bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SELF-RATED SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER TRANSGENDER WOMEN AND TRANSFEMININE PERSONS
Authors: Rubtsova Anna , Operario Don , Baral Stefan , Murray Sarah , Lucas Iaah , Valentine-Graves Mariah , Sanchez Travis 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Successful aging (SA) refers to older adults’ own holistic appraisals of how well they are aging. Research suggests that SA is achievable in historically marginalized communities. However, relatively little is known about SA among transgender older adults who may experience challenges related to gender affirming therapy, barriers to health care, intersectional stigmas, and discrimination. This study aimed to examine prevalence and correlates of self-rated SA (SRSA) among older transgender women and transfeminine persons, using data from the 2023/2024 cycle of Transgender Women’s Internet Survey and Testing (TWIST) study. Our sample (n=46) included TWIST participants aged 50+ who completed an SRSA assessment: average age 57.8, 89.1% white, 69.6% with ≥college education, 60.9% employed, and 54.55% with annual income ≥$75,000. SRSA was assessed using a single-item scale, asking participants to rate themselves in terms of SA from 1 to 10 (SRSA≥7=high SA). We used Fisher’s exact and t-tests to examine group differences by SRSA≥7 status. Pearson correlations were computed to determine psychosocial correlates of SRSA. We found that 63% of our sample reported SRSA≥7. While there were no group differences in sociodemographic variables, higher proportion of participants with SRSA≥7 reported no comorbidities (18% v. 4%, p=.016) and were comfortable with how others perceived their gender identity (65.5% v. 29.4%, p=.019). Higher SRSA was associated with higher levels of social capital (r=.57, p&lt;.001) and social participation (r=.33, p=.029), and lower levels of depression (r=-.42, p=.005). These results suggest the potential for interventions to enhance positive psychosocial factors to promote SA in transgender people.
A PILOT RCT TO EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF A THERAPY DOG INTERVENTION ON LONELINESS IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Gee Nancy , Townsend Lisa , Friedmann Erika , Barker Sandra , Mueller Megan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness is linked to significant health threats and is potentially more dangerous than obesity; it affects as many as 29% of noninstitutionalized older adults. Loneliness is exacerbated for those who require inpatient rehabilitation, are displaced from their social networks, spend little time receiving therapy, and are physically inactive and socially isolated. Evidence suggests that companion animals provide a number of health and wellbeing benefits and that interacting with a trained therapy dog may reduce loneliness. Older adult (59+ years) medical inpatients (N=42) were randomly assigned to receive one of three conditions: dog and handler interaction (AAI), handler-only Conversational Control (CC), or Usual Care (UC), for 20 minutes per day over three days. The UCLA Loneliness Scale and Short Form as well as an analog rating scale were used to assess loneliness. Linear Mixed Models with random intercepts were applied to examine differences in the changes from before to after the conditions. Changes in the UCLA-SF [t (200.356) = 1.851, p = 0.033] and the analog loneliness scale [t (194.407) = 2.651, p = 0.004], differed significantly between the AAI condition and the UC conditions but not between the CC and UC conditions (p =.175). Trajectories of changes in loneliness showed more improvement in the AAI than in the UC condition. These results indicate that AAI was effective for reducing loneliness in hospitalized older adults. Human handler only visits did not result in similar findings, indicating that there is something unique and beneficial about the presence of the dog.
ASSESSING THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF VOLUNTEER FREQUENCY CATEGORIES ON HEALTH: AN OUTCOME-WIDE APPROACH
Authors: Nemeth Samuel , Kim Seoyoun , Halvorsen Cal , Patel Isha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Later life volunteering contributes not only to community betterment, but also significant health benefits for volunteers themselves. However, researchers have used various methods for measuring volunteering frequency—often with data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)—ranging from binary to eight-level categories. These diverse categorizations can obscure an accurate understanding of the relationship between volunteering and health while causing confusion among authors and reviewers on the ideal way to specify volunteering frequency. In response, we conducted a longitudinal outcome-wide analysis using nationally representative panel data from the HRS from 2006-2016 (N=17,062). We examined five different categorizations (2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 categories) of volunteering frequency at “baseline” (i.e., 2012, 2014) to examine how they differentially predicted 12 health outcomes (e.g., self-rated health, depressive symptoms, blood pressure, cholesterol) in the following wave (i.e., 2014, 2016). We found that as the number of levels of volunteering increased, the estimated effects on health become more attenuated (i.e., the effect sizes reduced). However, the confidence intervals become increasingly tighter, indicating that multiple categories of volunteering explain a larger proportion of variance in health outcomes more effectively. Importantly, and regardless of the measurement strategy used, the substantive conclusions for the health benefits of volunteering did not change. Rather than recommending a “best” practice, we advocate for a carefully reasoned selection of volunteering categorizations when designing studies and interpreting results that most optimally apply to researchers’ objectives.
ASSOCIATION OF COGNITION WITH FALLS RISK MODERATED BY RACE AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Authors: Black Sheila , Clay Olivio , Bell Tyler , Blake Jason , Kraemer Kyle , Jackson Barbara , Cauble Heaven , Evans Teairra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examined the extent to which social determinants of health and race moderated the effects of cognitive decline on fall risk. Our sample included 681 participants from the control arm of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study who received five assessments across ten years. Participants in this study received measures to assess their cognitive status and history of falls. The cognitive evaluation included measures to assess processing speed, reasoning ability, and episodic memory. The active database included measures that allowed us to assess social determinants of Health (SDOH). SDOH included economic stability, education, social and community context, access to healthcare, neighborhood and built environment. We found that changes in cognition (e.g., processing speed) were associated with greater fall risk. The effects of cognitive decline were moderated by race and social determinants of health. That is, slower processing speed over time was related to increased fall risk for people with above average educational/ occupational status, access to health care, and social community contexts. Regarding race, cognitive decline over time was related to a lower fall risk in White older adults but higher fall risk in Black/African American older adults. These findings were discussed in terms of racial disparities in SDOH resources and in terms of the relation between life space and SDOH resources.
BEYOND THE STARTING LINE: AN INTERSECTIONAL LIFE COURSE ANALYSIS OF OLDER WOMEN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS IN RURAL MAINE
Authors: Jain Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study offers a close examination of the experiences of women runners, age 65 and older, who have witnessed the vast changes to the landscape of recreation and sports across their lifespans. The enactment of Title IX in 1972 made it more acceptable for women to pursue an active lifestyle. This qualitative study uses a grounded theory approach to examine the experiences of 13 women runners, ages 65-78, who live in rural Maine. The study aimed to understand the turning points along their life course that inspired them to run, the personal and social challenges, and the strategies that enabled them to continue running. The women participated in focus groups, journaled, and participated in follow-up interviews. Preliminary findings show that many older women were introduced to unorganized sports through family members at a young age. As adults, they turned to recreational running to maintain and improve their mental and physical health. Older women runners face challenges such as health issues, concerns related to public perception of aging bodies, slowed running pace that impedes participation in club running, and a lack of running companions due to living in rural locations. Despite their challenges, a majority of the women continued to run by drawing upon their commitment, planning, and preparations, self-awareness of their body’s abilities, and acceptance and adaptation to challenges. The results of this study can help to improve future community programming and lower the systemic and geographical barriers to maintaining physical activity for older women.
DAILY CAREGIVING TIME AND SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS’ WELL-BEING: THE MODERATING ROLES OF DAILY MARITAL INTERACTIONS
Authors: Yang Iris , Wilson Stephanie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With more individuals providing informal care (i.e., providing unpaid care to an adult with functional limitations), understanding the impacts of this role is crucial. The literature on the well-being of informal caregivers is divided, with some studies reporting primarily harmful effects and others concluding that caregiving is fundamentally beneficial. This study examined how positive and negative marital interactions moderate the association between caregiving time and caregiver affect in both within- and between-person processes, aiming to clarify the mechanisms behind the varied outcomes observed in caregiver well-being. In the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS), 212 spousal caregivers participated in an 8-day daily diary study, resulting in 1689 days of data. A daily, within-person approach captured the day-to-day fluctuations of caregivers’ experiences and emotional well-being. Multi-level modeling was employed, with covariates including caregiver health, gender, employment status, minority status, education, and time spent caring for people besides a spouse. Results indicated that daily marital strain did not significantly moderate the relationship between daily caregiving time and negative affect, while marital uplifts did, reducing the association between increased caregiving time and negative affect. Conversely, daily marital strain and uplifts did not moderate the association between caregiving time and positive affect. At the between-person level, the proportion of days a caregiver experienced marital strain moderated the association between providing more care and having less positive affect. The results generally support the view that caregiving is predominantly linked with psychological burden while highlighting the potential role of marital uplifts in buffering this association.
DIRECTION MATTERS: THE ASYMMETRICAL EFFECT OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON COGNITION
Authors: Kayser Jay , Johnson Kimson 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation poses significant risks to cognitive health in older adults, with isolated individuals facing higher risks of cognitive impairment. However, existing research assumes symmetrical effects of increases and decreases in social isolation. This study examines the impact of changes in social isolation on cognition using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2018). Social isolation was measured using a 4-item scale based on Berkman and Syme’s Social Network Index, and cognition was assessed using a dichotomous classification of dementia (no dementia vs possible or probable dementia) and domain-specific cognitive testing. Fixed-effects models with first differencing and robust standard errors were used to estimate the asymmetrical effects of variations in social isolation on cognition. Increases in social isolation increased the odds of possible or probable dementia (OR=1.13, p =.02), while decreases in isolation did not decrease odds of dementia classification. For specific cognitive domains, increased social isolation predicted decreased recall (β = -0.07, p =.02) but decreased social isolation did not predict increased recall. Both increases and decreases in social isolation were associated with changes in orientation such that decreased social isolation predicted improved orientation (β = 0.06, p &lt;.001), and increased social isolation predicted lower orientation (β = - 0.06, p &lt;.001). Executive function was not predicted by changes in social isolation. These findings highlight the asymmetrical nature of changes in social isolation on cognition. Social isolation primary prevention efforts may yield a greater impact in reducing adverse cognitive outcomes than secondary and tertiary interventions.
DYADIC DISCORDANCE ABOUT DAILY LIVING CHALLENGES AMONG PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Torres Ana Sophia Garces , Chang E-Shien , Moxley Jerad , Boot Walter , Rogers Wendy , Czaja Sara , Charness Neil 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As the prevalence of older adults with a cognitive impairment (PwCI) continues to increase, it is critical to identify cognitive tasks which are challenging for them, as well as areas of needed support for both the PwCI and their care partner (CP). Identifying discordant reports about daily challenges among dyads may also flag risks for potentially adverse caregiving experiences. This presentation will report on sources of dyadic discordance about daily cognitive tasks. Data were drawn from baseline quantitative and qualitative data from an ongoing, longitudinal mixed methods needs-assessment study called Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks (ENACT). PwCI and their CPs (n=22 dyads) rated the difficulty level that the PwCI experienced across five daily activity categories. The average ages of PwCI and CPs were 74.2 and 64.7 years respectively. Dyads were predominantly spouses/partners (64.7%). Both PwCIs and CPs identified health-related activities (e.g., health information activities, appointment activities, health management activities) as the most challenging. Additionally, the findings indicate that dyadic congruence regarding activity challenges varies according to activity. There was agreement between the PwCI and CPs regarding transportation, r(20)=0.53, p&lt; 0.05 and domestic life, r(20)=0.72, p&lt; 0.01 activities. Despite significant correlation in leisure and recreation activities, r(20)=0.71, p&lt; 0.01, CPs underestimated PwCI’s experienced difficulty, t(21) = 2.70, p&lt; 0.05. Additional qualitative thematic analyses revealed the dynamic role of technology in navigating cognitive challenges. Improved understanding of the areas of dyadic discordance can assist in guiding support interventions for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges and their CP.
EFFECTS OF SMARTHEALTH INTERVENTION ON DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ REACTIONS AND EMOTIONS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Ko Eunjung , Wright Kathy , Gordon Kristina , Stankovic John , Wang Hongning , Gao Ashley , Wang Peng , Rose Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dementia care can cause emotional distress among caregivers. As technology advances, innovative interventions to alleviate stress in this group have emerged, highlighting the need for more investigation. We aimed to develop a deep learning-based smarthealth intervention using acoustic monitoring and ecological momentary assessment to detect stress and deliver stress management messages. We also intended to identify the intervention effects on the reactions and emotions of caregivers of people living with dementia. During the four-month intervention period, we collected data about participants’ emotional status and reactions to their care recipients’ symptoms through pre- and post-questionnaires, periodic phone surveys, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and abductive thematic analysis were used. Ten of 11 participants completed the study. The average age was 60 years, and participants reported providing care for approximately three years. Participants were predominently female (72.3%), White (81.8%), and spouses (63.6%). Pre-and post-questionnaires showed significant changes in caregivers’ perceived frequency of care recipients’ disruptive symptoms (p=.026) and their reactions to these symptoms (p=.006), but not in other emotional-related variables. Although answers to periodic phone surveys varied, participants tended to consider self-care when they reported better physical health and less stress and depressive mood. Interviews revealed seven themes—affective attitudes, burden, ethicality, intervention adherence, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness, and suggestions—containing 27 categories. While participants’ feedback on our smarthealth intervention was mixed, the intervention improved participants’ awareness of emotions and caregiving situations. The findings suggest the potential benefits of the smarthealth intervention on caregivers’ awareness of emotions and self-care.
EXPLORING SELF-COMPASSION AND EXPANDED OUTCOMES: A THEORETICAL MODEL OF CAREGIVING
Authors: Grant Claire , Judge Katherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Expanding the theoretical understanding of the caregiver stress process is integral to the development and tailoring of evidence-based interventions for caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD). Recent calls within the literature have suggested testing new theoretical models to expand the investigation of positive predictors and mechanisms of action to a broader range of outcomes including positive aspects of caregiving. The proposed poster will address both gaps within the literature by testing a model of self-compassion developed by Cha and colleagues (2023) adapted for caregivers of PLWDs. Self-compassion is a construct relating to positive self-concept including key tenets of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. It has been identified as a strong predictor of various caregiver wellbeing outcomes and is increasingly used in intervention research. The theoretical model investigates self-compassion as a main predictor and proposes two parallel lines of mediation (general resources allowing for self-control behavior and specific psychological resources including coping and emotion regulation strategies) to impact a range of outcomes including depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, along with more novel positive outcomes including social support, and positive aspects of caregiving. Testing the model in a sample of caregivers of PLWDs will provide important insights into predictors of both positive and negative outcomes with important implications in development of evidence-based interventions as potential mechanisms of change are investigated. The poster will present a review of the literature supporting the model and discuss ongoing data collection with analysis plans. Further implications across caregiver theory and intervention development will be discussed.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE PATHWAYS FROM DAILY STRESS TO CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN CAREGIVERS
Authors: Biernot Kelsey , Clancy Erin , Koffer Rachel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Caregivers’ risk for cardiovascular disease may be increased because of stress. Furthermore, less is known about gender differences in the effects of caregiving on stress and cardiovascular health. This study examined the associations between gender and daily stressors on cardiovascular health in caregivers, first cross-sectionally at two time points 10 years apart and then longitudinally. Data from two waves of the Midlife in the United States Study (Wave 2: n = 2,087, 13.56% caregivers; age = 33-84 years; Wave 3: n= 3,437, 13.73% caregivers; age= 39-93 years) included caregiving status in the past 12 months, daily diary stressor reports, measures for the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. Cross-sectional regressions found caregiving was only related to increased stressors in women, not in men, at Wave 2 (BWave2 = -0.08, p= 0.02; BWave3 = -0.01, p= 0.84). Both waves showed significant interactions between stressor exposure and caregiving status on cardiovascular health (BWave2 = 0.46, p = 0.047; BWave3 = -0.95, p&lt; 0.001). In Wave 2, caregiving was related to lower cardiovascular health for those with more stressors, while in Wave 3 caregiving was related to worse cardiovascular health for those with fewer stressors. The interactive effects of caregiving and stressor exposure did not differ by gender. Follow-up analyses revealed the effects of wave 2 caregiving and stress did not relate to wave 3 cardiovascular health. Findings indicate caregiving status is most important for concurrent cardiovascular health, and differs by the context of daily stressor experiences.
HIV STIGMA AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
Authors: Vu Thi , Wise Jenni , Weiss Deborah Jones , Diaz Monica , Chandran Aruna , Weiser Sheri , Rubin Leah , Monin Joan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Internalized HIV stigma refers to the negative beliefs, feelings, and attitudes that people living with HIV (PLHIV) adopt about themselves due to societal HIV stigma. Internalized HIV stigma negatively impacts mental health. Up to 55% of PLWH experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. This study examines longitudinal associations between internalized HIV stigma and cognition among women aged 50+ living with HIV in the historic Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Internalized HIV stigma was measured between 2013-2015 using the negative self-image sub-scale of the HIV stigma scale. Seven cognitive domains (executive function, processing speed, attention/working memory, verbal learning, verbal memory, verbal fluency, and fine motor function) were assessed using a validated cognitive battery at baseline (2013-2017) and 2-3 years later. Demographically adjusted T-scores were calculated for each domain with higher scores indicating better performance. A global cognition score was computed by averaging the domain-specific scores. Linear regression models adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, cognition at baseline, average annual income, undetectable viral load, smoking history, recent non-prescription drug use, menopausal status, depression, and alcohol use. Participants’ (N=760) mean age was 54 years; 61% identified as Black/African American; 13% were Hispanic; and 54% had an annual income below $12,000. The mean HIV stigma score was 1.78 (SD=0.64). Higher internalized HIV stigma was associated with poorer global cognitive function (B= -0.68, p&lt; 0.05), verbal learning (B= -1.42, p&lt; 0.05), and verbal memory (B= -1.40 p&lt; 0.05) at time 2. Findings suggest assessing and monitoring HIV stigma could have beneficial cognitive effects for older women aging with HIV.