bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RECENT INNOVATIONS IN INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin , Cudjoe Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recent years have witnessed unprecedented national and international calls to action to enhance social connection and reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults. These calls include a 2020 National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, a 2023 advisory by the Office of the Surgeon General, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Murphy and Representative Flood, and a Commission on Social Connection by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, significant knowledge gaps remain on interventions to address these needs among older adults, particularly for diverse populations, across settings (i.e. health systems, different communities) and locations (nationally and internationally). In this session we will present four interventions that can reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Studies will provide detail on recent innovations in program delivery., with particular attention to adaptations related to the COVID-19 pandemic that have been sustained. The implementation, sustainability, and scaling of interventions will be discussed, including health system-community referral networks, considering recent Medicaid funding opportunities, and new populations served. In addition, the session will include a discussion of differences in approach to interventions in different settings across the United States as well as globally. The session will foster dialogue on ongoing challenges and future directions in intervention development and research. Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
‘HELPING ALLEVIATE LONELINESS IN HONG KONG OLDER ADULTS’ (HEAL-HOA): A DUAL RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Da Jiang  , Kwok Jojo , Choi Namkee , Yeung Dannii Y , Ho Rainbow Tin Hung , Warner Lisa , Chou Kee-Lee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the high prevalence and negative impact of loneliness, research on the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for older adults who are experiencing loneliness has been lacking. The ‘Helping Alleviate Loneliness in Hong Kong Older Adults’ (HEAL-HOA), a dual randomized controlled trial (RCT), tested the effects of telephone-based psychosocial interventions delivered by older-adult volunteers (N=375) for lonely older adults (N=1,151) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 375 volunteers age 50-70 were randomized into a volunteering condition versus an active control. Those in the volunteering condition received six 2-hour training on behavioral activation (Tele-BA), mindfulness (Tele-MF), or befriending (Tele-BF). Those in the active control condition received psychoeducation on loneliness. Trained volunteers then delivered Tele-BA, Tele-MF, or Tele-BF (active control) as lay counsellors for low-income, lonely, digitally excluded older adults (Mage=76.6, SDage=7.8) who lived alone and were randomized to one of three conditions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months post-intervention among volunteer lay counsellors, and at baseline and 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-intervention among intervention recipients. For volunteer-counsellors, positive effects were observed in loneliness, social network engagement, stress and depressive symptoms as compared to those in the control condition. For intervention recipients, compared to Tele-BF, Tele-BA demonstrated positive effects on loneliness, psychological well-being, perceived support, and sleep quality at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Compared to Tele-BF, Tele-MF was effective in reducing loneliness at the 3-month follow-up. This innovative dual RCT demonstrated feasibility of delivering large-scale telephone-based behavioral interventions for older adults by older-adult volunteers and the intervention effectiveness.
MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION IN AGING: LINKS TO MOBILITY
Authors: Mahoney Jeannette 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Multisensory integration, a rapidly growing field of neuroscience, investigates the simultaneous processing of information from multiple sensory systems. Researchers argue that our brains are designed to simultaneously process information from multiple sensory inputs to produce the most appropriate response to environmental cues. Studies in primates and young adults reveal that flexible multisensory integration is regulated by PFC areas, including dorsomedial and ventrolateral subregions. In fact, considerable strides have been made in defining the underlying properties, neural substrates, and timing of multisensory integration effects in healthy young adults; however, multisensory research in older adults has not been studied comprehensively. Further understanding of multisensory integration in aging could prove valuable, given that increased sensory deficits are associated with aging. Age-related visual and somatosensory impairments have been individually linked to slower gait, functional decline, increased risks of falls, and poorer quality of life. In a series of studies, we provide evidence for robust, but differential visual-somatosensory integration (VSI) effects in healthy aging and report its significant link with clinically-meaningful outcomes. Specifically, we show that older adults with intact levels of VSI demonstrate better balance, faster gait velocity and lower incidence of falls, compared to those with poor VSI. Additionally, we reveal that older adults with MCI and dementia demonstrate significantly reduced magnitude of VSI compared to those without cognitive impairments, which in turn was associated with worse unipedal stance and gait performance. Our current research objectives include elucidating whether VSI is a novel, non-invasive, non-cognitive predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.
HEARING LOSS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Assi Sahar , Twardzik Erica , Deal Jennifer , Ginis Kathleen Martin , Palta Priya , Schrack Jennifer , Reed Nicholas , Amezcua Pablo Martinez 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is associated with adverse health outcomes among older adults, which may be partly explained by lower physical activity levels. Yet, the association between hearing loss and physical activity among older adults remains understudied.

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2021). The better-hearing ear pure-tone average (BPTA) at speech frequencies (0.5-4 kHz) was modeled continuously (per 10-dB) and categorically (no: ≤25 dB, mild: 26-40 dB, moderate or greater: &gt;40 dB hearing loss). Activity measures were 1) wrist accelerometry-derived total activity counts, daily active minutes, and activity fragmentation, and 2) self-reported participation in vigorous activities and walking for exercise in the last month.

Results
Among 504 participants excluding hearing aid users (mean age = 79 years, 57% female, 9% Black), 338 (67%) had hearing loss. Using multivariable regression adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates, we found that worse hearing (continuously and categorically) was associated with fewer counts and active minutes, more fragmented activity, and greater odds of not reporting recent vigorous activities. Among 472 participants with hearing loss, nonusers of hearing aids (n = 338) had more fragmented activity and greater odds of not reporting walking for exercise compared to users. Conclusions: Older adults with hearing loss are less physically active. This may mediate the association between hearing loss and other adverse outcomes. Recognition of this potential association is essential for providers to better support older adults in maintaining an active lifestyle. Future research is warranted to understand the impact of hearing interventions.
ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS INTERVENTION FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH LEWY BODY DEMENTIA (LBD)
Authors: Zaslavsky Oleg , Kaneshiro Jasmine , Su Yan , Domoto-Reilly Kimiko , Chen Annie T 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) experience higher levels of stress and more severe depressive symptoms compared to caregivers of people with other dementias. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of VOCALE LBD, an online asynchronous 8-week intervention aimed at improving psychological distress among LBD caregivers. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 39 family caregivers. The program employs a web-based platform and includes text-based peer support, moderation of the discussion by a research team member, didactic training, and problem-solving skills development, all tailored to LBD caregiving situations. We assessed outcomes including caregiver depression, burden, stress, and support, at baseline, post-intervention (eight weeks), and one-month follow-up. We also evaluated problem solving, self-efficacy and mastery mechanistic variables. Participants’ average age was 68 (SD=10), with 69% female, 95% identifying as White, and 79% holding undergraduate and graduate degrees. The eight-week intervention had 18% attrition rate. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) from baseline to post-intervention and from baseline to follow-up showed reductions in depression (-0.36 and -0.54, respectively), stress (-0.30 and -0.45), burden (-0.31 and -0.26), and increases in support (0.44 and 0.46). Significant improvements were observed in problem-solving skills, though no significant changes were noted in mastery and self-efficacy. The study confirms the acceptability and efficacy of the VOCALE LBD program to reduce psychological distress among family LBD caregivers and suggests activation of the targeted change mechanisms. The study also contributes to the field’s understanding of online support mechanisms and promotes the exploration of innovative caregiver support strategies.
THE 4 S’S OF GERIATRICS EDUCATION: STIGMA, SPEED, STEALTH, AND SOURCES
Authors: Cooney Alissa , Duthie Edmund 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This symposium covers a conceptual framework developed by the Geriatrics Education Interest Group. The framework includes the 4 Ss of geriatrics education: Stigma, Speed, Stealth, and Sources. Geriatrics Educators have long needed the fortitude factor to face adversity in finding a place for geriatrics education in many curricula. Sharing the experience of geriatrics leaders who have demonstrated fortitude in their approach to geriatrics education fighting against stigma, getting creative with speed, seeking out stealthy opportunities, and leveraging sources, to improve geriatric education for all learners. The first S, Stigma, addresses the persistent ageist attitudes and behaviors found across healthcare by promoting geriatric education anchored in a “patient-centered care” approach addressing the specific, individual-based, concrete, patient care needs. The second S, Speed, explores micro learning in the context of geriatrics education to increase efficiency of learning and retention of knowledge. Multiple web-based platforms for geriatrics micro learning will be discussed including implementation of Geriatrics Fast Facts, a point-of-care micro learning resource. The third S, Stealth, shares how to reframe integration of geriatric principles specifically for non-geriatrics specialties. This segment will dive into case-based perspectives on stealthily integrating basic geriatric principles into learning environments not focused on geriatrics care. The fourth S, Sources, discusses how to leverage sources to enhance geriatric education. This section will explore the experience of geriatricians and inter professional geriatric specialists who have successfully leveraged their knowledge and resources and their institutions and local communities to benefit geriatric education. Geriatric Education Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
REAL LIVES ACROSS THE GLOBE: INSIGHTS FROM THE GLOBAL PRIDE STUDY
Authors: Oswald Austin , de Vries Brian , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on the intersection of sexuality, gender, and aging is becoming increasingly global; however, scholars in the field rarely have the opportunity to collaborate across national boundaries. This hampers knowledge sharing and limits the global knowledge base on sexuality, gender, and aging. In this presentation, we will explore international and interdisciplinary perspectives on sexuality and gender across the lifespan. Individual and group interviews were conducted with collaborators of the Global Pride study, discussing the challenges and opportunities of global research at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and age. These interviews were video recorded and will be shared during this presentation. The video features global collaborators discussing the resources and cultural influences in various conceptual, qualitative, quantitative, and multi-method approaches for conducting sexuality, gender, and aging research. We will also address the unique cultural influences, dimensions, and dynamic nature of conducting cutting edge research with sexual and gender diverse (SGD) adults across the lifespan. Key insights include: 1) identifying similarities and differences across diverse cultural contexts, including variations in old age itself; 2) understanding the distinct realities and challenges faced by older adults in diverse SGD communities and the strengths and fortitude of these communities worldwide; 3) developing feasible strategies to advance SGD research, practice, and education within differing cultural, social, and political environments. By examining the risk and resilience of SGD older adults globally, we aim to illuminate how innovative research, practice and education can strengthen our understanding of aging in our increasingly diverse society.
UNMET NEEDS OF VETERANS AND CAREGIVERS INCREASE WITH PREDICTED RISK OF LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONAL CARE
Authors: Garcia-Davis Sandra , Munoz Richard , Bouldin Erin , Hansen Jared , Kinosian Bruce , Intrator Orna , Dang Stuti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To understand unmet needs, we contacted a random sample of Veterans receiving care at five Veterans Health Administration (VHA) sites and oversampled Veterans with a higher predicted 2-year LTIC risk. Veterans and their caregivers were asked to complete separate comprehensive surveys to assess demographic, social, psychological, functional, and physical domains; unmet needs; experience with home and community-based services; and caregiver support programs experience. Veteran and caregiver surveys were mailed in the same envelope to 20,000 Veterans. We received responses from 8,056 Veterans and 3,579 caregivers. Veteran respondents were mostly men (96.5%), over 65 years (94.9%), married (55.0%), Non-Hispanic White (75.2%), and residing in urban areas (80.7%). Veterans reported unmet needs in activities of daily living (ADLs; 15.7%), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL: 26.0%), nursing tasks (7.9%), pain management (15.1%), communicating with healthcare team (18.2%), and social support (12.1%). The most common unmet IADL needs were medication management (55.4%), housework (55.4%) and preparing meals (53.7%). Compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Blacks were more likely to have unmet ADL and IADL needs. Caregivers averaged 7.3 hours of daily care (SD=5.5 hours); and helped with ADLs (42.5%), IADLs (57.2%), communicating with healthcare team (52.4%), and social needs (36.4%). Degree of need for assistance for all needs varied by predicted risk of institutionalization (PLI). Veterans in the high PLI tier reported the highest prevalence of unmet need. Both Veterans and caregivers described complex unmet needs in medical, functional, psychological, and social domains, which increased as their predicted risk for LTIC increases.
WELL-BEING AND SERVICE USE AMONG VETERANS’ CAREGIVER-SURVIVORS
Authors: Bouldin Erin , Munoz Richard , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci , Hansen Jared , Dang Stuti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Transitioning from the role of caregiver to survivor following the death of the care recipient can be difficult. Our goal was to describe well-being and bereavement-related service use among family caregivers of Veterans who had recently died. During June-November, 2023, we sent surveys to caregivers of 1,468 Veterans who had participated in a previous survey and whose Veterans had died 3-18 months prior to this survey; 296 (20.1%) caregiver-survivors completed the survey. We assessed caregiver-survivors’ anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2) and depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) symptoms along with physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL; PROMIS 10 mental and physical health) at the time of the survey. We assessed their use of specific support services since the Veteran’s death. 14% of caregiver-survivors screened positive for anxiety and 15% for depressive symptoms. Most had poorer physical HRQOL (67% had t-scores&gt;50) and mental HRQOL (85%) than the general population. Service use was uncommon: 10% of caregiver-survivors had used a bereavement support group, 7% had used counseling/therapy, and 2% each had used a caregiver support group or VA bereavement services. 20% of caregiver-survivors said they were not aware of bereavement/counseling services but would have liked to use them. In this sample of caregiver-survivors, anxiety and depressive symptom prevalence was similar to the general population but physical and mental HRQOL were substantially poorer. Most caregiver-survivors did not use any formal services following the Veteran’s death. While most non-users were not interested in services, some reported they would have used them if offered.
UTILIZING THE PMDC AS A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROVISION OF PERSON-CENTERED CARE IN NURSING HOME SETTINGS
Authors: Buron Bill , Wright Kathy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This symposium showcases the research of the Geropsychiatric Nursing Collaborative, a workgroup affiliated with the NHCGNE. Kitwood (1997) defined Personhood, as ‘a standing or status that is bestowed on one human being, by another in the context of relationship and social being.’ Buron (2008) designed the Personhood Model for Dementia Care (PMDC) based on Kitwood’s definition and Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs Theory. The PMDC is an intuitive framework to promote the identification and utilization of person-centered care (PCC) interventions in nursing homes. This symposium begins with an overview of the model as a framework for an integrative review of effective PCC-focused interventions. Next, three specific interventions will be discussed and highlighted, each representing at least one level of personhood as defined and described in the PMDC. The first illustrates how biological needs for nutrition intersect with relational aspects of care during mealtime and introduces an effective strategy for assisting RLWD with their meals. The researchers found more PCC and less task-centered care were associated with improved mealtime behaviors and/or food intake in RLWD. In the next example, the researchers highlight individual personhood through an exploration of resident preferences. The researchers found residents have diverse approaches to expressing their preferences and utilize a range of resident-led, family-involved, and staff-brokered strategies to meet preferences. In the final example, researchers developed an on-line person-centered dementia training for undergraduate nursing students. The aim of this training was to improve nursing care of people living with dementia and highlights the importance of sociologic personhood. Nursing Care for Older Adults Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
MEALTIME BEHAVIORS AND FOOD INTAKE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: IMPACT OF PERSON-CENTERED AND TASK-CENTERED CARE
Authors: Liu Wen , Lee Kyuri , Suh Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Nursing home residents with dementia experience mealtime behaviors and low food intake due to multilevel factors, among which mealtime caregiving is critical. Prior work supported associations between staff mealtime care and resident mealtime behaviors and food intake using small samples of meal-segments. This study examined their associations using 197 full-meal videos (duration=37.85±18.24 minutes), capturing 47 staff (age 45.6±11.8 years; 92.3% female; 80.8% white; 15.5±12.9 caregiving years) and 12 residents with moderately-severe to severe dementia (age 71.9±7.5 years; 91.7% male; 91.7% white). Staff mealtime care approaches (n=12,800) were mostly person-centered addressing modifications of resident abilities (70.3%), dyadic interactions (12.1%), and dining environment (6.8%), followed by task-centered care (TCC, 10.8%). Resident mealtime behaviors (n= 9,424) were resistive behaviors (21%), functional impairments (13.2%), chewing/swallowing difficulties (48.1%), and positive behaviors (17.6%). Resident food intake was 626.23±353.17 gram/meal. Resistive behaviors were associated with fewer modifications of resident abilities (b=-.215, p=.053) and more TCC (b=.202, p=.058). Functional impairments were associated with more modifications of resident abilities (b=.186, p=.048) and more TCC (b=.446, p&lt;.001). Chewing/swallowing difficulties were associated with more modifications of resident abilities (b=.287, p=.006). Positive behaviors were associated with fewer modifications of resident abilities (b=-.310, p=.002) and more modifications of dining environment (b=.330, p=.001). Food intake was associated with more modifications of resident abilities (b=.289, p=.009). Minimizing use of task-centered care may help improve mealtime challenging behaviors. While modifications of resident abilities may not address functional impairments, they help manage resistive behaviors and improve food intake. Modifications of dining environment may help promote positive behaviors.
RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON PREFERENCES: EXPLORING HOW NURSING HOME RESIDENTS EXPRESS AND ACHIEVE PREFERENCES
Authors: Block Laura , Madrigal Caroline , Roberts Tonya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Providing choice and accommodation of preferences is fundamental to delivery of person-centered care in nursing homes (NH). Studies indicate variability in NH residents’ preferences around a range of daily care routines and activities (i.e., involvement of family, meal choices, morning or nighttime routines) and the widespread challenges NHs face in meeting preferences. Yet, few studies have examined NH resident perspectives on their role as a key player in communicating their preferences. This qualitative study is part of a broader mixed methods exploration of the relationship between preference-aligned care and quality of life. A subset of residents (N=11) was selected for semi-structured interviews to examine resident perspectives on navigating preferences in daily life. Interviews were coded inductively, with thematic analysis guiding abstraction and interpretation. Residents described a range of degree of preference expression, from voicing strong preferences for or against care/activities; deferring to staff; or being uncertain of a preference. Residents shared multiple strategies for meeting their preferences, including communicating with new staff, relying on family, escalating requests, and adjusting to the NH environment. Residents also described staff-led strategies of documenting and sharing their preferences and splitting the work into parts, which often required resident collaboration and input. The importance of consistency in staffing and developing relationships with staff was underscored. Future work should examine the potential role health, cognitive, and functional capacity play in shaping residents’ preference expression.