Digital Commons Network^™

Build Your Capacity For Aging Research: A Research Readiness Curriculum, Carrie Leach, Mikayla Harrison, Zachary Rowe, Dell Stubblefield, Deborah Beard, Winona Bynum, Sandra Turner-Handy, Faith Hopp, Rodlescia Sneed, Deborah Charbonneau, Rochelle Chapman, Hayley S. Thompson

Institute of Gerontology

This curriculum was developed with and for older adults in order to provide a basic understanding of the academic research process and to familiarize them with research terms and concepts to increase thier overall level of confidence engaging with researchers.

Age-Friendly Technology Toolkit, Carrie Leach, Mikayla Harrison, Deborah Beard, Dell Stubblefield, Zachary Rowe, Winona Bynum, Sandra Turner-Handy, Faith Hopp, Rodlescia Sneed, Deborah Charbonneau, Rochelle Chapman, Hayley S. Thompson

Institute of Gerontology

A toolkit created for older people who are interested in connecting through technology. Content is based on recommendations from older adults who partnered on a project to increase digital inclusion.

Financial Health Literacy Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Qualitative Research Study, Kimberly Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Financial health literacy (FHL) is an emerging concept with unique application to older adults. Multiple complexities converge in older age that create increased financial vulnerability (e.g., retirement, chronic disease). However, low financial and health literacy are common in older adults, impacting their ability to self-manage. The AWV’s focus on prevention offers an opportunity to incorporate a proactive approach to financial-related assessment. This study will explore the perceived value of assessing FHL in primary care settings and the financial-related barriers and facilitators to implementing the personalized prevention plan.

Methods: The conceptual framework was guided by the Individual and Family Self-Management …

Access To And Utilization Of Dental Care Services By Older Adults In Nigeria: Barriers And Facilitators, Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Victor Ajayi, Munirat Sanmori, Medinah Suleiman, Raji Abdullateef, Abdulazeez Abdulganiyu

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Aims: Nigeria’s rapidly aging population presents urgent challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in oral health, which remains an overlooked aspect of well-being. While older adults are especially vulnerable to dental issues such as tooth loss, periodontal disease, and oral pain, access to care remains limited due to systemic, economic, and cultural barriers. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of older Nigerians in accessing and utilizing dental care, with the goal of identifying key barriers, facilitators, and policy-relevant insights.

Methods: Fifteen participants aged 50–83 years were purposively selected from urban and peri-urban areas of Ilorin, North- Central …

Application Of Root Cause Analysis For Fall Prevention: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Older Adults In A Skilled Nursing And Long-Term Care Facility, Terrence Ranjo

Doctoral Projects

Falls in older adults are common and often have severe outcomes. They are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people aged 65 and older and continue to increase. Half of residents in nursing facilities fall annually, and one in every ten falls will lead to a severe injury. Federal regulations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require long-term care (LTC) facilities to incorporate quality assurance performance improvement initiatives to address identified quality concerns in LTC facilities. Root cause analysis (RCA) can help clinicians identify several root causes of falls and guide clinicians in developing personalized …

Floor-To-Stand Transfers In Older Adults: Insights Into Strategies And Lower Extremity Demands, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Tyler Whited

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Getting up from the floor is an important functional skill for independence in older adults but is not often assessed clinically. The purpose of this study was to investigate how floor-to-stand transfer (FTS) ability is related to self-report measures and five-time sit-to-stand (5XSTS) performance, as well as compare peak joint angles during common FTS strategies and lower extremity demands between the 5XSTS and a commonly instructed FTS strategy. Methods: Thirty-four community-dwelling older adults completed self-report measures and performed the 5XSTS, a FTS in a self-selected manner, and an instructed FTS strategy. Biomechanical analysis of the lower extremities was used …

Geriatric Care In Corrections: An Exploratory Study Of Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives On The Needs Of An Aging Prison Population, Cynthia A. Scheiderer

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The incarcerated population in the United States is aging. The proportion of adults 55 or older in prison rose from 3% in 1993 to 16% at year-end 2022 (Carson & Sabol, 2016; Carson & Kluckow, 2024). Researchers have consistently found evidence that the prevalence of disabilities and functional impairment is higher among older adults who are incarcerated than among those in the community. As the incarcerated population ages, corrections professionals responsible for providing safety, housing, and health care must respond to the needs of the population. In this qualitative study, 21 corrections professionals from the disciplines of custody, classification, medical, …

Examining The Relationships Among Value Placed On Autonomy, Use Of Compensatory Control Strategies, And Suicidal Ideation In Older Adults, Catherine Huang Ju

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rates of suicide in older adults are higher than those found in the general United States population. A variety of risk factors unique to older adulthood contribute to these numbers. Greater value placed on one’s own autonomy is related to suicidal ideation in older adults, but no research has yet been done to examine the mechanisms underlying this relationship. As individuals age and functional impairment increases, older adults generally engage in compensatory primary control strategies (e.g., seeking help) but those who prioritize independence and self-directedness – i.e., place a high value on autonomy – engage in fewer compensatory primary control …

Social Support And Negative Affective Outcomes Among Older Adults: Does Valuing Autonomy Matter?, Erika Anne Fenstermacher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While not a normal part of aging, depression is a concerning psychiatric condition in late life. Depression is a significant predictor of suicide and the highest rates of suicide occur in middle aged and older adult men. One factor that may protect against depression and suicidal behavior among older adults is social support. Social support has been demonstrated as a significant factor in health and well-being. Perceived social support has consistently been linked to beneficial outcomes, however, received support has mixed results with some studies even finding received support to be harmful. For individuals who highly value autonomy, it may …

Examining The Impact Of A Health Course On Lifelong Learner Attitudes Toward Psychedelic And Entheogenic Substances, Dustin B. Larrazolo

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study examined the impact of a three-week Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) health course, “Far Out” Medicine: The Science and History of Psychedelics, on midlife and older adult learners’ knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives regarding psychedelic and entheogenic substances. Eleven midlife and older adults (ages 40 - 80; M = 59.0, SD = 15.35) completed matched pre- and post-course surveys assessing demographic characteristics, factual knowledge, attitudes, personal willingness, and social or policy views. The sample was highly educated (1 associate, 5 bachelor’s, 3 master’s, and 2 doctoral degrees) and demonstrated strong internal consistency and response convergence across repeated measures. …

The Effects Of The Brain Training Program On Cognition Among The Older Adults In Thailand, Chutima Thongwachira, Vilaivan Thongcharoen, Usa Khemthong, Natnarun Kleawklong

Journal of Health Research

Background: Dementia is typically found in older adults, and negatively impacts cognitive function. The current study examined the effects of brain training programs with learning activities on cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: We conducted a two-arm quasi-experimental study with participants who were over 60 years old and had Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores < 25 (n=66). The intervention group (n=33) performed a brain training program with learning activities based on social cognitive theory. MoCA scores were evaluated at baseline, immediately after activities were completed at Week 9, and 3 months after the activities were completed.

Results: Sixty-six participants showed low MoCA. Mean MoCA scores at baseline in the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG) were 20.09 (SD = 2.89) and 19.82 (SD = 2.33), respectively; whereas MoCA scores immediately after activities were completed (Week 9) were 19.15 (SD = 2.06) …

News You Can Use— Helping Older Adults Make Informed Food Choices, Chih-Cheng Lu, Sarah Francis

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Nutrition Education With Seniors (NEWS) program on the food-related challenges faced by older adults. The study used quarterly evaluations spanning 2012 to 2022, focusing on the application of newsletter information; 3,281 surveys were completed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for sociodemographic analysis, while z-tests with Bonferroni correction compared column proportions. Respondents were primarily female (64.5%), aged 60-69 (52.1%). Many encountered a decreased food supply (47.1%), yet experienced no impacts from these changes (47.3%.) Most used NEWS information for food choices (79.7%) and resource management (83.9%), …

Quality Of Life Programs For Older Adults In Assisted Living, Annelise Moore

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

This doctoral capstone project focused on enhancing the quality of life (QoL) for residents in Wesley Court Assisted Living through individual programs designed to increase leisure, social participation, and/or mental wellness. Literature states the critical importance of integrating personalized, clientcentered programming in assisted living communities, addressing a pressing issue of limited opportunities for meaningful engagement, which can lead to isolation, depression, and diminished wellbeing among older adults. Approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Abilene Christian University’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, the project spanned 14 weeks and involved needs assessments, pre- and post-surveys, and personalized program implementation. Four residents …

The Lived Experience Of Older Adults Using Telemedicine Services, Cathy Anne Cahill

Theses & Dissertations

The coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the subsequent pandemic transformed the healthcare delivery system in the U.S. Telemedicine became an essential mode of healthcare, and its usage increased significantly during the public health emergency. Telemedicine improved access to care, especially for vulnerable patient populations and those with chronic medical conditions. There were many other benefits, including convenience, cost savings, and reduced coronavirus transmission. It also reduced the strain on healthcare facilities and overburdened healthcare providers. A qualitative, Heideggerian phenomenological method of inquiry was conducted to understand the experience of the older adult population utilizing telemedicine services. These methods included a description …

Computer Use Frequency And Cardiovascular Health In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Meilan Hu, Shu Fen Diong, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

With increased computer usage amongst midlife and older adults, concerns are emerging with regards to the potential adverse health effects of computer use given the sedentary habits it may encourage. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between computer use and cardiovascular risk in midlife and older adults. From the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States II: Biomarker Project (2004–2009) and the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II), 2004–2006, we examined five cardiovascular risk biomarkers—high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein—in relation to self-reported general …

Post-Pandemic Needs Of Unpaid Family And Friend Caregivers To Effectively Continue Caregiving Duties In One Northern Ontario Health Authority, Jodi Webber, Erin Mulroney, Mark Tatasciore, Brianna Smith, Patti-Jo Duggan, Louis Ferron, Hannah Albani, Bianca Feitelberg, Laura Tenhagen, Sophia Myles

Patient Experience Journal

The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the support networks for older adults and caregivers as health and social care systems were forced to dramatically change the ways patients and clients interacted with providers, services, and programs. In Northern Ontario, caregivers are older, caring in more intense situations, more likely to be caring for multiple care recipients simultaneously and less likely to be in contact with health professionals. This research sought to explore the post-pandemic needs of caregivers in a Northern Ontario health catchment to better understand the needed supports. Using a collaborative and co-design approach with caregiver advisors …

The Role Of Sociability In Mental Health In Mid To Late Life During Covid-19, Katherine L. Fiori, Amy Rauer, Christina M. Marini, Amna Khan, Christine So

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Some adults in mid and late life may have been particularly sensitive to the negative effects of social disruptions due to COVID-19 restrictions. The current study explored whether sociability moderated links between disrupted contact with friends and family and multiple indicators of mental health. We collected quantitative data via an online survey from a community sample of 136 adults in mid to late life (M age = 67.77, range 50–91; 69.3% females; 92.7% White). We conducted a series of hierarchical linear regressions to test for moderation. Controlling for age, gender, and marital status, sociability moderated the associations between disruptions …

Bridging The Protection Gap: Innovative Approaches To Shield Older Adults From Ai-Enhanced Scams, Ld Herrera, London Van Sickle, Ashley L. Podhradsky

Research & Publications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining popularity as individuals, groups, and organizations discover and apply its expanding capabilities. Generative AI creates or alters various content types including text, image, audio, and video that are realistic and challenging to identify as AI-generated constructs. However, guardrails preventing malicious use of AI are easily bypassed. Numerous indications suggest that scammers are already using AI to enhance already successful scams, improving scam effectiveness, speed and credibility, while reducing detectability of scams that target older adults, who are known to be slow to adopt new technologies. Through hypothetical cases analysis of two leading scams, the …

Aging In Maynard: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin E. Coyle, Mary Krebs

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Maynard. The report supports the Council on Aging’s objective to identify and serve the needs of residents age 50 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Maynard, the Maynard Council on Aging (COA), the Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Maynard for the purposes of COA mission fulfillment alongside planning and coordination of …

Intersecting Inequities For Older Lgbtq+ Adults Of Color In The Advent Of Medicare Access: A Structural Vulnerability Framework, Christian D. Chan

Adultspan Journal

Although advances in Medicare legislation provide access for beneficiaries to professional counselors, older LGBTQ+ adults of Color face a litany of concerns that heighten stigma and inhibit their access to mental health services. The structural vulnerability framework identifies multiple domains that support the interface between Medicare coverage and access to care for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color. In this conceptual article, I outline (a) interdisciplinary scholarship that contextualizes the key issues facing older LGBTQ+ adults of Color; (b) the core tenets of the structural vulnerability framework; (c) implications for practice addressing structural vulnerability for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color with …

Using The Gerontological Imagination To Explore Suicide Among Older Adults: An Interdisciplinary Perspective For Professional Counselors, Mary Chase Mize, Afroze Shaikh

Adultspan Journal

Gerontology, the study of aging and older adulthood, is a vast field consisting of many intersecting disciplines, such as medicine, nutrition, public policy, psychology, social work, and professional counseling. As the older adult population rapidly increases, so too will the prevalence of mental health concerns among this population, including risk for suicide. Older adults presently comprise 16.5% of the U.S. population, yet account for 19.3% of all deaths by suicide (Drapeau & McIntosh, 2020). Professional counselors are newly eligible Medicare providers and can close gaps in healthcare access for older adults who rely on Medicare to receive mental health services, …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Integrated Delivery Of Health Care And Continuity Of Care For Older Mississippians With Mental And Behavioral Health Concerns, Tockie V. Hemphill

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

The mental health of older adults is of national concern. There is some uncertainty regarding access to care and whether mental and behavioral health care will be readily available in primary care settings. This paper explores the concepts of integrated delivery of care and continuity of care for older adults. The definitions of the two concepts vary in detail, but are similar in purpose. There is an array of strategies presented that outline a continuity of care that involves an integrated delivery system. Relationship development is the core of this system, as well as older adults’ ability and willingness to …

Personality Profile Of Rural-Dwelling Older Adults With Hoarding Disorder, Mary E. Dozier, Caitlyn A. Nix, Hilary L. Deshong

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Hoarding in late life represents a major barrier to aging in place, particularly for rural-dwelling older adults. One risk factor for hoarding disorder in late life may be underlying personality factors. However, there has not yet been an investigation of late life hoarding and possible maladaptive personality factors from the continuous five-factor model perspective in a sample of individuals diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Thus, we evaluated the five-factor personality profiles of older adults enrolled in treatment studies for hoarding disorder in rural Mississippi. Raw scores on the International Personality Item Pool-NEO-60 were converted into categories of Low (<1SD from …

Development Of A Thwarted Belonging Measure In Older Adults: An Application To Neighborhood Context And The Moderating Role Of Neuroticism, Jaclyn Elisa Keenoy

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This research focuses on thwarted belonging (TB), its associations with the neighborhood contextual factors of social cohesion and physical disorder in older adults, and the moderating role of neuroticism. TB is a key component of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) that has serious implications for health and well-being (Van Orden et al., 2012). Despite these implications, TB is less frequently investigated outside of the suicide literature. Thus, the first aim of this research was to create a valid measure of TB in a sample of 5,001 older adults using data from the Health and Retirement Study using a …

How Can America Support The Health Of Its Diverse Aging Population?, Catherine García, Lauren L. Brown, Marc A. Garcia

Population Health Research Brief Series

By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Rapid population aging in the United States is unfolding alongside a parallel trend of rising racial and ethnic diversity. In the coming decades, African American, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial groups are projected to experience significant growth in their proportions of adults who survive past age 65. Despite improvements in health and gains in longevity in recent decades, minorized groups continue to experience significant barriers to healthy aging. This brief provides an overview of the social determinants of healthy aging, provides recommendations for …

America Is Unprepared To Meet The Needs Of Its Growing Older Adult Population, Sierra Kaplan

Population Health Research Brief Series

In 2030, nearly 73 million Americans will be aged 65 years or older. As Americans continue to have fewer children than in the past, the number of older adults will outnumber children. Thus, fewer young adults will be around to support and care for the older adult population. Coupled with COVID-19 pandemic-driven disruptions to the healthcare industry, America’s health and aging care system is unprepared to support its large and growing older adult population. Over time, we will see increased health care scarcity and inequality in the distribution of elder care services, especially with continued healthcare worker shortages and drastic …

The Frailty Trajectory's Additional Edge Over The Frailty Index: Retrospective Cohort Study Of Veterans With Heart Failure, Javad Razjouyan, Ariela R Orkaby, Molly J Horstman, Parag Goyal, Orna Intrator, Aanand D Naik

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

How Did Cognitive Status Impact Health Care Use Among Older Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Katarina Sako, Janet Wilmoth

Population Health Research Brief Series

Physical distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of older adults. Older adults experiencing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline have impaired executive functioning that made it even more difficult to contend with these disruptions. This brief presents findings from research that used data from the 2021 Health and Retirement Study to examine differences in health care delays and health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults (ages 50+) with versus without cognitive decline. Results show that most older adults did not delay getting health care and did not experience …

Factors Associated With Functioning In Older Black Adults, Katrail D. Davis

LSU Master's Theses

Activities of daily living can be simple tasks such as bathing, showering, toileting or as complex as managing finances, driving, and preparing meals. Independence in everyday functioning has been associated with successful aging and declines in functioning may be indicative of pathological cognitive decline. Social determinants of health, like economic status and access to health care, also play a role in everyday functioning. Understanding these factors are of particular importance for older Black adults who have had long-standing disparate access to care, education, and treatments. The current study aimed to evaluate social determinants of health, more specifically social engagement, as …