bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING CAREGIVING NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS FOR OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA ACROSS RACE/ETHNICITY
Authors: Lai Wen-Hua , Nemmers Natasha , Tsuker Sophia , Leggett Amanda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Black and Latinx older adults face a heightened risk of dementia or cognitive impairment. While minority communities often have family-focused supportive networks compared to White individuals, limited research has explored racial/ethnic disparities in caregiving networks (CGN) and contexts for people living with dementia (PLwD). This study investigates whether CGNs and caregiving contexts vary across racial/ethnic groups. Data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (N=2,795) were used to analyze a subgroup of Black, Latinx, and White PLwD. Latent profile analysis identified dementia CGN profiles for each racial/ethnic group based on CGN size and composition (e.g., spouse, children, extended kin, non-kin). Multinomial logistic regression examined caregiving contexts associated with these CGN profiles for each race/ethnicity. Four CGN profiles were identified for each racial/ethnic group. The majority of Black PLwD (80%) were categorized into the “children and others (kin and non-kin)” group, with less spousal involvement. Latinx PLwD had smaller CGN profiles but a more balanced caregiver combination than Black peers. While some similarities in CGN configuration were observed across racial/ethnic groups, compositional differences were evident, influenced partly by sociodemographic and cultural contexts. These findings emphasize the importance of considering CGN disparities by race/ethnicity. Understanding these differences can inform the development of screening and intervention strategies to support caregivers within Black and Latinx families, who disproportionately bear caregiving responsibilities for PLwD.
CONTEXTUAL DETERMINANTS OF AGING AND HEALTH
Authors: Yu Jiao , Thorpe Roland 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Addressing social determinants of health is crucial for promoting healthy aging. As this field grows, there is an increasing emphasis on understanding the upstream contextual factors of poor health and inequities. Contextual factors, operating at multiple societal levels, profoundly shape health and well-being among older adults. Guided by social disadvantage theory, this symposium aims to advance research on contextual determinants of aging and health through both innovative multilevel and life course perspectives as well as methodological advancements in novel statistical models and machine learning methods. This symposium will present four studies exploring how important contextual factors, ranging from education, neighborhoods, and childhood social-historical contexts are associated with health outcomes among older adults. Dr. Kim et al.’s interdisciplinary study delves into the micro-level, employing quantile regressions to investigate gender differences in the effects of education on brain pathology and cognitive decline. Dr. Yang et al. explore how meso-level neighborhood affluence and disadvantage influence older adults’ pain outcomes and medication choices. Focusing on minority aging, Dr. Qin et al. examine how neighborhood disadvantage moderates the association between disability and cognitive decline among older Mexican Americans. Finally, Huo and co-authors take a life course perspective, utilizing machine learning tree and forest models to examine a comprehensive set of 43 childhood micro- and meso-level family and residential characteristics contributing to later life frailty. Through these diverse investigations, this session will provide insights into the contextual determinants related to healthy aging, which will inform targeted interventions and policies to address health disparities among older populations.
THE ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE IN PAIN AND MEDICATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH OR WITHOUT COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Yang Yulin , Kotwal Ashwin , Hunt Lauren , Gomez Scarlett , Torres Jacqueline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neighborhoods are vital to older adults’ health and well-being, yet how they influence pain outcomes and medication use among older adults, with or without cognitive impairment, remains unknown. We evaluated the neighborhood effects on pain outcomes and medication use by cognitive impairment status. We use two distinct neighborhood socioeconomic status measures – disadvantage (including poverty, unemployment, female-headed families, households receiving public assistance income, and proportion of African Americans) and affluence (including adults with a college education, incomes&gt;75K, and employed in managerial and professional occupations). We analyze data from 9,351 older respondents in the Health and Retirement Study from 4,611 census tracts. We fit multilevel logistic regression models with random intercepts to evaluate the neighborhood effects on the risk of reporting pain, pain-related disability, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, and opioid medication. In the overall sample, neighborhood affluence is associated with lower odds of pain and pain-related disability, and higher odds of using OTC medication. Among 6,675 cognitively normal respondents, neighborhood disadvantage is associated with greater pain-related disability, while neighborhood affluence is associated with lower odds of pain, pain-related disability, and higher odds of using OTC medication. Among 2,676 respondents with cognitive impairment, neither neighborhood disadvantage nor affluence is associated with any pain outcomes and medication. Neighborhood affluence predicted higher odds of pain-related disability; however, the 95% confidence interval crossed the null. These findings suggest that neighborhood factors are important social determinants of pain outcomes and management among older adults with and without cognitive impairment.
SPOUSAL HEALTH SHOCKS AND INDIVIDUALS’ LABOR PARTICIPATION AND RETIREMENT DECISION: CAUSAL EVIDENCE FROM THE US
Authors: Li Meiyi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Health decline is a dyadic process that elicits labor adjustments from both individuals and their intimate partners. Despite increasing attention to the spillover partner effects, empirical evidence is still mixed and the causal nature remains unclear. Drawing upon the nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992-2018), the current study aims to investigate (a) What are the causal impacts of spousal health shocks (cancer diagnosis, strokes, and heart attacks) on individuals’ employment, retirement behaviors, and retirement expectations? (b) Are there any gender differences? Matching methods are combined with a difference-in-differences design to examine the causal impacts of spousal health shocks. Results suggest spousal health shocks reduce the probability of working for pay and increase the probability of retirement. As for retirement decisions, spousal health shocks reduce older adults’ expected probability of working after 65. Additionally, results do not show significant gender differences in labor outcomes. Overall, the current study provides important causal evidence on older adults’ labor responses to spousal health shocks. It also informs dyadic interventions to help both people with health decline and their partners maintain economic and social well-being in later life.
ESPO AND BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES SECTION SYMPOSIUM: DEFYING THE ODDS: HOW MINORITIZED OLDER ADULTS USE PSYCHOSOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FORTITUDE TO ENHANCE AGING HEALTH
Authors: Chang E-Shien , Walters Monica , Zahodne Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Minoritized older adults report worse health outcomes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. However, existing research often focuses on the role of risk factors rather than sources of resilience among minoritized older adults. In this symposium, we will highlight ways in which racially and ethnically minoritized older adults use different facets of fortitude to ameliorate disparities and promote resilience. Our first two presentation will examine psychosocial fortitude in relation to cognitive health. Dr. Alexandra Clark will examine how belonging to a resilient psychosocial-behavioral phenotype buffers risk for Alzheimer’s disease and how bilingualism protects cognitive health variably among Latinx older adults. Dr. Ruijia Chen will address racial/ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias by focusing on the interplay of life course stressors, resilience factors, and sleep health across the life span. Our last two presentations will examine environmental factors in relation to cognitive and physical health. Dr. Talha Ali will provide insights on resilience mechanisms by exploring the moderating role of individual-level race/ethnicity in the relationship between structural racism and increased risk for subjective cognitive decline. Dr. Kyle Moored will explore ways in which neighborhood walkability buffers the negative impact of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on step activity among Black older persons. Dr. Laura Zahodne, as discussant, will provide summative comments identifying synergies across presentations and promoting strategies for advancing the field of minority aging research.
ETHNICITY AND WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER IMMIGRANTS IN DIVERSE SOCIOCULTURAL CONTEXTS
Authors: Lai Daniel W L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The critical interaction between culture, ethnicity, and social determinants of health is a vital area of study, particularly regarding the unique experiences of ethnocultural minority older adults. The complex intersections of these factors across diverse social landscapes are ripe for investigation to uncover inequalities and inform targeted strategies to reduce the inequalities encountered by these groups. This symposium presents four key studies that examine the well-being, healthcare access, and civic participation of aging Asian immigrants, with a focus on South Asian populations in Hong Kong and Canada, as well as Chinese communities in Canada and the United States. These studies highlight the need for culturally congruent interventions. They emphasise the challenges faced in health and mental health service accessibility and the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within civic involvement. Critical factors such as the quality of intergenerational relationships, the breadth and depth of social capital, language skills, transportation availability, financial dependencies, and the impact of pre-migration histories are shown to significantly affect the lives and civic engagement of aging Asian immigrants. The research presented here strongly advocates for culturally attuned policies and practices. It underscores an imperative for health promotion, healthcare accessibility, and civic inclusion that are responsive to the cultural identities and preferences of diverse older populations. The findings of these studies are critical to the development of targeted interventions, public policies and supportive frameworks that address the unique needs and overcome the barriers faced by ageing migrants around the world.
BARRIERS TO ACCESS HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG SOUTH ASIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Shankar Janki , Das Papiya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on older immigrants in Canada is in its infancy despite their growing numbers. In 2019, Covenant Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in Canada, in partnership with the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association, a non-government service organization for new immigrants, in Edmonton, conducted a community consultation with South Asian older adults to understand their health and mental care needs and barriers to their access. The consultation was based on anecdotal evidence that South Asian older adults make poor use of health care services in general and mental health care services in particular. Focus groups and individual interviews with older adults were used to gather information, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that a significant number of South Asian older adults lead marginalized and isolated lives within their community. Lack of language skills, transportation difficulties, poor knowledge of health care services, financial dependence on sponsors, and adherence to traditional beliefs about health and mental health services are some of the barriers to accessing services. Based on these findings, several recommendations are suggested to improve healthcare access for older adults.
RELIGION AND LONELINESS: OLDER PEOPLE IN IRELAND
Authors: Leavey Gerard 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Religious identity and adherence may confer health benefits, through increased social capital (eg, community belonging, and material resources) and mechanisms for coping with adversity and misfortune. Isolation and loneliness are associated with less engagement in religious practice and can influence mental health outcomes. Aims: To investigate comorbid depression (or subthreshold symptoms) in those with clinically relevant anxiety and their relationship with loneliness, social networks, religious practice and long-term illness.

Methods
Secondary data analysis of Wave 1 of the TILDA study (2009-2011), a nationally representative community-based sample.

Results
Compared to those with low/no symptoms of depression, those classed as comorbid were more likely to be male, had lower education levels, had spent more time abroad, lower religious attendance, a limited social network, were lonelier and had a long-term life-limiting illness. Those with subthreshold levels of depression reported a more restricted social network and more moderate levels of loneliness.
THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RELIGIOUS SERVICE ATTENDANCE, SPIRITUALITY, LONELINESS, AND SOCIAL ISOLATION
Authors: Taylor Harry , Nguyen Ann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The objective of our study is to determine if religious service attendance and spirituality had an association with loneliness and social isolation among older adults. We used the Health and Retirement Study to address our research objective. Religious service attendance was measured dichotomously (no religious service attendance vs. attending religious services at least once a year). Spirituality was measured by Fetzer Institute 4-item Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality. Loneliness and social isolation were operationalized using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale and by a social network index, respectively. Covariates included age, gender, race, income, employment status, and education. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relationships between religious service attendance, spirituality, loneliness, and social isolation. We found respondents who did not attend religious services were more likely to be socially isolated. Additionally, spirituality did not have a significant association with social isolation. Respondents who did not attend religious services had significantly greater loneliness in comparison to those who did attend religious services. Furthermore, respondents with higher spirituality scores had lower loneliness scores. We found religious service attendance had an association with social isolation only, while both attendance and spirituality had an association with loneliness among older adults; therefore, improving access to religious institutions and enhancing one’s spirituality may serve as important factors for mitigating social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
THE EFFECT OF CAREGIVING ON ADULT CHILDREN’S SAVING: A MULTILEVEL, CROSS-NATIONAL ANALYSIS OF 11 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Wang Mengya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This research explores how caregiving impacts individuals’ retirement planning using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model. Focusing on retirement savings, it examines the association between caregiving and savings, considering gender, family support, and welfare regimes as moderators. Multi-level analysis of data from the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe, with a sample of 3,555 individuals across 12 European countries participating in both wave one and two, reveals unexpected findings. Contrary to expectations, caregiving isn’t negatively correlated with savings, and female caregivers don’t face more financial challenges than males. Additionally, the impact of family support on savings varies by gender, with sons providing care having greater savings when they have at least one sister, while daughters engaged in caregiving tend to have fewer savings if they have at least one brother. Welfare regimes also impact savings differently based on caregiving duration; long-term caregivers in defamilialism regime (DF) experience significant savings changes between waves, while short-term caregivers in unsupported familialism regime (USF) undergo more changes. This suggests that in DF regimes, caregivers initially struggle with work and caregiving balance, but adapt successfully once arrangements are in place, possibly due to increased formal support. Conversely, in USF regimes, initial family support is strong, but over time, reliance on formal care services decreases, and family support dwindle, posing increasing long-term challenges for caregivers. This study offers insight into the implications for caregivers’ long-term financial well-being. Recognizing the financial strain they face, it’s imperative to explore effective policy options to alleviate economic burden linked to informal caregiving.
DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK: DISCORDANCE IN REPORTING SPOUSAL CARE BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN ACROSS EUROPEAN WELFARE STATES
Authors: Vafaei Afshin , Rodrigues Ricardo , Simmons Cassandra , Zólyomi Eszter , Kadi Selma , Fors Stefan , Phillips Susan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Current research on determinants, prevalence, and effects of informal care on health assumes that survey instruments can appropriately identify informal care providers. We aimed to investigate systematic differences across Europe in reporting spousal care between caregivers and cared-for persons and their possible effects on associations between informal care and physical and mental health indicators. Using information on care provided/received from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we estimated prevalence rates of spousal care and discordance between caregivers and cared-for persons in the reporting of care among caregiving dyads. We used multinomial regressions to estimate differences in reporting spousal care across European countries and then constructed multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate the effect of discordance in reporting informal care on the correlation between care and poor self-rated health and depression. Results showed that only 53.9% of dyads report care confirmed by both spouses. Multinomial regressions showed that agreement on care provided/received was more common when women are caregivers, while men were more likely to underreport providing/receiving care. There was no effect on the association of care with SRH regardless of who is asked to identify the care providers, while the magnitude and direction of the association between depression symptoms and care varies according to the choice of respondent. Possible explanations for the discordance include social norms dictating gender roles and acceptability of men as care providers. Relying on self-identification of care providers as most surveys do has the potential to underestimate their numbers.
FAMILY CAREGIVING: TIME-VARYING CONTEXTS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT, FINANCES, BURDEN, AND BENEFITS
Authors: Malhotra Rahul , Lim-Soh Jeremy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregiving is a crucial component of long-term care. Care provision provides opportunities for psychosocial gain but can also lead to burden among family caregivers in multiple domains – physical, psychological, social, and financial. Family caregiving is dynamic, with changes over time in the needs of care-recipients as well as care responsibilities and outcomes experienced by caregivers, yet longitudinal studies on caregiving contexts are scant. Longitudinal changes and trends in social support, financial well-being and service use, burden and benefits of caregiving, and spiritual resilience are essential to identify caregivers at-risk of detrimental changes over time. The four presentations in this symposium provide empirical findings from population-based longitudinal studies of family caregivers of older adults, most with three or more time points of data collection. The first investigates heterogeneity in perceived social support of family caregivers over time and explores the role of caregiver psychological resilience in reshaping the trajectories. The second examines longitudinal trends in financial difficulties and income among family caregivers and their impact on supportive care service utilization. The third discusses joint trajectories of the burden and benefits of caregiving over time and highlights modifiable factors in the process. The fourth unravels the paradox wherein family caregivers simultaneously experience both high burden and benefits of caregiving. Collectively, the presentations underscore the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of family caregiving and contexts over time. They also highlight the need to strengthen caregivers’ psychological resilience, financial capacity, preparedness for caregiving and spiritual beliefs to enhance their caregiving experience.
FROM NATIONAL DATA TO LOCAL APPLICATION: INNOVATIONS IN AGING NETWORK SERVICES AND RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: Wilson Traci , Sheldon Marisa , Menne Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As the local experts in planning, coordinating, and implementing aging services, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) address a broad range of social and health needs of an increasingly diverse older adult population. To live independently and with optimal health in their homes and communities, many older adults depend on Older Americans Act (OAA)-funded services such as nutrition and in-home supportive services, which they access through local AAAs. Increasingly, older adults look to AAAs for supports outside of core OAA services, such as housing and emergency preparedness and response. This symposium will provide data-driven insights on adaptive strategies to enhance aging services both within and beyond the OAA and how AAAs and researchers can collaborate to support innovations. Each presenter represents a different level and perspective within the Aging Network. The first speaker from USAging will use the National Survey of AAAs to describe organizational characteristics that support aging services innovations. The presenter from the Administration for Community Living will describe findings from recent National Surveys of OAA Participants including how they adapted during COVID and how prepared they are for future emergencies. The director of a university research center will demonstrate the continuum of community engaged research approaches, through a bi-directional relationship with an AAA. The symposium will conclude with a presentation from an AAA illustrating how her agency engages with a university-based research center to innovate, build evidence for program effectiveness, and strengthen services for at-risk older adults.