bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE PROCESS OF CULTURALLY ADAPTING AND TAILORING AN EXISTING PSYCHOEDUCATION PROGRAM FOR BLACK DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Epps Fayron , Alexander Karah , Bennett Stephanie , Clevenger Carolyn , Hebpurn Kenneth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Racial differences and disparities related to caregiving experiences exist at alarming rates for service utilization, care hours, and living below the federal poverty level among Black Americans compared to White caregivers. We developed a course, Caregiving while Black, to appreciate the culturally salient contexts, values, roadblocks, and education for Black caregivers of persons living with dementia. This project moved beyond existing psychoeducational interventions focusing mainly on dementia-related or crisis management education for family caregivers by keeping equity issues at the forefront of caregiver education. The course took an assertively “For Us; By Us” approach, prominently employing the voices and faces of Black healthcare providers, family caregivers, and PLWD. Building on materials from another caregiver psychoeducation crisis management course, we adapted and tested the course in a no-control longitudinal trial (n =75). This was a time-consuming process that took approximately 12 months. We learned that community partners, providers, and caregivers were eager to be involved in the course’s design. Out of the 75 caregivers who consented, 32 completed the course. Caregivers who couldn’t complete the course indicated they lacked motivation, wanted more guidance, and desired face-to-face interaction. Several Black faith communities echoed the preference for face-to-face interaction. This feedback will direct the revision of the Caregiving while Black course by offering greater interactivity and a cohort structure with a synchronous component to complement the asynchronous content to add greater interactivity. Overall, Black caregivers greatly appreciated the team designing a course for them.
HEALTH OUTCOMES OF AGING INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Authors: Koszalinski Rebecca , McFarland Malcolm , Parsons Michael , Reif John , Schaefer Adam , Kociolek Judyta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Environmental changes have profoundly altered the lives of individuals in South Florida. Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) and associated toxins produced by cyanobacteria and Karenia brevis impact the lives of Floridians, including aging individuals who recreate on the water in their retirement years. This interprofessional team of scientists and health professionals is concluding Year-5 of a longitudinal study to learn short-and long-term health impacts. Participants were recruited from publicly accessible sites, community groups, social media posts and in person events (Schaefer et al., 2020). Participants completed a questionnaire includes location, type, and duration of recreational or occupational contact with surface water and local beaches within the last 10 days. Activities included swimming, wading, boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, tubing, fishing, and visiting a beach. Participants reported recreational fishing activities and consumption of locally caught seafood from impacted water bodies. Reif, et al. (2023) indicated that the most commonly reported symptoms were rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, sore throat and dry cough. There was an increase of respiratory symptoms (74% of respondents), ocular symptoms (62% of respondents), and gastrointestinal symptoms (35% of respondents). Residential exposure was significantly associated with increased reporting of dry cough (p = 0.03), dyspnea (p &lt; 0.01) and wheezy respirations (p = 0.04). Among persons reporting gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea (p = 0.02) and abdominal pain (p &lt; 0.01) were significantly associated with residential exposure. Recreational exposure was significantly associated with sore throat and eye irritation. A secondary data analysis will specifically investigate the health impacts of aging individuals in this dataset.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS AFTER HURRICANE IDA
Authors: Bordes Piper , Cherry Katie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hurricane Ida made landfall in Grand Isle, Louisiana on August 29, 2021, the sixteenth anniversary of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the US Gulf Coast. Hurricane Ida claimed 87 lives in the US and caused an estimated 75 billion dollars in damages. In the present study, we examined post-disaster health and well-being in directly and indirectly affected younger and older adults. A total of 128 participants were sampled from three parishes (counties) where the storm devastation was more severe and two parishes farther inland with less damage. All were tested in person or virtually via the Zoom platform in a single session. They responded to several individual difference measures, a structured storm questionnaire and the SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life Survey. Results indicated the physical health composite score was poorer for older adults, as expected (p &lt;.001). In contrast, mental health scores were higher for the older adults, although age interacted with exposure status where the size of the age difference was reduced for those who were directly impacted by Ida (p &lt;.01). Implications of these data for understanding older adults’ psychological health after decades of severe weather events are discussed.
BEYOND BURDEN: LINKING CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES WITH SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS
Authors: Mroz Emily , Turner Shelbie , Levy Becca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers to older adults with chronic, progressive illnesses are intimate witnesses to complex diagnoses, symptoms, and medical decisions and the pathways for aging well amidst these challenges. Yet, little research examines whether or how navigating caregiving experiences influence caregivers’ beliefs about their own health, aging, and end-of-life in ways that inform their behaviors (e.g., preparation for their own age-related changes). Aligned with GSA 2024’s theme, this symposium examines caregiving experiences as potential “fortitude factors” that can guide positive aging attitudes and health behaviors. First, Rita Hu will introduce profiles of caregiving trajectories across the adult life course and describe associations between these profiles and caregivers’ self-perceptions of aging. Rachel Bloom will then present a qualitative study of former dementia-caregivers’ observations about the advantages and limitations of medical advocacy and end-of-life care services. She will describe how these observations can be steered by caregivers’ personal narratives from their lived caregiving experiences. Yifan Lou will then build on this by describing quantitative associations between dementia- and non-dementia-caregiving experiences and caregivers’ engagement in advance care planning, describing differences in ACP behaviors across racial and ethnic subgroups. In addition, a fourth presentation will spotlight Roberta Cruz, a family caregiver and member of the National Alzheimer’s Project ACT Advisory Council and IMPACT Collaboratory Lived Experience panel, who will share her perspectives on this emerging topic. Our discussant, Becca Levy, will integrate our presentations with the broader landscapes of research on self-perceptions of aging and caregiver wellbeing, concluding with recommendations for future research.
LINKING DEMENTIA CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES WITH EXPECTATIONS OF FUTURE HEALTH CARE NAVIGATION
Authors: Bloom Rachel , Lou Yifan , Monin Joan , Fried Terri , Falzarano Francesca , Mroz Emily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Caregivers of people living with advanced dementia are often exposed to the complexities of healthcare coordination and decision-making over the disease trajectory. These observations can shape former caregivers’ expectations of healthcare available to them in the future, particularly approaching their end-of-life. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to characterize adult-child caregivers’ observations about healthcare provision for people with dementia, as well as exploring how and whether these former caregivers related these observations to their own end-of-life care expectations. Analysis of semi-structured interviews from 32 bereaved caregivers generated two themes describing how caregiving influenced caregivers’ understanding of a) the need for medical advocacy and b) the appropriateness of medical services at the end-of-life. For some former caregivers, having engaged in medical advocacy for their parents served to demystify the process of communicating with medical professionals about goals of care and the relative utility of medical interventions, fostering feelings of preparedness for self-advocacy around receiving what they judge to be appropriate care in the future. Some participants linked their observations to changes in their perceptions of hospice care, with the majority of this group expressing an increased appreciation for its role in enhancing comfort and reducing care fragmentation. Others indicated that caregiving reinforced their existing appraisal of hospice as appropriate for improving end-of-life experiences. This work indicates that former dementia caregivers’ healthcare observations shape their broader understanding of end-of-life opportunities and limitations within current medical systems, and influence their perceived ability to navigate similar contexts in the future.
ARE CAREGIVERS MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING? EXAMINATION BY RACE AND ETHNICITY
Authors: Lou Yifan , Mroz Emily , Fried Terri , Zang Emma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Spousal caregivers may become more aware of the value of advance care planning (ACP) as they witness care-recipients’ declining quality of lives. Due to unique experiences that often occur when caregiving for a spouse with dementia, dementia caregivers may be more motivated to engage in ACP. This presentation examines the association between spousal caregiving experience across dementia and non-dementia contexts and caregivers’ ACP behaviors and explores the moderating role of race/ethnicity. We identified 17,486 married individuals aged 65+ from the Health and Retirement Study 2000-2020. Three dimensions of ACP were considered: completion of a living will, designation of a Durable Power Attorney of Health Care (DPAHC), and having discussions with anyone about end-of-life care wishes. Logistic regressions compared ACP outcomes between 954 dementia caregivers, 3015 non-dementia caregivers, and 13,517 non-caregivers, controlling for sociodemographic and health covariates. Interactions between caregiver groups and race/ethnicity were examined. Spousal caregivers were significantly more likely to engage in all types of ACP compared to non-caregivers. Compared to non-dementia caregivers, dementia caregivers had significantly higher probabilities of completing a living will and designating a DPAHC. White caregivers reported highest probabilities of all three ACP outcomes, and being dementia caregivers further increased those rates. Positive association between caregiving experiences and ACP behavior were not observed in Black and Hispanic participants, except that being dementia caregivers increased the probability of having ACP discussions for Hispanic participants. We will discuss policy, practice, and research implications for the heterogeneous effects of caregiving experiences on ACP across racial/ethnic groups.
PARTIAL REPROGRAMMING OF THE AGING NEUROGENIC NICHE
Authors: Xu Lucy , Ramirez-Matias Julliana , Hauptschein Max , Sun Eric , Lunger Judith , Buckley Matthew , Brunet Anne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Reprogramming of somatic cells by constant expression of the Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) results in pluripotent stem cells and erases many hallmarks of aging in vitro. Partial reprogramming, or expression of the Yamanaka factors in a time- or cell-restricted manner, improves function in a variety of cell types from aging mice without loss of cell identity. But the impact of partial reprogramming on the aged brain has remained largely unknown. We examined how partial reprogramming affects the subventricular zone (SVZ), a conserved neurogenic niche in mammalian brains. SVZ neural stem cells give rise to newborn neurons and astrocytes throughout adulthood, but the process of neurogenesis declines with age, with a drop in neuronal precursor cells (neuroblasts) and negative impacts on olfactory discrimination and learning. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we find that partial reprogramming of the whole body in old mice restores the proportion of neuroblasts - cells committed to give rise to new neurons - in the neurogenic niche. Several molecular signatures of aging are also reverted by partial reprogramming. Interestingly, partial reprogramming in the SVZ neurogenic niche itself increases the proportion of neuroblasts and neural stem cells in old mice. Partial reprogramming of old neural stem cells in culture improves transcriptomic signatures of aging and boosts neuroblast and neuron production during differentiation, suggesting cell-autonomous effects. We find that partial reprogramming can rejuvenate aspects of the neural stem cell lineage in old brains, raising the possibility that this intervention could be used to counter brain decline in old individuals.
NOVEL TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS FOR STRUCTURAL INEQUITIES AFFECTING HOME HEALTH AIDES CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Okereke Olivia , Eme Vivian Anable , Liu Cerelia , Talukder Farhabi , Totten Keliane , Locascio Joseph , Weiner Anthony 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Home health aides (HHAs) provide support for homebound older adults with cognitive impairments, while lessening strain on familial caregivers. However, HHAs face structural challenges in work-related transportation. To address this gap, we began a pilot study of on-demand access to free Uber rides for HHAs who were recruited, trained and provided job placement in partnership with Community stakeholder-partner CCHERS (Center for Community Health Education Research Services). Through community engagement with CCHERS, and as informed by other community partners (e.g., Mothers for Justice & Equality, Mass HomeCare Alliance), we identified lack of affordable, accessible, reliable transportation as the most-cited structural barrier affecting HHAs and their delivery of homecare. Thus, this study provided access to free Uber rides for HHAs’ job training, home care assignments and other work-related travel, for the duration of study funding; all HHAs were offered access to free rides for as long as funding was available, and key metrics were measured among HHAs during periods with and without ride funding. Preliminary data show high prevalence of other social determinants of health among HHAs using rides (e.g., 50% reporting food and housing insecurity). Outcomes among HHAs (work satisfaction, work hours, visit completion) and patients (patients reached, patient diversity) will be presented regarding whether free, on-demand transportation support for HHAs via Uber will: 1) Improve metrics among HHAs (total visits, hours/week and days/week worked, missed visit/no-shows, work satisfaction); 2) Increase racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic diversity of older adults with cognitive impairment/dementia receiving homecare.
BUILDING FORTITUDE: STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING TENDER TOPICS IN GERONTOLOGY CURRICULA
Authors: Decker Autumn , Weaver Raven , Donorfio Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gerontology educators are tasked with navigating a myriad of sensitive topics (e.g., discrimination/inequality, abuse/neglect, end-of-life) that lay the foundation for understanding aging and its complexities over the life course. These topics challenge educators but hold profound significance for gerontological practice. Inequities shape opportunities over time as advantages/disadvantages accumulate, such that “the reality is later life is not the end of inequality, it is inequality’s end game” (Abramson, 2016, p. 4). Inequities related to racism, ageism, and homo/transphobia affect individuals’ exposure to death, trauma, loss, and grief, and require facilitation of difficult classroom conversations. Social justice necessitates learning how to provide all groups with adequate supports/resources for growing old and educators are responsible for imbuing the next generation of gerontological practitioners with knowledge, skills, and compassion. Presenters in this symposium delve into the nuances of navigating “tender topics” in gerontology curricula. Two presentations share research on end-of-life teaching strategies from a faculty perspective (Decker and colleagues) and from an interdisciplinary team approach (Newsham and colleagues). Weaver and colleagues present insights on suicide education based on faculty/student perspectives. Finally, Bolkan and colleagues provide survey data on student perceptions of sensitive issues and an overview of effective pedagogies for teaching difficult topics. Each presenter offers unique insights, findings, and tools to foster inclusive learning environments and lead challenging discussions with integrity and fortitude. Following the presentations, Laura Donorfio, AGHE Vice-Chair Elect and creator of the AGHE Teaching Institute will serve as discussant to identify key themes and facilitate a discussion with attendees.
TEACHING (WITH) FORTITUDE: ADDRESSING END-OF-LIFE AND ADVANCE CARE PLANNING THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY LENS
Authors: Newsham Tina , Dark-Freudeman Alissa , Chulak Jamy , Fugate-Whitlock Elizabeth , Kringle-Baer Kirsten 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Topics related to end-of-life (EOL) and advance care planning (ACP) can be fraught, both for instructors and students. Further, teaching about these topics can be challenging as they can (and, we argue, should) be addressed through multiple disciplinary lenses, and ideally in an interdisciplinary fashion. In this paper, we share an interdisciplinary effort to teach about EOL and ACP at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Faculty in Psychology, Gerontology, Philosophy, and Respiratory Therapy collaborated to create an interdisciplinary, seven-week module that was integrated into classes from each participating discipline. Students were grouped across disciplines and worked together to gather data regarding needs and desires related to EOL and ACP and then to create discussion guides around relevant topics to foster meaningful conversation and planning related to sensitive topics. Students completed guided reflections regarding what they learned about and from partners with different disciplinary perspectives and how the interdisciplinary collaboration resulted in outcomes that would otherwise have been absent in a singular discipline effort. This project serves as a model for interdisciplinary teaching, particularly around sensitive topics.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AVOIDANT COPING STRATEGIES AND PERCEIVED STRESS: INSIGHTS FROM THE HANDLS SLEEP STUDY
Authors: Tian Junyan , Allan Alexa , Simon Lena , Ross Lesley , Beydoun May , Zonderman Alan , Evans Michele , Gamaldo Alyssa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Coping strategies are usually defined as both effective and ineffective methods to reduce the impact of stressful life events. Avoidant coping, characterized by passive strategies, is more frequently used as people age. However, it is correlated with a higher level of perceived stress and more depressive symptoms. This study used a subsample of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhood of Diversity Across the Life Span Sleep Study (HANDLSleep) to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between avoidant-focused coping and perceived stress. Our participants included 86 middle-aged and older adults (52.33% Black adults, age range: 46-82). The Avoidant Brief COPE scale measured how frequently they utilized avoidant coping strategies, such as substance use and denial, to disengage from stressful events. Results of the independent sample t-test indicated that individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 had lower levels of avoidant coping than those without infection, t(84) = -2.79, p &lt;.05. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed a significant interaction effect between COVID-19 infection and perceived stress on avoidance coping, even after controlling for age, education, race and income. Specifically, only individuals who did not test positive for COVID-19 showed a correlation between higher levels of perceived stress and increased utilization of avoidant coping, b = -.02, t(76) = 2.54, p &lt;.05. The simple slope for those with COVID-19 infection was not significant. These results highlight the significant social impact of COVID-19 infection on older adults’ coping strategy utilization when dealing with stress.
HURRICANE KATRINA AND COVID-19: LASTING IMPACTS ON NEW ORLEANS’ AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN
Authors: Cherry Katie , Balaam Kori , Hardy-Smith Oliver , Bordes Piper , Simon Kennedy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In 2005, two Category 5 hurricanes slammed into south Louisiana. Katrina brought catastrophic damage and substantial loss of life across the US Gulf Coast. Four weeks later, Rita crippled southwest Louisiana with tremendous destruction. In this study, we tested younger and older women who self-identified as African American / Black. All lived in the greater New Orleans metropolitan region at the time of the 2005 hurricanes. They completed a structured storm questionnaire and open-ended questions that tapped their Katrina experience and the more recent Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative analyses on their narrative responses yielded three core themes: (1) Katrina Stressors: Family and Community Disruption, which captured catastrophic losses of homes and neighborhoods. Salient and frequent stressors included the disruption of social networks and pivotal life events (wedding plans, graduations). (2) Religiosity and Post-Traumatic Growth: Seeing Silver Linings, where coping through religious beliefs and practices (meditation, prayer, bible reading) helped participants navigate a new life journey. However, some questioned God following Katrina and one reflected that she did not join a new faith community after being separated from her home church in New Orleans, LA. (3) Katrina and COVID-19: Environmental Trauma on a Global Scale. The COVID-19 pandemic meant adjusting to a new normal with limited access to resources and businesses, reminiscent of post-Katrina life. A pressing responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of their family was also mentioned. Overall, these data permit new insight into individual and community-level vulnerabilities and strength-based resilience resources in the years after devastating environmental events.