bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING FUTURE PLANNING AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH VISION-THREATENING EYE DISEASE
Authors: Sörensen Silvia , Chen Yunxiang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Preparation for Future Care Needs (PFCN) can protect older adults’ well-being as they face age-related challenges like Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which progressively impacts the loss of their activities, functioning, and quality of life. However, rates of PFCN are lower among AMD patients than non-diagnosed community-dwelling older adults. We examined whether PFCN can be increased in a sample of 180 AMD patients aged 60-96 (63% women). Participants were randomly assigned to an 8-week in-home Preventive Problem-Solving Intervention (PREPSI), designed to enhance PFCN, or to an in-home Life Review intervention (attention control). Both conditions received 4 weeks of vision loss education before the intervention. We used Latent Growth Modeling to test whether the intervention would lead to change in the trajectories of the five dimensions of PFCN compared to the control condition over 5 measurement points (two post-intervention). Trajectories were significantly different for PREPSI versus control participants on Decision Making (DM). DM improved significantly for the intervention group and continued to improve at 6 month follow-up (p&lt;.05). Although the trajectories for Concrete Planning (CP) diverged, they were not significantly different from one another (Wald χ2 =1.511, p=.219). Gathering Information (GI) improved significantly for both PREPSI and control group. Awareness showed significant and surprising decrease only in the intervention group, whereas Avoidance showed non-significant changes. Within the intervention group, covariate analyses showed that older participants had slower rates of GI increase and men had a faster increase in CP than women. PREPSI effectively increases engagement with future care needs for this population.
INCOME-BASED POVERTY AND MATERIAL HARDSHIP PREDICT REDUCED COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN OLDER AMERICAN ADULTS
Authors: Daniel George , Williams Cedric , Lawrence Aneesah , Buckley Kiera , Leonard Delaney , Bernal Darren , Bailey Olivia , Mwendwa Denee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Research has demonstrated a deleterious impact of lower socioeconomic status (SES) on cognitive functioning. SES has primarily been conceptualized and defined in research as education, income, and/or wealth. This study extends our understanding of the association between SES on cognitive functioning by examining income-based poverty and material hardship as proxies for SES. An additional aim investigated the moderating effects of race and sex on these relationships.

Methods
Participants (n=10,974) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) completed sociodemographic and neuropsychological assessments. Analyses determined demographic and health differences by poverty-based income. Subgroup analyses investigated the influence of race and sex. Linear regression determined the impact of income-based poverty and material hardship on cognitive functioning, while controlling for demographic and other covariates.

Results
Mean age was 74 years old. Sample characteristics were 15% Black, 10% Hispanic, and 58% female. Those below the income-based poverty threshold (n=960) were younger, Black, less wealthy, less educated, and unhealthier. Income-based poverty was the strongest predictor of poorer cognitive functioning (B = -1.65, p &lt; 0.001), and this relationship was stronger in Blacks and women. Indicators of material hardship (e.g., food scarcity, rationing medication, and difficulty paying bills) also predicted poorer cognitive functioning.

Discussion
Income-based poverty and material hardship predicted poorer cognitive functioning. Novel measures of SES may help to provide further insight into the negative impact SES has on cognitive functioning, particularly in Blacks and women. Future studies should focus on multidimensional poverty and its implications on long-term cognitive functioning and in older adults.
INDIVIDUAL AND RELATION-INFERRED SELF-EFFICACY FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INCREASE IN OLDER ADULT COUPLES
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Broen Tiana , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults encounter daily problems which may hinder them to engage in physical activity. Individual self-efficacy has been positively associated with physical activity, but it does not consider the social world we live in; relation-inferred self-efficacy does, as it captures one’s perception about whether a close other believes in their abilities to engage in these behaviors. With a sample of 110 community-dwelling older adult couples who wore accelerometers and reported daily ratings of problems for up to 7 days, this project analyzes associations of both types of self-efficacy and daily problems with physical activity (MVPA and steps). Assuming that both modalities of self-efficacy may be particularly useful to motivate individuals, interactions of self-efficacy and daily problems were examined. We controlled for well-established associations with physical activity (age, gender, and physical limitations). Daily problems were not associated with physical activity. When modelled separately, both types of self-efficacy were associated with more physical activity; when modelled together, only relation-inferred self-efficacy was significant. Unfortunately, there were no significant interaction effects. Findings replicate previous evidence and shed light on the importance of social context for physical activity engagement in older adulthood.
INSIGHTS FROM A NATIONAL COMPARISON STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS OF AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE USERS
Authors: Leung Lok Man , Yan Elsie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The mental health status of aged care service users has important implications for service planning and care outcomes. Objective: This study examines the prevalence of mental health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and above who accessed aged care services in Australia between 2017 and 2022. Comparison was made between Home Care(HC) users and Residential Aged Care(RAC). Method: Data were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare(AIHW) database on Mental Health in Aged Care(n=10,535 for HC and n = 6,757 for RAC users). Mental health conditions were assessed by Aged Care Eligibility Assessments and, where applicable, the Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS), Kessler-10(K10), and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia(CSDD).

Results
Mental health conditions were more prevalent in RAC than HC users (58.6% vs. 31.1%, X²=1276.41, p&lt;.01), with mood disorders being the most common, affecting 43.1% of RAC and 20.9% of HC users (X²=970.89,p &lt;.01). The same pattern was observed for anxiety/stress disorders (26.5% vs. 11.2%, X² = 682.97, p&lt;.01) and psychotic disorders(6.2% vs. 4.1%, X² = 34.99, p&lt;.01). Over the five years (2017–2022), a steady increase in recorded mental health conditions was observed in both settings (from 21.0% to 34.5% for HC and 56.0% to 58.4% for RAC). The increase is particularly sharp for mood disorders (from 12.3% to 24.1% for HC and 40.2% to 42.7% for RAC).

Conclusion
These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions in residential care. Further research should develop interventions tailored to the specific needs of this group.
INSIGHTS GAINED FROM A VIRTUAL INTERGENERATIONAL YOGA INTERVENTION DURING COVID-19
Authors: Martens Nancy , Schutte Debra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studies focused on social isolation, intergenerational, and virtual interventions revealed lack of rigor (Cohen-Mansfield et al., 2018, Conn & Grove, 2019; Chipps et al., 2017). The Shine Through2 pilot study aimed to determine feasibility and acceptability of an intergenerational yoga intervention delivered virtually, twice weekly, for six weeks. The Shine Through2 project was tailored for populations who may be experiencing social isolation. The project was developed as a novel community and university collaboration pilot and is a starting point for establishing partnerships aimed to improve older adult and college student health, and subsequently community health. The project included 23 older adults and 12 college students. The data suggest older adults and college students found this virtually - delivered socialization and yoga intervention feasible and acceptable. Insights gained from the project include: 1) Pre-screening for social isolation and depression are impactful assessment modalities, 2) Utilizing a Senior Certified Yoga Instructor added (necessary) expense and scalability challenges, 3) Sampling bias can be overcome with intentional recruitment strategies 4) Specialized yoga programming may be cost-prohibitive, 5) Intergenerational component challenging to deliver virtually, 6) Study design did not allow direct comparison of efficacy between older adults and college students, and 7) Provision of community yoga resources was limited by COVID-19. Based on the results explored in ShineThrough2, we conclude that socialization and yoga interventions can be used to improve health outcomes including measures of social isolation, depressive symptoms and meaning in life.
INTERGENERATIONAL VERSUS PEER-LEARNING IN OLDER VOLUNTEER TRAINING: A MIXED-METHODS EVALUATION
Authors: Cai Xinxin , Sun Nianzi , Bai Xue 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intergenerational learning activities enhance older adults’ well-being and intergenerational relationships, but their impact on learning outcomes is less understood. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study evaluates a volunteer training program conducted between March and December 2023. Older adults were assigned to either a peer-learning group (n = 73) or an intergenerational learning group (n = 49), the latter including undergraduate students participating alongside them in a two-stage program: 1) thematic training workshops on family communication, later-life planning, or healthy living, and 2) designing and organizing a service project. Quantitative assessments were conducted before and after the workshops (T0, T1) and after the volunteer activities (T2). Outcomes included self-rated volunteering abilities, thematic knowledge acquisition, well-being (loneliness, happiness, life control), and intergenerational and peer relationships. After the program, 12 participants attended two focus group interviews. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in volunteer abilities and thematic knowledge only in the peer-learning group. A significant between-group effect was observed for thematic knowledge. MANOVA results indicated a significant time*group interaction, with the intergenerational group showing reduced loneliness. Qualitative analysis suggested older adults were highly motivated to learn and contribute to the community. While they valued interaction with younger generations, they did not perceive it as influencing their learning. However, they believed student commitment influenced their volunteer experiences. This study highlights the learning capabilities of older adults in delivering skill-based volunteer activities. While intergenerational components may not directly enhance learning outcomes, they can improve well-being. Their inclusion should align with program goals for maximum impact.
LOW-INTENSITY PEER-LED EXERCISE DOES NOT CHANGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OR BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Banarjee Chitra , Suarez Jethro Raphael , Choudhury Renoa , Park Joon-Hyuk , Xie Rui , Stout Jeffrey , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Decreased physical activity in aging adults is associated with increased fear of falling (FOF) and decreased static balance. These results varied by the level of engaged physical activity (i.e., light, moderate, vigorous). This study examined the effect of a low-intensity peer-led intervention on step count, FOF, and static balance. We recruited 65 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 73.52 years ± 5.66; 87.7% female) at two-time points (mean interval = 177.66 days ± 80.33) to evaluate longitudinal changes in step count, perceived fear of falling (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)), and objective static balance (BTrackS Balance System (BBS)). Step count was recorded over a 7-day interval at each time point. For FOF, participants completed the short FES-I, a 7-item self-report questionnaire. For static balance, participants stood on a balance plate for 3 20-second trials that were averaged to determine the center of pressure path length. Forty-one participants attended a once-weekly peer-led exercise for one hour. Wilcoxon tests revealed no significant effect of this intervention in step count (p=0.984), FOF (p=0.1972), or static balance (p=0.8136). This suggests once-weekly low-intensity exercise did not significantly affect physical activity and balance measures. Limitations include a predominantly female sample and the low-intensity nature of the intervention. Further research should investigate the effects of a longer duration, higher-intensity peer-led exercises in a larger, more diverse sample.
MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY IN ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA: RESULTS FROM THE MAC-4-BSD STUDY
Authors: Holmes Sarah , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara , Scherr Susan , O’Brien Erin , Levy Sorah , Gurlu Merve , Zhu Shijun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Engagement in meaningful activity is beneficial for assisted living (AL) residents with dementia and may help to reduce behavioral symptoms and improve quality of life. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a theory-based approach, Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC-4-BSD), for decreasing behavioral symptoms and increasing engagement in meaningful activity. It was hypothesized that residents exposed to MAC-4-BSD will demonstrate reduced behavioral symptoms, increased meaningful activity engagement and quality of life at 4 months compared to those exposed to education only. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design, this study included 71 residents with dementia from 5 communities. Residents were evaluated at baseline and 4 months. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample and evaluate feasibility. Linear mixed models were used to determine effectiveness. Most participants were female (n=52, 73%), and White (n=62, 87%) with a mean age of 85 years (SD=8.2). The MAC-4-BSD intervention was feasible to implement with regard to delivery, receipt, and enactment. Preliminary effectiveness was demonstrated based on increased engagement in meaningful activity (b=7.69, p=.005), improved quality of life (b=3.74, p=.03), and decreased staff distress related to residents’ behavioral symptoms (b=-1.83, p=.037) among those exposed to MAC-4-BSD versus the control group. There was no change in the severity or number of behavioral symptoms. These findings demonstrate that engagement in meaningful activity is a promising approach that can be used to help improve the quality of life for AL residents with dementia.
MISREMEMBERING SOLITUDE IN OLDER AGE: AGE AND CULTURE SHAPE RECALL ACCURACY FOR LONELINESS AND HAPPINESS IN SOLITUDE
Authors: Lay Jennifer , HO Yuen Wan , Tse Dwight , Da Jiang  
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recalling past affective experiences is key to guiding behaviour – including social and solitary activities – in ways that maximise wellbeing. However, affect recall is not always accurate. Previous research suggests that older (vs. younger) adults show a positivity effect in memory, depending on whether the stimuli are culturally meaningful. It is unclear, however, whether this age-related positivity effect applies to recalling experiences of solitude (time without social contact), which become increasingly prevalent in older adulthood. An age-stratified sample of adults aged 18-81 (M age = 40.8 years, 60.8% female) in the United Kingdom (N = 214) and Hong Kong (N = 220) reported their current affective experiences and social situations 5 times per day over 7 days using a smartphone app. Participants then recalled how they felt on average over the 7-day period at times when they were in solitude. Models controlling for peak and recent affect, overall time in solitude, and independent/interdependent self-construal showed that whereas younger adults tended to retrospectively overestimate how lonely they felt in solitude, this effect reversed with age such that older adults tended to underestimate their loneliness in solitude. Moreover, whereas UK older adults tended to retrospectively overestimate their happiness in solitude, HK older adults tended to underestimate their happiness in solitude. Findings suggest individuals misremember their solitude experiences in ways that align with age-normative and cultural attitudes to solitude, and that there is an age-related positivity effect which is shaped by culture. We discuss implications for loneliness and wellbeing in older adulthood.
MOBILE HEALTH AND RESOURCE FAIRS TO ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH OF LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sardina Angie , Meadows Jeffrey , Simon Lena , Hampton Marsha , Phillips Christine , Ross Lesley , Gamaldo Alyssa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mobile Health and Resource Fairs (MHRFs) were designed to provide resources, education, and social engagement to low-income communities through reducing traditional barriers and constraints for older adults. We (1) explored effective marketing approaches and rationale for resident attendance; (2) examined satisfaction and expectations of the MHRFs, and (3) examined the likelihood for attending future events. MHRF events comprised 2 sites in Greenville, SC. Ninety-four participants (ages 50-90+) registered (site 1=77%; site 2=23%). Participants were asked to complete survey items on how they learned of the event and their reason for attending (aim 1). At the end of the MHRF, participants reported on event expectations and satisfaction (aim 2) using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (not all) to 10 (very much), and the likelihood of attending future events (aim 3) using a single Likert-Scale question ranging from 0 (very unlikely) to 4 (very likely). Attendees were predominately female (64%), Black/African American (73%), with a high school education (55%). Effective marketing approaches (aim 1) were event flyers (62%), other (14%; e.g., MHRF-specific staff/activities or housing activities/advertisements), walking by the event (11%), family/friends recommendations (9%), and housing staff recommendations (5.3%). Attendance rationale included obtaining healthy-aging information (49%), social engagement (28%), access to necessities (19.1%); and volunteerism (16%). Participants reported high expectations (M=9.72) and satisfaction (M=9.58) with the MHRF. Participants reported they were “somewhat-very likely” to attend future events (83%, aim 3). These findings affirm MHRFs can successfully provide critical health/social service resources, while simultaneously engaging older adults from underserved lower-income communities.
NAVIGATING HOSPICE CARE: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER BLACK AMERICANS
Authors: Tate Channing , Perez-Jolles Monica , Schere Laura , Shiferaw Tsion , Mami Gwendolyn , Matlock Daniel , Huebschmann Amy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Misperceptions about hospice care are universally prevalent and disproportionately impact communities of color. Hospice remains an underutilized healthcare service, especially among older Black Americans. Potential cultural barriers to enrollment among Black Americans are important to identify. The study goal was to assess older Black adults’ perspectives of hospice care across four dimensions of hospice eligibility. A total of 144 participants responded to the written prompt, “In your own words, describe hospice care.” Written responses were evaluated to assess any misconceptions in their perspectives of hospice care. Participants were eligible if they were ≥65 years of age and self-identified as Black or African American. Participant ages ranged from 65 to 97 years (M =74.62, SD = 6.94), were predominately female (81%) and widowed (33%). Most participants accurately described hospice care/eligibility (80%), goals of hospice (89%), what services hospice provides (83%). However, only 39% of participants correctly identified locations of hospice services highlighting a potential barrier to hospice enrollment among older Black Americans. Additionally, some participants (8%) reported certain myths and conspiracies pertaining to hospice care, such as “hospice was created by the KKK”. These results highlight potential misunderstandings about hospice among older Black Americans that may serve as barriers to hospice enrollment and perpetuate inequities. These barriers go beyond hospice knowledge and include misconceptions and conspiracies rooted in medical mistrust and structural racism. The misconception that hospice care cannot be provided in the patients’ home is modifiable with interventions that use strategies tailored to support enhanced communication between patients and clinicians.
OPTIMIZING VOLUNTARY WORK DESIGN FOR HEALTHY AGING: RETHINKING VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Lu Shiyu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While existing research primarily focuses on the health benefits of volunteering in terms of quantity (e.g., participation or volunteer hours), the psychosocial aspects of role engagement in volunteering and its impact on healthy aging remain underexplored. Additionally, insights on establishing a supportive volunteering environment at the organizational level to facilitate healthy aging are lacking. This innovative study connected voluntary work design, role engagement in volunteering, and subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults. In an ongoing cross-sectional study involving 258 volunteers aged 60 and above in Hong Kong, the research revealed that the role engagement of volunteers (β = 0.08, p = 0.014) significantly correlated with SWB, while no significant association was observed between volunteer hours in the past 12 months and SWB (β = 0.001, p = 0.297), after adjusting for factors like age, gender, and cognitive function. Introducing elements of voluntary work design, such as task significance, organizational support, and autonomy, into the model unveiled a direct link between organizational support and improved SWB (β = 0.15, p = 0.003). Task significance (0.32, p =0.028) and organizational support (β = 0.04, p = 0.016) were further found to influence SWB through the role engagement of volunteering. The study underscores both theoretical and practical implications concerning the creation of a supportive volunteering environment conducive to healthy aging.