Gerontologist最新文献

{"title":"Four-Year Loneliness Trajectory and Its Predictors in Older Adults.","authors":"Yan Huang, Lynn M Martire, Damon Jones","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf041","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Loneliness is a modifiable risk factor for health decline in older adults and its level may change over time. This study aimed to explore how loneliness changes across 4 years in older adults and investigate potential between-person and within-person predictors of this trajectory.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Using growth curve modeling, we analyzed data collected annually between 2017 and 2020 from 128 older adults (Mage = 77.91) in independent-living or retirement communities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A quadratic model best fit the loneliness trajectory, showing loneliness decreased first and then increased over 4 years. At baseline, social relationship factors and health status, especially depressive symptoms, were correlated with the level of loneliness. None of the baseline variables had significant associations with the linear rate of change in loneliness. Increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in physical functioning were separately related to an increased level of loneliness. A secondary analysis showed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influenced the rate of change in loneliness.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Findings suggest the loneliness trajectory for older adults follows a nonlinear trend, and that within-person variability exists in this trajectory. Social relationships and health indicators contribute to the trajectory of loneliness, and depressive symptoms were the most salient predictor of change in loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced the uptick in loneliness in 2020. More attention and support should be offered to older adults who are less socially connected or experience health declines, to prevent loneliness and thus increase the healthy longevity of our older population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143081537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding Everyday Challenges of Aging With Disability Through Lived Experiences.","authors":"Lyndsie M Koon, Elena T Remillard, Wendy A Rogers","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf129","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Among the 43% of adults over 65 who have a disability is a subset who are aging with disability, meaning that they are managing a disability acquired earlier in life as well as age-related changes. Little is known about the everyday experiences, challenges, and unmet needs of individuals aging with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We analyzed in-depth qualitative data from the Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) study to explore and compare everyday activity challenges among people aging with long-term mobility and sensory disabilities. Participants (N = 180; ages 60-79) included adults from 3 disability groups: vision, mobility, and hearing. Through structured interviews, we explored their lived experiences of everyday activity challenges for 6 categories of activities in the home and community.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For each disability group, we identified and compared the activities reported as \"most difficult\" in each category as well as the most frequently cited challenge themes across all activities. For challenges that were common across disability groups, we provide contextual details from participants' discussions and discuss areas of overlap and distinction between groups.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Findings provide a rich understanding of the unique challenges adults aging with disabilities face across activities and allow for comparability between individuals with sensory and mobility disabilities. We identified opportunities for technology innovations and interventions to support health and well-being; community participation; and to sustain engagement in daily activities for this understudied population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12342766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144016217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increasing Representation/Inclusivity of Older Adults and Investigators From Minoritized Groups in Aging Research.","authors":"J Taylor Harden, Patricia C Heyn, Carl V Hill, Esther S Oh, Gloria Adriana Perez","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnae168","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnae168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The National Institute on Aging (NIA) plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research, developing training and the science workforce, and promoting public health initiatives. However, the benefits of the NIA's work have not been equally distributed among all older adult population groups, highlighting persistent disparities in chronic illness burden and access to health care and research. As the NIA commemorates its 50th anniversary, this milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on its consequential initiatives and accomplishments but also strategizing for the robust inclusion of underrepresented and minoritized populations and the future health of our Nation's older adult population. Disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among 4 minoritized and racialized groups are highlighted, as well as the critical need to recruit and retain investigators from these populations. Three trans-NIA training, outreach, and pipeline initiatives are described as having elevated the profile of aging research across the nation, particularly among minoritized and ethnic groups, and have reached thousands of individuals interested in aging research. Leaders and health care advocates argue that efforts to reduce health disparities cannot be fully achieved without successfully addressing the underrepresentation of minoritized leaders in health care and research. Racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and separation deprive our nation and the scientific community of the breadth of talent, expertise, and perspectives needed to address racialized/minoritized health inequities. To all the staff at the NIA, past and present, may you continue to be proud of the work you do, the Institute you represent, and the difference you make. Happy 50th Anniversary!</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142824124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial-Special Issue: Homelessness and Aging.","authors":"Sarah L Canham, Benjamin Henwood","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf138","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf138","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of the Low-Carbon City Pilot Program on the Cognitive Function of Older Adults: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from China.","authors":"Jin Ke, Fei Sun","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf131","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>In response to the impact of climate change, China initiated the Low-Carbon City Pilot (LCCP) program in 2010. Despite the program's positive environmental outcomes, its influence on health among older adults-an age group highly vulnerable to air pollution-remains understudied. This study aims to investigate the effect of the LCCP program on cognitive health among older Chinese and explore the intermediate pathways involved.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this research employs a staggered difference-in-differences estimator to examine the effects of the LCCP program on cognitive health of older Chinese.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings indicate that the LCCP program has been associated with relative improvements in cognitive function of older adults in China, and that this observed positive association has increased over time. Mechanism analysis identifies the enhanced outdoor and indoor air quality, the expansion of green spaces in the city, and increased individual outdoor activity as possible channels through which the LCCP program has exerted its beneficial effects.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>The positive association of the LCCP program with cognitive function in Chinese older adults highlights the interconnected nature of environmental and health outcomes. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of an aging population and climate change, the insights from this study offer practice implications for designing and refining low carbon city initiatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of a Mind-Body Activity Program for English- and Spanish-Speaking Older Adults With Chronic Pain Delivered Within Shared Medical Visits in a Community Clinic.","authors":"Katherine A McDermott, Claire L Szapary, Elizabeth M Allen, Julie R Brewer, Clara C Vonderheide, Natalia Giraldo-Santiago, Nadine S Levey, Danielle E La Camera, Roger Pasinski, Jonathan Greenberg, Christine S Ritchie, Ana-Maria Vranceanu","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf124","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Underserved older adults with chronic pain receive pain treatment predominantly in primary care. However, these clinics often lack resources and access to evidence-based psychosocial pain management. Shared medical visits, in which patients receive care in a group setting, offer a practical avenue for implementing psychosocial pain management. We conducted an open pilot study with exit interviews (NIH stage 1a) assessing the feasibility of GetActive+, an efficacious mind-body activity intervention for older adults with chronic pain in a community clinic delivered via shared medical visits.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Twenty English-speaking and 13 Spanish-speaking older adults with chronic pain from a community primary care clinic participated in GetActive+. Our a priori set primary outcomes were feasibility (≥75% of patients approached agree to participate), acceptability (≥75% of patients enrolled complete 8/10 sessions), and fidelity (≥75% of session components delivered as intended). We also assessed preliminary quantitative outcomes, including multimodal physical function (ActiGraph, PROMIS physical function, 6-minute walk test), pain intensity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory; PEG), and emotional function (depression and anxiety symptoms).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We exceeded our benchmarks for feasibility (86.8%), acceptability (93.9%), and fidelity (97.9%). Participants demonstrated improvement in self-reported physical function and 6-minute walk test, pain intensity and interference, and depressive symptoms but not in ActiGraph step count or anxiety symptoms. Exit interviews supported the quantitative findings.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>GetActive+ exceeded feasibility benchmarks and offers promise in making psychosocial pain management more accessible in the community via group delivery by any available provider.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12343042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Case Study of Aging and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Collaboration in Ohio.","authors":"Jennifer Heston-Mullins, Branka Primetica, Jessica Bibbo, Salli Bollin, Lyndi Wyrostek, Donna Barrett, Marty Williman, Bonnie Burman, Ashley Haas, Lauranne Scharf, Megan Huth, Jennifer Hudak, Elizabeth Kinzig","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf137","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Service and research organizations in Ohio collaborated to develop and expand dementia-capable home and community-based service systems, with a focus on individuals living with intellectual and developmental disability and dementia or at risk of dementia through the Administration for Community Living Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI).</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Over a 6-year period, 3 projects engaged over 900 individuals living with dementia and their supports and approximately 3500 service professionals through 6 education initiatives and 3 evidence-based interventions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Collaborations between grantees and community partners resulted in relationship-building and knowledge transfer between aging and intellectual and developmental disability service networks, increases in individual dementia and intellectual and developmental disability knowledge and confidence, intellectual and developmental disability-specific adaptations to evidence-based interventions and educational initiatives, and identification of research gaps in the fields of aging and intellectual and developmental disability.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Aging and intellectual and developmental disability professionals now have a better understanding of intellectual and developmental disability and dementia and are more aware of the needs of individuals with life-long disability as they age. Ohio provides a compelling case study of how collaboration and knowledge transfer between the aging and intellectual and developmental disability sectors can build a foundation for innovative practices and policies to address shared challenges and opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceived Balance Predicts Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study Using the National Health and Aging Trend Study Data.","authors":"Hanne Dolan, Janet Pohl, Keenan A Pituch, David W Coon","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf144","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Falls are an increasing problem among older adults. Older adults' self-report of falls is the primary method of fall risk identification. However, up to 72% of Medicare beneficiaries who have fallen do not report falls and fall-related injuries to their healthcare providers. Research suggests that older adults prefer the term \"balance problems\" instead of \"fall risk.\" The purpose of this study was to examine if perceived balance problem is a predictor of self-reported falls after controlling for known predictors of falls among older adults.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical framework. A longitudinal secondary analysis was conducted using data from a subsample of independently living participants (N = 5,446) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Baseline data was from the year 2015, and the outcome was self-reported falls in 2016.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Complex samples multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the single item perceived balance problem question (odds ratios, OR = 1.69, p < .001) predicted falls in 2016, whereas, the balance performance measure, Short Physical Performance Battery, did not (OR = 0.98, p = .06). Non-Hispanic White participants were more likely to report falling compared to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants, as were females compared to males. A hospital stay in 2015, comorbidities, fear of falling, and a fall in 2015 were also predictive of falls.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Assessing older adults' perceived balance is important in primary care to identify fall risk and recommend appropriate home modifications, assistive devices, and/or interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144188458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthy Aging Outcomes Research With Villages as Grassroots Community-Based Organizations: A Framework for Capacity Development.","authors":"Emily A Greenfield, Natalie E Pope","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf145","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>There is growing attention to the role of community-based organizations (CBOs), such as Villages, in promoting healthy aging. Villages typically operate as grassroots CBOs and help connect residents with a variety of resources to age better within their place-based communities (e.g., neighborhood or town). Yet empirical evidence on the outcomes of their work-alone or in partnership with other organizations across health and social care systems-remains in its nascence. We aimed to develop a framework for capacity development (the attainment of requisite resources to achieve a desired goal) toward the design and implementation of outcomes research with Villages.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We used qualitative data from a series of virtual summits designed for Village participants (e.g., members, volunteers, staff) across the United States (US). Data were primarily from small-group discussion groups that cumulatively engaged approximately 400 people, with discussion topics such as how Villages influence healthy aging and conditions for high-quality research partnerships. We conducted a multiphase coding process alongside extensive memo writing to develop a framework grounded in the participants' reflections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our analysis yielded four thematic categories: (a) understanding and motivation for research, (b) partnerships, (c) theorizing Village interventions and programs, and (d) data systems and research protocols.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Findings suggest that designing and implementing outcomes research with Villages requires not only human and technical capital, but also social capital and theory development. Especially given Villages' diverse organizational forms and resources, the framework can help assess readiness for, and address capacity needs, concerning engagement in outcomes research for Villages and similar CBOs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144188457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cohort Changes in Cognitive Function Among Mexican Older Adults from 2001 to 2021.","authors":"Julián Ponce, Hiram Beltrán-Sánchez","doi":"10.1093/geront/gnaf143","DOIUrl":"10.1093/geront/gnaf143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Multimorbidity (2+ chronic conditions) associated with faster cognitive decline among older adults, yet longitudinal evidence from low- and middle-income countries, including Mexico, remains limited. This study examines cohort differences in the annual rate of cognitive decline, measured by global cognitive function scores (GCFS), and tests whether the association between multimorbidity and cognitive decline differs between two cohorts aged 50-60 in 2001 and 2012.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We assess two 10-year birth cohorts (Cohort 1: born 1941-1951, n = 5,345 Cohort 2: born 1952-1962, n = 4,378), at 3 time points (Cohort 1: 2001, 2003, and 2012; Cohort 2: 2012, 2015, 2021), at ages 50-60 at baseline. We examine cohort differences in average annual GCFS changes by fitting growth curve models incorporating random intercepts and slopes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two key findings emerged. First, the earlier cohort (Cohort 1, 2001), experienced a faster average annual rate of decline in GCFS than the recent cohort (Cohort 2, 2012). Second, the link between multimorbidity and cognitive decline did not significantly differ between cohorts net of possible confounders.</p><p><strong>Discussion and implications: </strong>Our findings advance our understanding of cohort differences in cognitive decline and how the influence of multimorbidity on cognitive decline has evolved in Mexico. The slower rate of decline among the recent cohort suggests potential improvements in cognitive reserve due to educational improvements. Improvements in healthcare access over the past decades may have mitigated the negative consequences of multimorbidity on cognitive decline, potentially explaining the absence of cohort differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":51347,"journal":{"name":"Gerontologist","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12284392/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}