bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS: DEVELOPING A CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRAINING PROGRAM
Authors: Louis Renée St , Molnar Lisa , Eby David , Zakrajsek Jennifer , Zanier Nicole 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mobility is vital for the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Emerging technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), hold promise for extending safe and independent mobility for older adults, however, challenges remain in ensuring that CAVs are accessible, acceptable, affordable, and otherwise inclusive for older adults. While personal vehicles with Level 2 automation are available, the public’s exposure to more advanced levels of automation remains limited. The first phase of this research examined benefits and barriers to using CAVs using a two-phase qualitative approach consisting of four 90-minute nominal and focus group sessions. During the introduction, participants were shown a short video defining CAVs and were asked to think about vehicles with Level 3-5 automation during the discussions. Results revealed a strong desire among older adults for hands-on CAV experiences to increase perceived safety and trust in these new technologies. Based on these findings, a second phase of research involved the development of a CAV training program for older adults to be tested at Mcity, an autonomous vehicle testing facility. The training program consists of an informational overview combined with a hands-on orientation to the location and operation of various advanced vehicle technologies and automation features, using a vehicle with Level 3 automation. During the orientation, participants are shown icons associated with the technologies, and their function, capabilities, and limitations are demonstrated. Detailed findings from both phases of the research will be discussed as well as their implications for future mobility options for older adults.
DRUG INTOXICATION AMONG LATINO OPIOID USERS IN FLORIDA
Authors: Suriaga Armiel , Tappen Ruth , Panos Raquel , Dimeo Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The opioid epidemic remains a serious public health problem, killing &gt; half a million people since 1999, including racial/ethnic groups, i.e., Hispanics. However, Drug Intoxication (DI) from opioid use, particularly in Florida, where the Hispanic population totaled 5.469 million in 2020, is seldom reported. We aimed to report the characteristics of Hispanic decedents with DI, particularly opioids and other substances, from 2020 to 2021. We also examined the association of being Hispanic to DI and the co-use of opioids, cannabis, and alcohol. We used descriptive statistics and regression models to analyze de-identified data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement using Stata 17. 1,199 Hispanic decedents out of 30,846 people who died from any drugs were analyzed. Mean age=39.14 (SD 13.89); males (n=1,015 or 84.7%) between the 25-34 age group (n=339 or 34.9%), followed by the 35-44 age group (n= 306 or 25.5%); only a small proportion of older Hispanic decedents (n=58 or 4.8%). 551 out of 1,199 Hispanic decedents died from DI. Being Hispanic was not significantly associated with DI (p=.053). In the intercept model, being Hispanic has 0.87 odds of dying from DI (OR=.87, [95% confidence interval=.77-.98], p=0.018. After adjusting for confounders (age, gender, population density, and other substances, the odds of dying from DI slightly increased (OR=.89, [95% CI =.76-1.03], p=0.117; adding clinical covariates (cardiac, diabetes, kidney, and liver-related problems) OR=.85, 95% CI=.74-.99], p=0.038. Among opioid users (OR=16.46, 95% CI=15.47-17.50], p=&lt;0.001. Public safety necessitates more research to elucidate factors driving DI among this ethnic minority.
USING THE AGE-FRIENDLY INVENTORY AND CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY AT A MAJOR CANADIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Zimmer Chantelle , Morrison Lindsay , Goerzen Maya , Hogan David , Toohey Ann , Hewson Jennifer , McDonough Meghan , McGhan Gwen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since the University of Calgary became a member of the AFU Global Network, establishing a benchmark of the institution’s age-friendliness has been a priority for the Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging. The Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey was selected for our baseline assessment because it captures both objective and subjective elements of age-friendliness that align with the AFU principles. Prior to data collection, the instrument was modified for our national and institutional context by adding, removing, and changing the language of some items. The Age-Friendly Inventory was completed by administrators to determine the current status of our campus practices and environmental features, while the Campus Climate Survey was completed by faculty, staff, and students to understand their awareness and perceptions of these practices and features. A total of 10 administrators, 178 faculty, 608 staff, and 1167 students participated in the assessment. The results indicated that our university is moderately age-friendly, but participants were generally unaware of its age-friendly elements. To generate action items from the results, we analyzed the data further. Each inventory and survey item was mapped onto the AFU principle it most closely aligned with and then grouped with similar items to form categories for each principle. Through this process we identified areas of strength and growth for each principle, and prioritized principles (1, 4, 6, and 10) for our Centre to address. The findings from this study will inform an action plan to raise awareness of and enhance the University of Calgary’s age-friendliness.
ASSESSING AGE INCLUSIVITY USING THE AGE-FRIENDLY INVENTORY AND CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY
Authors: Waterhouse Jodi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus became designated as an Age-Friendly Academic Medical Campus in 2021. However, the campus is part of a much larger campus community which includes a large health system, a children’s hospital, and a VA Medical Center, that are not Age-Friendly designated. More than 30,000 employees, visitors, and vendors visit the Anschutz campus daily. How does an academic medical campus, surrounded by three large health system hospitals and clinics ensure that visiting is easy, enjoyable, and accessible, and visitors don’t get lost in other campus partner’s buildings? The Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey helped provide the framework for guidance to identify issues including parking, parking payment kiosks, signage, and campus maps both virtual and print. This session will provide how a large academic medical campus and its representatives were able to identify and personally experience problematic hurdles when visiting a large university campus; what Built Environment Assessment experience was collected to identify issues; and how recommendations for improvement were presented to and supported by campus leadership.
ASSESSING AGE INCLUSIVITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA: LEADING ISRAEL’S FIRST AGE-FRIENDLY CAMPUS
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Hirsch-Matsioulas Orit , Naim Sigal , Sapir Adi , Hochman Yael , Koren Chaya , Kolpina Lola 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With life expectancy increase, higher awareness of ageism, and the need to reduce inequalities by ensuring that education and employment opportunities are open to all ages, the Age-Friendly University (AFU) was initiated at the University of Dublin, Ireland in 2012, and has since spread to other countries. The University of Haifa, located in a city with a higher proportion of senior citizens, compared to the national average in Israel, is leading the first AFU in Israel. We aim to present a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing campus environment and its inclusivity towards individuals of all ages. As an initial measure, we embraced the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) questionnaire (Silverstein et al., 2022). After translating into Hebrew, we made cultural and technical adaptations and conducted validation with a panel of five experts. The survey was disseminated across the campus, garnering responses from 1500 participants. Analysis revealed generally positive attitudes towards the integration of older individuals within the campus community, although there was insufficient progress in various domains. Notably, the incorporation of ageing-related topics in teaching and research emerged as deficient. Study findings serve as a basis for developing educational programs for older learners, as well as for the reorientation of university policies towards age inclusivity. Furthermore, they provide recommendations for fostering age-friendly environments through policy formulation and organizing social-cultural initiatives on campus and beyond. In addition, the preliminary validation of the survey instrument suggests its suitability for implementation in non-English-speaking academic contexts.
AGING AND THE MICROBIOME
Authors: Han Shuo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This 90-minute session will explore key interactions between aging and the microbiome leveraging studies in animal models and humans. The three invited talks will discuss the following diverse topics in microbe-aging interactions: 1) functional roles of gut bacteria and small molecules in host aging and physiology in C. elegans and mice (Han); 2) gut microbial and metabolic changes across lifespan and how these changes impact brain, cardiovascular, and offspring health (McCullough); and 3) gut microbiome contributions to age-associated cognitive decline, inflammation, and immune functions in older adults, based on the outcomes from the Microbiome in Aging Gut and Brain consortium study (Yadav).
MICROBIOME AND AGING: INSIGHTS INTO COGNITIVE HEALTH FROM THE MIAGB CONSORTIUM
Authors: Yadav Hariom 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
World population is aging, and aging-related conditions are on the rise, with no better prognosis, prevention, and treatment. Because we do not fully understand the complex biology of aging and its dysfunctional attributes, it contributes to aging-related conditions. Emerging evidence shows that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the biology of aging and has thus been proposed to be one of the targets for Geroscience-based interventions. However, we still lack understanding of how the microbiome contributes to aging and its related disorders. To address these knowledge gaps, a collective effort of several institutions has evolved a multi-center clinical study called Microbiome in Aging Gut and Brain (MiaGB), which has focused on developing large datasets on the microbiome and its related pathways, including metabolomics, proteomics, epigenomics, immunophenomics, and others, to understand how the microbiome contributes to aging biology, thus impacting brain health and overall health linked with aging. Dr. Yadav will present the outcomes of the MiaGB consortium addressing how the microbiome contributes to aging-related cognitive decline by impacting intestinal epithelial barriers, inflammation, and immune functions. He will also emphasize whether and how reversing these microbiome-related abnormalities can ameliorate aging-related disorders in older adults.
RELIGION, SOCIOECONOMIC HETEROGENEITY, AND COGNITIVE STATUS AMONG BLACK MEN
Authors: Bruce Marino , Beech Bettina , Tran Dylan , Kaka Baasil , Thorpe, Jr. Roland 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Risks for cognitive impairment are disproportionately high among Black men, however religious practices and beliefs have been shown to be protective for members of this group with modest incomes, suggesting that social class can complicate this association. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between religious practices and/or beliefs, socioeconomic status (SES), and cognitive status among Black men in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data were drawn from 384 Black men who completed the Core and Leave Behind Questionnaires. The primary outcome was any cognitive impairment, a dichotomous variable derived from a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). Religious practices and beliefs (private prayer, religious beliefs) and SES (income, education) were primary independent variables. Descriptive results indicate that individuals reporting incomes less than $50,000 had a higher proportion of any cognitive impairment than respondents reporting higher incomes (48.2% vs 19.1%). Differences in any cognitive impairment were also found between respondents reporting 12 or fewer years of education and individuals reporting more than twelve years of education (48.8% vs 19.8%). Data from modified Poisson regression models indicated that personal private prayer (PR=0.67, CI:0.47-0.97) and religious beliefs (PR=0.92, CI:0.84-1.00) were beneficial for Black men with modest incomes. Private prayer was inversely related to any cognitive impairment among Black men with more than 12 years of education (PR=0.51, CI:0.27-0.99). Full-scale studies of Black men are needed to further examine how SES can influence factors that may be protective against cognitive impairment among this population.
EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACTIVE COPING, GRIT, AND SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE IN AGING BLACK AMERICAN MEN
Authors: Nwakasi Candi , Esiaka Darlingtina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Active coping and grit have been associated with positive health outcomes including cognitive functioning. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has examined the effect of active coping and grit on subjective cognitive decline among Black American men. Further, this study’s focus on subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in aging Black men is crucial because SCD may indicate an onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and/or other brain health issues.

Methods
Participants (N=138, Mage = 48) who identified as Black American men living in urban areas responded to an online survey measuring sociodemographic factors, grit, active coping, and subjective cognitive decline. We used hierarchical regression in the analysis to examine the association between active coping, grit, and subjective cognitive decline.

Results
Analysis revealed that active coping (B = -0.196, p=.037) and grit (B = 0.643, p&lt;.001) were significant predictors of SCD while controlling for demographic variables (F [7,130] = 7.753, p&lt;0.001). Also, moderation analysis showed a significant interaction between active coping and grit on SCD (β = -0.04, SE = 0.02, 95%CI [0.00,0.08], p &lt;.041).

Conclusion
By focusing specifically on the association of active coping, grit, and SCD, this study offers insight on the unique experiences of Black American men and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of their cognitive well-being. Thus, the results may inform targeted interventions and support systems for aging Black men’s brain health.
BUILDING AND SUSTAINING ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Killian Emily , Thompson Lena , Fisher Miranda , Ostrem Nicholas , Wunderlich Tiffany , Smith Brigid , Ashida Sato 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Long-term implementation of programs for community-based older adults requires collaboration among various organizations. Strengthening personal and community support systems is critical in supporting older adults before, during, and after disasters. The Disaster PrepWise (DPW) program was developed through community-engaged processes involving disaster management and public health agencies as well as aging service providers to ensure the usability and acceptability of the program. DPW implementation infrastructure and protocols were subsequently developed using the concepts of the Practical, Robust Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework. Organizational partners participated in periodic Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) meetings and collaboratively developed a program delivery infrastructure. The developed infrastructure was pilot-tested and evaluated by conducting interviews from July to September 2023 with various stakeholders: program participants (n=18), SAB members (n=6), and interventionists (n=7). Strong alignment between the DPW program and their values and the opportunity to work with “like-minded” people motivated organizations to participate. Organizations involved since the program development stage, over 10 years ago, were especially committed to supporting the development of implementation infrastructure. SAB members highlighted additional benefits to older adults as this infrastructure can connect DPW participants to other social services in their community through cross-sectorial collaborations. Participants identified barriers to long-term sustainability such as a lack of sustained resources, identifying and training interventionists, staff turnover, and difficulty expanding to reach partners in rural areas. These collective challenges underscore the complexity of maintaining such initiatives and the necessity for comprehensive strategies to sustain them.
THE STRENGTH OF PARTNERSHIPS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RESILIENCE: FINDINGS FROM THE VOICES OF OLDER NEW YORKERS
Authors: Kieffer Elana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
New York City is home to over 1.2 million adults age 65+ in approximately 300 square miles. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate crisis have presented older New Yorkers with new public health challenges and exacerbated existing ones. The time is now for aging service providers, researchers, and older adults to develop and coordinate efforts to build, maintain, and increase community resilience in the wake of emergencies and disasters. In this session, staff members of the Center for Healthy Aging at The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) will describe how older New Yorkers and the professionals who work with them have demonstrated resilience since the pandemic, and provide recommendations on how they can continue to do so, as outlined in “Strengthening Community Resilience: Supporting Older Adults Through Emergency Preparedness And Response In A Post-COVID Era,” published by NYAM in 2023. Guided by the RAND Corporation’s Framework for Community Resilience and NYAM’s previous research on resilience in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, we will discuss the results of this report, including the importance of partnerships, education, program efficiency, and access to resources, all through a strengths-based lens. This presentation will describe these key findings and their potential implications in the context of advocacy and policy change.
A MULTIPRONGED STRATEGY FOR GROWING THE GERONTOLOGICAL WORKFORCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON
Authors: Miller Edward , Song Qian , Stokes Jeffrey , Birchander Ellen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The University of Massachusetts Boston is a public research university serving approximately 16,000 students. It is the most diverse university in New England and third most diverse university in the nation. The Gerontology Department is committed to growing the size and diversity of the workforce in aging services, policy, practice, and research. This presentation describes the multipronged approach taken to achieve this objective, while identifying associated facilitators and challenges. Departmentwide initiatives include prioritizing work in disparities in faculty hiring, implementing curriculum self-assessment and climate survey tools, and engaging in substantial marketing and outreach and collaborations with both internal and external constituencies. Doctoral program initiatives include expanding scholarship and training opportunities. Undergraduate program initiatives include changing the name of the major to “Aging Studies” to make the content clearer and more accessible, implementing a minor in Aging Studies to make it possible for students from across the University to earn a valuable credential, having all courses meet requirements in general education, and expanding the number and attractiveness of course offerings. The Department also implemented an initiative where undergraduates receive paid internships at local-area aging agencies with potential for continued employment post-graduation. Promoting diversity is closely connected to growing program enrollment with positive benefits for older adults and their families, caregivers, and communities.
GERONTOLOGY DOCTORAL EDUCATION: RELEVANCE AND CHALLENGES AT UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE AND BALTIMORE COUNTY
Authors: Schumacher John , Gruber-Baldini Ann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The joint University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) & Baltimore’s (UMB) Doctoral Program in Gerontology celebrated the milestone of its 50th graduate in 2024. Yet, like our peer doctoral programs, gerontology education remains undervalued in society and higher education. Recent ways we highlight our relevance include: 1) Launch of an Online Masters in Gerontology. Sustainability may lie in universities sharing enrollment across online courses; 2) Created Global Experiences i) Costa Rican Fellowship. External donor funded program for gerontology students and faculty for an extended, bi-directional scholarly exchange. ii) Global Aging Gerontology in Japan. Immersive interdisciplinary course held in Japan as a super-aging society; 3) Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in Gerontology Education & Research. Training faculty and students to participate in an AI infused work environment. Challenges to doctoral education abound including: 1) Funding graduate research assistantships (GRAs); decreasing GRA allocations and both increasing cost and pressures to exclusively fund GRAs on external grants; 2) Engaging faculty effort to move beyond a voluntary, gerontology affiliate faculty model. Ever increasing demands on faculty time are leading to less service availability to gerontology programs. New faculty affiliate models are needed that may involve compensation and recognition for interdisciplinary faculty effort and revenue sources. Overall, degree programs in gerontology must continue to promote their relevance while meeting continuing challenges.
FORTIFYING GERONTOLOGY PROGRAMS: HARNESSING COLLABORATIONS ACROSS CAMPUS
Authors: Newsham Tina , Fugate-Whitlock Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Having joined the Age Friendly University Global Network and continuing the transition to an R2 institution, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is poised for strengthening its graduate program in gerontology. The program, like others, was once on the low productivity list and considered for dissolution, has only two full-time faculty members making collaborative efforts vital. To facilitate recruitment into the MS in Applied Gerontology and to situate the program firmly in the university’s infrastructure, we have initiated a variety of collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts. A set of five pathways known as “4 + 1” or “combined programs” allowing qualified undergraduate students to take a portion of their coursework at the graduate level. These students explore their interest in gerontology, become invested in gerontology education, and meet undergrad and graduate requirements simultaneously. Students are then able to complete their MS in Applied Gerontology in as little as one more year. In addition, new pathways have been created through combining teaching research, and scholarship endeavors. GRN faculty partner with colleagues (affiliated faculty) from Applied Health programs, Nursing, Social Work, Sociology/Criminology, Dance, and more to write grants, develop community engagement projects, and create meaningful opportunities for campus and community members to learn about gerontology. These efforts also provide opportunities to highlight careers in aging creating further interest in gerontology education. Such collaborations have created a steady stream of students into the graduate program, yet create their own challenges (as well as new opportunities).