Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-06DOI: 10.1177/01640275261445889
Yulin Yang
{"title":"Perceived Neighborhood Cohesion Across the Life Course and Late-Life Friendship: Evidence From the U.S. Health and Retirement Study.","authors":"Yulin Yang","doi":"10.1177/01640275261445889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275261445889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>How does neighborhood cohesion across the life course shape late-life friendship? Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, this study examines how neighborhood cohesion in childhood, midlife, and late life influences structural, behavioral, and affective dimensions of friendship in older adulthood. Marginal structural generalized estimating equations models estimate independent and cumulative effects across life stages. Neighborhood cohesion at all three stages is independently associated with a greater number of close friends and stronger perceived support. The association between childhood cohesion and contact frequency operates indirectly through midlife and late-life cohesion. Midlife and late-life cohesion are significantly linked to late-life friendship outcomes. Findings partially support cumulative (dis)advantage frameworks while highlighting the particularly salient role of midlife and late-life contexts. Results underscore the importance of integrating place and time into theories of aging and social integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"1640275261445889"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-04DOI: 10.1177/01640275261449787
NaKyung Nam, Jinho Kim
{"title":"Later-Life Employment Transitions and Frailty: A Gendered Analysis Using Asymmetric Fixed-Effects Models.","authors":"NaKyung Nam, Jinho Kim","doi":"10.1177/01640275261449787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275261449787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Later-life employment transitions have complex health implications, yet few studies examine the asymmetric effects of workforce entry and exit on frailty. Using seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), this study analyzed 6,165 adults aged 65 and older to assess how employment transitions affect frailty and whether these effects differ by gender. Frailty was measured using a 41-item index, and asymmetric fixed effects models were applied to distinguish the health impacts of entering versus exiting the workforce. Gender-stratified models showed a positive association between employment and frailty only among women. Notably, asymmetric models revealed that exiting the workforce was associated with reduced frailty for women, while entering the workforce was not significantly linked to increased frailty. Gender interaction models confirmed these findings. The results underscore the importance of considering gender and asymmetry in employment transitions and suggest policies supporting better working conditions for older women.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"1640275261449787"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1177/01640275251380532
Yearim Kim, Hanbyul Ryu
{"title":"Assistive Devices and Caregiver Retention in Long-Term Care Institutions.","authors":"Yearim Kim, Hanbyul Ryu","doi":"10.1177/01640275251380532","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251380532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Care workers, whose roles frequently involve physically demanding tasks, gain significant benefits from using assistive devices that alleviate physical strain and improve their work environment. Despite these advantages, the relationship between assistive device use and caregivers' job tenure remains limited. Using propensity score matching (PSM) and data from the Korea Long-Term Care Survey, this study examines differences in caregivers' job tenure associated with the provision of assistive devices in long-term care institutions. We find that social workers and care assistants in institutions with access to assistive devices have longer job tenure, by 4.7 months and 3.3 months respectively, compared to those in institutions without access to these devices. In contrast, we do not observe a statistically significant change in job tenure for other occupations, such as nurses, nurse assistants, physical/occupational therapists, and non-care staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"312-322"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1177/01640275251380534
Jinbao Zhang, Alan Dargan, Wenjing Zhang, Julien Forder
{"title":"Interventions to Facilitate Access to Long-Term Care for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Jinbao Zhang, Alan Dargan, Wenjing Zhang, Julien Forder","doi":"10.1177/01640275251380534","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251380534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accessing long-term care can be challenging due to complex care systems. This study aimed to identify evidence on interventions designed to improve access to long-term care for community-dwelling older adults. A systematic search of five databases identified 16 studies published between 2013 and 2023. Interventions were categorized into four types: early identification (n = 6), integrated care (n = 5), partnership (n = 2), and other (n = 3). Common strategies included providing information, making referrals, and providing coordinated care. Most interventions were delivered by healthcare professionals, targeted high-risk older adults, and focused on nursing home admissions, with less attention to other long-term care services. Interventions could target older adults with advanced age or specific health conditions and identify unmet needs at early stages. Future research could document intervention length, explore its impact on service access, and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of involving non-healthcare professionals in delivering interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"323-334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1177/01640275251383540
Britt O'Keefe, Eva Yuen, Susan Perlen, Alison M Hutchinson
{"title":"Strategies and Supports to Improve Retention of Personal Care Workers in Residential Aged Care: Insights From a Qualitative Study.","authors":"Britt O'Keefe, Eva Yuen, Susan Perlen, Alison M Hutchinson","doi":"10.1177/01640275251383540","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251383540","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To identify strategies and supports to enhance retention and reduce turnover of personal care workers in residential aged care. Interviews were conducted from August 2023 to September 2024 with 20 former personal care workers who had worked in residential aged care. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five major themes were identified: (1) managers who engage with residents, (2) managers who value, recognize and support personal support workers, (3) comprehensive onboarding and continuing training programs, (4) strengthening the workforce and working arrangements, and (5) inclusive, collaborative and respectful work culture. Persistent workforce shortages in residential aged care underscore the need for targeted strategies and supports to retain staff. The findings of this study illustrate strategies and supports to promote personal care worker retention, offering practical guidance for further consideration by residential aged care operators, policymakers, and researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"335-347"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050393/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1177/01640275251377777
Siyun Peng, Adam R Roth, Brea L Perry
{"title":"Social Connections Over the Life Course: Appreciating Distinct Dimensions of Social Connections.","authors":"Siyun Peng, Adam R Roth, Brea L Perry","doi":"10.1177/01640275251377777","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251377777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite growing attention to the social isolation crisis in the U.S., it remains unclear whether Americans experience a decline in social connection with age. Given the complex nature of social connections, this study argues that we need to ask a different question - which domains of social connections decline with age. Using representative egocentric network data (Person-to-Person Health Interview; <i>N</i> = 2,603) to measure core discussion networks and representative time-diary data (American Time Use Survey; <i>N</i> = 35,900) to measure daily social interactions, we find diverging age differences across two dimensions of social connections. These results present a complex picture of social connections. Specifically, people maintain a consistent core discussion network of confidants across all ages. However, daily social interactions decline with age. Additionally, we find that social roles have a sizable impact on daily social interactions but little impact on core discussion networks across the life course.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"271-285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12462710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145006673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1177/01640275251380531
Namkee G Choi, Yuanjin Zhou, C Nathan Marti
{"title":"Possible and Probable Dementia and Depressive/Anxiety Symptoms: Mediation Effects of Social Engagement and Loneliness.","authors":"Namkee G Choi, Yuanjin Zhou, C Nathan Marti","doi":"10.1177/01640275251380531","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251380531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Using a nationally representative sample of older adults (age 65+, <i>N</i> = 7,547) and a path model, we examined the direct effects of dementia on social engagement, loneliness, and depressive/anxiety symptoms, and the mediation effects of loneliness and social engagement on the associations between dementia and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Of the study population, 7.7% and 5.5% had possible and probable dementia, respectively; 14.3% and 21.9% of those with possible and probable dementia had moderate to severe depressive/anxiety symptoms. The ratios of the indirect effects of social engagement and loneliness on a possible dementia to the total effect of possible dementia on depressive/anxiety symptoms were 0.26 and 0.28, respectively. The ratios in probable dementia were 0.11 and 0.21. The lack of social engagement and loneliness contribute substantially to depressive/anxiety symptoms in dementia. Strategies to increase social engagement and reduce social isolation are necessary to improve the psychological well-being of people living with dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"299-311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1177/01640275251379367
Othelia EunKyoung Lee, Kwi Ok Nah, Kyoung Hee Kim, Helen Ahn
{"title":"From Hardship to Harmony: Life Reviews of Korean American Immigrants Assisted by Companion Robots.","authors":"Othelia EunKyoung Lee, Kwi Ok Nah, Kyoung Hee Kim, Helen Ahn","doi":"10.1177/01640275251379367","DOIUrl":"10.1177/01640275251379367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study examined how Korean American older immigrants recall, integrate, and complete their life reviews through a 15-week psychoeducation class. The class aimed to encourage participants to reflect on and reminisce about their life journeys by interacting with companion robots named \"Hyodol.\" <b>Method:</b> Ten Korean American older adults participated in the psychoeducation classes designed to facilitate life reminiscence. The study employed a bottom-up approach, allowing themes and insights to emerge inductively from the raw data collected. <b>Results:</b> The primary themes merged ere: (1) cultural adaptation for older immigrants, (2) integrating past and present experiences, (3) progression toward peaceful conclusion, and (4) robot-assisted life review. The findings highlighted the previously unheard voices of older Korean American immigrants as they revisited life courses marked by hardship and unresolved family conflicts. <b>Discussion:</b> Gerontologists can play a pivotal role in supporting socially isolated older immigrants through culturally sensitive life review and reminiscence work.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"286-298"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145042008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1177/01640275261449482
Abigail Gómez-Morales, Raheleh Bahrami
{"title":"Secondary Caregiving in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: A Scoping Review of Their Challenges and Contributions.","authors":"Abigail Gómez-Morales, Raheleh Bahrami","doi":"10.1177/01640275261449482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275261449482","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The experiences, roles, key contributions, and support provided by secondary caregivers of people with dementia are underexplored when compared to primary caregivers. This scoping review mapped the existing literature on secondary caregivers. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR framework. Data was subtracted to focus on caregiving outcomes, and on thematic patterns across both qualitative and quantitative designs. Findings from the selected articles (<i>N</i> = 10) indicated that secondary caregivers provide emotional, logistical, and financial support. They also experienced psychological distress, guilt, role conflict, and communication challenges. Family dynamics, gender, and cultural expectations shaped the caregiving experiences and outcomes. The search revealed a scarcity of interventions tailored to this group to enhance overall well-being. Secondary caregivers play a vital role in dementia care. Future interventions that clarify caregiving roles, enhance communication, and provide culturally responsive, family-centered support can strengthen caregiver well-being and promote sustainable caregiving networks.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"1640275261449482"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research on AgingPub Date : 2026-04-26DOI: 10.1177/01640275261446984
Stéphanie Meynet, T H Trang Nguyen, Julie Pélata, Martine Shareck, Mélissa Généreux, Ruth Ndjaboue, Sébastien Lord, Mélanie Levasseur
{"title":"Fostering Social Participation in Older Adults at Risk of Social Exclusion: Importance of Community Interventions Implemented in the Neighborhoods' Heart.","authors":"Stéphanie Meynet, T H Trang Nguyen, Julie Pélata, Martine Shareck, Mélissa Généreux, Ruth Ndjaboue, Sébastien Lord, Mélanie Levasseur","doi":"10.1177/01640275261446984","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275261446984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to describe and explore how three interventions (coffee-meetings, art workshops, guided library tours) could foster the social participation of older adults at risk of social exclusion in a revitalizing city. Using action research, the interventions were experimented in spring 2024 in Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada), with 20 older adults (71 ± 4.5; 16 women). Four focus groups involving all older participants and individual telephone interviews with three community organization workers enabled the description and exploration of the interventions through thematic content analysis. Older participants reported positive effects on their personal factors, physical environment, and social participation. The location of activities, adaptation to their preferences and social interactions were the main facilitators for their participation, while lack of accessibility was the main obstacle. Alongside the physical environment, it is important to consider the social environment in revitalization initiatives to foster social participation and awareness of community services.</p>","PeriodicalId":47983,"journal":{"name":"Research on Aging","volume":" ","pages":"1640275261446984"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}