{"title":"Embodied Cognitive Reserve in Later Life: Education, Lifelong Learning, and Family-Based Social Support as Predictors of Mortality in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study.","authors":"Yu-Cheng Kuo, Szu-Wei Chen","doi":"10.1177/08982643261457481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261457481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study examined whether education predicts mortality among older adults and whether lifelong learning and family-based social support moderate this association within an embodied cognitive reserve framework.MethodsMIDUS 2 linked to 2016 National Death Index data were analyzed (<i>N</i> = 584; age ≥ 60). Cox proportional hazards models estimated mortality as a function of educational attainment (occupational education index), lifelong learning (PCA-derived factor score), and family-based social support (standardized composite). Interaction terms (education × lifelong learning; education × family support) were modeled to assess buffering effects on the education-mortality link, adjusting for age and sex.ResultsHigher education was associated with lower mortality risk (HR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.73, 0.94]). Lifelong learning strengthened this effect after adjusting for baseline functional limitations. Family-based social support showed a weaker moderating effect.ConclusionsFindings support the embodied cognitive reserve framework, suggesting that lifelong learning enhances the survival benefits of education.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261457481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148102253","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":"Bridging the Digital Divide: The Mediating Role of Social Engagement in Technology Use and Mental Health.","authors":"Jaesung Lee, Jeremy J Gibbs, Orion Mowbray","doi":"10.1177/08982643261451913","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261451913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study examined whether social engagement mediates the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) use and depression and anxiety among older Americans.MethodsData came from 5,195 respondents in the 2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Multivariate mediation analyses were conducted using bootstrapping and Monte Carlo simulation to estimate indirect effects.ResultsCompared with non-users, ICT users showed greater social engagement and lower depression and anxiety, with social engagement mediating these associations. CT-only use was indirectly associated with lower depression and anxiety through social engagement, whereas IT-only use showed no significant associations.DiscussionFindings suggest that the mental health benefits of ICT use in later life depend on how technology is used. Interactive and communication-oriented technology use, rather than information-only use, may support psychological well-being by fostering social engagement and social connectedness in later life.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261451913"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018694","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":"Associations of Depressive Symptoms With Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Physical Activity in Later Life.","authors":"Namkee G Choi, Emma Stanmore, Elizabeth C Lorenz","doi":"10.1177/08982643261452731","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261452731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesDiabetes-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and clinically consequential multimorbidity cluster in later life. This study examined the associations of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) with diabetes, CKD, coexisting diabetes-CKD, and physical activity (PA).MethodsData came from the 2011-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (<i>N</i> = 13,610 adults aged ≥50). Linear regression models were used to answer the research questions.ResultsIn models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other chronic illnesses, diabetes (<i>B</i> = 0.38, <i>SE</i> = 0.14, <i>p</i> = .007) and coexisting diabetes-CKD (<i>B</i> = 0.58, <i>SE</i> = 0.17, <i>p</i> = .001) were associated with higher depressive symptoms, whereas meeting PA guidelines was associated with lower symptoms (<i>B</i> = -0.86, <i>SE</i> = 0.10, <i>p</i> < .001). The inverse association between PA and depressive symptoms was weaker among individuals with advanced CKD (<i>p</i> = .042).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that depressive symptoms and PA are closely linked in later life, highlighting the importance of supporting combined mental health and exercise interventions for older adults with complex chronic conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261452731"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943646","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}
Se Hee Min, Seul Ki Choi, Jianghong Liu, Adriana Perez, Chiyoung Lee, Jiyoun Song, Sue Hyon Kim, Hwayeon Danielle Shin, Dalmacio Dennis Flores
{"title":"A Person-Centered Exploration of Mental and Cognitive Health Risk Profiles in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.","authors":"Se Hee Min, Seul Ki Choi, Jianghong Liu, Adriana Perez, Chiyoung Lee, Jiyoun Song, Sue Hyon Kim, Hwayeon Danielle Shin, Dalmacio Dennis Flores","doi":"10.1177/08982643261452719","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08982643261452719","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThis study extends prior work by identifying multidimensional profiles of co-occurring mental health and cognitive symptoms that better reflect the complexity of aging and identify high-risk subgroups with more severe symptom profiles.MethodsThis secondary analysis used Wave II data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify distinct symptom profiles and examine associated sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics.ResultsA three-profile solution of \"Mild,\" \"Moderate,\" and \"Severe\" was identified. These profiles differed significantly across sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education, employment, income, and access to technology), clinical factors (self-rated health and chronic conditions), and lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, alcohol use, sleep quality, and social engagement).DiscussionThese findings highlight substantial heterogeneity in mental health and cognitive symptom profiles among older adults and underscore the need for targeted, accessible, and person-centered interventions to support their mental and cognitive well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261452719"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943666","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":"Heart Failure, Anemia and Mortality in Mexican American Older Adults: Sex Differences.","authors":"Alan F Villarreal Rizzo, Soham Al Snih","doi":"10.1177/08982643261451911","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261451911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo examine sex differences in the relationship between comorbid anemia and heart failure (HF) with 13-year all-cause mortality in Mexican American older adults aged 75 years and older.MethodsParticipants (<i>N</i> = 1,615) aged ≥75 years were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2004/05-2016). Participants were categorized by anemia status, HF status, and sex. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality.ResultsHF only was associated with higher mortality in males (HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.12-1.78; <i>p</i> = 0.0039) and females (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.24-1.85; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Anemia only (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.06-2.23; <i>p</i> = 0.0248) and comorbid anemia and HF (HR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.00-3.03; <i>p</i> = 0.0484) were associated with higher mortality only in males.ConclusionAnemia and HF were associated with greater mortality risk among older Mexican American males than females.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261451911"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147935371","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":"Head Injuries and the Gender Gap in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms.","authors":"Jason Schnittker","doi":"10.1177/08982643261451071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261451071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesUsing 2017-2022 Midlife in the United States Biomarker Project data, this study explores the contribution of head injuries to the gender gap in depression and anxiety symptoms.MethodsLinear regression models were used to estimate generation-specific gender differences symptoms. The contribution of head injuries to these differences was explored. In addition, sources of potential confounding were examined.ResultsAmong women, a lifetime head injury is associated with a large increase in symptoms, and within Generation X the association is stronger. There is no association among men. Almost a third of Generation X women report a serious lifetime head injury. The contributions of accidents and sports injuries have increased between cohorts. The association between head injuries and symptoms is robust to numerous potential confounders, including other bodily injuries and trait anxiety.ConclusionHead injuries contribute to the gender gap in depression and especially anxiety.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261451071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147857750","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":"Social Connectedness and Cognitive Function in Later Life: GrimAge as an Epigenetic Mediating Pathway.","authors":"Layla Katharine Santana, Siyun Peng, Hongdao Meng","doi":"10.1177/08982643261447919","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261447919","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesTo test whether epigenetic aging mediates associations between social connectedness and later cognitive function among U.S. older adults.MethodsUsing Health and Retirement Study data (<i>N</i> = 1,574; mean age = 68.5), we modeled 2014 social connectedness as a latent factor (participation, isolation, loneliness), assessed four DNA methylation clocks in 2016 (DNAmGrimAge, DunedinPoAm, DNAmPhenoAge, Zhang), and cognition in 2018. Survey-weighted regression-with-residuals mediation models adjusted for socio-demographics, smoking, obesity, self-rated health, heart disease, baseline cognition, and complex design.ResultsLower social connectedness predicted poorer 2018 cognition (ATE ≈ -0.047 to -0.048 across models, p < .05). Only DNAmGrimAge showed evidence consistent with mediation (NIE = -0.008, SE = 0.004, p = .041; ≈16% mediated), whereas indirect effects via DunedinPoAm, PhenoAge, and Zhang were not supported (all p > .05).DiscussionFindings provide limited, clock-specific support for epigenetic mediation, with preliminary evidence implicating DNAmGrimAge.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261447919"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846043","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}
Jennifer Caputo, Tabitha Murdoch, Sushmita Shoma Ghose, Mustafa Karakus
{"title":"Alcohol Use and Healthcare Utilization Among Midlife and Older Adults.","authors":"Jennifer Caputo, Tabitha Murdoch, Sushmita Shoma Ghose, Mustafa Karakus","doi":"10.1177/08982643261447935","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261447935","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesAlcohol use in later life may pose health risks that are hidden by contemporaneous measures or slowly accumulating outcomes. We examined whether alcohol use predicts subsequent healthcare utilization among midlife and older adults.MethodsUsing 2012-2022 Health and Retirement Study data, we estimated fixed-effects negative binomial models of within-person associations between alcohol use and hospitalizations and doctor visits. Contemporaneous and 2-year lagged alcohol measures were evaluated, and interactions with chronic disease burden were tested.ResultsContemporaneous models consistently showed fewer hospitalizations among drinkers. Lagged models showed a less protective and, for hospitalizations, more adverse pattern two years later. For doctor visits, lagged main effects were less consistent. Prior drinking predicted greater subsequent utilization as chronic conditions increased.DiscussionFindings suggest that recent drinking history may reveal risks not apparent from current drinking alone and may be especially important among older adults with multimorbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261447935"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147788832","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}
Corina Mills, Ángela Gutiérrez, Roland J Thorpe, Jeannie Leoutsakos, Courtney S Thomas Tobin
{"title":"Neighborhood Racial Composition, Socioeconomic Status, and Obesity Among Older Black Adults.","authors":"Corina Mills, Ángela Gutiérrez, Roland J Thorpe, Jeannie Leoutsakos, Courtney S Thomas Tobin","doi":"10.1177/08982643261447321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261447321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesObesity is common among older Black adults, but its underlying drivers, such as neighborhood racial composition (NRC), remain understudied. This study examined the association between NRC and obesity among older Black adults, evaluating the role of individual-level socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsData from the Nashville Stress and Health Study was linked to five-year estimates from the American Community Survey. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. NRC was measured with the Index of Concentration at the Extremes.ResultsAfter adjusting for demographic characteristics and health behaviors, older Black adults living in more Black-concentrated neighborhoods had lower obesity prevalence (PR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.93) compared to those in more White-concentrated neighborhoods. However, after controlling for individual-SES this association was not significant (PR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.65-1.04).ConclusionIndividual-SES may account for the relationship between NRC and obesity among older Black adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261447321"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147788938","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":"Do Care Coordinators Improve the Quality of Healthcare for Older Adults in the U.S.?","authors":"Kedong Ding, Ann W Nguyen","doi":"10.1177/08982643261446349","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261446349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study examined whether older adults with informal, professional, or both types of care coordinators (CCs) reported different healthcare quality than those without CCs.MethodsData came from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (<i>n</i> = 1,555) Module 10 on coordinated care. CC type and the helpfulness of professional CCs were independent variables. Outcomes included perceived confusion about care, conflicting advice from different providers, care satisfaction, and person-centered care. All multivariable regression models controlled for sociodemographic and health factors.ResultsParticipants with informal CCs or both informal and professional CCs were more likely to report a lower quality of healthcare compared to participants without any CCs. Among participants who have professional CCs, having more helpful professional CCs was associated with higher quality care and more patient-centered care.ConclusionsFindings suggest that quality of healthcare may depend on the type of CCs involved and their perceived helpfulness.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261446349"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147788925","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}