Somali Migration to the U.S.: Understanding Adaptation through Digital Stories

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to further understand the psychological process of migration through an interdisciplinary (psychology, history, and digital humanities) collaboration that examines the experiences of Somali refugees in the U.S. Method: The sample consisted of 26 Somali-American emerging adult and older adult refugees who created digital stories as part of the Immigrant Stories Project (https://immigrantstories.umn.edu/). Stories were analyzed through an examination of narrative structure and content. Results: The structure of the authors’ stories was primarily progressive or stable, with very few regressive stories. Although the distribution of these story structures did not differ for emerging adults and older adults, there were important variations in content. Emerging adults’ stories reflected a struggle to find self-continuity across time and place, whereas older adults’ stories indicated attempts to find meaning and optimally adapt to their current situations. Moreover, none of the stories took on a redemptive structure, a type of story that has been identified as culturally prevalent in U.S. culture but seldom examined across diverse populations. Conclusions: The findings highlight the varieties of paths toward successful immigration and the importance of taking a collaborative, participatory approach to understanding migration experiences.

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Lifecourse Socioeconomic Changes and Late-Life Cognition in a Cohort of U.S.-born and U.S. Immigrants: Findings from the KHANDLE Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-117323/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rachel L. Peterson ◽

Kristen M George ◽

Paola Gilsanz ◽

Elizabeth Rose Mayeda ◽

M. Maria Glymour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cultural Capital ◽

Semantic Memory ◽

Late Life ◽

Financial Capital ◽

Diverse Populations ◽

The U.S ◽

Verbal Episodic Memory

Abstract Background: Low socioeconomic status in early and late life has been associated with lower late-life cognition. Less is known about how changes in socioeconomic status from childhood to late life are associated with late-life cognition, especially among diverse populations of older adults.Methods: In a multi-ethnic sample (n=1,353) of older adults, we used linear regression to test associations of change in a comprehensive measures socioeconomic status (financial, cultural, and social domains) from childhood to late life with semantic memory, episodic memory, and executive function. We tested whether the association between SES trajectory and late-life cognition differed by populations who resided in the U.S. during childhood or immigrated to the U.S. as adults.Results: Participants with low childhood/high late life financial capital had better semantic memory (β=0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) versus those with low financial capital in both childhood and late life, regardless of childhood residence. We observed a significant interaction in the association of verbal episodic memory and cultural capital by childhood residence (p=0.08). Participants with a foreign childhood residence had higher verbal episodic memory if they had low childhood/high later life cultural capital (β=0.32; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.63), but lower verbal episodic memory if they had high childhood/low late life cultural capital (β=-0.40; 95% CI: -0.94, 0.13). Having high lifecourse social capital was associated with better verbal episodic memory scores among those with a U.S. childhood (β=0.34; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.55), but lower verbal episodic memory among those with a foreign childhood (β=-0.10; 95% CI: -0.51, 0.31).Conclusions: High financial and cultural capital in late life is associated with better cognition, regardless of early childhood SES or childhood residence. Providing increased financial and educational opportunities that contribute to higher late-life SES may produce better cognitive functioning among diverse populations of older adults.

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Music Interventions for Older Adults in Clinical Trials and Research Studies Across Cultures and Settings

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3410 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 930-930

Author(s):

Tara Rose ◽

Elyse Manzo ◽

Katherine Erickson ◽

Joshua Valenzuela

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Best Practices ◽

Music Therapy ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Age Groups ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Music Intervention ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

The U.S

Abstract Music interventions and music therapy have become more common globally as nonpharmacological treatment options for memory loss, pain management, reduction of behavioral and psychological symptoms, and increased quality of life. Knowledge of multiethnic interventions is important when creating evidence-based programs within culturally diverse countries, such as the U.S. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze music interventions for older adults across the globe to better understand emerging best practices. A review of all trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov and registries in the WHO Registry Network containing the key words “music therapy” were included, regardless of intervention type. Of the 627 studies generated, 449 met the eligibility criteria, with 11% enrolling only older adults and 89% enrolling older adults along with other age groups. Studies were conducted in 6 continents, 48 countries (23% in the U.S.), and in 23 languages. Music interventions for specific medical conditions (64%) or medical procedures (24%) were the primary foci in studies. While studies crossed multiple continents, less than 2% referenced ethnicity or culture in the study details. Detailed data on intervention types, demographics, measures, settings, and methodology will be presented. Results suggest that best practices in music therapy are being developed world-wide for the multitude of health challenges faced by older adults and demonstrate the diversity of music interventions in both medical and community settings. Information from this review can be used to improve the implementation of music intervention programs and may be particularly beneficial in countries with diverse multicultural populations.

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Participatory development of the food literacy intervention “GUSTO” for older adults in Germany

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.442 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

F Zastrow ◽

K Neher ◽

H Hassel

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Everyday Life ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Participatory Approach ◽

Target Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Food Literacy

Abstract Background Healthy aging is one of the major challenges currently faced by an aging population. Food literacy (FL) refers to the ability to apply knowledge and practical skills regarding healthy and sustainable nutrition into everyday life. The project “GUSTO” is sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care and aims to contribute to enjoyable aging by developing the nutritional skills of people aged 65 and over. This community-based program comprises independent working groups of older adults guided by peer moderators. The FL intervention is developed in cooperation with the target group. Methods The nutritional situation of older adults was first established through a literature research. The results of this research were compared to the “self-perceived food literacy scale” by Poelman et al. (2018) and the “nutritional framework for literacy courses” by Johannsen et al. (2019). The resulting data provided a basis for focus group discussions carried out in six municipalities, supported by local practice partners. In six guided focus group discussions, a number of recurring themes were identified and summarized. Results The focus groups consisted of a total of 44 people between 62 and 88 years of age (average age: 73.1 ± 6.1 years). 22.7 % were men. The group discussions revealed resources used and barriers encountered in terms of FL and interests of older adults. It was evident that, due to the high density of information available, the participants found it difficult to identify reliable information and to implement it in their everyday life. At the request of the focus groups, topics such as the best before date and the use of food waste were added to the intervention. Conclusions Older adults find it challenging to identify reliable nutritional information and implement it in their everyday life. With the help of the participatory approach outlined in this study, target group-related issues can be identified and taken into account in the intervention. Key messages Older adults can be involved in the development of an FL intervention. A participatory approach allows target group-related issues and specific needs to be taken into account in the intervention.

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Social and Behavioral Factors, Oral Health, and Dental Care Utilization

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2899 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 799-800

Author(s):

Bei Wu ◽

Stephen Shuman ◽

Elisa Ghezzi

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Dental Care ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Behavioral Factors ◽

Dental Care Utilization ◽

The Impact ◽

The U.S

Abstract Oral health status and dental care utilization is strongly associated with social and behavioral factors and health outcomes. The five papers in this symposium address how several of these factors affect oral health and dental care among diverse groups of older adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the first paper examined the impact of early childhood disadvantages on oral health in later life among adults age 51 and above in the U.S. The second paper used large-scale epidemiological data that addressed the relationship between acculturation and subsequent oral health problems. It also tested the moderating role of neighborhood disorder in such a relationship among older Chinese Americans. The third paper demonstrated the importance of examining different pathways among foreign-born and native-born Chinese older adults with regard to offspring’s support on their oral health outcomes. While increasing evidence shows that cognitive function is associated with oral health, limited studies have been conducted to examine the impact of cognitive impairment, e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementias (RD), on dental care utilization and costs in older adults. The fourth paper aimed to address this knowledge gap. Results showed that AD and RD had different impacts on different types of dental care utilization and costs. The fifth paper further displayed that individuals with cognitive impairment face a significant challenge in handling dental-related medications. This symposium provides policy and clinical implications on improving oral health and dental care utilization among older adults in the U.S. Oral Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

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Developing an Exergame Intervention to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3117 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 849-849

Author(s):

Fang Yu ◽

Dereck Salisbury ◽

Tom Plocher

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Exercise Prescription ◽

Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽

Grocery Shopping ◽

Cognitive Effect ◽

Ad Prevention ◽

The U.S

Abstract Delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease by five years could save the U.S. ~$89 billion by 2030. Aerobic exercise and cognitive training are two promising interventions for AD prevention and the two together may have a synergistic cognitive effect than either alone. The purposes of this study were to develop an integrated virtual-reality cognitive training (VRCT) and cycling intervention known as exergame and test its feasibility in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The VRCT included grocery shopping from a list, flower shopping from a list, dinnerware sorting, book sorting, and postage estimation. Twelve participants enrolled in the 1-month program (12 sessions) achieved 81.2% session adherence and 81.4% adherence to the exercise prescription. The exergame was well accepted by 75% of the participants and 100% were satisfied with the exergame quality and delivery. To conclude, exergame is a flexible intervention that is feasible for older adults with SCD.

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Late-life depression and cognitive function among older adults in the U.S.: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2014

Journal of Psychiatric Research ◽

10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.01.012 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 111 ◽

pp. 30-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jingkai Wei ◽

Meiling Ying ◽

Liyang Xie ◽

Eeshwar K. Chandrasekar ◽

Haidong Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

National Health ◽

Late Life ◽

Nutrition Examination Survey ◽

Late Life Depression ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

The U.S

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EXAMINING AGEISM IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS THROUGH DRAWING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.184 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S47-S48

Author(s):

Katherina N Terhune ◽

Aaron Guest ◽

Tina M Kruger

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Aging Process ◽

Aging Population ◽

Assistive Devices ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Demographic Shifts ◽

Physical Changes ◽

The U.S

Abstract Substantial demographic shifts in the U.S. will result in the growth of the aging population and the need for qualified professionals entering the field of aging. Yet, these emerging professionals have limited exposure to aging curricula. It is vital that gerontologists recognize the ageism present in how older adults and the aging process are viewed, as this ultimately impacts how they are treated. Data from 1,609 undergraduate surveys from the multi-institution, multi-year Gerontological Literacy Network can assist in our understanding emerging professionals’ perspectives. Results indicate students incorrectly associate aging with loss of function and a reliance on assistive devices (canes 29.3% and glasses 19.6%), physical changes (balding 27.3% and wrinkles 30.3%), and greater likelihood of being male (32.5%). Aging is thought of as time passing (16.1%) and death (14.2%). Findings reveal a need to reframe students’ understanding of aging from that of decline to recognizing the strengths associated with age.

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The Periodic Health Examination of Older Adults: The Recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society ◽

10.1111/j.1532-5415.1990.tb05712.x ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 38 (8) ◽

pp. 933-942 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Steven H. Woolf ◽

Douglas B. Kamerow ◽

Robert S. Lawrence ◽

Jack H. Medalie ◽

E. Harvey Estes

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Task Force ◽

Preventive Services ◽

Health Examination ◽

Periodic Health Examination ◽

The U.S

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Physical Distancing and Social Media Use in Emerging and Older Adults During COVID-19: Large Scale Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.33713 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Thabo J van Woudenberg ◽

Roy Hendrikx ◽

Moniek Buijzen ◽

Julia CM van Weert ◽

Bas van den Putte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Media ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

Large Scale ◽

Media Use ◽

Longitudinal Survey ◽

Social Media Use ◽

Random Intercept ◽

Social Media Platforms

BACKGROUND Although emerging adults play a role in the spread of COVID-19, they are less likely to develop severe symptoms after infection. Emerging adults’ relatively high use of social media as source of information raises concerns regarding COVID-19 related behavioral compliance (i.e., physical distancing) in this age group. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the current study investigated physical distancing in emerging adults in comparison to older adults and looked at the role of using social media for COVID-19 news and information in this regard. In addition, this study explored the relation between physical distancing and different social media platforms and sources. METHODS Secondary data of a large-scale national longitudinal survey (N = 123,848, 34.% male) between April and November 2020 were used. Participants indicated, ranging for one to eight waves, how often they were successful in keeping 1.5 meters distance on a 7-point Likert scale. Participants between 18 and 24 years old were considered young adults and older participants were identified as older adults. Also, a dummy variable was created to indicate per wave whether participants used social media for COVID-19 news and information. A subset received follow-up questions asking participants to indicate which platforms they have used and what sources of news and information they had seen on social media. All preregistered hypotheses were tested with Linear Mixed-Effects Models and Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models. RESULTS Emerging adults reported less physical distancing behaviors than older adults (b = -.08, t(86213.83) = -26.79, p < .001). Also, emerging adults were more likely to use social media for COVID-19 news and information (b = 2.48, SE = .11, Wald = 23.66, p = <.001), which mediated the association with physical distancing, but only to a small extend (indirect effect: b = -0.03, 95% CI = [-0.04; -0.02]). Opposed to our hypothesis, the longitudinal Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model showed no evidence that physical distancing was predicted by social media use of the previous wave. However, we did find evidence that using social media affected subsequent physical distancing behavior. Moreover, additional analyses showed that most social media platforms (i.e., YouTube, Facebook and Instagram) and interpersonal communication showed negative associations with physical distancing while others platforms (i.e. LinkedIn and Twitter) and Governmental messages showed no to a slightly positive associations with physical distancing. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we should be vigilant for physical distancing of emerging adults, but this study give no reason the to worry about the role of social media for COVID-19 news and information. However, as some social media platforms and sources showed negative associations, future studies should more carefully look into these factors to better understand the associations between social media use for news and information, and behavioral interventions in times of crisis.

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