Faculty Opinions recommendation of Recruitment and retention of older adults in aging research.

Abstract The rapidly aging and diversifying U.S. population coincides with increases in prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and other aging-related disorders. Unfortunately, older adults and racial and ethnic minorities are often underrepresented in research studies. The differing barriers that underrepresented older adults face in research engagement indicate that results from studies conducted on younger and majority populations may not maintain external validity outside of those groups. Therefore, efforts to engage diverse older adults in research is imperative. The goal of this scoping review was to summarize findings of the current state of National Institute on Aging (NIA) sponsored research, identifying extant literature on engaging diverse older adult populations in aging and ADRD research. Among 566 articles screened for inclusion, 436 were included in the final analysis. Results showed that African Americans were represented in over half the studies (63.5%), but Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and American Indian or Alaska Native populations were not well represented. Community- and convenience-based recruitment and retention strategies that have demonstrated prior success in research engagement were widely utilized. Racial, ethnic, and income status breakdowns were not included in 30.0%, 57.1%, and 53.4% of studies respectively, making it difficult to assess the applicability of findings for particular groups. Inclusion of Alzheimer’s disease patients or those with mild cognitive impairments was also poorly defined in most studies. Findings highlight gaps in existing literature that can be used to inform future research, and recruitment and retention strategies for engaging racial and ethnic minority older adults in research.

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Recruitment and retention of culturally diverse older adults into aging research: Investigation planning to explore intergenerational influence

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1002/alz.053162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (S10) ◽

Author(s):

Trudy Gaillard ◽

Donna Felber Neff ◽

Fern J Webb

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Culturally Diverse ◽

Aging Research ◽

Recruitment And Retention ◽

Intergenerational Influence

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Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 412-412

Author(s):

Chao-Yi Wu ◽

Lyndsey Miller ◽

Rachel Wall ◽

Zachary Beattie ◽

Jeffrey Kaye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Dyadic Analysis ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Positive Health ◽

Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

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The Challenges of Recruiting and Retaining Dyads of Hospitalized Persons With Dementia and Their Family Carers

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2733 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 758-758

Author(s):

Marie Boltz ◽

Ashley Kuzmik

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Hospital Environment ◽

Family Carers ◽

Retention Strategies ◽

Recruitment And Retention ◽

Team Meetings ◽

Partnership Model ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Persons with dementia (PWD) have high rates of hospitalization, and along with their family caregivers (FCGs), commonly experience negative hospital experiences and outcomes. The recruitment and retention challenges encountered in an ongoing cluster randomized clinical trial in PWDs and FCGs are described. The trial tests the efficacy of a nurse-FCG partnership model that aims to improve: 1) the physical and cognitive recovery in hospitalized PWD, and 2) FCG preparedness and anxiety. Recruitment and retention challenges, identified in team meetings and extracted from team documentation,.include factors in the hospital environment, the PWD, and FCGs. Strategies that address these challenges include careful pre-planning and preparation with the site, strong communication with dyads, and honoring preferences for communication. The recruitment and retention of acutely ill older adults with dementia and FCGs can pose a challenge to investigators and threaten the validity of findings. Recruitment and retention strategies that help improve validity are described

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Near-falls in Singapore community-dwelling older adults: a feasibility study

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-020-00748-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh ◽

Chee-Wee Tan ◽

Judith Lane ◽

Ting-Ting Yeh ◽

Benjamin Soon

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Retention Rate ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Reach To Grasp ◽

Balance Recovery ◽

Recruitment And Retention ◽

Body Regions ◽

Near Falls ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background A near-fall is defined as a loss of balance that would result in a fall if sufficient balance recovery manoeuvres are not executed. Compared to falls, near-falls and its associated balance recovery manoeuvres have been understudied. Older adults may not recognise a near-fall or identify the use of their balance recovery manoeuvres to prevent a fall. The consensus on the methods to collect near-fall data is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of recruitment and retention. Secondary objectives were to establish evidence that Singapore community-dwelling older adults can identify near-falls and associated balance recovery manoeuvres. Texting and calling methods were explored as reporting methods. Methods This study took place in Singapore (September to October 2019). Participants were healthy, community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older. Recruitment was done through poster advertisement, and all participants gave informed consent. Participants attended a briefing session and reported their near-fall or fall incidence over 21 days using either daily texting or calling. The primary outcome measures were the recruitment rate, retention rate, preferred modes for data reporting and ability to report near-falls or falls. Secondary outcomes included the self-reported incidence of falls and near-falls. Results Thirty older adults were recruited in 5 weeks. All participants completed the study. They understood near-fall concepts and were able to report the occurrence and relevant balance recovery manoeuvres used to prevent a fall. 87% (26/30) chose to text while 13% (4/30) selected calling as their reporting method. One actual fall (0.16%) out of 630 responses was reported. Thirty-six incidents (5.7%) of near-falls were recorded. Sixteen participants (53.3%) experienced near-falls and half of this group experienced two or more near-falls. The use of reach-to-grasp strategy (36%), compensatory stepping (52.8%), and other body regions (11.2%) were used to prevent the fall. Conclusions The study provided evidence that studying near-falls in Singapore community-dwelling older adults is feasible and can be applied to a large-scale study. Recruitment and retention rates were good. Older adults were able to identify near-falls and balance recovery manoeuvres. Both texting and calling were feasible reporting methods, but texting was preferred. Trial registration ClinicalTrials identifier: NCT04087551. Registered on September 12, 2019

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Toward a conceptual model for successful transgender aging

Qualitative Social Work ◽

10.1177/1473325021994666 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 147332502199466

Author(s):

Steffany Sloan ◽

Jacquelyn J Benson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Work Practice ◽

Later Life ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Social Work Practice ◽

The Body ◽

Aging Research ◽

Research Findings ◽

Resilience Factors

Transgender older adults have been subject to life-long stigma and marginalization, resulting in significant social and health consequences. Despite these challenges, this population commonly reports thriving in later life. In order to attend to nuanced experiences of older transgender adults, theoretical models of successful aging must reflect complexities presented by gender minority status. In order to address theoretical gaps, a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to summarize findings across the body of qualitative transgender aging research. Findings indicated that transgender older adults conceptualize successful aging through the process of embracing gender identity. Themes were identified to conceptualize successful transgender aging such as gender expression, shedding internalized stigma, and championing a resilience mindset. Implications for social work practice are provided, suggesting a more comprehensive understanding of both challenges and resilience factors amongst the aging transgender population.

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LGBTQ+ Aging Research in Canada: A 30-Year Scoping Review of the Literature

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics6020060 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 60

Author(s):

Kimberley Wilson ◽

Arne Stinchcombe ◽

Sophie M. Regalado

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Systematic Search ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Aging Research ◽

Aging Populations ◽

Diverse Groups

Canada has a unique socio-political history concerning the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. With aging populations, understanding diverse groups of older adults is paramount. We completed a systematic search and scoping review of research in Canada to quantify and articulate the scale and scope of research on LGBTQ+ aging. Our search identified over 4000 results and, after screening for relevance, our review focused on 70 articles. Five major themes in the literature on LGBTQ+ aging in Canada were identified: (1) risk, (2) HIV, (3) stigma, and discrimination as barriers to care, (4) navigating care and identity, (5) documenting the history and changing policy landscapes. Most of the articles were not focused on the aging, yet the findings are relevant when considering the lived experiences of current older adults within LGBTQ+ communities. Advancing the evidence on LGBTQ+ aging involves improving the quality of life and aging experiences for LGBTQ+ older adults through research.

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DISENTANGLING KNOWLEDGE AND BIAS: COMBATING AGEISM WITH THE REVISED FACTS ON AGING QUIZ

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1703 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S455-S455

Author(s):

Jensen Davis ◽

Linda Breytspraak ◽

Jacob Marszalek ◽

Joan McDowd

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Factor Model ◽

Age Groups ◽

Factual Knowledge ◽

Factual Information ◽

Age Bias ◽

Aging Research ◽

Response Options ◽

Test Of Knowledge

Abstract The Facts on Aging Quiz (FoAQ) was developed in 1977 as a 25-item True/False test of knowledge about older adults. Since that time, it has been utilized in hundreds of studies involving clarifying misconceptions, measuring factual knowledge across different groups, and assessing bias toward older adults. The current study examines the psychometric properties of a revision to the FoAQ created in 2015 that modified the original items and added 25 more to better reflect contemporary aging research. Participants were sampled using Qualtrics and MTurk platforms and targeted to equally represent the following four age groups: 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, and 65 and older. Exploratory factor analysis (n=956) did not support a multi-factor structure, contrary to previous theories of it having cognitive, physical, societal, and psychological health factors. A single factor model was forced which contained 28 items that only accounted for 26% of the variance in scores. The reliability reached satisfactory levels in the younger three age groups with the 28-item version but remained inadequate among those 65 and older. Small associations with the Expectations Regarding Aging-12 and Aging Semantic Differential scales were observed. In its present format, the FoAQ is not sufficient for research use but remains a useful tool in provoking discussion about age bias and areas in which people of all ages lack factual information. Researchers suggest an expansion in response options and further clarifying the use of this instrument as a measure of knowledge or bias.

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EXAMINING FACTORS RELATED TO RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN AGING RESEARCH WITH THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igy023.874 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 235-236

Author(s):

C L Elliott ◽

C V Hill ◽

P Dilworth-Anderson

Keyword(s):

Aging Research ◽

Recruitment And Retention

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