bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LISTENING TO COMMUNITY VOICES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: THE OBESITY BILL OF RIGHTS ORIGINS
Authors: Vafiadis Dorothea 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Four town hall meetings were convened by the National Council on Aging and National Consumers League in senior centers and faith-based organizations during the summer of 2023. These venues were in four different states representing diverse cultural communities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Over 250 older adults, community leaders, and clinicians participated in discussions on the complex social and institutional barriers to obtaining appropriate management of overweight/management. These discussions yielded themes that were translated into the 8 core principles of the Obesity Bill of Rights (OBOR) which address issues such as ageism, weight bias, and aspects of the healthcare system that preclude adequate obesity care, coverage, and reimbursement. Obesity experts and stakeholders reviewed and validated the OBOR in the fall of 2023. On January 31, 2024, the OBOR was officially launched as a framework for health equity and self-advocacy. To date, nearly 50 health organizations and medical societies have endorsed the OBOR.
FROM FEAR TO FORTITUDE AND EMPOWERMENT: A PATIENT’S JOURNEY
Authors: Nece Patricia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Many older adults aged 65 and over with overweight and obesity struggle with navigating a health care system that is not inherently equipped to deliver quality obesity care. In the face of ageism and weight stigma, initiating conversations with providers who lack time, education, training, or even empathy can test the “fortitude factor” of even the most resilient of patients. Patricia Nece, J.D. will share her own personal experiences of such challenges and how the Obesity Bill of Rights can empower other patients facing similar situations to advocate for themselves—especially when it comes to making decisions about their own health care.
CREATING AN OBESITY BILL OF RIGHTS–INFORMED CLINICAL PRACTICE: A GERIATRICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Batsis John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Obesity Bill of Rights (OBOR) sheds light on many challenges and opportunities for clinicians to implement in their respective practices. Dr. Batsis will share themes and insights that emerged from recent obesity roundtable discussions hosted by the National Council on Aging and leading up to the creation of the OBOR, including special considerations for obesity prevention and care for older adults aged 65 and over from a clinical standpoint. Barriers to obesity treatment; health care access; and access to trustworthy information for older adults—including those that intersect with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion—will be explored. Examples of steps Dr. Batsis has taken to align his own delivery of care with the OBOR will be highlighted, as well as recommendations to facilitate open and responsive dialogue built on trust between patients and providers.
EXPLORING MOBILE PAIN APPLICATIONS WITH DIVERSE ELDERS
Authors: Milidonis Mary , Rupp Hayley , McGinty Patrick , Kopera-Frye Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mobile pain applications (apps) may improve health communication. Mobile health apps do not always consider the needs of diverse older adults. This qualitative project examines perceptions of smartphone pain apps between African American and Caucasian older adults. The sample consisted of 19 older adults (mean age = 68 years), with majority female (88%), predominantly Caucasian (76%), African American (24%) and majority some college education (70%). Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate 2 of 5 free pain apps. Respondents answered questions about pain apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The MARS assesses descriptive and technical aspects of an eHealth apps using five categories including four quality scales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information and one subjective quality scale. Participants experienced persistent pain from 3 months to 12 years. Participants self-reported an average of 2.6 comorbidities on the Functional Comorbidity Scale. Important characteristics identified by both groups of older adults as critical for useable app included: Clear instructions and good navigation. The African American group differed on what would deter use of the app which included fear of use, uncertainty about the app and preferred use of personal physician. The Caucasian group themes for what deterred app use included complexity and lack of engagement. Both groups identified the important features were tracking pain and treatment ideas. These are important considerations in designing health technology for use with diverse older adults who need recurrent pain self-management.
EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF PLACE AND GENDER AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN GHANA
Authors: Burns Shane , Best Latrica , Amoatey Solomon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ghana’s older adult population is growing rapidly and projected to double by 2050. It is well-documented that social, health, and housing factors influence disparate rates of disability. However, little is known how the intersection of place (i.e., urban; rural) and gender (i.e., woman; man) inform rates of disability among older Ghanaians. We seek to examine this gap in the literature through an intersectional approach. Using logistic regression with Wave 1 (2007/08) data from the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana, we investigate the prevalence of activities of daily living (ADL) disability among respondents ages 50+ (n=4,106). To document gender differences by place, we compute separate adjusted odds ratio models among urban and rural respondents while accounting for health, social, and housing factors that might explain gender differences. Compared to urban men, urban women’s ADL disability disadvantage was explained by marital status, particularly widowhood. In contrast, rural women consistently reported an ADL disability disadvantage when compared to rural men. Additionally, we found that the morbidity profiles of those who reported ADL disability differed by place and certain ADL difficulties (i.e., bed transferring; toileting) were especially common among women. Women, both urban and rural, were especially vulnerable to ADL disability. Marital status explaining urban women’s ADL disability disadvantage suggests that partnership attenuates disability risk. Also, we speculate that varied morbidity associations with ADL disability are due to different stressors in urban versus rural environments. These findings also generate further interest about rural women’s disability disadvantage.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GSA & AGE JOINT SYMPOSIUM
Authors: Sutphin George , LeBrasseur Nathan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
For a fifth consecutive year, the Biological Sciences section of GSA and the leadership of the American Aging Association have partnered to identify abstracts that reflect on their shared effort to advance the understanding of mechanisms of aging and their impact on aging and disease. This symposium will discuss biomarkers and mediators of functional decline, sarcopenia, and frailty.
FMO-4 SLOWS AGING DOWNSTREAM OF MTOR AND DR THROUGH ER TO MITOCHONDRIA CALCIUM SIGNALING
Authors: Tuckowski Angela , Beydoun Safa , Kitto Elizabeth , Bhat Ajay , Howington Marshall , Sridhar Aditya , Bhandari Mira , Chambers Kelly , Leiser Scott 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The geroscience field has identified several pathways that regulate aging across species. Of these pathways, dietary restriction and the reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling are among the best studied but still not fully understood interventions. Recent work from our lab and others established the flavin containing monooxygenase family of enzymes as regulators of longevity across species. While others found that Fmos are induced by longevity interventions in mice, we found that Cefmo-2 promotes longevity, stress resistance, and healthspan by rewiring endogenous metabolism. These results suggest that the FMO family could regulate longevity in multiple species, including humans. Our new work focuses on the role of C. elegans FMO-4, which is structurally similar to FMO-2 but expressed in a different tissue. Our data show that fmo-4 confers stress resistance and is required for DR- and mTOR-mediated longevity. We also find that fmo-4 does not act similar to fmo-2 but downstream of it, and interacts with calcium signaling and stress response to promote healthy aging. Under the hypothesis that modified calcium signaling is crucial for ER and mitochondrial homeostasis, we find evidence of 1) the metabolic, stress, and aging processes in which FMO-4 activity plays a role, and 2) the likely mechanisms for these roles. Overall, our data highlight the importance of FMOs in longevity, and reveal a novel mechanism for FMO regulation of longevity and metabolism.
PLASMA PROTEOMIC SIGNATURE OF DEVELOPMENT AND PROGNOSIS OF SARCOPENIA
Authors: Wu Chenkai , Liao Jinhui , Xu Jianhong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle loss and functional decline, poses a significant health concern in aging populations. Understanding the proteomic signatures associated with the development and prognosis of sarcopenia is crucial for targeted management. Data from 52,689 participants (aged 39-70 years) in the UK Biobank were analyzed, with 2,920 proteins assayed using Olink. We used the multinomial logistic regression to identify proteins cross-sectionally associated with sarcopenia at baseline; Cox regression was used to examine proteins associated with all-cause mortality among 2,886 individuals who were sarcopenic at baseline. Subsequently, we used the LASSO regression to screen for important proteins for predicting death among sarcopenic persons and the light gradient boosting machine model to determine relative importance of these proteins. Pathway analysis was performed using Enrichr. A total of 738 proteins were cross-sectionally associated with sarcopenia at baseline, while 627 proteins were significantly associated with mortality among initially sarcopenic individuals (Bonferroni-corrected p-value &lt; 0.05). LASSO regression identified 306 and 65 proteins associated with sarcopenia status and death, respectively. Among the 34 overlapping proteins, GDF15, WFDC2, EDA2R, and CHRDL1 were the top signals. The prediction model with these 34 proteins had a C-statistic=0.81 and performed better than a base model with key socio-demographic variables (net reclassification index=0.27). Differential expression analysis revealed enrichment of proteins in cellular signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, cancer initiation and progression, and metabolic regulation pathways. Identification of proteomic signatures of sarcopenia provides insights into its pathogenesis and prognosis. The refined predictive models offer potential clinical utility in personalized management strategies for sarcopenia.
THE NEUTROPHIL-LYMPHOCYTE RATIO AND WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT ASSOCIATE WITH MUSCLE ENERGETICS AND GAIT SPEED IN SOMMA
Authors: Kramer Philip , Cawthon Peggy , Lui Li-Yung , DeConne Theodore , Lane Nancy , Leng Xiaoyan , Newman Anne , Kritchevsky Stephen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Systemic inflammation drives sarcopenia and cachexia, which impair the mobility and independence of older adults. We and others have demonstrated that muscle mitochondrial energetics are strongly associated with gait speed, leg power, and mobility limitations. However, the contribution of systemic inflammation to lower muscle mitochondrial energetics is not fully understood. In this analysis of the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA), two pro-inflammatory biomarkers, the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and total WBC count (WBC), were measured in adults aged 30-94 (30-69, n=81; 70-79, n=864). We report associations with maximal muscle mitochondrial energetics (MaxOXPHOS) and 400m gait speed. Individuals in higher NLR tertiles (&lt; 1.685 vs. ≥1.685 - &lt; 2.430 vs. ≥2.430) had significantly lower MaxOXPHOS (63.9±22.5 vs. 61.7±19.9 vs. 59.0±16.8, p=0.019) and gait speed (1.08±0.19 vs. 1.08±0.18 vs. 1.03±0.16, p=0.0002), had a greater multimorbidity burden (p &lt; 0.0001), and were older (p=0.008) compared to individuals in lower NLR tertiles. The associations of NLR and WBC with MaxOXPHOS (NLR, β=-1.38, p=0.05; WBC, β=-2.45, p=0.0003) were partly explained by age and BMI (NLR, ∆β=-37%, p=0.18; WBC, ∆β=-34%, p=0.01), and were further explained when accounting for all other covariates, including multimorbidity burden (NLR, ∆β=-28%, p=0.36; WBC, ∆β=-43%, p=0.15). However, the association of NLR and WBC with gait speed (NLR, β=-0.019, p=0.0009; WBC, β=-0.034, p&lt; 0.0001) could not be fully explained by age, BMI or other covariates (NLR, ∆β=-10.5%, p=0.002; WBC, ∆β=-61%, p=0.019). In conclusion, systemic inflammation, especially as related to age, obesity, and disease, associates with lower muscle energetics and gait speed in adults.
AS MUCH AS I CAN PREVENT… I’M GOING TO DO IT: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WAYS PEOPLE MANAGE DEMENTIA-RELATED ANXIETY
Authors: Maxfield Molly , Peckham Allie , James Dara , Koffer Rachel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are prevalent, without cures, and associated with declining independence. Beyond their cognitive effects, ADRDs can create social, psychological, and financial challenges for the individual diagnosed, their family, friends, and caregivers. Dementia-related anxiety (DRA) is the fear or anxiety about a current or future diagnosis of ADRD. The present study examined self-identified ways of managing DRA. Semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on thoughts and feelings about dementia among 50 community-dwelling adults (58 to 89 years old, M = 70.80, SD = 6.02) without dementia diagnoses. A reflexive inductive thematic approach examined ways people managed DRA. Based on an iterative process, we adopted and revised themes, ultimately identifying five themes: 1) monitoring cognitive status (e.g., self-monitoring or objective assessment), 2) active coping strategies (e.g., using external reminders, normalizing age-related change), 3) interpersonal relationships and support (e.g., anticipating benefit of support from others), 4) planning and preparing for potential outcomes (e.g., securing power of attorney and/or advance directives, saying goodbyes), and 5) personal responsibility to manage dementia risk or accept a diagnosis (e.g., lifestyle factors to reduce dementia risk, thereby reducing risk for burdening others). Findings suggest people use internal and external means for coping with DRA that are likely to vary in their usefulness. We consider these findings within the context of terror management theory and the lifespan theory of control, attending to potential clinical interventions for individuals experiencing DRA.
WORKING WITH NATIVE HAWAIIANS TO RECLAIM TRADITIONAL PRACTICES
Authors: Braun Kathryn , Mokuau Noreen , Yoshimoto Kukuna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With colonization, Native Hawaiians were strongly discouraged from speaking Hawaiian and practicing their traditions, and these practices went underground. Thus, few elders today know the language or traditional Hawaiian practices. Amendments to the Hawai‘i Constitution in 1978 supported the bringing back of language and culture. For example, Native Hawaiian immersions schools began to be funded by the state, and today students can earn their elementary, secondary, and tertiary degrees in the Hawaiian language. However, after years of being hidden, much of the knowledge of language and traditional practices had to be resurrected and, to some extent, recreated. The 3-person research team, which included two Native Hawaiian scholars, collected stories from Native Hawaiian kumu loea (expert teachers) of traditional practices, soliciting information on how they learned their craft, how they are currently practicing it, and how they are teaching others. Interviewees included practitioners of Hawaiian spirituality, care of the dead, land management, healthy eating, language, song, conflict resolution, herbal healing, traditional massage, cordage, weapons, martial arts, law, and medicine. Analysis included several rounds of member checking. Findings illustrate how knowledge was passed down despite its suppression and the challenges interviewees faced accruing knowledge as adult learners, rather than as native oral learners. All demonstrated personal resilience, dedication to culture, and pride in their role in bringing back practices that were almost lost. The research process could be replicated by other investigators dedicated to hearing and documenting the process of indigenous knowledge regeneration.
“WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY”: STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE IN THE STORIES OF SOUTH ASIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Khan Mushira 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Productive aging is deeply connected to the realms of communal and associational life (Russell, 2011). Asset-based approaches facilitate productive aging by harnessing existing gifts and strengths within individuals and their communities and fostering a sense of purpose in older adults (Hornby-Turner et al., 2017). Despite this evidence, little is known about the specific experiences of South Asian American (SAA) older adults in relation to well-being. To address this gap, this qualitative study explored the strengths that contribute to their well-being through in-depth interviews with 32 SAA adults (44% female; mean age=58.3 years) ages 50+. Each interview lasted between 30 and 90 minutes and was audio-recorded with the participant’s consent. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that several key assets facilitated a sense of purpose in SAA older adults, including robust local and global social support networks, often maintained through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and participation in cultural events, strong affectual ties between generations, self-transcendence through meditation and mindfulness-based practices, a sense of resilience, and creative coping strategies, particularly among late-life immigrants. These findings suggest that an asset-based approach can empower and support the well-being of SAA older adults by recognizing and leveraging their existing strengths, resources, and personal, familial, and cultural assets. For example, enhancing digital literacy in this population may offset loneliness through more effective engagement with digital social activities. Overall, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers may want to capitalize on these strengths when developing interventions or programs aimed at promoting productive aging among SAA older adults.
FINDING FULFILLMENT IN NEW BEGINNINGS: EXPLORING LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG RESETTLED BHUTANESE OLDER ADULTS IN OHIO
Authors: Karmacharya Isha , Ghimire Saruna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The decision for refugees to flee their home country is often driven by persecution, conflict, or other dire circumstances, leading to a significant disruption in their lives. The US, along with the state of Ohio, has provided a safety net for a significant number of Bhutanese refugees. However, resettled refugees, particularly older adults, face significant challenges in adjusting to their new environment. This study aims to assess the life satisfaction of resettled Bhutanese older adults in Ohio, USA, and to identify the factors influencing their life satisfaction.

Methods
Through snowball sampling facilitated by local Bhutanese organizations, a survey was conducted among 276 resettled Bhutanese individuals aged 55 and above in four major Ohio cities (Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, and Cincinnati). Life satisfaction was assessed using the widely popular and validated Satisfaction with Life Scale, and binary logistic regression was employed to model the factors associated with life satisfaction.

Results
One in ten participants reported dissatisfaction with their lives. Participants experiencing depressive symptoms had higher odds of life dissatisfaction (OR:9.02, 95% CI: 2.28-35.77, p=0.002), whereas those with greater social support (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.94, p&lt;0.0001) and resilience (OR:0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, p&lt;0.002) had lower odds.

Conclusion
Despite enduring significant challenges throughout their journey from displacement and refugee camps to resettlement in the USA, a notable proportion of participants expressed satisfaction with their lives. However, future studies should delve into their life transitions before and after resettlement to gain a deeper understanding of how the resettlement process shapes their life satisfaction.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT AMONG OLDER HISPANICS: INTRAGROUP DIVERSITY, WORKPLACE BENEFITS, AND CITIZENSHIP STATUS
Authors: Lopez Bruna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hispanics play a significant role in the self-employment landscape among older workers, yet research on this subject often ignores intragroup heterogeneity. Investigating these intragroup differences may highlight differential access to safety-net programs (e.g., health insurance, retirement savings programs) and economic opportunities (e.g., business incorporation). In response, this study utilized data from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, obtained from IPUMS-CPS, to assess differences in incorporated (I-SE) and unincorporated (U-SE) self-employment rates among those 50 to 64 years old by seven Hispanic subgroups within the U.S. (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Salvadoran, Central and South American, and Other Hispanic). Using pooled data between 2017 and 2022 to reduce sampling noise, we estimated health insurance access, retirement savings program access, and citizenship status by subgroup and incorporation status. We found notable differences by subgroup in overall self-employment rates (e.g., Cubans had the highest rates: 5% I-SE, 6% U-SE%; Puerto Ricans had the lowest rates: 2% I-SE, 2% U-SE). Salvadorans had the lowest health insurance coverage rates (48% I-SE, 58% U-SE). Those falling within the “Other Hispanic” category, including Spaniards, participated the most in workplace retirement savings programs (26% I-SE, 7% U-SE). Excluding Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens, Dominicans in unincorporated self-employment (46% citizens) and Salvadorans in incorporated self-employment (41% citizens) were the least likely to hold citizenship status. These findings identify important gaps in access to health insurance and retirement savings programs, as well as more lucrative incorporated self-employment opportunities, by subgroup.
DAILY CONNECTIONS BETWEEN HAPPINESS, SUBJECTIVE AGE, AND SUBJECTIVE ECONOMIC STATUS IN TURKIYE
Authors: Can Reyyan , Neupert Shevaun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Subjective economic status, which includes feelings of financial strain, is linked with important health and well-being indicators such as happiness. In addition, threats to economic status may be especially harmful for middle-aged and older adults. We aimed to characterize and explore predictors of daily happiness among middle-aged and older adults in Turkiye. Conducted during the summer of 2022, a period marked by high inflation, the study involved 98 participants aged 50 to 90 (M = 59.57, SD = 7.8) who reported on their happiness, subjective economic status, and subjective age for 14 consecutive days. Results from Multilevel Modeling revealed significant variations in happiness, subjective economic status, and subjective age over the 14-day period at both within and between person levels. Increases in subjective economic status were associated with increased daily happiness, whereas feeling older corresponded to decreased happiness. Subjective economic status and subjective felt age together accounted for 44% of the variance in within-person happiness variability, underscoring the importance of these factors in shaping happiness. Moreover, our study highlights economic volatility experienced by individuals in Turkiye calling for attention from policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to address the vulnerabilities faced by this group.