Justine Scattarelli, Kelly Moeller, Dana Urbanski, Marguerite DeLiema
{"title":"Perspectives on the Challenges of Planning for and Accessing Long-Term Dementia Care Services Through Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers.","authors":"Justine Scattarelli, Kelly Moeller, Dana Urbanski, Marguerite DeLiema","doi":"10.1177/07334648251333181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251333181","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Formal long-term services and supports (LTSS) are essential to support older Americans with chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, few older adults have saved enough to pay for LTSS, and navigating Medicaid eligibility criteria presents significant challenges. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with aging services professionals and caregivers of older adults with ADRD to assess challenges to planning for and accessing LTSS coverage through Medicaid and Medicaid waivers. Using concept mapping, three main themes were identified: (1) Proactive planning, (2) decision points, and (3) the application process. Participants described misconceptions about LTSS coverage, challenges with enrollment, and lack of information about eligibility affecting the LTSS planning trajectory. Results demonstrate a critical need for resources that help caregivers estimate costs and guide them through the eligibility determination, application, and spend down processes for Medicaid programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251333181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Hearing Aid Adherence on Social Connectivity in Older Adults: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Fumiko Hamada, Charity T Lewis, Lindsay Peterson","doi":"10.1177/07334648251331328","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251331328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Age-related hearing loss affects 65% of older adults, and untreated hearing loss is associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including social isolation and loneliness. Thus, it is imperative to target age-related hearing loss. This scoping review assesses whether the use of hearing aids may increase social connectivity and reduce loneliness in adults ages 50 and older living with age-related hearing loss. We identified six qualifying studies across three databases and found that hearing aid adherence improves social connectivity among older adults. Of six studies, one study showed that non-hearing aid use mediated the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline with social isolation acting as a mediating factor, while another found that increased usage improved social participation. Given that hearing aid use is an effective treatment for age-related hearing loss, there is a substantiated need for policy and governmental involvement to improve access and affordability.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251331328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144035174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Short Medicare Proficiency Questionnaire (MPQ): Reliability and Validity.","authors":"Emily Langston, Neil Charness, Walter Boot","doi":"10.1177/07334648251334413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251334413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional study explores the reliability and validity of a newly developed 15-item Medicare proficiency questionnaire (MPQ) across a mixed group of participants enrolled and unenrolled in Medicare. The MPQ was designed to assess beneficiary knowledge across a variety of Medicare topics and was developed by combining questions selected from the 2003 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and updating it with researcher-generated Medicare Part D questions. During the month of February in 2024, participants enrolled and unenrolled in Medicare, which were recruited on Prolific, completed online surveys which included the MPQ and demographic questions. We found that the MPQ has adequate internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha = .73 across participants enrolled and unenrolled in Medicare as well as adequate validity, as demonstrated by positive relationships of MPQ scores to education level and to enrollment status (enrollees scoring higher).</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251334413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144032058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily K Tarleton, Alison K Howe, Jennifer Jewiss, Nancy M Gell
{"title":"Perceived Supports and Barriers to Optimal Nutrition and Physical Activity in a Cohort of Vermont Older Adults: A Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Emily K Tarleton, Alison K Howe, Jennifer Jewiss, Nancy M Gell","doi":"10.1177/07334648251332009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251332009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to identify supports and barriers that impacted nutrition status and physical activity in Vermont's older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design guided by the socio-ecological model, older Vermonters participated in surveys and focus groups. Quantitative and qualitative strands were analyzed separately and merged during final analysis. Data from 52 participants (70 years <u>+</u> 6.2; 75% female) indicate 31% at risk for falls and malnutrition and 14% food insecure. Thematic analysis revealed Vermont has many food programs, but getting information to those in need is a barrier. Vermont's rurality supported older adults' ability to stay active before and during the COVID-19 lockdown; however, they are eager for additional opportunities to be active in their communities. Findings highlight the need to connect older adults with local resources and empower them to advocate for their communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251332009"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandre Duarte Martins, Orlando Fernandes, João Paulo Brito, Bruno Gonçalves, Rafael Oliveira, Nuno Batalha
{"title":"Effects of a 16-week high-speed resistance training program on heart rate variability indices in community-dwelling independent older adults: A clinical trial.","authors":"Alexandre Duarte Martins, Orlando Fernandes, João Paulo Brito, Bruno Gonçalves, Rafael Oliveira, Nuno Batalha","doi":"10.1177/07334648251332437","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251332437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the impact of a 16-week high-speed resistance training (HSRT) program on heart rate variability (HRV) indices in independent older adults. The participants were divided into either an intervention group (IG, <i>N</i> = 40) or a control group (CG, <i>N</i> = 39). The IG participated in supervised HSRT sessions three times weekly, comprising 5-6 exercises with 2-3 sets and 6-10 repetitions, which lasted 60-70 min. The CG did not engage in any exercise program. HRV indices, encompassing time, frequency, and non-linear, were recorded over a six-minute period. The ANCOVA results revealed significant improvements favoring the IG for mean RR (η<sup>2</sup><sub>p</sub> = 0.050), systolic blood pressure (η<sup>2</sup><sub>p</sub> = 0.126), and pulse pressure (η<sup>2</sup><sub>p</sub> = 0.157). Additionally, within-group analyses revealed significant increases in stress index (<i>d</i><sub>unb</sub> = 0.52), sample entropy (<i>d</i><sub>unb</sub> = 0.38), and DFA α1 (<i>d</i><sub>unb</sub> = 0.38) exclusively in the CG. This study highlights the significant potential of the HSRT to induce favorable changes in parasympathetic activity and reduce arterial stiffness.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251332437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megan Shepherd-Banigan, Karen M Goldstein, Nathan A Boucher, Eleanor S McConnell, Cara L McDermott, Jessica E Ma, Scott M Carlson, Dazhe Chen, Joel C Boggan, Tatyana Der, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Catherine A Sims, Adelaide M Gordon, Julee Snyder, Katherine Ramos
{"title":"Characterizing Intervention Components and Complexity of Nonpharmacologic Healthcare Interventions to Manage Distress Behaviors in Older Adults.","authors":"Megan Shepherd-Banigan, Karen M Goldstein, Nathan A Boucher, Eleanor S McConnell, Cara L McDermott, Jessica E Ma, Scott M Carlson, Dazhe Chen, Joel C Boggan, Tatyana Der, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Catherine A Sims, Adelaide M Gordon, Julee Snyder, Katherine Ramos","doi":"10.1177/07334648251330673","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251330673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Distress behaviors are common in residential care settings and contribute to staff burnout and poor quality of life for older adults. While nonpharmacologic interventions reduce distress behaviors, implementation in routine care remains challenging. Our study applies a narrative reanalysis of interventions identified in a systematic review to describe the setting, focus, core components, and complexity of interventions identified. Most interventions occurred in post-acute settings, followed by transitions between care settings and inpatient mental health settings. Identified interventions were highly complex and heterogeneous regarding the components assessed and the details reported. Intervention components focused on patients, healthcare workers, environmental, and multiple levels. Common patient-level components included individualized care plans, distress behavior detection, medical management, and symptom monitoring. Common staff-level components included education and healthcare team workflow. Current evidence does not provide sufficient detail to replicate these interventions. We provide a template for standardized intervention testing and reporting implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251330673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Money for Time? Evidence From Intergenerational Interactions in China.","authors":"Yu Yan","doi":"10.1177/07334648251328408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251328408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>\"Filial piety\" is deeply embedded value in Asian culture, whereby younger individuals are expected to provide support to the older generation. Nevertheless, financial support is frequently prioritized to the detriment of companionship. Employing data on about 50,000 households from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey (2016-2022), this study demonstrates a notable substitution between the provision of financial support to their older parents and the allocation of greater time to interact with them. The results additionally indicate that such substitution is more pronounced among males, individuals of working age, and those in the middle class. However, this issue could be addressed through the implementation of legislation that explicitly requires adult children to regularly visit and communicate with their older parents. In light of these findings, it is evident that there is an opportunity for policymakers to devise innovative strategies that will enhance family solidarity and support for older people.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251328408"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors Associated With Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Sex Subgroup Analysis.","authors":"Aya Yoshikawa, Horng-Shiuann Wu","doi":"10.1177/07334648251332436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251332436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoarthritis elevates the risk of falling among older adults due to joint pain and stiffness, especially among women, yet sex influences in these associations remain understudied. This study investigated factors associated with falls by sex. A sample of community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (2624 females; 1271 males) was analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics such as geographic residence and health-related issues. For women with osteoarthritis, higher risk of falling was associated with being White compared to Black, living in rural areas compared to urban areas, in addition to opioid use. Among men with osteoarthritis, having heart problems and better distal vision increased the risk of falling. Sex-specific fall prevention strategies, such as rural programs, opioid education for women, and increasing awareness and fall education for men with heart problems, are encouraged to promote active living among older adults with osteoarthritis.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251332436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yawen Li, Jay Chok, Geoffrey Cui, Kenneth S Shultz, Keith A Anderson
{"title":"Assessing Dynamic Capabilities in Adult Day Services: A Pilot Study for Measurement Development.","authors":"Yawen Li, Jay Chok, Geoffrey Cui, Kenneth S Shultz, Keith A Anderson","doi":"10.1177/07334648251337834","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251337834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research on Community-based Adult Day Services (ADS) primarily focuses on individual-level outcomes, often neglecting broader organizational factors that impact service quality and accessibility. In this study, we aim to develop a structured tool to assess the dynamic capabilities of ADS to meet the needs of a diversifying aging population. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, including literature review, expert consultations, online surveys, and interviews, we formulated a theory-driven set of measures. Preliminary analysis assessed the scale's performance and validity. The findings from this study provide valuable insights to further refine and validate the measure, which may serve as a useful tool for researchers and ADS providers in assessing and enhancing the dynamic capabilities of this vital community-based service.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251337834"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Edwin Ka Hung Chung, Hera Hiu-Wah Leung, Dannii Yuen-Lan Yeung, Eman Yee-Man Leung, Eliza Lai-Yi Wong, Eng-Kiong Yeoh, Frank Youhua Chen
{"title":"Health Coaching Enhanced Older Adults' Self-Efficacy in Managing Their Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Edwin Ka Hung Chung, Hera Hiu-Wah Leung, Dannii Yuen-Lan Yeung, Eman Yee-Man Leung, Eliza Lai-Yi Wong, Eng-Kiong Yeoh, Frank Youhua Chen","doi":"10.1177/07334648251336537","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251336537","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although health coaching is a well-known self-management intervention for individuals with chronic diseases, the research on its effect on older adults is limited. A total of 414 older Hong Kong adults were randomly assigned to the intervention group, which received 12-week health coaching sessions, and the control group without intervention. Participants in the intervention group completed assessments at three time points (baseline, postintervention, and three-month follow-up), and those in the control group completed baseline and three-month follow-up assessments. Generalized estimating equations first revealed a significant improvement in self-efficacy and blood pressures among the intervention group participants, and such improvements were maintained at follow-up. In addition, the self-efficacy of the intervention group significantly increased while that of the control group significantly decreased from baseline to follow-up. Thus, the overall results demonstrate the effectiveness of the health coaching intervention in improving the self-efficacy of older adults in managing their chronic diseases and health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":47970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"7334648251336537"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}