bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PET ATTACHMENT AND RETAINED PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN COMMUNITY RESIDING OLDER ADULT PET OWNERS
Authors: Friedmann Erika , Gee Nancy , Simonsick Eleanor , Resnick Barbara , Gurlu Merve , Shim Soyeon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pet ownership has been associated with slower deterioration in cardiorespiratory fitness (400-M walk time), gait speed, overall functional performance and physical well-being independent of age and comorbidities in older adults with increasing age. As level of pet attachment, an aspect of social support, may impact physical function, we evaluated this association using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). In this longitudinal observational study of 214 pet-owning, generally healthy community-dwelling adults aged 50-100 years (M=68.0, SD=7.8), pet attachment and physical function were assessed during regularly scheduled visits every 1-4 years over 1-13 years (M=7.5,SD=3.6). Linear mixed models with pet attachment, time, and pet attachment by time interaction controlling for age and comorbidities were used to examine the relationship of pet attachment to deterioration in several physical function outcomes. Higher pet attachment was associated with slower deterioration in usual (p&lt; 0.001) and rapid gait speed (p=0.002) and overall physical performance (p=0.009) not cardiorespiratory fitness or physical well-being. Among dog owners only (N=121) attachment did not moderate deterioration in physical function. Among cat owners (N=100), higher attachment was associated with slower decline in physical well-being (p=0.035). We provide important longitudinal evidence that pet attachment is differentially associated with rates of decline in physical function that older adults experience as they age and that attachment to different types of pets may have different relationships to the decline process. Potential explanations for these differences are proposed.
PROMOTING ACTIVE AGING THROUGH TAEKWONDO AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Seo Minhwa , Im Sua , Heo Jinmoo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With increasing longevity, the older adult’s population is growing, highlighting the importance of addressing issues related to active aging. In Korea, older adults actively participate in various leisure activities, including a specialized group practicing Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, to promote active aging. This study aims to explore the role of Taekwondo engagement in active aging. Utilizing a phenomenological method design with semi-structured interviews, we explored how Taekwondo influences active aging. Participants aged 73 to 95, and each participant was diagnosed with at least one disease such as arthritis, stroke, or facial paralysis (n =12). Through in-depth interviews, three main themes and seven sub-themes emerged, all aligned with the WHO’s Active Aging model. The first theme highlights the promotion of diverse social participation through Taekwondo involvement, encompassing leisure, cultural engagement, community integration, and participation in competitions and performances. The second theme focuses on the positive impact on physical and mental health. Participants reported enhanced well-being, including reduced knee pain and improved cognitive function, following Taekwondo engagement and social interaction. The third theme emphasizes the security benefits associated with health promotion and participation in Taekwondo. Older adults were able to mitigate isolation through social connections and enhance their mobility and independence through physical activity. Overall, our findings underscore the potential of Taekwondo as a promising avenue for fostering active aging among older adults. This study contributes valuable insights for promoting health and well-being in aging populations.
DEVICE-MEASURED MOVEMENT BEHAVIORS IN A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE COHORT OF OLDER ENGLISH ADULTS
Authors: Brocklebank Laura , Doherty Aiden , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Movement behaviours impact various health outcomes. However, they have rarely been objectively measured in large nationally representative cohorts of older adults. We aim to describe the collection and analysis of device-measured movement behaviours in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), and report variation by key participant characteristics. ELSA is a nationally representative cohort of English adults aged ≥50 years. In 2021-23, a random subset of 5,429 individuals were invited to wear a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer for eight consecutive days. 4,400 agreed (81.0%) and of them 3,308 (75.2%; 55.6% men; aged 68.5 ± 9.0 years) had sufficient wear time (median [IQR] 8.0 days [7.4-8.4]). We used a machine-learning model to infer time spent in four movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity [LPA], and moderate-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]). Average acceleration, or overall physical activity, was 22.9 mg/day. On average, participants spent 9.4 hours/day (39.0%) sleeping, 9.8 hours/day (40.8%) being sedentary, 4.4 hours/day (18.1%) in LPA, and 30.4 minutes/day (2.1%) in MVPA. Despite men accumulating more MVPA than women, women had higher overall physical activity (23.2 vs. 22.5 mg/day) by accumulating more LPA and less sedentary time. Adults aged ≥65 years had lower overall physical activity than those aged 50-64 years (21.1 vs. 26.5 mg/day) by spending less time being active and more time being sedentary and sleeping. These data will shortly be deposited in national archives for use by other research teams and will enhance our knowledge about the potential relevance of different movement behaviours for healthy aging.
INCORPORATING EXERCISE TO BUFFER AVERSIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE LIFE TRIAL
Authors: Kaushal Navin , Pemmasani Deepishka , de la Colina Adrian Noriega , Nemati Donya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
In 2023 the US Surgeon General announced an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Prolonged loneliness among older adults has been shown to predict dementia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, exercise has been demonstrated to have preventive effects on CVD and cognitive health, but its effects on buffering these outcomes manifested from loneliness, or gender effects have not been investigated. This study aimed to test two moderated-mediation models to investigate if exercise moderates the relationship between loneliness and health outcomes.

Methods
The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is a randomized controlled trial (n=1,600) that assigned older adults (aged 65+) to either an intervention or control group. The present observational study analyzed participants in the control group. Measures included: exercise (accelerometry), loneliness (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]), CVD risk (handgrip test), and cognitive health (global cognitive function). Model #14 from Hayes PROCESS Macro 4.0 in SPSS was used to analyze the data.

Results
In both models, females experienced greater loneliness compared to males(β=.25, p&lt;.001). The CVD risk model found Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) to independently predicted handgrip strength(β=.11, p&lt;.001), and interacted with loneliness to predict handgrip strength(β=.05, p=.03). The cognition model also found MVPA to independently predict cognition(β=.14, p&lt;.001), and interacts with loneliness to predict cognition(β=.07, p=.03), and also demonstrate total moderated-mediation effects(β=.02, 95%CI.003 to.367).

Conclusion
Exercise can buffer aversive cardiovascular risk and cognition from loneliness. Lonely older adults are a high-risk demographic that should be sought for enrolling in exercise programs.
STATE-BASED ESTIMATES OF COGNITIVE DIFFICULTY AMONG MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany , Smith Alexandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on cognitive difficulty in the US focuses on racial/ethnic groups that comprise federal minimum reporting guidelines, including White, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders (NH/OPI). Research on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) adults is limited, and no state-based estimates have been reported. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of cognitive difficulty among MENA adults compared to other racial/ethnic groups in four states (California, New York, Michigan, and Texas) after adjusting for age and sex. We calculated MENA populations by state using race, ethnicity, ancestry and birthplace responses from the 2017-2021 American Community Survey. The four largest MENA populations were found in California (n=912,787), New York (n=341,361), Michigan (n=262,918) and Texas (n=258,395). Cognitive difficulty among MENA adults (yes/no; age&gt;=45years) was compared to other racial/ethnic groups (e.g., White, Hispanic/Latino, Black). In California, the prevalence of cognitive difficulty was higher among MENA adults (6.96%) compared to White (4.80%), Hispanic/Latino (5.44%), and Asian (4.35%) adults. In New York, the prevalence was lower among MENA adults (3.96%) compared to Black (4.82%), Hispanic/Latino (7.96%), and AI/AN (8.94%) adults. In Michigan, the prevalence was lower among MENA (8.30%) compared to Black (11.32%) adults, but higher than White (6.25%) and Asian (3.28%) adults. In Texas, the prevalence was lower among MENA (4.44%) adults compared to Black (8.41%), Hispanic/Latino (6.28%), and Asian (8.41%) adults (all p’s&lt;.05). This study provides an important first look at state-based estimates of cognitive difficulties among MENA adults living in California, New York, Michigan, and Texas.
SLEEP QUALITY, DURATION, AND EFFICIENCY IN LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES
Authors: Brightman James , Lafontant Kworweinski , Suarez Jethro Raphael , Crook Jennifer , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Seventy million Americans experience chronic sleep disorders and older adults are more likely than younger ones to have problems sleeping. Sleep is a critical part to the circadian rhythm, and getting adequate sleep can help prevent falls and increase physical functioning. Even though sleep quality declines as a function of normal aging, the presence of a physical disability may exacerbate that natural decline. Income status can also impact sleep quality and the prevalence of dysregulated sleep may lead to an increased use of medicinal sleep aids to alleviate the issue. The chronic use of sleep aids, however, may not be beneficial for alleviating sleep complaints. In this study, we assessed the sleep quality and sleep aid use of 87 low-income community-dwelling older adults with (n = 24) and without (n = 63) a physical disability. Sleep quality, duration, and efficiency were assessed subjectively with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep duration and efficiency were objectively measured with actigraphy. Participants self-reported medicinal sleep aid usage. Significant group differences were observed in sleep duration measured objectively (p = 0.02). No group differences were identified in subjective sleep quality factors (p = 0.21) or medicinal sleep aid use (p = 0.41). Our findings show physical disability may be a factor in sleep duration, though neither associated with worsened sleep perception nor greater reliance on medicinal sleep aids. Implications of our research highlight the importance of using subjective and objective measures when assessing sleep quality and carefully considering the use of medicinal sleep aids.
LONGITUDINAL DYADIC ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER COUPLES IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey , Prasad Anyah , Barooah Adrita , Stam Elisabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Loneliness is associated with diminished health and cognition for older individuals. However, little research has examined dyadic loneliness – i.e., loneliness of both partners in a relationship – and its potential consequences for cognitive functioning among both spouses, nor whether one partner’s cognition may impact both partners’ loneliness over time.

Methods
We analyze 3-wave dyadic Health and Retirement Study data (2010-2020; N=1,061 dyads) to determine (a) whether loneliness predicts participants’ own and/or their partners’ episodic memory and verbal fluency over 8 years, and (b) whether cognitive functioning predicts older spouses’ own or their partners’ loneliness over the same period.

Results
Loneliness predicted participants’ own and their partners’ loneliness at follow-up, at both timepoints. Loneliness was also associated with own episodic memory at follow-up, but not with verbal fluency. Episodic memory and verbal fluency predicted one another over time. Neither episodic memory nor verbal fluency predicted loneliness at follow-up. Significant dyadic mediation was established such that Time 1 loneliness was linked with partner’s Time 3 episodic memory via that partner’s Time 2 loneliness.

Discussion
Lonelier older adults displayed worse trajectories of episodic memory over time, yet poor memory did not precede changes to loneliness. Further, having a lonely partner was linked with poorer episodic memory 8 years later, indicating that both one’s own and – to a lesser extent – a partner’s emotional well-being may be consequential for maintaining cognitive functioning with age. Associations were more clearly established with episodic memory than with verbal fluency, suggesting domain-specific effects of loneliness.
AGING WITH INCARCERATION HISTORIES: AN INTERSECTIONAL EXAMINATION OF INCARCERATION AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Latham-Mintus Kenzie , Deck Monica , Nelson Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Experiences with incarceration are linked to poor mental and physical health across the life course. The pur- pose of this research is to examine whether incarceration histories are associated with worse physical and mental health among older adults. We apply an intersectionality framework and consider how the intersection of sexism and racism leads to unequal health outcomes following incarceration among women and people of color.

Methods
We employ 2 measures of health (i.e., number of depressive symptoms and physical limitations) to broadly cap- ture mental and physical health. Using data from Waves 11 and 12 of the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated a series of general linear models to analyze differences in health by incarceration history, gender/sex, and race/ethnicity.

Results
Findings suggest that experiences with incarceration are associated with a greater number of physical limitations and more depressive symptoms among older men and women, net of sociodemographic characteristics, early-life condi- tions, and lifetime stressful events. Formerly incarcerated women, particularly women of color, had more physical limita- tions and depressive symptoms relative to other groups.

Discussion
These findings suggest that incarceration histories have far-reaching health implications. Older women of color with incarceration histories experience markedly high levels of physical limitations and depressive symptoms in later life.
MIGRATION AND COGNITIVE HEALTH DISPARITIES: THE ARAB AMERICAN AND REFUGEE CASE
Authors: Al-Rousan Tala , Moore Alison , Sideman Alissa Bernstein , Ajrouch Kristine , Kamalyan Lily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigates whether the year of arrival to the United States (U.S.) and birthplace relate to postmigration cognitive difficulties among foreign- and U.S.-born Arab Americans in later life. We analyzed 19 years (2000-2019) of data from the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Samples (weighted N = 393,501; ages ≥ 50 years). The cognitive difficulty was based on self-reported data and weighted means, percentages, adjusted prevalence estimates, and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Controlling only for demographics, foreign-born Arabs reported higher odds of cognitive difficulty compared to U.S.-born Arabs across all arrival cohorts (p &lt;.001). After accounting for economic and integration factors, those who arrived between 1991 and 2000 had higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.00, 1.19, p &lt;.01), while those who arrived after 2001 had lower odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97, p &lt;.001) of cognitive difficulty. Lacking English proficiency (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.82, 1.98, p &lt;.001) was related to higher odds, whereas not being a U.S. citizen was significantly associated with lower odds (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.94, p &lt;.001) of cognitive difficulty. Yet, results varied by birthplace. Migrants born in Iraq consistently reported the highest odds of cognitive difficulty across all arrival cohorts. Migration history and birthplace are essential factors explaining cognitive disparities among the diverse group of Arab migrants and Arab Americans. Reasons for migration such as displacement due to war may explain these disparities.
POPULATION PREVALENCE OF MOTOR FUNCTION IMPAIRMENTS IN US OLDER ADULTS: THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND AGING TRENDS STUDY
Authors: Davoudi Anis , Wang Hang , Dougherty Ryan , Wanigatunga Amal , Gross Alden , Schrack Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Motor function impairments reflect physical health status for older adults, which has profound implications for quality of life. However, there is a significant research gap concerning comprehensive, nationally representative data on the prevalence of these impairments, including diminished gait speed, chair stand ability, standing balance, and grip strength, especially among those aged □80 years. We used data from Round 12 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative panel study of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years who completed objective physical function testing. Motor function was assessed using gait speed, chair stand speed, standing balance, and grip strength and impairment(s) were defined using standard clinical thresholds or previously published norms. Age was categorized in 5-year intervals [65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90+]. In this US-representative sample of 5055 older adults (mean age: 78.7 years old (78.3-79.1), 54.4% women), weighted prevalence of impairments in gait speed, chair stand speed, standing balance, and grip strength were higher with advancing age. Among those aged 65-69 years, chair stand impairment was the most prevalent (42.4% (37.0%-47.8%)), while gait speed impairment was the most prevalent among those ≥90 years (90.4% (86.0%-94.9%)). Prevalence of being impaired in all four motor function domains was 11.8% (8.5%-15.2%) at ages 65-69 years and 64.0% (58.0%-69.9%) among those ≥90 years. These findings indicate a higher prevalence of impairments in motor function with older age, underscoring the importance of addressing these impairments earlier in life to enhance the quality of life in the aging population.
ALGORITHMICALLY DEFINED SENSORIMOTOR FUNCTION AND RISK OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Wanigatunga Amal , Wang Hang , Davoudi Anis , Dougherty Ryan , Tian Qu , Simonsick Eleanor , Gross Alden , Schrack Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Early detection of persons at risk for, or living with, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a public health priority. Sensorimotor functioning—the integration of sensory information with motor function signaling to perform tasks and interact with the environment—may be a specific domain intertwined with movement planning and mental ability. However, a gap remains as to the optimal approach to operationalize sensorimotor function. This study assessed sensorimotor functioning using common clinical and research measures and evaluated its cross-sectional association with MCI. A unidimensional sensorimotor functioning factor was developed using confirmatory factor analysis based on six binary sensory and motor function impairment indicators including hearing, vision, olfaction, standing balance, usual gait speed, and grip strength. Using structural equation modeling, we examined whether higher sensorimotor functioning (greater factor score indicating less impairment) was related to lower odds of MCI using two independent cohort studies: The Atherosclerosis Risk and Communities Study (ARIC) (N=932), and the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (N=681) of participants who had complete sensory and motor function tests. After covariate adjustment, for each additional SD higher in sensorimotor factor score, there was a 56% (95%CI: 40%-68%) and 45% (95%CI: 24%-60%) lower odds of MCI in ARIC and BLSA, respectively. Findings suggest that leveraging a sensorimotor functioning score derived from common assessments is feasible and associated with MCI. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether degrading sensorimotor function can predict early cognitive decline indicative of elevated dementia risk.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ATTENUATES THE INFLUENCE OF ALZHEIMER’S BIOMARKERS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Authors: Dougherty Ryan , Soldan Anja , Pettigrew Corinne , Greenberg Barry , Spira Adam , Moghekar Abhay , Albert Marilyn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (plaques), and tau (neurofibrillary tangles) that can be quantified in vivo through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Physical activity has emerged as a possible modifier of AD risk; however, the influence of physical activity on CSF biomarkers and cognitive function remains unclear. We examined whether higher levels of physical activity favorably modify associations between AD CSF biomarkers and cognitive function. One hundred and seventeen adults free of dementia from the BIOCARD study (mean age 72.2±8.0 years, 70% women) wore a wrist accelerometer for one week, underwent lumbar puncture to collect CSF, and completed a comprehensive neuropsychological exam. Covariate-adjusted linear regression analyses were used to examine whether physical activity (total activity counts over the 10 most active hours of the day) moderates the association between AD CSF biomarkers [amyloid-β (Aβ42/40), total tau, phosphorylated tau (p-tau181)] and cognitive composite scores (episodic memory, executive function). There were significant interactions between physical activity and total tau (p=.004) as well as physical activity and p-tau181 (p=.016) for the executive function composite score. Among those with elevated total tau or p-tau181, participants with greater levels of physical activity exhibited significantly higher executive function composite scores compared to participants with lower levels of physical activity. In contrast, there were no significant interactions for episodic memory, and physical activity did not interact with Aβ42/40 (all interactions p&gt;.05). These findings suggest that a physically active lifestyle may play a protective role against cognitive decline through tau pathways.