Innovation in Aging最新文献

{"title":"Virtual Data Collection Strategies in Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).","authors":"Jeong Eun Kim, Melissa Knox, Joshua D Grill, Megan Witbracht, Yuchen Zhang, Hector Salazar, Marita Garrett, Eunji Russ, Melany Medina, Jennifer H Lingler","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf026","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Remote data collection emerged as a valuable method for engaging vulnerable populations, such as individuals participating in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research. Despite challenges like technology readiness and privacy concerns, remote methods have the potential to enhance participation among diverse groups by offering flexibility while addressing accessibility barriers such as geographic distance. This study shares experiences with virtual data collection and the strategies employed to enhance ADRD research involving individuals with and at risk of cognitive impairment.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Experiences are drawn from RIDE (<i>Recruitment Innovations for Diversity Enhancement</i>), an online survey study to assess interest in ADRD research participation among presumably unimpaired adults identifying as Black or African American; and PARADE (<i>Patient and Family Member Reactions to Biomarker-Informed ADRD Diagnoses</i>), an observational, longitudinal cohort study of individuals receiving a biomarker-informed diagnosis for cognitive impairment and their care partners. We detail approaches employed across recruitment, data collection, to retention stages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Virtual data collection was highly feasible in both studies, successfully engaging participants in ADRD research, including those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In RIDE, although project staff occasionally needed to troubleshoot technical challenges (e.g., broken survey links, video issues), the study successfully recruited 500 adults identifying as Black/African American. PARADE showed that synchronous interviews minimized missing data, with care partners providing essential technical and logistical support. Despite occasional difficulties with video conferencing and participant payments, most participants remained fully engaged, highlighting the effectiveness of virtual methods and the need for continuous support to ensure successful participation.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Virtual data collection offers opportunities to promote inclusion in ADRD research, as demonstrated by the successful enrollment of diverse participant samples in both studies. Successful implementation requires careful planning to address challenges such as digital literacy, educational disparities, and technical support.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 5","pages":"igaf026"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socioeconomic Disparities in Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Neighborhood Social Cohesion.","authors":"Yeonwoo Kim, Soeun Jang","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf031","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Cognitive impairment is a significant public health challenge, particularly as the aging population continues to grow. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at greater risk for cognitive decline, contributing to persistent socioeconomic disparities. While research has predominantly focused on individual-level factors influencing cognitive health, the role of favorable residential environments in mitigating these disparities remains less studied. This study investigates the longitudinal association between time-variant neighborhood social cohesion and cognitive impairments over 6 years, and its moderating effect on the relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive impairment, exploring its potential to reduce socioeconomic disparities in cognitive decline.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study collected in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. Our sample included respondents aged 50 and older who were not cognitively impaired at baseline, allowing us to identify those who developed cognitive impairment after 2012 (<i>N</i> = 11 026).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multilevel logistic regression models showed that higher levels of perceived neighborhood social cohesion were associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive impairment (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.97, <i>p</i> < .001). Additionally, greater educational attainment and higher family income were associated with lower risks of cognitive impairment. Interaction tests showed that the protective role of neighborhood social cohesion was particularly stronger for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>These findings highlight the importance of promoting neighborhood social cohesion as a part of multilevel public health strategies to mitigate cognitive decline and address health disparities in older adults. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying these associations and to identify effective approaches for enhancing neighborhood social cohesion in communities with low-socioeconomic individuals, ultimately informing multilevel public health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf031"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12149528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144274746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: A Mixed-methods Study.","authors":"Megan O'Grady, Kristyn Zajac, Alexandra DePalma, Yang Liu, Lisa C Barry","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf027","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>The number of persons in mid-to-late life with substance use disorders (SUDs) in the United States has tripled over the past 2 decades, with opioid use disorder largely accounting for this increase. Older individuals with SUDs have unique medical, psychological, and social needs. Despite these needs and growing demand for SUD treatment within this age group, little is known regarding availability of specialized SUD treatment programs for older persons and barriers or facilitators to implementing these services.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We conducted a mixed-methods study, first conducting qualitative interviews with counselors at outpatient SUD treatment facilities in Connecticut (<i>N</i> = 10). We then used these qualitative interview findings to guide analysis of quantitative data from SAMHSA's National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS) and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Using the Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization for Vulnerable Populations and Framework Analysis, we identified predisposing (eg, treatment attitudes), enabling (eg, transportation), need-based (eg, comorbidities; integrated care), and healthcare system-related (eg, insurance) characteristics affecting older adults' SUD treatment engagement. SUD treatment facilities offering \"a tailored program for seniors or older adults\" increased steadily in Connecticut, and the United States overall, between 2010 and 2022. Of the 74 (43%) Connecticut facilities offering tailored older adult services, social, structural, and mental health services were offered at high rates (64%-86%), but medical services were offered at lower rates (39%-52%).</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Our findings indicate a gap between the treatment needs of older adults with SUDs and available services. Greater attention to integrated medical services, screening for geriatric-specific syndromes that could impede treatment access (eg, cognitive impairment; mobility), and appropriate workforce training is needed to optimize treatment for older adults with SUD, especially considering the opioid use disorder epidemic in the United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf027"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188435/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disparities Experienced by Racial Minorities Contribute to Treatment Gaps and Lack of Access to Resources and Supports for Substance Use Disorders.","authors":"Marissa K Mackiewicz, Jodi Winship, Patricia Slattum, Leland Waters","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf030","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Problematic substance use among older adults is rising. Although rates of substance use disorder (SUD) are higher among younger populations, the percentage of older adults with SUD had the highest increase between 2020 and 2021 of any age demographic. Disparities experienced by racial minorities contribute to treatment gaps and lack of access to SUD resources. This study explores the perspectives of low-income, urban-dwelling, primarily racial minority older adults on SUD treatment and recovery.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Adults aged 50 years and older residing in urban low-income apartment buildings in Richmond, VA who self-identified as having a history of substance use were recruited to participate in semistructured interviews about their beliefs on substance use and aging, perceptions of treatment options and barriers to SUD-related recovery supports, and views around peer support. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted using the framework method of analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Interviews were conducted with 16 individuals. The mean age was 65.6 years, 56% identified as male, 25% did not complete high school, 50% reported an annual income under $10,000, and 81.3% were Black. Nine themes were identified from the qualitative analysis: Causes of SUD, stigma and misconceptions about SUD, SUD treatments, SUD self-help, SUD and aging, barriers to treatment, defining recovery, lack of knowledge of current terminology, and the role of technology. They perceive that the reasons underlying SUD differ with age, with younger people more influenced by social pressure/environment and older people by social isolation or loneliness.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>This study highlights the perspectives of low-income, racial minority older adults providing insights into barriers to SUD treatment and recovery, opportunities for community education, and adaptation of current treatment strategies to meet the needs of this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf030"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188429/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Family Ties and Opioid Lies: Pathways to Elder Abuse in Rural Appalachia.","authors":"Karen A Roberto, Jyoti Savla, Pamela B Teaster, Brandy Renee McCann","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf029","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>The opioid crisis has run rampant throughout America, with communities in rural Appalachia especially hard hit. While the direct effects of opioid use disorder on individuals, families, and communities are well documented, an unforeseen consequence of this crisis is the abuse of older adults by family members or paid caregivers with opioid addiction. The purpose of this study was to characterize cases of opioid-involved elder abuse compared to cases where opioids were not involved.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Guided by lifecourse and ecological perspectives, we analyzed quantitative case data and narrative notes for 220 substantiated incidences of abuse of persons aged 60+ that occurred between 2015 and 2017 in eastern Kentucky. Multinomial logistic regression analysis with robust standard errors was used to compare cases on key variables including the older adults' age, gender, income, activities of daily livings/instrumental activities of daily livings, and cognitive capacity. Composite narratives developed from thematic analysis of the case notes were used to contextualize opioid-involved elder abuse cases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found 25 opioid-involved cases of elder abuse and 15 cases in which the perpetrator used alcohol/other drugs. Compared to cases not involving substance abuse, women were more frequently victims of perpetrators who use opioids and alcohol/other drugs. Victims of opioid-involved abuse were more likely to experience material exploitation (stealing medication) than when perpetrators misused alcohol/other drugs or used no substances. A primary pathway to elder abuse was older adults taking in a family member due to various life circumstances. A second pathway to opioid-involved abuse was when older adults relied on the perpetrator for support and assistance.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Opioid misuse by perpetrators heightened susceptibility to elder abuse. Older adults are often protective of their struggling families and may not recognize their own vulnerabilities. Interventions sensitive to cultural norms and close family relationships are needed to combat opioid-involved elder abuse.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf029"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188430/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incidence of Opioid Dose Tapering Among Older Adults Enrolled in Medicare.","authors":"Sujith Ramachandran, Shishir Maharjan, Liang-Yuan Lin, John P Bentley, Gerald McGwin, Ike Eriator, Kaustuv Bhattacharya, Yi Yang","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf028","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) is frequently used for management of chronic noncancer pain, but its associations with increased risks of overdose and mortality have necessitated an evaluation of strategies for tapering or discontinuation. The process of opioid tapering is complex due to associated withdrawal symptoms and potential adverse outcomes. Thus, understanding tapering patterns and associated factors is vital for optimizing pain management, especially for vulnerable older adults.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>This cohort study used the 5% national sample of Medicare administrative claims data from 2012 to 2019. The study cohort consisted of individuals aged 65 and older on LTOT. The key outcomes were time until any tapering or rapid tapering of opioids. Various predictor variables, including sociodemographic and clinical factors, were examined. Survival curves were plotted, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study cohort included 146,605 Medicare beneficiaries on LTOT, of which the largest percentages were aged 65-74 years (48.5%), women (68.0%), and non-Hispanic White (82.3%). Within the first year of LTOT use, nearly 1 in 2 individuals experienced any tapering, and about 1 in 4 individuals experienced rapid tapering. Presence of multiple chronic noncancer pain conditions, hepatic impairment, sleep disorders, higher baseline opioid dose, and LTOT initiation after 2016 were associated with increased rate of both any tapering and rapid tapering. The release of the 2016 CDC guideline was associated with a 45% and 64% increase in the hazards of any tapering and rapid tapering, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>This study estimated the incidence rate and predictors of opioid tapering among older adults in the United States. Combined with rates of opioid prescribing and prevalence of chronic pain, these epidemiological data are crucial for identifying and improving the safety and effectiveness of pain management among older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf028"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social Network Types and Self-Rated Health Among Diverse Older Adults: Stability, Transitions, and Implications for Health Equity.","authors":"Lissette M Piedra, James Iveniuk","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf025","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This study explores how social networks among older adults evolve over time and their impact on self-rated health (SRH), emphasizing differences across ethnoracial and linguistic groups. Though the link between social networks and well-being is well-known, how these networks change and affect health remains less understood.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>The study examined changes in social network types across 3 rounds of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The initial sample included 3 005 individuals, which decreased to 1 592 by the final follow-up. We analyzed data from participants in every round, totaling 6 858 observations, using Random-Intercept Latent Transition Analysis. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to predict network membership and transitions and to assess correlations with SRH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 3 distinct social network types: \"Enriched,\" \"Focused,\" and \"Restricted.\" \"Enriched\" networks feature broad connections, high marriage rates, active engagement, and low loneliness. \"Focused\" networks involve small, close-knit groups with frequent interactions, moderate marriage rates, and low loneliness. \"Restricted\" networks are family-oriented, with low marriage rates and the highest loneliness levels. Over time, \"Restricted\" networks became more prevalent, whereas \"Focus\" networks showed the most mobility. Network type membership varied significantly by ethnoracial identity and gender, with Black, Hispanic, and female respondents less likely to belong to \"Enriched\" networks. Membership in \"Enriched\" networks was linked to better SRH scores.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>The growth of \"Restricted\" networks over time raises concerns about older adults becoming confined to limited social environments. However, there is a silver lining: within the \"Focused\" group, more individuals transition to \"Enriched\" networks than to \"Restricted\" ones, indicating that older adults can expand their social connections as they age. Understanding the factors driving this shift can guide interventions to promote network expansion for vulnerable groups, enhancing social well-being, and mitigating the risks associated with restricted networks.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 6","pages":"igaf025"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Social Robot in Home Care: Acceptability and Utility Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.","authors":"Ivy Yan Zhao, Angela Yee Man Leung, Yaqi Huang, Yaqian Liu","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf019","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Social robots show great potential for delivering home-based aged care and supporting aging-in-place. This study aims to assess the acceptability of social robots in delivering home care to older adults across 7 domains: affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, and self-efficacy.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>This is a mixed-methods study. Thirty community-dwelling older adults, aged 51-88, engaged with a social robot, equipped with artificial intelligence and designed to interact with humans in a socially acceptable manner. The robot was operated 24/7 in participants' homes for 6 weeks. Descriptive analysis, latent growth mixture modeling, and thematic analysis were conducted for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Home-based robotic care was very well received. The average frequency of the use of different features of the robot was 23.4 times/person/day. Three trajectory groups of engagement in human-robot interactions were identified: those who are living alone or with an older spouse, with fair health and financial status were the most interactive group. Participants perceived the robot as user-friendly, manageable, and seamlessly integrated into their daily routine, such as reminding meal intake. The robot also reduced the stress of caregivers. It served as a companion and \"good listener,\" ameliorating the feelings of loneliness, calming depressive emotions, and keeping participants informed about the outside world. Interestingly, participants believed that interacting with the robot enabled them to engage with contemporary technologies, acquire new skills, and showcase their fashion sense in front of friends.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Home-based robots are acceptable and manageable by older adults. Future studies should examine the effectiveness of home-based robotic care on enhancing the health-related outcomes of older adults. <b>Clinical Trial Registration Number</b>: NCT06487611.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 5","pages":"igaf019"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12082092/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tying the Knot for Parents: How Adult Children's Marital Choices Impact Parental Depression in China.","authors":"Xiaowei Dong, Nawi Ng, Lars Jacobsson, Ailiana Santosa","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf022","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This study aims to examine the causal effect of adult children's marital status on parental depressive symptoms in the Chinese context, and whether parents' demographic characteristics play a role in the association.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We utilized the 5 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study spanning over 9 years. The participants were categorized into 3 distinct groups: (1) the individuals with at least 1 divorced adult child; (2) those with at least 1 unmarried child aged 30 or older; and(3) a reference group consisting of those not meeting criteria for the first 2 categories. We employed marginal structural models to estimate the causal effect of adult children's marital status and parental depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 13,077 participants were included in the analysis. Parents with divorced adult children (β = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-1.82) and those with marriage-delayed children (β = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.53-1.13) had an increased risk of depressive symptoms when compared to the reference group. When the number of divorced or marriage-delayed adult children was included, the coefficient for parental depressive symptoms was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.92-1.28).</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>This study provides evidence that adult children's divorce and delayed marriage are associated with parental depressive symptoms in the Chinese context. This research helps uncover culturally significant risk factors for late-life depression, necessitating enhanced psychological support and preventive strategies to address the needs of vulnerable groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 5","pages":"igaf022"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Later-Life Learning on Trajectories of Cognitive Function Among U.S. Older Adults.","authors":"Nan Wang, Hanzhang Xu, Radha Dhingra, Ying Xian, Eleanor S McConnell, Bei Wu, Matthew E Dupre","doi":"10.1093/geroni/igaf023","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geroni/igaf023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Low education in early life is a major risk factor for dementia. However, little is known about how education in later life is related to cognitive function in older adults. We assessed whether later-life learning was associated with better cognitive function over time and whether the associations differed by sex, race/ethnicity, and prior education.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We used data from the 2008-2018 Health and Retirement Study, including participants aged 65+ without baseline dementia and followed for up to 6 years. Global cognition was measured using a summary score. Later-life learning was measured at every wave at least once a month or more, not in the last month, or never.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 12 099 participants, 10.2% attended an educational or training course \"at least once a month or more,\" 45.5% reported \"not in the last month,\" and 43.3% reported \"never\" at each wave of the study. Results from adjusted mixed-effects models showed that engaging in any later-life learning, either at least once a month (0.56 points higher, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40-0.73) or not in the last month (0.55 points higher, 95% CI = 0.45-0.65) was associated with better cognitive function compared to never engaging in these activities. The association remained consistent as people aged. The benefits of later-life learning on cognitive function were greater in women than in men-at least once a month versus never was 0.30 points greater in women than men (95% CI = -0.03 to 0.63, <i>p</i> = .0760); not in the last month versus never was 0.24 points greater in women than men (95% CI = 0.04-0.43, <i>p</i> = .016). There were no significant differences by race/ethnicity or prior education.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Later-life learning was associated with better cognitive function over time. These findings underscore the importance of continued learning among older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":13596,"journal":{"name":"Innovation in Aging","volume":"9 5","pages":"igaf023"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12082096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}