bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HANDS AND HEALTH AT HOME: THE IMPACT OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ PREHEALTH COMPETENCIES
Authors: Schwartz Anna , Cook Rachel Logue , Vanderlaan Courtney , Brown Susan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There is a critical need for developing the geriatric healthcare workforce, yet pre-health students are rarely given the opportunity to engage with older adults during their coursework. In addition, many health-related professional programs require students to demonstrate proficiency with a number of professional and analytical competencies. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Hands and Health at Home, an intergenerational hand-training program, as a gerontology-focused educational experience. In this program, upper level and graduate pre-health students were trained to deliver hand-based exercises to homebound older adults twice a week for 8 weeks. Students completed the Geriatric Attitudes Scale (GAS), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), and a program evaluation survey. Forty students completed Hands and Hand at Home across three semesters. After the program, scores on the GAS (p&lt; 0.05) and CSES (p&lt; 0.05) significantly improved. Feedback about the program was overwhelmingly positive, where students indicated high satisfaction, said they would recommend the program to a friend, and felt prepared for their home training sessions. When asked to express any skills learned during the program, students often reported communication, teamwork, compassion, confidence, and creativity. The results from Hands and Health at Home demonstrate that this intergenerational service-learning program was a mutually beneficial way to deliver hand training to homebound older adults while also providing valuable hands-on experience for pre-health students. The program also resulted in reductions in ageist attitudes, improved self-efficacy, and the development of several important pre-health competencies, underscoring the need to offer more intergenerational and gerontology-based educational opportunities.
TRAUMA-INFORMED PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING IN GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Sasser Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With the increasing incidence of individual and shared traumatic events, as well as the complexity and poignancy of many of the issues considered in social gerontology and aging-related courses, there is a concomitant need for expanded awareness of the ways in which trauma shows up, both for our students as well as for ourselves as educators. What’s more, for students preparing for careers in the field of aging, especially those who intend to work directly with older people and their families, developing a trauma-informed disposition and skill-set is particularly important. In this interactive session, an ongoing initiative in the context of a community college applied social gerontology program to infuse the curriculum with trauma-informed perspectives will be shared. In addition, a framework for trauma-informed andragogical practices for teaching and learning about aging issues will be introduced. Enacting a trauma-informed approach, the presenter will facilitate an opportunity for participants to think together about ways to apply this powerful approach in the context of their own professional practices.
DESIGNING AND DISSEMINATING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Shen Yi , Urbanski Dana , Anderson Susan , Lee Adrian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids have been available to the US market since October 2022. These “do-it-yourself” hearing devices were introduced to promote accessibility and affordability of hearing healthcare to primarily older adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. To date, many new delivery models of hearing healthcare have emerged in response to the availability of OTC hearing aids. However, without the assistance of a licensed hearing care professional, it is unclear whether older adults who purchase OTC hearing aids will receive sufficient support and assistance to achieve successful OTC hearing aid use. In this presentation, we review recent research to identify areas of unmet need in currently available delivery models for OTC hearing aids. The available evidence suggests the need for and potential benefits of an educational program on OTC hearing technology independent from any device manufacturer that could be delivered to professionals who are not hearing healthcare professionals but who may interact with older adult OTC hearing aid candidates (e.g., community health workers, long-term care staff, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals). To address this need, we conducted an instructional design process with a team of healthcare educators, researchers, audiologists, and instructional designers to create the blueprint of an educational program on OTC hearing technology. Here, we describe our design process for transforming the identified unmet needs into (1) the target audience; (2) the appropriate learning modes for the intended audience; and (3) a list of learning objectives. Additionally, we highlight our plans for implementation and dissemination of the program.
DEVELOPING THE INTERGENERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (IG TECH)
Authors: Juris Jill , Leedahl Skye , Sexton Athena , Santilli Josie , Colvin Meaghan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intergenerational programs, as part of service learning initiatives in higher education, have shown to greatly benefit students in gaining professional experience that connects with classroom learning. In recent years, intergenerational technology programs in the United States and Canada have worked to enhance digital inclusion for older adults and provide service learning opportunities for students. Funded by the RRF Foundation for Aging, our multi-university research team set out to examine the implementation of programs that utilized the Cyber-Seniors reverse mentoring model within higher education. This presentation will describe the creation of a checklist to aid in the development of intergenerational technology programs within higher education, with the goal of building sustainable programs. The checklist was developed following a systematic review of the literature and interviews with 12 stakeholders. The systematic review included the analysis of 17 sources that addressed key elements of intergenerational programs such as planning, technology, accessibility, inclusivity, recruitment, marketing, safety, implementation, staffing, and training. Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten higher education representatives and two Cyber-Seniors staff members, all with extensive knowledge of barriers and facilitators to program implementation. This resulted in the development of the InterGenerational Technology Engagement Checklist for Higher education (IG TECH). The IG TECH includes a series of questions to help faculty and/or staff make decisions about key elements of the program, including program planning, student recruitment, older adult recruitment and onboarding, and implementation/monitoring. Future research will evaluate the checklist through a Delphi Panel.
A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF END-OF-LIFE CARE EDUCATION NEEDS FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS
Authors: Phung Quynh , King Angelique , Decker Autumn , Roman Anna , Patterson Logan , Weaver Raven , Bolkan Cory 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
People are living longer than ever before, ushering in a need for more healthcare professionals to engage older patients about aging and end-of-life (EOL) values. Despite 99% of healthcare providers acknowledging the importance of advance care planning discussions, over two-thirds of physicians lack adequate training (Fulmer et al., 2018). To address this gap, rigorous evaluations of existing EOL education in professional health programs are needed. This study was conducted at a large public university’s Health Science campus; 84 healthcare students (i.e., medical, nursing, and “other” programs) completed a survey, exploring their educational and socio-emotional needs regarding current death education curricula. Findings revealed deficiencies in EOL education in professional training, with only 32% reporting any curricular exposure. Individuals with prior exposure to death exhibited less negative feelings about death and greater familiarity with EOL care topics (p&lt; 0.05). Compared to other programs’ students, nursing students demonstrated a significantly higher overall familiarity of EOL topics (p&lt; 0.05). However, there was still consistently lower familiarity in dementia directives and community resources across all programs. Over 83% expressed a strong desire for more death education. Though students favor comprehensive elective courses, time constraints make workshops and seminars more feasible. Important components in training include real exposure, reflection, and debriefs around EOL conversations or deaths. These findings underscore the urgent need for earlier and more comprehensive training in navigating complex EOL discussions and caring for older adults. Addressing these barriers has the potential to enhance professionals’ skills and wellbeing, improving quality of care provided for older adults.
ANALYZING LONGEVITY TRENDS: AGE-SPECIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO LIFE EXPECTANCY GAINS ACROSS EUROPE
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Tsui Iona , Yon Yongjie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The increase in life expectancy at birth has been apparent as mortality has decreased over the past decades. However, as people live longer, it is important to know which age groups have seen the greatest gains in life expectancy. The objective of this study is to examine how different age groups contribute to longer life expectancy. We applied Arriaga’s (1984) life expectancy decomposition method to life tables for the total population of 50 out of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region comparing two different time periods. Average life expectancy gains between 1999 and 2019 are 5.08 years, compared to 3.50 years between 1980 and 2000. Decomposing the differences in life expectancy showed that the gains in total life expectancy was increasingly driven by reduced mortality at older ages in many countries, especially those with the highest current life-expectancy, though there are variation among the countries. There are also differences between men and women. The differences in life expectancy gains between men and women range from 3.05 to 10.43 years and there are the largest differences in Eastern European countries. There is still room for improvement in health beyond age 70, as older age groups are contributing more to increasing longevity. The contribution of increased longevity after age 70 to total improvement in life expectancy at birth is above 30% for more than half of the countries, and this measure is expected to rise as population ageing continues to accelerate.
MEDICARE ENROLLEES WITH COMPLEX HEALTH NEEDS FROM PUERTO RICO
Authors: Rivera-Hernandez Maricruz , Campos Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults in Puerto Rico have higher rates of chronic conditions and poverty rates compared to adults in the US mainland (Matos-Moreno et al., 2022; U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). In addition, the island of Puerto Rico has faced unique challenges related to infrastructure damages as a result of Hurricane Maria in 2017 (Florido, 2020), and further continues to face disparities in quality of care for older adult populations (Rivera-Hernandez et al., 2021). While the proportion of older adults with health insurance in Puerto Rico is comparable to older adults in the U.S. mainland, disparities in quality and access to care exist for older adults in Puerto Rico (Matos-Moreno et al., 2022). Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize older adults with complex care needs enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) from Puerto Rico. We used data from the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey and the Master Beneficiary Summary File from 2010 to 2019. We classified enrollees into high-need and non-high-need adults (DuGoff et al., 2019). We identified about 46,699 beneficiaries from Puerto Rico. Approximately, 57.09% were identified as high-need adults. A higher proportion of high-need older adults were female (56.59% vs. 50.99%), married (50.95% vs. 58.68%), had high school education (28.09% vs. 22.88) and household income of less than $10,000 (35.48% vs. 28.83%) compared to non-high-need beneficiaries. With physicians and health care providers leaving Puerto Rico, older adults with high-needs may be experiencing health care challenges. These issues may be contributing to the exodus of older adults from Puerto Rico.
HEALTH AND AGING POLICY FELLOWSHIP: AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Authors: Baker Natalie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dr. Natalie Baker is a geriatric nurse practitioner and nursing professor. Her passion for improving the quality of care delivered in the long-term care setting led her to apply for the Health and Aging Policy Fellowship (HAPF). She will describe her previous national experience in health policy and desire to gain an in-depth immersion experience in policymaking at the federal level. As a nonresidential HAPF with the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Dr. Baker has had the opportunity to interact with national aging policymakers, research topics of concern, assist in drafting legislative bills, and plan committee hearings. Through the HAPF program, she experienced an unforgettable opportunity to have conversations with affected individuals, health care workers, and professional organizations. She observed skillful negotiations for bipartisan support in a deeply divided Congress while working alongside Senator Bob Casey’s staff. From this incredible journey, Dr. Baker has gained a new perspective on aging challenges and pathways for meeting the needs of this vulnerable population.
A META-COGNITIVE GROUP INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH SCD OR MCI: RCT AND QUALITATIVE EVALUATION
Authors: Rotenberg Shlomit , Anderson Nicole , Dawson Deirdre 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We explored ASPIRE, a meta-cognitive group intervention aimed to improve engagement in daily activities of older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a double-blind randomized controlled trail, and complementary qualitative study. Participants were randomly assigned to ASPIRE (n=131) or a Brain Education control group (n=133). The primary quantitative outcome was improvement in performance of daily activities not trained in either intervention, using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). A linear mixed effects regression model found clinically significant improvement (change ≥ 2 points on the COPM) post intervention in 32.5% of untrained activities in ASPIRE; and 30.6% in Brain Education, with no significant group effects (exp(ß)=0.96, z=-0.15, p=.879). Improvements from pre- to post-intervention were found in both arms on secondary measures of subjective cognition and self-efficacy, with no significant group effects. Qualitative data were written responses about the experience of ASPIRE or Brain-Education collected post intervention, analysed using inductive thematic content analysis. ASPIRE participants were pleased with the Group Context, that included learning from, and helping others with shared experiences of cognitive concerns. They described ASPIRE as applicable to Everyday Life, providing practical strategies and motivating action through accountability to the group. Brain-Education participants were pleased with the Content, specifically the topic areas, described as interesting and stimulating. Both groups were pleased with the facilitation approach. We conclude that ASPIRE and Brain-Education have similar potential to improve subjective cognition, self-efficacy, and engagement in daily activities, but the mechanisms by which they work are different.
LIFE AT AGE 100 IN SWITZERLAND: FINDINGS FROM THE SWISS100 CENTENARIAN STUDY
Authors: Jopp Daniela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Switzerland is among the countries with the highest life expectancy and has seen a strong increase of very old individuals over the past century. Yet very little is known about its oldest-old population, including those aged 100 and older. This symposium presents findings from the first national centenarian study conducted in Switzerland, SWISS100. The presentations offer findings from the SWISS100 Main Study, allowing due to its interdisciplinary nature a comprehensive perspective on life at age 100 in Switzerland. Jopp and colleagues will present findings on key characteristics in centenarians (e.g., health, cognition, social resources, psychological strengths) and their associations with quality of life. Stahlmann and colleagues will share findings on the use of ambulatory assessment in centenarians, more specifically sound recordings which allow to investigate everyday life activities, showing that such innovative tools are applicable in this population and that these methods lead to important insights, complementing self-report. Masotti and colleagues will present results on the caregiving setting in centenarians, illustrating that Swiss centenarians show a notable variation in needs and support. Hoffman and colleagues will present results on centenarians’ goals, coded by content and orientation, and associations to well-being outcomes, illustrating that goals remain important adaptation features in very old age. Overall, SWISS100 findings help to better understand the specific life phase centenarians are experiencing, including its challenges, but also show notable psychological resilience and well-being.
EXPLORING GOAL CONTENT AND ORIENTATION OF SWISS CENTENARIANS
Authors: Hoffman Adar , Jopp Daniela , Cavalli Stefano , von Gunten Armin , Roecke Christina , Martin Mike , Herrmann Francois 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In very old age, goal orientation is expected to shift towards maintenance-oriented goals, as adaptive mechanism (e.g., Ebner, Freund, & Baltes, 2006). For centenarians, opportunities can be especially limited due to physical and contextual constraints, calling for adjustment in goal content and orientation. This study investigated the number, content, and orientation of goals among a subsample of 135 centenarians (Mage = 101.6 years) in the SWISS100 study. Within this sample, 78 (58%) centenarians mentioned at least one goal, and 57 (42%) centenarians did not mention any. Specifically, 27 (35%) specified one goal, 24 (30%) two, and 27 (35%) three distinct goals. Goals were coded for content and orientation. Leisure and family contents were most prevalent domains for goal setting, covering half of the goals mentioned. Subsequently came contents of health and home-related, while domains of social, well-being, independence and religion were also mentioned but to a lesser extent. Moreover, approach and maintenance orientations were the most widespread, representing 75 percent of all goal orientations. Some improvement goals were mentioned, but avoidance goals were rare, particularly for second and third goals. A higher number of goals was associated with more meaning in life and higher subjective well-being. Overall, results show that centenarians still have goals, the most prevalent contents reflect their life stage, and the many approach goals suggest a positive orientation. As goals seem to remain important mechanism of adaptation among centenarians, more research is needed to better understand the role of goals as a potential means of successful aging.
WHY MEASUREMENT MATTERS IN UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: REFLECTIONS ON MEASURING SOCIAL ISOLATION
Authors: Pomeroy Mary Louise , Mehrabi Fereshteh , Jenkins Emerald , O’Sullivan Roger , Lubben Jim , Cudjoe Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation has a negative impact on society and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Despite recent strides in this literature, methodological issues remain in how social isolation is measured and subsequently described. Fundamentally, most measures are not validated, do not measure objective social isolation, or interchange assessments of social isolation with loneliness. Many studies continue to rely on a single item to measure social isolation, most likely resulting in biased estimates. Researchers are faced with a variety of unvalidated metrics that differ in their theoretical framing and composition. We believe that this heterogeneity stems in part from the lack of psychometric testing, impeding the advancement of work in this area. The lack of consistency perpetuates misunderstandings in population-based estimates or other rigorous characterizations of social isolation, precludes the comparison of findings across studies, and undercuts our understanding of intervention effectiveness. We call for the research community to employ psychometric testing of social isolation measures and to solicit input from a wide array of stakeholders to substantiate a proposed measure. This information could then be used to generate broad support for use of evidence-based measures of social isolation, promoting consistency and uptake in clinical, research, and community settings. Establishing acceptability and validity of social isolation measures is critical to developing screening and prevention strategies, designing effective interventions, and adopting practice and policies that are relevant to stakeholders.
USE OF A NOVEL STAFFING PROGRAM IN NURSING HOMES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
Authors: Peterson Lindsay , Smith Kelly 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Staffing in nursing homes (NHs) has long been a critical policy issue. Faced with NH staffing challenges, Florida legislators approved a 2021 measure allowing lesser trained staff (personal care attendants [PCAs]) to work as certified aides for four months, with the expectation the PCA would become certified in that time. We used mixed methods, aiming to assess Florida NH administrators’ views on this novel staffing program. We distributed a Qualtrics survey of closed- and open-ended questions to 695 administrators via email between July 2022 and September 2022, receiving 55 unduplicated, complete responses. Logistic regression was used to estimate relationships between independent variables (e.g. facility characteristics, federal five-star rating, survey responses) and the outcome, whether respondents found the PCA program beneficial (yes/no). To build on quantitative results, we used thematic analysis to assess four open-ended survey questions. Results found the average bed size of respondents’ NHs was 135, 75% were nonprofit and 62% were part of a chain. Regression results found a significant relationship between rating the program as beneficial and hiring more PCAs (p=.003) and having a higher quality rating (p=.02). We identified three qualitative themes, 1) benefits of the program, 2) barriers to success, 3) how to make the program work, with an overarching theme of administrative proactivity. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative results together found administrators who rated the PCA program as beneficial were more likely to describe proactive efforts (e.g. establishing PCA mentorship programs). Results provide guidance on practices required to make a novel staffing program succeed.