bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RURAL OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL DISCONNECTION AND DEPRESSION DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Jun Jung Sim , Lee Kyoung Hag 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
During the pandemic, 24% of older adults reported anxiety or depression, with higher rates among those with low socioeconomic status and poor health, particularly among female older adults (Koma et al., 2020). Older adults in rural communities face greater challenges due to underlying health conditions and limited resources (Henning-Smith, 2020; Pender et al., 2019). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between social isolation, social support, and mental health among this population. The research team recruited 103 rural-dwelling older adults using purposive sampling. Measurements included: the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (Sheikh & Yesavage, 1986), Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (Lubben et al., 2006), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988). Six socio-demographic variables were used as control variables: age, gender, final education, annual household income, perceived health, and driving capacity. There was a positive association between social isolation and depressive symptoms (B = 0.24, SE = 0.07, p ≤.001; B = 0.20, SE = 0.08, p ≤.01) while social support from significant others was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (B = -0.35, SE = 0.11, p ≤.001). However, social support from family, from friends, and age were not significantly related to depressive symptoms. A lack of social resources is a risk factor for rural older adults, potentially leading to increased mental health issues. Social service workers should focus on improve social support systems among rural older adults to establish social networks and create social resources.
THE INFLUENCE OF ANXIETY AND PERCEIVED CONTROL OF ANXIETY ON OLDER VETERANS’ QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Davis Carter , Carlson Chalise , Beaudreau Sherry , Gould Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Anxiety disorders are prevalent among older military Veterans, and the presence of an anxiety disorder negatively impacts quality of life. Little is understood, however, about potential psychological processes that explain how quality of life is impacted by anxiety among older Veterans. One potential mechanism is anxiety control, or one’s perceived ability to manage their anxiety as it arises in various contexts. In this study, baseline data were analyzed from 62 older Veterans (M age = 71.2) who participated in a clinical trial of a guided anxiety management intervention. The most common diagnoses among participants were anxiety not otherwise specified (37.1%), and generalized anxiety disorder (22.6%). Linear regression models were created which tested anxiety symptom severity as a predictor of mental health-related quality of life, with anxiety control as a covariate. Lower anxiety severity (p &lt;.001) and higher perceived control of anxiety (p =.013) were found to be significant predictors of quality of life. Anxiety control remained a significant predictor (p =.05) when anxiety diagnosis type was included as a covariate, but not when depression symptom severity and health comorbidity were included in the model (p =.19). These results indicate anxiety control as a potentially important target in interventions for older adult Veterans across anxiety disorder subtypes. However, larger samples are needed to clarify the path through which this effect operates and the influence of additional factors such as depression and comorbid health conditions, which could be examined through moderation and mediation analysis.
“WE’RE CAMPAIGN OBJECTS”: A QUALITATIVE LIVELIHOOD ANALYSIS OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED OLDER ADULT IN RURAL GHANA
Authors: Frimpong Eric , Gyimah Akwasi Adjei , Adjei Mathias 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In Ghana, a considerable proportion of the older adult population continue to face economic hardship due to the weakening of family structures and inadequate social support. This study aims to investigate the lived experiences of visually impaired older individuals residing in rural areas of the country.

Methods
For a deeper understanding of the experiences of respondents, the social model of disability informed the use of a qualitative approach to interviewing a total of 18 older adults residing in selected rural areas in Ghana. The data was analyzed through a thematic content analysis approach. Findings: Many older adults in Ghana living with visual impairment continued to experience economic hardship. They often rely on donations from family members and social groups, such as churches. However, these sources of support are inadequate to meet their needs. A major concern raised was access to government support programs. For those who were enrolled in such programs, they expressed dissatisfaction with the benefits received, citing their insufficiency in meeting their needs. Furthermore, many respondents expressed disillusionment with politicians who were perceived to have made empty promises during election campaigns in an attempt to implement programs that will enhance their livelihood.

Conclusion
These findings illustrate the pressing need for more effective support systems and interventions to address the economic challenges faced by visually impaired older people in rural Ghana. Policymakers must consider the unique needs and experiences of this population, and work towards implementing solutions that are both sustainable and effective.
COGNITIVE DISCREPANCY ON SOCIAL LIFE AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG OLD ADULTS WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Chang Ya-Han , Sörensen Silvia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and objectives
This study addresses the quality of life faced by individuals with vision impairment. Life satisfaction in the context of disability is co-determined by social life, loneliness feelings, future planning, and financial status. However, the role of cognitive discrepancy and social cognition congruence in shaping life satisfaction is rarely studied. This study uncovers the role, by investigating various factors, including social relationships, loneliness, and discussions of future care plans.

Research Design and Method
Baseline data from older adults with age-related macular degeneration (N=167, Mean age = 79.66), who were participants in a depression prevention trial, were analyzed to determine the relationship between future care planning to life satisfaction. Cognitive discrepancy, and moderation of this relationship by variable (1) loneliness and (2) quality of social relationship tested.

Results
The significant relationship between discussions about future care plans and older adults’ life satisfaction (p &lt;.001) was moderated by the interaction of the quality of social relationships and loneliness as either cognitive discrepancy or congruence.

Discussion and Implication
The pivotal role of social cognitive congruence about loneliness and social relationships emerges as a critical factor in life satisfaction among old adults. We found the influence of cognitive discrepancy and care plan discussion on life satisfaction. Discussing plans with family members for elders with high cognition discrepancies is critically affecting their life satisfaction.
ASSOCIATION AND INTERACTION BETWEEN RESILIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN DISABLED ELDERLY–CAREGIVER DYADS
Authors: Wang Anni 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between resilience and psychological distress in disabled elderly-caregiver.

Methods
A total of 246 homebound disabled elderly and their family caregivers from five provinces of China were investigated by convenience sampling using the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List. Data analysis using the actor - partner interdependence model (APIM) modelling.

Results
The effect of resilience on psychological distress is a mixed pattern. With regard to the actor effect, the resilience of the disabled elderly and caregivers is negatively related to their own psychological distress, respectively. Regarding the partner effect, the resilience of the disabled elderly was negatively associated with caregiver psychological distress, and the resilience of the caregiver was negatively associated with psychological distress of the disabled elderly.

Conclusion
There is dyadic interaction between disabled elderly and their caregivers, suggesting that resilience can relieve not only one’s own psychological stress but also that of others to some extent. Families of disabled elderly need to focus on both the older person and the caregiver, taking advantage of resilience in a focused way to reduce psychological distress and improve the dyadic physical and mental health. Health professionals can design dyadic interventions which are focuses on resilience and its dyadic interaction, and effectively leverage the resilience advantages of the dyad based on the individual’s level of psychological distress, to improve the mental health of the elderly with disabilities and their caregivers.
NURSING HOME STAFF CARE APPROACHES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MEALTIME DIFFICULTIES IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Lee Kyuri , Suh Heather , Liu Wen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Nonverbal mealtime care is critical for optimizing eating performance and mealtime behaviors of residents with dementia (RwD), especially for those with limited verbal communication abilities. Understanding the relationship between care staff’s nonverbal approaches and RwD’s mealtime behaviors help guide the development of evidence-based, effective mealtime interventions. This observational study characterized staff person-centered and task-centered care approaches and RwD mealtime difficulties and examined the associations between staff care approaches and RwD mealtime difficulties. Videotaped mealtime observations (N=185) involving 47 nursing home direct care staff (age mean ± SD = 45.6±11.8 years; 92.3% female; 80.8% white; 15.5±12.9 years worked as a caregiver, 12.3 ± 9.1 years in the current facility) and 12 RwDs (age 71.9±7.5 years; 91.7% male; 91.7% white, 41.7% married) were coded using the refined Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia (CUED) mealtime video coding scheme. Staff primarily used nonverbal person-centered care approaches, including modifications of resident abilities (62.4%), dyadic interactions (10.7%), and the dining environment (6.0%), followed by task-centered behaviors (9.6%). RwD’s mealtime difficulties score assessed by The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) was 5.91±3.59 (range 0-15). RwD’s mealtime difficulties was significantly associated with person-centered care approaches (b=0.04, p=.005) and task-centered care approaches (b=0.11, p=.042), controlling for staff age, years worked as a caregiver, and years worked in the current facility. Minimizing the use of task-centered care may alleviate residents’ mealtime difficulties. Person-centered care is highly recommended in dementia care, but needs to be multifaceted and tailored to the different contexts and needs of individual residents.
THE ROLE OF MUTUALITY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF MID-LATE LIFE ADULTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THEIR NURSES
Authors: Cilluffo Silvia , Lyons Karen , Bassola Barbara , Vellone Ercole , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Clari Marco , Dimonte Valerio , Lusignani Maura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mutuality between an adult with chronic illness and their nurse has received little investigation, despite the therapeutic nature of the relationship. Qualitative research by this team has led to conceptualizing nurse-patient mutuality as an interactive process involving developing rapport and going beyond, being a point of reference, and shared decision-making/care. To inform this area of research, our team developed and tested one of the only known measures of nurse-patient mutuality. This paper reports findings from our recent multi-center study that examined the association of nurse-patient mutuality on mental and physical quality of life (QoL) of nurses and mid-late-life adults with chronic illness. A total of 192 unique dyads (Mage= 64.5 for patients and Mage=41.8 for nurses) were sampled across Italian hospitals. Nurses and patients’ perceptions of their mutuality were positively correlated (p&lt;.001Actor partner interdependence models found significant actor effects of mutuality on mental QoL for nurses and patients; the better the patient perceived mutuality with their nurse, the better their mental QoL (p&lt;.001); the better the nurse perceived mutuality with their patient, the better their mental QoL (p=.002). However, a significant partner effect found the better the nurse perceived mutuality with the patient, the more likely the patient was to have poor mental QoL (p&lt;.001). There were no significant associations with physical QoL. Discussion will focus on the need for further research on the role of nurse-patient mutuality on health outcomes and health behaviors and the complex role nurse engagement can have in patients experiencing poor mental health.
APPRECIATING TIME ALONE: AGE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION OPPORTUNITIES ENHANCE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING WHEN ALONE
Authors: Pot Anna , Carstensen Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Whereas long periods of solitude risk the health and well-being of older people, on the aggregate level, older people spend considerably more time alone than younger age groups and, on the whole, enjoy better mental health. In the present study, we consider time alone at the trait and state level. This study seeks to explore how relationships and spending time alone influences daily emotional experience in a sample spanning the adult life span. Drawing on data from an experience-sampling study that used a burst design at two timepoints five years apart, participants (N1=212 | N2=179) aged 21-94 (M1=54.58, SD1=21.95 and M2=56.80, SD2=21.24) reported their positive and negative emotions (19 in total) and whether they were alone or interacting with someone, five times daily for a week. Findings from mixed-effects models highlight a complex relationship between age, spending time alone and emotional well-being. Age positively relates to emotional well-being, and spending time alone is associated with a poorer emotional profile across the full participant sample. An interaction between age and being alone suggests that those older adults who spend relatively more time alone than average report a slight decline in emotional well-being. However, older adults who have more social interactions report significantly more positive emotions at the state level when they are alone, compared to other age groups. These results suggest that time alone may be appreciated with age, as long as social interactions do not become scarce. Findings contribute to our understanding of time spent alone and emotional well-being.
COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL AND STRESS REACTIVITY ACROSS ADULTHOOD
Authors: Maras Jessica , Leger Kate 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
How one reacts to stressful events, termed stress reactivity, impacts health and well-being. The use of emotion regulation strategies can influence reactivity, specifically cognitive reappraisal, which has been shown to reduce reactivity. Furthermore, age can affect reactivity due to older adults’ ability to employ cognitive reappraisal strategies more readily. The current study investigated the interplay between age and cognitive reappraisal on different components of reactivity: affective, somatic and physiological. Participants (N = 139) were divided into younger (N = 89) and older (N = 50) adults with subsets receiving the cognitive reappraisal intervention (N = 71) or the control condition (N = 68). Baseline measures were obtained via questionnaires followed by a stress-inducing task to assess reactivity. The cognitive reappraisal condition received a prompt prior to the stress-inducing task telling them to think about the positive aspects of the task. Reactivity was measured via negative affect, somatic symptoms (e.g., stomach ache) and blood pressure after the task, while controlling for baseline reactivity. Preliminary findings revealed a significant interaction between age and experimental condition for systolic blood pressure reactivity (β = -0.17, p =.049). This indicates that older adults in the control condition showed decreased systolic blood pressure reactivity to the stressor. No other significant main effects or interactions were found. This unexpected finding highlights that there may be specific age groups in which engaging in cognitive reappraisal is disadvantageous to different types of reactivity and emphasizes the need for understanding for whom and when cognitive reappraisal might work best.
HOME-VISIT INVESTIGATION ON BODY SUPPORTING PROPERTIES OF DAILY PRODUCTS USING FORCE VECTOR FIELDS SENSOR
Authors: Nomura Ayano , Nishida Yoshifumi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Product accidents often occur due to poorly designed products that do not consider age-related functional changes. This study focuses on the inadequate ‘body-supporting properties’ of everyday products, which are recognized as a critical factor affecting independent living and fall prevention. To address this issue, we developed a portable system that measures and visualizes the vector fields of the hands’ body support, and we evaluated the body-supporting ability of everyday products in the home. A study was conducted to measure body-supporting movements using the developed system in 9 houses with 13 participants aged 69 to 86 years. The results of the study identified daily activities that involve body-supporting movements, such as putting on and taking off shoes and clothes, sitting and standing up, etc. The study also identified various everyday products, such as tables, footrests, fusuma (sliding doors or partitions used in traditional Japanese architecture), windows, TV racks, etc., that generate body-supporting forces. By using the proposed system to measure hand forces at multiple points, it is possible to investigate how the hands are used to hold everyday products and interact with the environment in daily life, as well as the direction in which force is applied to support the body. For example, research has shown that a body-supporting force of as little as 4 N in the horizontal direction is sufficient to maintain horizontal balance. This finding underscores the importance of considering body support in everyday environments for older people and provides valuable insights for future design improvements.
OLDER ADULTS REPORTING FEAR OF FALLING PRESENT WITH REDUCED PHYSICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Sebastiao Emerson , Siqueira Vitor , Bakare Jemimah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Falls pose a significant risk to older adults (OAs), often leading to fear of falling (FOF). This study investigated the prevalence and the impact of FOF on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and physical function in OAs living in a community-dwelling facility (CDF). Ninety-three OAs were included in the study. FOF was assessed using the following Yes/No question: “Are you afraid of falling”? PA and SB were self-reported, while physical function was assessed using a collection of objective tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at p&lt; 0.05. The prevalence of FOF was found to be 47.3% (36.9%–57.9%), with no significant differences between sex (Female: 48.4% (35.8%–61.3%) vs. Male: 44.8% (26.4%–64.3%); χ2(1, N=93) = 0.104, p=0.747) or falls history (zero falls: 43.9% (30.7%–57.6%) vs. One or more falls: 52.8% (35.5%–69.6%); χ2(1, N=93) = 0.704, p=0.401). OAs reporting FOF presented with significant (p&lt; 0.05) lower performance in all physical function tests compared to those reporting no FOF. However, after controlling for the use of assistive devices (i.e., cane), the performance in some tests (i.e., Timed Up and Go, Timed 25-foot Walk; Short Physical Performance Battery subcomponent gait) lost significance (p&gt;0.05). No significant differences were observed for PA and SB between groups with and without FOF (p&gt;0.05). These findings suggest a high prevalence of FOF among the studied sample, worse physical function for OAs reporting FOF, and similar levels of PA and SB between FOF groups of OAs living in a CDF.
SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND DEPRESSION IN FALLS AMONG RACIALLY/ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER AMERICANS
Authors: Malatyali Ayse , Wiese Lisa , Cidav Tom , Xie Rui , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness affect 20%-30% of older Americans, and they increase the risk of depression, admission to nursing homes, early disability, and mortality. Poor social networks and social relations are also related to falls, but research on social isolation and loneliness in falls is limited. This study examines the association of social isolation, loneliness, and depression with falls among older Americans. Using logistic regression analyses, we analyzed data from the Health Retirement Study (2020 interviews) cross-sectionally. Measures included the HRS fall questionnaire, five-item social isolation scale, UCLA loneliness scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Our sample included 8,946 participants (age&gt;64) with a mean age of 76. 59% of the participants were women, 26.3% living in rural, and 36% reported a fall experience in the past. The likelihood of having a fall was 10% higher in participants with higher levels of social isolation and 40% higher in participants with loneliness than those who were not socially isolated or lonely. Participants with depressive symptoms were 85% more likely to have a fall compared to participants without depressive symptoms. African Americans were 23% less likely to have a fall than Whites. The likelihood of having a fall was 19% less in men than women. Participants living in rural areas were 15% more likely to have a fall than participants living in urban areas. Further investigation into the interaction between social isolation, loneliness, and demographics is needed. Falls prevention interventions should include African Americans, women, and older adults in rural areas.
A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF ONLINE SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR ADOLESCENT CUSTODIAL GRANDCHILDREN
Authors: Dolbin-MacNab Megan , Smith Gregory , Hu Luxin , Infurna Frank 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although custodial grandchildren (CG) experience multiple negative psychosocial outcomes, intervention research on this population has been virtually absent. To address this gap, we conducted a two-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT), which compared the efficacy of online Social Intelligence Training (SIT) to an attention control condition, at enhancing psychological and relational outcomes among a sample of 349 adolescent (ages 11-18 years) CG. Online surveys were self-reported at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and at 3- (T3), 6- (T4), and 9- (T5) months. Latent change score analyses revealed significant differences in favor of SIT for CG internalizing difficulties (T4) and self-esteem (T2; T4). Relationally, significant differences in favor of SIT were found for CG prosocial behavior (T5) and avoidant (T2) and anxious (T2) attachment to the grandmother. Across outcomes, effect sizes ranged from.28 to.47. Although the treatment effects were modest, subsequent CART analyses identified that treatment-related change in the SIT condition was predicted by the baseline values of each respective latent outcome (effect sizes =.51 – 1.53). In turn, ANOVAs revealed that changes in latent outcomes from T1 to T2 were significantly moderated by their respective baseline values (p =.05 –.002) for externalizing and internalizing difficulties, self-esteem, and avoidant attachment to the grandmother. The only significant moderator at T5 was the baseline value of support from friends (p =.03). We conclude that RCTs which only report average treatment effects, without also investigating potential moderators of differential treatment efficacy, may underestimate true intervention impact. [Funded by R01AG054571)].