for conceptualizing interventions that infuse justice.
THE ROLE OF LATE-LIFE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN THE RISK OF DEMENTIA: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Wang Xi , Lujintanon Sita , Amezcua Pablo Martinez , Schrack Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social connectedness may prevent dementia in community-dwelling older adults. However, few studies have long-term follow-up and repeated assessments of social participation. We analyzed the data of adults aged 65 years and over in the United States from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 5,893) from 2012 to 2019. We assessed social connectedness annually with questions about engagement in various activities (“Yes”/”No”), including visiting family/friends, attending religious services, organized activities, and going out for enjoyment. We created a binary composite variable indicating participation in at least one of the activities. Incident dementia was defined using the NHATS dementia algorithm (reported dementia diagnosis, AD8, and neurocognitive test results). We estimated the longitudinal association between social participation and dementia using generalized estimating equation models adjusted for characteristics measured in 2011 (one year before the first exposure assessment), including age, sex, race, marital status, educational attainment, household income, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health. Composite social participation was associated with lower odds of dementia (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31, 0.54). Individually, visiting family/friends (0.53; [0.45, 0.63]), attending religious services (0.64 [0.55; 0.75]), participating in organized activities (0.74; [0.61, 0.89]), and going out for enjoyment (0.38; [0.32, 0.45]) were all associated with lower odds of dementia. Among community-dwelling older adults in the United States, multiple forms of social participation may be targets for dementia prevention interventions or serve as early markers of dementia risk.