bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HEART FAILURE AND SIT-TO-STAND SCORE ON LOWER BODY MOBILITY DISABILITY: NATIVITY DIFFERENCES
Authors: Navos Melanie , Snih Soham Al 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We examined nativity differences in the relationship of heart failure and five-times sit-to-stand scores with lower body mobility disability over 12-years of follow-up among Mexican-American aged ≥ 75 years who were non-disabled at baseline. Participants (N=987) were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2004/05-2016). Measures included socio-demographics, heart failure (HF), multimorbidity, falls, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand (STS) test, and lower body disability (limitations in ≥ 1 of transferring, bathing, toileting, and walking across the room). Participants were grouped into four groups: No HF-high STS (n=402), no HF-low STS (n=381), HF-low STS (99), HF-high STS (n=105). We used the generalized estimating equation models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of lower body disability as a function of HF and STS groups. Compared to those with No HF-high STS group, foreign-born in the HF and high STS group had lower odds (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.24-.95) of reporting mobility disability over time after controlling for all covariates. Foreign-born and US-born in the groups of HF and low STS had greater odds (OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.14-4.67 and 7.03, 95% CI=3.57-13.81) of reporting mobility disability over time after controlling for all covariates. In conclusion, Mexican-American older adults with HF who performed high in five-times STS were at lower risk for lower body disability and the risk differed by nativity. Interventions to improve strength in lower extremities in those with HF may prevent or reduce disability in this population
LONELINESS AND SELF-EFFICACY AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DEPRESSION
Authors: Dabrowski Barbara , McKibbin Christine , Carrico Catherine , Goodwin Laurance , Carling Stacy , Punke Elizabeth , Teply Abby , Schenck Sabine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Approximately 60% of Americans live with one or more chronic conditions (CDC, 2023). Chronic disease self-management programs empower individuals to take an active role in their health management. Self-efficacy is an important construct determining self-management behaviors. Recently, low self-reported ratings of self-efficacy for managing chronic disease have been associated with high loneliness ratings (Lee et al., 2023); however, other variables that may be important regarding the relationship between loneliness and self-efficacy are less known. Depressive symptoms are associated with both loneliness and management of chronic disease. This study examined the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the relationship between loneliness and self-efficacy among individuals with chronic disease participating in the Self-Management Resource Centers, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). The sample (n = 48, M = 63.0 years old, SD = 18.0) comprised primarily White females (n = 37; 77%) who presented with chronic conditions and completed a CDSMP workshop. Regression analyses revealed that baseline loneliness predicted baseline depressive symptoms (β =.49, p &lt;.001). Both baseline loneliness (β = -.46, p &lt;.006) and depressive symptoms (β = -.75, p &lt;.001) predicted baseline self-efficacy. The relationship between loneliness and self-efficacy became non-significant (β = -.12, p =.301) after controlling for depressive symptoms. Examination of loneliness and depression to changes in self-efficacy pre- to post-intervention showed similar results. Depressive symptoms are important in the relationship between loneliness and self-efficacy among participants in the CDSMP. Addressing depressive symptoms may support improvement in self-efficacy among CDSMP participants experiencing loneliness.
BLACK STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Authors: Kim Boeun , Cooke Alicia , Riser Tiffany , Szanton Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Resilience, which is the ability to resist, recover, or adapt in response to adverse events, can be cultivated through interactions with societal, community, family, and individual factors across the life course. However, structural resilience, signifying the extent of recruiting resources at societal and community levels, has been overlooked. Furthermore, no study has examined structural resilience using a life course approach, although structural resilience is likely to change over time. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to understand better the structural resilience and their supportive roles in maintaining or promoting health over the life course through older African Americans’ lived experiences. This study focused on African Americans, who were known to have higher levels of individual resilience than White Americans, to learn what resources helped them to thrive despite adverse circumstances. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 self-identified African American adults aged 50 and older living in Baltimore City. Two study team members coded the transcripts using an inductive approach, and themes were generated from the constant comparative approach. The five themes emerged: 1) underwent extraordinary adversities over the life course, 2) accessible resources during childhood, adulthood, and late adulthood, 3) emergence of grassroots organizations to provide support, 4) roles of structural resilience in response to adversities, and 5) dynamics of structural resilience across the life course. This study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms that preserve health under stressors. The findings may help to resolve the public health tragedy of health equity faced by older African Americans.
DEVELOPING A MODEL FOR COLLEGE STUDENT VOLUNTEERING IN RESPITE CARE
Authors: Rodriguez-Galan Marta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to evaluate college student volunteer’s learning on aging and caregiving through EXHALE, a grant-funded pilot respite program for family caregivers developed by Lifespan or Greater Rochester and St. John Fisher University. We are sharing the results from the first year of student participation (the program will be funded for 3 years). In addition to promoting student service learning in the field of aging, this evaluation will help in the development of a toolkit that can be used by other higher education institutions. The specific aims of the evaluation research are: 1) To evaluate students’ changes regarding attitudes towards aging, specifically towards frail older adults 2) To evaluate specific areas of learning regarding aging that were more salient in their volunteer experience (e.g. working with older adults with dementia, working with low-income minority elders, etc.) 3) To identify content areas for the development of the “toolkit” that will be used as a model for training future volunteers in higher education institutions. To assess student learning in the program we used the following three

methods
1) The Kogan’s attitudes towards older people scale; 2) Student Reflections after each volunteer session at the respite care; 3) Bi-weekly debrief sessions with the professor. Furthermore, one of the student volunteers also served as a research assistant during the summer and received more personalized mentoring. Our findings show that students challenge some of their initial attitudes on aging, and gain knowledge about caregiving and cultural competency through this volunteering program.
EXPLORING GENERATIVITY AMONG CULTURALLY DIVERSE OLDER ADULT VOLUNTEERS
Authors: O’Dea Eireann , Wister Andrew , Canham Sarah , Li Lun , Mitchell Barbara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Generativity, the desire to look beyond the self, and teach and guide the next generation, has been described by researchers as an important component of successful aging and a key part of why older adults choose to engage in activities such as volunteering. Recent research on generativity, including Rubinstein et al’s generativity framework (2015), describes how the expression of generativity can be influenced by cultural context, including traditions, sense of heritage, and family relationships. Despite this, so far little research has focused on generative expression among older adults with diverse cultural backgrounds, such as those belonging to ethnocultural minorities. Using Rubinstein’s framework and life history interview as a guide, this study explores generativity among older adult volunteers who belong to ethnocultural minority communities in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 14 participants aged 65 and over participated in in-depth interviews about various life course experiences, in order to bring contextual understanding to their generativity and volunteer activities in later life. Preliminary findings suggest the unique ways in which generative action can develop over the life course, and how it can potentially be influenced by a sense of belonging to an ethnocultural group. Results also speak to the contributions that are made by ethnocultural minority older adults as volunteers in their communities.
WHAT FACILITATES INFORMAL SUPPORT AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PEOPLE? THE ROLE OF CARING INITIATIVES
Authors: Xia Wenran , van Wijngaarden Jeroen , Buljac-Samardzić Martina , Huijsman Robbert 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In the context of accelerated global ageing and cutbacks in healthcare budgets, older people are encouraged to provide informal support to each other within their communities. However, the mechanism facilitating such informal support among older people is still not clear. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the perspectives and experiences of various stakeholders involved in initiatives aimed at stimulating informal support in the community setting. Method: A multiple case study was conducted in five initiatives in the Netherlands focused on facilitating informal support for older people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with different stakeholders, including older residents who are informal support givers and receivers as well as coordinators and managers of the initiatives. A total of twenty-four participants were interviewed in twenty-one interviews. An inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach was conducted for the qualitative data.

Results
Analysis revealed that older people are facilitated to participate in the community-based informal support when they have abilities, are being motivated, and have opportunities to participate in informal support. Social cohesion in the community strengthens this mechanism. Additionally, community-based formal organizations contribute to stimulate on both the individual and community levels. Conclusions: This study explores the mechanisms facilitating informal support among community-dwelling older people. It emphasizes the combination of factors at the individual, community, and organizational levels. Relevant policies and practice should be formulated with consideration of these multi-level factors.
COGNITION PROFILES AMONG OLDER BLACK ADULTS, BY SCHOOL DESEGREGATION STATUS, EDUCATIONAL, OCCUPATION, INCOME
Authors: Perryman Collin , Thorpe Roland , Whitfield Keith E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
We sought to identify the subgroups regarding the school environment (desegregated or segregated), educational attainment, occupation type, income, and cognition among older Black adults.

Methods
Data from older Black adults (n=602; age range: 48 to 95 years) from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging (BSBA-PCA) was used to explore the various cognitive function subgroups. We conducted a latent class analysis (LCA) to understand the cognitive domain subgroups. The continuous indicators were several cognitive domains (global cognition, reasoning, memory, immediate recall, working memory, language, and perceptual speed), and the categorical indicators were school type, educational attainment, occupation type, and income.

Results
We identified subgroup for each cognitive domain. For global cognition (1) highest educational attainment, (2) untrained occupation, and (3) most segregated; working memory (1) high educational attainment, (2) segregated, and (3) low monthly income; reasoning (1) high educational attainment; (2) mostly desegregated, and (3) segregated; memory (1) highly educated, (2) lowest income, and (3) segregated; perceptual speed (1) highly educated, (2) lowest income, and (3) segregated. Given all the indicators, each subgroup exhibited an incremental increase in mean cognition scores.

Conclusion
Our study provides insights to how cognition varies by school setting, educational attainment, occupation type, and income among older Black adults who attended desegregated or segregated schools in their early-life.
DOES SOCIAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND COGNITION? EVIDENCE FROM THE HRS
Authors: Santana Layla Katharine , Meng Hongdao , Peterson Lindsay , Le Minh Quan , Li Mingyang , Dobbs Debra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Active participation in social activities contributes to increased social engagement and may have a positive impact on cognitive health in later life. Despite the well-documented association between social activity and cognitive function, the potential moderating role of social activity in age-related cognitive decline has not been well understood. In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative dataset of U.S. adults aged 50 and above (n=9,919), to examine the hypothesis that social activity participation moderates the relationship between age and cognition. Cognition was assessed by using a 27-point cognitive functioning. Social activity participation was measured by a validated 10-point scale, which measures self-reported activity participation. We estimated multivariable linear regression models in which cognitive functioning was regressed on age, and social activity participation while controlling for individual characteristics and potential confounders. We used the Hayes conditional process analysis and Johnson-Neyman plot to test the hypothesized relationships. The average age of the study sample was 67 years (SD=10.27), 59.5% were female, and 66.1% were non-Hispanic White. As expected, age was negatively associated with cognition (β = -0.924; p &lt;.001), and social activity participation was positively associated with cognition (β = 0.122; p &lt;.001). The interaction between age and social activity participation was statistically significant (β = 0.0409; p = 0.005), indicating a significant moderating relationship. These findings suggest that social engagement may be a protective factor. Future studies should examine whether the findings can be replicated in a longitudinal study.
DOES THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE INTERVENTION ON MOBILITY VARY BY CHRONIC DISEASE?
Authors: Dadson Deborah , Ball Karlene 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mobility loss has been associated with chronic diseases, sedentary behavior, and fear of falls among older adults with approximately one-third of 70-year-olds and 80-year-olds reporting restrictions on mobility. Even though physical activity and exercise have been shown to enhance mobility and improve activities of daily living, only a few older adults are able to exercise due to several limiting factors. Cognitive training has been shown to enhance cognition, gait and motor functions, and consequently mobility among older adults. As such, this study aimed to examine how the impact of cognitive interventions on life space mobility varies by chronic disease. Using data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Clinical Trial, a sample of 2802 community dwelling older adults who were 65 years and older were examined using Multiple Linear Regression with interaction. Analyses included predicting life space mobility from the cognitive intervention trainings (reasoning, memory, and speed of processing), with gender, age, race, and mobility at baseline as covariates. Diabetes, cancer, and heart disease were entered into the model as moderators. Results indicated that speed of processing training, years of education and heart disease significantly predict Life Space Mobility (all p &lt;.05). Reasoning training, memory training, gender, age, race, diabetes, and cancer were not uniquely associated with Life Space Mobility. These findings highlight the need to consider cognitive interventions, specifically speed of processing to ensure functional performance in everyday activities of older adults. Keywords: Mobility, cognitive intervention, chronic diseases, ACTIVE Clinical Trial
IS VARIABILITY IN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE ALWAYS MALADAPTIVE? THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
Authors: Klepacz Laura , Cerino Eric , Pierce Matthew , Hamm Jeremy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive dispersion refers to an individual’s fluctuations in performance across a range of neuropsychological domains. Although past research has linked greater dispersion to cognitive decline in clinical populations, less is known about the characterization of dispersion in unimpaired, younger samples. The current study addresses this gap by identifying sociodemographic populations for whom dispersion may not be maladaptive and potentially linked to better cognitive performance over time. We pursued this aim by examining how age, sex, income, and education moderated the association between longitudinal changes in dispersion and corresponding shifts in cognitive performance using MIDUS data (n=2,518; age 55±11.2, Range: 33 – 83 years). Respondents completed a telephone-based battery of cognitive tests measuring several neuropsychological domains. Dispersion was calculated by generating an intraindividual standard deviation across 6 unique cognitive tasks. Results of OLS regression models showed that age (b=.01, SE=.00, p&lt;.001), sex (b=.26, SE=.07, p&lt;.001), income (b=-.01, SE=.01, p=.056), and education (b=-.02,SE=.01, p=.066) moderated the positive association between regressed change in dispersion and regressed change in mean performance. Specifically, increases in dispersion were most strongly associated with shallower 9-year declines in cognitive performance among comparatively older adults (b=.41, SE=.05, p&lt;.001), women (b=.40, SE=.04, p&lt;.001), individuals with less education (b=.35, SE=.05 p&lt;.001), and those with lower income (b=.39, SE=.04, p&lt;.001). Our study extends the literature by contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the populations for whom dispersion may not be maladaptive. These findings suggest that dispersion may reflect healthier cognitive aging in populations that are at greater risk for cognitive impairment.
A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE ON DEATH AND DYING
Authors: Manternach Celine , Domnick Hallory 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this project was to analyze children’s literature on death and dying published between 2014-today. This project builds on previous research published prior to 2014. N = 40 books were reviewed for the following content: Biological facts including type of loss, emotional responses, socio-cultural practices and beliefs, and the number of euphemisms used. Books available from local libraries and Amazon were used for this project. Examples from each book were included in Excel and frequencies and percentages were summed after analysis. A total of 10 (25%) books included biological facts, such as “heartbeat stops,” 18 (45%) included emotional responses such as “Dad’s eyes were red,” and 8 (20%) included socio-cultural practices and beliefs such as “we all have beliefs and we don’t know what happens when we die.”A total of 5(8%) books included euphemistic terms such as “gone to a better place” for death. Overall, findings demonstrated that authors tended to write about emotional responses related to grief most often, whereas fewer wrote about socio-cultural practices and beliefs. Given the diversity and complexity of practices and beliefs on death and dying, additional children’s books published in this area are needed to capture the diversity of experiences. While explaining death to children can be challenging, literature is a tool that parents can use to guide the conversation. However, not all children’s books are created with the same intent, and it is important for adults to pre-screen books to determine how appropriate the book is for their child.
CHOOSING TO FORGO: LIFE-SUSTAINING TREATMENT DECISIONS FOR SELVES AND RELATIVES AMONG TAIWANESE ADULTS
Authors: Chen Duan-Rung , Hou Su-I , Young Yuchi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Since its implementation in 2019, less than 2% of adults in Taiwan have signed Advance Directives (ADs) under the Patient Right to Autonomy Act (PRAA). This research explores how the public views the PRAA and its effect on the decision to decline life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) in hypothetical end-of-life scenarios. Method: In August-November 2022, an online survey was administered to 3,922 adults in Taiwan, of which approximately 1,488 (37%) were familiar with the PRAA. These 1488 respondents completed questions regarding their perceptions of the PRAA. They responded to questions about three hypothetical end-of-life situations: terminal cancer, irreversible severe brain damage, and terminal dementia.

Results
Over half of the participants declined to receive LSTs for themselves and chose similarly but less for their family members. A specific difference was noted in choices concerning terminal dementia, showing a greater reluctance to withhold LSTs, especially for parents, than for themselves. There were gender-based differences, with women more likely to choose against LSTs for themselves in various situations. In contrast, gender did not affect decisions made for family members. The perception of the PRAA and the degree of ACP engagement significantly influenced the refusal of LSTs for both the participants and family members. A positive view of the PRAA was significantly linked to decisions against LSTs for spouses.

Conclusion
These findings underscore the complexity of decisions around LSTs, influenced by personal beliefs, gender, legal perceptions, and engagement for advance care planning.