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Camacho D, Burnette D, Aranda MP, Moxley JH, Lukens EP, Reid MC, Wethington E. Loneliness and pain among community-dwelling middle-aged and older Black, Latino, and White adults in the United States. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1429739. [PMID: 39377004 PMCID: PMC11457733 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1429739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prior research has demonstrated a strong and independent association between loneliness and pain, but few studies to date have explored this relationship in racially and ethnically diverse groups of midlife and older adults. We drew on the diathesis stress model of chronic pain and cumulative inequality theory to examine the relationship of loneliness and the presence and intensity of pain in a nationally representative sample of Black, Latino, and White adults aged 50 or older in the United States. Methods Data were from Wave 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (n = 2,706). We used weighted logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses to explore main and interactive effects of loneliness and race and ethnicity while adjusting for well-documented risk and protective factors (e.g., educational attainment, perceived relative income, inadequate health insurance, perceived discrimination) and salient social and health factors. Results Almost half (46%) of the participants reported feeling lonely and 70% reported the presence of pain. Among those who reported pain (n = 1,910), the mean intensity score was 2.89 (range = 1-6) and 22% reported severe or stronger pain. Greater loneliness was associated with increased odds of pain presence (AOR = 1.154, 95% CI [1.072, 1.242]) and higher pain intensity (β = 0.039, p < 0.01). We found no significant interaction effects involving Black participants. However, Latino participants who reported greater loneliness had significantly higher levels of pain (β = 0.187, p < 0.001) than their White counterparts with similar levels of loneliness. Discussion Loneliness is an important correlate of pain presence and intensity and may have a stronger effect on pain intensity among Latino adults aged 50 or older. We discuss clinical and research implications of these findings, including the need for more fine-grained analyses of different types of loneliness (e.g., social, emotional, existential) and their impact on these and other pain-related outcomes (e.g., interference). Our findings suggest a need for interventions to prevent and manage pain by targeting loneliness among middle-aged and older adults, particularly Latino persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Camacho
- Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Denise Burnette
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Maria P. Aranda
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jerad H. Moxley
- Center on Aging and Behavioral Research, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ellen P. Lukens
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - M. Carrington Reid
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elaine Wethington
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Sauerteig-Rolston MR, Ferraro KF. Disparities in Stress Exposure and Later-Life Disability. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae039. [PMID: 38813088 PMCID: PMC11134293 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Drawing from cumulative inequality theory and the weathering hypothesis, this study examined the relationship between life-course stress exposure (measured cumulatively and by domains) and the onset of disability in later life among White, Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and foreign-born Hispanic older adults. Research Design and Methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal models were estimated using nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 11,483). We used logistic regression models to examine associations between stress exposure and Wave 1 disability (i.e., occurrence), and Weibull-accelerated failure-time models to examine the relationship between stress exposure and age of onset of disability 12-14 years later (i.e., incidence). We tested for moderation between stress and disability by race, ethnicity, and Hispanic nativity. Results At Wave 1, higher odds of disability occurrence were associated with cumulative stress burden (CSB; odds ratio [OR] = 4.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.95-8.23). In a model specifying domains of stressors, disability occurrence was associated with childhood financial strain (OR = 1.22, CI: 1.01-1.46), lifetime traumatic events (OR = 1.92, CI: 1.41-2.62), neighborhood disadvantage (OR = 1.32, CI: 1.01-1.73), and major lifetime discrimination (OR = 1.64, CI: 1.12-2.41). Over time, earlier onset of disability was associated with CSB (β = -0.39), childhood traumatic events (β = -0.16), adult financial strain (β = -0.17), everyday discrimination (β = -0.15), and major lifetime discrimination (β = -0.13). The effect of childhood traumatic events on the transition to disability was stronger for U.S.-born Hispanic adults than White adults (occurring 33% earlier). Discussion and Implications To reduce racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in disability, it is important to consider the historical and structural disadvantages associated with stress exposure across the life course. It is also important to acknowledge that nativity influences stratification processes associated with disparities in racial and ethnic health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison R Sauerteig-Rolston
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kenneth F Ferraro
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Comerford K, Lawson Y, Young M, Knight M, McKinney K, Mpasi P, Mitchell E. The role of dairy food intake for improving health among black Americans across the life continuum: A summary of the evidence. J Natl Med Assoc 2024; 116:292-315. [PMID: 38378307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2024.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Decades of health data show major health disparities occurring at every life stage between Black and White Americans. These disparities include greater mortality rates among Black mothers and their offspring, higher levels of malnutrition and obesity among Black children and adolescents, and a higher burden of chronic disease and lower life expectancy for Black adults. Although nutrition is only one of many factors that influence human health and well-being across the life continuum, a growing body of research continues to demonstrate that consuming a healthy dietary pattern is one of the most dominant factors associated with increased longevity, improved mental health, improved immunity, and decreased risk for obesity and chronic disease. Unfortunately, large percentages of Black Americans tend to consume inadequate amounts of several essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium; and simultaneously consume excessive amounts of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages to a greater degree than other racial/ethnic groups. Therefore, strategies that can help improve dietary patterns for Black Americans could make up a major public health opportunity for reducing nutrition-related diseases and health disparities across the life course. A key intervention strategy to improve diet quality among Black Americans is to focus on increasing the intake of nutrient-rich dairy foods, which are significantly underconsumed by most Black Americans. Compared to other food group, dairy foods are some of the most accessible and affordable sources of essential nutrients like vitamin A, D, and B12, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc in the food supply, as well as being some of the primary sources of several health-promoting bioactive compounds, including polar lipids, bioactive proteins and peptides, oligosaccharides, and live and active cultures in fermented products. Given the complex relationships that many Black Americans have with dairy foods, due to issues with lactose intolerance, and/or negative perceptions about the health effects of dairy foods, there is still a need to examine the role that dairy foods play in the health and well-being of Black Americans of all ages and life stages. Therefore, the National Medical Association and its partners have produced multiple reports on the value of including adequate dairy in the diet of Black Americans. This present summary paper and its associated series of evidence reviews provide an examination of an immense amount of research focused on dairy intake and health outcomes, with an emphasis on evidence-based strategies for improving the health of Black Americans. Overall, the findings and conclusions from this body of research continue to indicate that higher dairy intake is associated with reduced risk for many of the most commonly occurring deficiencies and diseases impacting each life stage, and that Black Americans would receive significantly greater health benefits by increasing their daily dairy intake levels to meet the national recommendations than they would from continuing to fall short of these recommendations. However, these recommendations must be considered with appropriate context and nuance as the intake of different dairy products can have different impacts on health outcomes. For instance, vitamin D fortified dairy products and fermented dairy products like yogurt - which are low in lactose and rich in live and active cultures - tend to show the greatest benefits for improved health. Importantly, there are significant limitations to these research findings for Black Americans, especially as they relate to reproductive and child health, since most of the research on dairy intake and health has failed to include adequate representation of Black populations or to sufficiently address the role of dairy intake during the most vulnerable life stages, such as pregancy, lactation, fetal development, early childhood, and older age. This population and these life stages require considerably more research and policy attention if health equity is ever to be achieved for Black Americans. Sharing and applying the learnings from this summary paper and its associated series of evidence reviews will help inform and empower nutrition and health practitioners to provide more evidence-based dietary recommendations for improving the health and well-being of Black Americans across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Comerford
- OMNI Nutrition Science, California Dairy Research Foundation, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Yolanda Lawson
- Associate Attending, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Michal Young
- Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington D.C., United States
| | - Michael Knight
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington D.C., United States
| | - Kevin McKinney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Priscilla Mpasi
- ChristianaCare Health System, Assistant Clinical Director Complex Care and Community Medicine, Wilmington, DE, United States
| | - Edith Mitchell
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Emerson A, Li X, Zaller N, Ramaswamy M. Characterizing Aging-Related Health in Older Women with a History of Incarceration: Multimorbidity, Polypharmacy, Mortality, Frailty, and Depression. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241233322. [PMID: 38374771 PMCID: PMC11333735 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241233322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize aging-related health in women with past CLSI and compare with women with no-CLSI. METHOD Health and Retirement Study Wave 11 and 12 data from women age >50 with CLSI were compared with data from women age >50 with no-CLSI. Generalized linear models were estimated for aging-related health outcomes. RESULTS The group with CLSI (n = 230) was significantly younger than the no-CLSI group (n = 8035) yet had more physical, functional, and mental health challenges and fewer resources. Incarceration significantly predicted aging-related outcomes of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, mortality, frailty, and depression. DISCUSSION Earlier onset of physical and functional health conditions in women with past CLSI has implications for health education and promotion, clinical practice, and intervention design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Emerson
- School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Nick Zaller
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Megha Ramaswamy
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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E. Pullen C, Patrick JH. Mediators of Functional Disability at Mid- and Late-Life. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241285753. [PMID: 39351286 PMCID: PMC11440552 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241285753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
As the number and proportion of older adults living in the U.S. increases, growing evidence shows that people are entering late life with more functional disability than in previous generations. Using data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, we sought to identify the contributions of demographic variables and health conditions to functional disability. Specifically, we tested the associations among age, sex, race, chronic physical health conditions, depression, and functional ability among 243,693 adults, ages 45 years and older. Model testing, implemented in AMOS 29.0.0, resulted in an acceptable fit of the model to the data, Χ2 (DF = 18, N = 243,693) = 19,512.64, p < .001; CFI = 0.909; TLI = 0.774; RMSEA = 0.066; R 2 Function = .267. The findings from the present study replicate previous research that age, sex, and racial background differences influence functional disability. We extend the literature to examine physical and emotional health as potential pathways to intervene in midlife.
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Christensen JJ, Albert SM, Perera S, Brach JS, Nace DA, Resnick NM, Greenspan SL. Subsidized Versus Unsubsidized Senior Housing Communities in PA: A Window on Variation in Health, Function, and Access to Services in Old Age. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241271929. [PMID: 39380765 PMCID: PMC11459494 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241271929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Independent Living residences for older adults can be divided into two categories and require better definitions for research purposes; the purpose of this manuscript is to provide those definitions and explore variation in provided services and resident characteristics: (a) Subsidized age-based housing (55+) (Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing units for low-income adults), and (b) non-subsidized age-based housing. Methods: Residents in the two settings were compared: 37 subsidized locations (p = 289 residents) and 19 non-subsidized (p = 208). Aging support services in each housing type were quantified. Results: Subsidized residents are more likely to be female (84.6% vs. 70.2%, p = .0002) and have fair-poor health (36.5% vs. 12.5%, p < .0001), frequent pain (28.4% vs. 12.8%, p < .0001), and fair-poor mobility (37.5% vs. 23.5%, p = .0298). Non-subsidized locations are more likely to offer support services; on average, residents are older (mean age 83vs. 75; p < .0001) and white (97.6% vs. 69.2%, p < .0001). Conclusion: Significant differences exist between populations living in subsidized and non-subsidized housing, suggesting the effect of cumulative disadvantage over the lifespan; populations in poorer health have access to fewer services. Research is needed to explore generalizability on a national level.
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Taylor KS, Novick TK, Santos SR, Chen Y, Smith OW, Perrin NA, Crews DC. Material Need Insecurities among People on Hemodialysis: Burden, Sociodemographic Risk Factors, and Associations with Substance Use. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:1590-1597. [PMID: 37943037 PMCID: PMC10695650 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Key Points Food insecurity and housing instability may affect dialysis outcomes through health behaviors like treatment adherence and their effect on access to transplantation or home dialysis therapies. People on hemodialysis who were younger, with less educational attainment, with lower incomes, or experiencing financial strain were more likely to experience material need insecurities. Participant race was not associated with material need insecurities, although residential segregation moderated associations between age, sex, and food insecurity. Background Despite their relevance to health outcomes, reports of food insecurity and housing instability rates among adults on hemodialysis are limited. Their relation to sociodemographic and behavioral factors are unknown for this population. Methods We enrolled a convenience sample of people receiving hemodialysis at Baltimore and Washington, DC metropolitan area facilities. Participants completed measures of socioeconomic position, food insecurity, housing instability, and substance use disorder. We cross-referenced participant and facility zip codes with measures of area poverty and residential segregation. We examined associations between individual-level and area-level sociodemographic characteristics, food insecurity, and housing instability using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Of the 305 participants who completed study surveys, 57% were men and 70% were Black, and the mean age was 60 years. Thirty-six percent of the sample reported food insecurity, 18% reported housing instability, and 31% reported moderate or high-risk substance use. People on hemodialysis who were younger, with lower educational attainment, with lower incomes, or experiencing financial strain were more likely to have material need insecurities (P < 0.05 for all). Among participants living in segregated jurisdictions, men had increased odds of food insecurity compared with women (odds ratio 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 8.53); younger participants (age <55 years) had increased odds of food insecurity compared with older participants (odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.49 to 7.32). Associations between sex or younger age category and food insecurity were not statistically significant in less segregated counties (P interaction for residential segregation×sex: P = 0.006; residential segregation×younger age category: P = 0.12). Conclusions Food insecurity, housing instability, and substance use were common among this sample of adults on hemodialysis. Younger adults on hemodialysis, particularly those living in residentially segregated jurisdictions, were at increased risk for food insecurity. Future research should examine whether material need insecurities perpetuate disparities in dialysis outcomes. Podcast This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/K360/2023_12_01_KID0000000000000279.mp3
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tessa K. Novick
- University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas
| | - Sydney R. Santos
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuling Chen
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Owen W. Smith
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nancy A. Perrin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deidra C. Crews
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Yannatos I, Stites SD, Boen C, Xie SX, Brown RT, McMillan CT. Epigenetic age and socioeconomic status contribute to racial disparities in cognitive and functional aging between Black and White older Americans. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.29.23296351. [PMID: 37873230 PMCID: PMC10592997 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.23296351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic age, a biological aging marker measured by DNA methylation, is a potential mechanism by which social factors drive disparities in age-related health. Epigenetic age gap is the residual between epigenetic age measures and chronological age. Previous studies showed associations between epigenetic age gap and age-related outcomes including cognitive capacity and performance on some functional measures, but whether epigenetic age gap contributes to disparities in these outcomes is unknown. We use data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine the role of epigenetic age gap in racial disparities in cognitive and functional outcomes and consider the role of socioeconomic status (SES). Epigenetic age measures are GrimAge or Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (DPoAm). Cognitive outcomes are cross-sectional score and two-year change in Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). Functional outcomes are prevalence and incidence of limitations performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). We find, relative to White participants, Black participants have lower scores and greater decline in TICS, higher prevalence and incidence rates of IADL limitations, and higher epigenetic age gap. Age- and gender-adjusted analyses reveal that higher GrimAge and DPoAm gap are both associated with worse cognitive and functional outcomes and mediate 6-11% of racial disparities in cognitive outcomes and 19-39% of disparities in functional outcomes. Adjusting for SES attenuates most DPoAm associations and most mediation effects. These results support that epigenetic age gap contributes to racial disparities in cognition and functioning and may be an important mechanism linking social factors to disparities in health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Yannatos
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Shana D. Stites
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Courtney Boen
- Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sharon X. Xie
- Deptartment of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Rebecca T. Brown
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Program, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Corey T. McMillan
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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Vang S. Health-related Quality of Life in Elderly Asian American and Non-Hispanic White Cancer Survivors. J Prev Med Public Health 2023; 56:440-448. [PMID: 37735828 PMCID: PMC10579642 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.22.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly Asian American and non-Hispanic White cancer survivors. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional secondary data analyses using the combined datasets from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. RESULTS Elderly Asian American cancer survivors reported a lower mental HRQoL but a comparable physical HRQoL relative to elderly non-Hispanic White cancer survivors. Stress factors, such as comorbidities, difficulties with activities of daily living, and a history of depressive symptoms, along with coping resources like self-rated health and the ability to take the survey in English, were significantly associated with mental and physical HRQoL. Among elderly Asian American cancer survivors, a significantly lower mental HRQoL was observed among those taking the survey in the Chinese language. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that race exerts a differential impact on HRQoL. Interventions should be designed to address the distinct cultural, linguistic, and systemic needs of elderly Asian American cancer survivors. Such an approach could assist in reducing cancer-related health disparities.
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Yannatos I, Stites S, Brown RT, McMillan CT. Contributions of neighborhood social environment and air pollution exposure to Black-White disparities in epigenetic aging. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287112. [PMID: 37405974 PMCID: PMC10321643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial disparities in many aging-related health outcomes are persistent and pervasive among older Americans, reflecting accelerated biological aging for Black Americans compared to White, known as weathering. Environmental determinants that contribute to weathering are poorly understood. Having a higher biological age, measured by DNA methylation (DNAm), than chronological age is robustly associated with worse age-related outcomes and higher social adversity. We hypothesize that individual socioeconomic status (SES), neighborhood social environment, and air pollution exposures contribute to racial disparities in DNAm aging according to GrimAge and Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (DPoAm). We perform retrospective cross-sectional analyses among 2,960 non-Hispanic participants (82% White, 18% Black) in the Health and Retirement Study whose 2016 DNAm age is linked to survey responses and geographic data. DNAm aging is defined as the residual after regressing DNAm age on chronological age. We observe Black individuals have significantly accelerated DNAm aging on average compared to White individuals according to GrimAge (239%) and DPoAm (238%). We implement multivariable linear regression models and threefold decomposition to identify exposures that contribute to this disparity. Exposure measures include individual-level SES, census-tract-level socioeconomic deprivation and air pollution (fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone), and perceived neighborhood social and physical disorder. Race and gender are included as covariates. Regression and decomposition results show that individual-level SES is strongly associated with and accounts for a large portion of the disparity in both GrimAge and DPoAm aging. Higher neighborhood deprivation for Black participants significantly contributes to the disparity in GrimAge aging. Black participants are more vulnerable to fine particulate matter exposure for DPoAm, perhaps due to individual- and neighborhood-level SES, which may contribute to the disparity in DPoAm aging. DNAm aging may play a role in the environment "getting under the skin", contributing to age-related health disparities between older Black and White Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Yannatos
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shana Stites
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rebecca T. Brown
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Geriatrics and Extended Care, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Corey T. McMillan
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Turrini S, Wong B, Eldaief M, Press DZ, Sinclair DA, Koch G, Avenanti A, Santarnecchi E. The multifactorial nature of healthy brain ageing: Brain changes, functional decline and protective factors. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101939. [PMID: 37116664 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
As the global population faces a progressive shift towards a higher median age, understanding the mechanisms underlying healthy brain ageing has become of paramount importance for the preservation of cognitive abilities. The first part of the present review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the anatomical changes the healthy brain endures with advanced age, while also summarizing up to date findings on modifiable risk factors to support a healthy ageing process. Subsequently, we describe the typical cognitive profile displayed by healthy older adults, conceptualizing the well-established age-related decline as an impairment of four main cognitive factors and relating them to their neural substrate previously described; different cognitive trajectories displayed by typical Alzheimer's Disease patients and successful agers with a high cognitive reserve are discussed. Finally, potential effective interventions and protective strategies to promote cognitive reserve and defer cognitive decline are reviewed and proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Turrini
- Precision Neuroscience & Neuromodulation Program, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestrari", Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, Cesena, Italy
| | - Bonnie Wong
- Neuropsychology Program, Frontotemporal Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA , USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Eldaief
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Z Press
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of ageing Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Stroke Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestrari", Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, Cesena, Italy; Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Precision Neuroscience & Neuromodulation Program, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Centeno JG, Obler LK, Collins L, Wallace G, Fleming VB, Guendouzi J. Focusing Our Attention on Socially Responsive Professional Education to Serve Ethnogeriatric Populations With Neurogenic Communication Disorders in the United States. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37099740 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-22-00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This viewpoint discusses a plausible framework to educate future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as socially responsive practitioners who serve and advocate for the burgeoning vulnerable ethnogeriatric populations with neurogenic communication disorders. METHOD We provide an overview of the demographic, epidemiological, and biopsychosocial context that supports the implementation of equity-based, population-grounded educational approaches for speech-language pathology services in ethnogeriatric neurorehabilitation caseloads and discuss a plausible perspective based on the educational social determinants of health (SDOH) framework by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. RESULTS The NASEM's three-domain SDOH educational perspective integrates education, community, and organization to create a self-reinforcing pedagogical coproduction that, grounded in the synergized partnerships of educational institutions, engaged communities, and organizational leadership, aims to address systemic drivers of health perpetuating ethnoracial disparities in health, care, and outcomes. CONCLUSION Exponentially growing vulnerable ethnogeriatric populations with age-related neurogenic communication disorders warrant the implementation of health equity education strategies to train technically prepared, socially conscious SLPs as service providers and advocates.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Centeno
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ
| | - Loraine K Obler
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, City University of New York, New York
| | - Linda Collins
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond
| | - Gloriajean Wallace
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Chapman University, Irvine, CA
| | - Valarie B Fleming
- Department of Communication Disorders, Texas State University, San Marcos
| | - Jacqueline Guendouzi
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond
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13
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Farina MP, Kim JK, Crimmins EM. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Biological Aging and Their Life Course Socioeconomic Determinants: The 2016 Health and Retirement Study. J Aging Health 2023; 35:209-220. [PMID: 35984401 PMCID: PMC9898094 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221120743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined differences in accelerated biological aging among non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites in the United States and assessed whether including life course socioeconomic conditions attenuated observed racial/ethnic differences. Methods: Data came from the Venous Blood Collection Subsample of the Health and Retirement Study. We used a comprehensive summary measure of biological age (BA-22). We determined whether key lifetime socioeconomic conditions contributed to racial/ethnic differences in biological aging. Results: Findings indicated that non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics have accelerated aging, and non-Hispanic Whites have decelerated aging. Racial/ethnic differences were strongly tied to educational attainment. We also observed a significant difference by birthplace for Hispanics. US-born Hispanics had accelerated biological aging, whereas foreign-born Hispanics did not. In age-stratified analyses, these racial/ethnic differences were found for adults aged 56-74, but not for adults aged 75+. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into biological differences underlying racial/ethnic disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo P Farina
- Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jung Ki Kim
- Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eileen M. Crimmins
- Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Thomas Tobin CS, Gutiérrez Á, Farmer HR, Erving CL, Hargrove TW. Intersectional Approaches to Minority Aging Research. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2023; 10:1-11. [PMID: 36644596 PMCID: PMC9830125 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Growing racial/ethnic diversity among America's older adults necessitates additional research specifically focused on health and well-being among aging minoritized populations. Although Black and Latinx adults in the USA tend to face worse health outcomes as they age, substantial evidence points to unexpected health patterns (e.g., the race paradox in mental health, the Latino health paradox) that challenge our understanding of health and aging among these populations. In this review, we demonstrate the value of intersectionality theory for clarifying these health patterns and highlight the ways that intersectionality has been applied to minority aging research. To advance the field, we also make several recommendations for incorporating intersectional approaches in future scholarship on minority aging. Recent Findings Scholars have applied intersectional approaches to health and aging to unravel how social statuses and social conditions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, nativity, incarceration history, geographic region, and age, produce distinct shared experiences that shape health trajectories through multiple mechanisms. Summary We highlight common intersectional approaches used in minority aging research and underscore the value of this perspective for elucidating the complex, and often unexpected, health patterns of aging minoritized populations. We identify several key lessons and propose recommendations to advance scholarship on minority aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S. Thomas Tobin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ángela Gutiérrez
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Irvine 128B 57 West Oxbow Trail, 1 Ohio University Drive, Athens, OH 45701-2979 USA
| | - Heather R. Farmer
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE USA
| | | | - Taylor W. Hargrove
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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15
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Cheng GJ, Nicklett EJ. Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Relationship Between Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults. J Aging Health 2022; 34:1163-1177. [PMID: 35603774 PMCID: PMC10790400 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221103359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives:To examine the associations between neighborhood environment-perceived neighborhood social cohesion and perceived neighborhood physical environment-and physical activity (PA) and whether these associations differ by race/ethnicity. Methods: We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study of US adults aged 50+ from 2006 to 2014 (N = 17,974), using multivariate mixed-effects linear models. PA was repeatedly measured using metabolic equivalent of task estimated values accounting for the vigor and frequency of self-reported PA. Results: In multivariate models, higher levels of PA were positively associated with higher rated neighborhood social cohesion and neighborhood physical environment scores. The effects of social cohesion were stronger among non-Hispanic Whites than among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx participants, while race/ethnicity did not moderate the association between PA and physical environment. Discussion: Intervention strategies that address social and physical barriers of neighborhoods could promote PA in older adults. Key implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Jianjia Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily J. Nicklett
- Department of Social Work, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, US
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16
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Schreiber WB, Robinson-Drummer PA. Opportunities to Discuss Diversity-Related Topics in Neuroscience Courses. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:A361-A375. [PMID: 39036724 PMCID: PMC11256382 DOI: 10.59390/aoin4016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Diversity is a foundational topic in psychology, and APA recommends that diversity is covered across the psychology curriculum. Neuroscience courses face challenges with incorporating diversity-related topics owing to the historical lack of neuroscience research that focuses on diversity and the restricted range of diversity-related topics that neuroscience is typically associated with (i.e., health and disability status). This may limit students' learning of neuroscience's contributions towards understanding diversity. We review some specific examples of diversity-related topics that can be incorporated into neuroscience courses. These examples have been selected to include topics across the three major content domains of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, neuroanatomy/systems, and cognitive/behavioral), as well as across multiple diversity-related topics. Neuroscience instructors can use these examples to incorporate greater coverage of diversity-related topics within their courses and/or as points of inspiration for their own curricular additions. Providing systematic coverage of diversity-related topics in neuroscience courses highlights the ways neuroscience advances our understanding of human diversity and contributes to the educational objectives of psychology and neuroscience programs.
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17
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Kim YJ, Cho MJ, Yu WD, Kim MJ, Kim SY, Lee JH. Links of Cytoskeletal Integrity with Disease and Aging. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182896. [PMID: 36139471 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex feature and involves loss of multiple functions and nonreversible phenotypes. However, several studies suggest it is possible to protect against aging and promote rejuvenation. Aging is associated with many factors, such as telomere shortening, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and loss of homeostasis. The integrity of the cytoskeleton is associated with several cellular functions, such as migration, proliferation, degeneration, and mitochondrial bioenergy production, and chronic disorders, including neuronal degeneration and premature aging. Cytoskeletal integrity is closely related with several functional activities of cells, such as aging, proliferation, degeneration, and mitochondrial bioenergy production. Therefore, regulation of cytoskeletal integrity may be useful to elicit antiaging effects and to treat degenerative diseases, such as dementia. The actin cytoskeleton is dynamic because its assembly and disassembly change depending on the cellular status. Aged cells exhibit loss of cytoskeletal stability and decline in functional activities linked to longevity. Several studies reported that improvement of cytoskeletal stability can recover functional activities. In particular, microtubule stabilizers can be used to treat dementia. Furthermore, studies of the quality of aged oocytes and embryos revealed a relationship between cytoskeletal integrity and mitochondrial activity. This review summarizes the links of cytoskeletal properties with aging and degenerative diseases and how cytoskeletal integrity can be modulated to elicit antiaging and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Jung-gu, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Min Jeong Cho
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Jung-gu, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Won Dong Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pochen 11160, Korea
| | - Myung Joo Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Jung-gu, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Sally Yunsun Kim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Jung-gu, Seoul 04637, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pochen 11160, Korea
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18
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Velasquez AJ, Douglas JA, Guo F, Robinette JW. In the eyes of the beholder: Race, place and health. Front Public Health 2022; 10:920637. [PMID: 36033798 PMCID: PMC9412158 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.920637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial and ethnic health disparities are fundamentally connected to neighborhood quality. For example, as a result of historical systemic inequities, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in neighborhoods with signs of physical disorder (e.g., graffiti, vandalism), and physically disordered environments have been noted to associate with increased risk for chronic illness. Degree of exposure to neighborhood disorder may alter peoples' perception of their neighborhoods, however, with those most exposed (e.g., historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups) perhaps perceiving less threat from signs of neighborhood disorder. The purpose of the present study was to examine the complex interrelationships between people and place by investigating whether exposure to neighborhood physical disorder relates to residents' (1) perceptions of neighborhood safety and (2) perceptions of their health, and (3) examining whether these links vary by race/ethnicity. Using 2016-2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, a representative sample of US adults aged 51 years and older (n = 9,080, mean age 68 years), we conducted a series of weighted linear regressions to examine the role of neighborhood disorder in relation to both perceived neighborhood safety and self-rated health. Results indicated that greater neighborhood physical disorder was statistically significantly related to feeling less safe among non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics, but not non-Hispanic Blacks. Regarding self-rated health, neighborhood physical disorder was statistically significantly related to poorer health among all racial/ethnic groups. These findings suggest that, despite differential interpretation of neighborhood disorder as a threat to safety, this modifiable aspect of peoples' environment is related to poor health regardless of one's race/ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A. Douglas
- Department of Health Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Fangqi Guo
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
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19
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Thorpe RJ, Jones HP. The Intersection of Social Behavior, Population Health, and Inherited Traits. Ethn Dis 2022; 32:73-74. [PMID: 35497397 DOI: 10.18865/ed.32.2.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethn Dis. 2022;32(2):73-74; doi:10.18865/ed.32.2.73
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland J Thorpe
- Program for Research on Men's Health, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Baltimore, MD.,Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Baltimore, MD
| | - Harlan P Jones
- Institute for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center; Houston, TX.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center; Houston, TX
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20
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Reynolds A, Greenfield EA, Moorman S, Reyes L. Race, Childhood Socioeconomic Status, and Region of Childhood Residence as Intersectional Life Course Predictors of Cognitive Aging in the U.S. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igac020. [PMID: 35663274 PMCID: PMC9154061 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Race, childhood socioeconomic status (cSES), and region of childhood residence are each associated with later life cognition, but no studies have examined how the confluence of these factors influence later life cognitive performance. Guided by intersectionality theory, we examined individuals’ social positionality across these dimensions as a predictor of cognitive performance in later life among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Black (NHB) older adults.
Research Design and Methods
We used data from the 2010-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with participants ages 65 and older in 2010. We employed growth curve modeling to estimate associations among race, cSES and region of childhood residence, as well as their interactions, and cognitive performance at baseline and over time.
Results
Identifying as NHB, residing in the South, and having lower cSES each were associated with poorer later life cognition at baseline. Childhood residence in the South was an especially strong risk factor for poorer cognition among NHBs. Among NHWs, higher cSES was associated with better baseline cognitive performance, especially among those from the South. NHBs from the South demonstrated a small advantage of higher cSES, but regardless of cSES, NHBs from the South had lower levels of baseline cognitive scores compared to all other subgroups. We found that Southern childhood residence predicted faster rates of change in over a 6-year period.
Discussion and Implications
Our findings suggest that intersectional social positions across race, cSES, and region of childhood residence primarily influence baseline cognition in later life. Results implicate the importance of attention to multiple social positions in the context of racism within social policies and other initiatives to promote equity in life course brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addam Reynolds
- Address correspondence to: Addam Reynolds, MSW, School of Social Work, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 609, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. E-mail:
| | - Emily A Greenfield
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sara Moorman
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laurent Reyes
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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21
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Jenkins Morales M, Robert SA. Housing Cost Burden and Health Decline Among Low- and Moderate-Income Older Renters. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:815-826. [PMID: 34622283 PMCID: PMC8974342 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between housing cost burden (HCB) and health decline among low- and moderate-income older renters in the United States. METHOD Baseline data include low- and moderate-income community-dwelling older renters (N = 1,064) from the nationally representative 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. HCB was defined as the percentage of monthly income spent on rent, categorized as "no HCB" (<30%), "moderate HCB" (30%-49%), and "severe HCB" (≥50%). We used weighted logistic regression models to estimate whether HCB status in 2015 and change in HCB between 2015 and 2017 were associated with self-rated health decline and developing a new limitation related to activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) between 2015 and 2017. RESULTS Older renters with severe HCB in 2015 were the most likely to develop a new ADL/IADL limitation (63.4%) over time (p < .05). The association between HCB status in 2015 and self-rated health decline was not statistically significant, but older renters with persistent HCB had 1.64 times greater odds of self-rated health decline (p < .05) and 2.01 times greater odds of developing a new ADL/IADL limitation (p < .01), compared to older renters with no HCB at baseline and follow-up. DISCUSSION Even in the short term, HCB contributes to health decline in later life. Efforts to promote equity and healthy aging in the community must consider how to best address housing affordability among the growing population of older renters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Jenkins Morales
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephanie A Robert
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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22
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Malecki KMC, Andersen JK, Geller AM, Harry GJ, Jackson CL, James KA, Miller GW, Ottinger MA. Integrating Environment and Aging Research: Opportunities for Synergy and Acceleration. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:824921. [PMID: 35264945 PMCID: PMC8901047 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.824921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant overlaps in mission, the fields of environmental health sciences and aging biology are just beginning to intersect. It is increasingly clear that genetics alone does not predict an individual’s neurological aging and sensitivity to disease. Accordingly, aging neuroscience is a growing area of mutual interest within environmental health sciences. The impetus for this review came from a workshop hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in June of 2020, which focused on integrating the science of aging and environmental health research. It is critical to bridge disciplines with multidisciplinary collaborations across toxicology, comparative biology, epidemiology to understand the impacts of environmental toxicant exposures and age-related outcomes. This scoping review aims to highlight overlaps and gaps in existing knowledge and identify essential research initiatives. It begins with an overview of aging biology and biomarkers, followed by examples of synergy with environmental health sciences. New areas for synergistic research and policy development are also discussed. Technological advances including next-generation sequencing and other-omics tools now offer new opportunities, including exposomic research, to integrate aging biomarkers into environmental health assessments and bridge disciplinary gaps. This is necessary to advance a more complete mechanistic understanding of how life-time exposures to toxicants and other physical and social stressors alter biological aging. New cumulative risk frameworks in environmental health sciences acknowledge that exposures and other external stressors can accumulate across the life course and the advancement of new biomarkers of exposure and response grounded in aging biology can support increased understanding of population vulnerability. Identifying the role of environmental stressors, broadly defined, on aging biology and neuroscience can similarly advance opportunities for intervention and translational research. Several areas of growing research interest include expanding exposomics and use of multi-omics, the microbiome as a mediator of environmental stressors, toxicant mixtures and neurobiology, and the role of structural and historical marginalization and racism in shaping persistent disparities in population aging and outcomes. Integrated foundational and translational aging biology research in environmental health sciences is needed to improve policy, reduce disparities, and enhance the quality of life for older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. C. Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kristen M. C. Malecki,
| | | | - Andrew M. Geller
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Durham, NC, United States
| | - G. Jean Harry
- Division of National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katherine A. James
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Gary W. Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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23
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Jason K, Erving CL. The Intersecting Consequences of Race-Gender Health Disparities on Workforce Engagement for Older Workers: An Examination of Physical and Mental Health. SOCIAL CURRENTS 2022; 9:45-69. [PMID: 36199976 PMCID: PMC9531847 DOI: 10.1177/23294965211053835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The dramatic growth of older adults' labor participation over the past 25 years, including women and people of color, is reshaping the American labor force. The current study contributes new knowledge concerning why individuals over age 50 years may be working longer despite negative impacts of deteriorating physical and mental health associated with aging. Inquiries regarding who continues to work and why can be answered, in part, by addressing how workforce engagement and health are shaped by notable social inequities along the dimensions of age, race, and gender. Guided by cumulative advantage/disadvantage and intersectionality frameworks, we examine whether having multiple chronic conditions (MCC)-two or more physical conditions-and depression affect workforce participation. Using multinomial logistic regression models, we analyze the 2014-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4250). Findings reveal that having multiple chronic illnesses increase the likelihood of labor force exit, especially among workers who also have depression. We also discover intersectional nuances which illuminate complex race-gender dynamics related to health and work processes in later life. We conclude with recommendations for workplace policy that promote the retention of older workers with chronic illness and depression and aim to decrease disparities in older workers' work engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Jason
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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24
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Monk EP, Kaufman J, Montoya Y. Skin Tone and Perceived Discrimination: Health and Aging Beyond the Binary in NSHAP 2015. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S313-S321. [PMID: 34918148 PMCID: PMC8678440 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper introduces new measures of skin tone (self-reported) and perceived discrimination that are included in the third round of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). We explain the rationale for these new measures, emphasizing, in particular, how they help researchers to conceptualize and measure the significance of race/ethnicity for health and aging beyond binary ethnoracial categories. METHOD We describe new measures of skin tone and perceived discrimination for use in NSHAP 2015. We provide descriptive statistics on the distribution of skin tone (self-reported) by race/ethnicity. As a proof of concept, we use logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses to examine the relationship between skin tone, perceived discrimination, and perceived stress among ethnoracial minorities. RESULTS We find that there is significant variation in skin tone among non-White respondents in NSHAP 2015 (e.g., non-Hispanic Black and Latinx). We also find that skin tone (self-reported) is a significant predictor of the frequency of perceived discrimination and perceived stress among African American, but not Latinx respondents in NSHAP. DISCUSSION The inclusion of new skin tone and discrimination measures in NSHAP 2015 provides a unique and novel opportunity for researchers to more deeply understand how race/ethnicity is connected to health and aging among ethnoracial minorities. Furthermore, it will enable analyses of how stress and perceived discrimination also affect patterns of health and aging among Whites against the backdrop of steadily increasing socioeconomic inequalities and shifting ethnoracial demographics in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis P Monk
- Department of Sociology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jerry Kaufman
- Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA
- NORC, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA
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25
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Garcia MA, Thierry AD, Pendergrast CB. The Devastating Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Older Black and Latinx Adults: Implications for Health and Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:1501-1507. [PMID: 34850887 PMCID: PMC8690256 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While disparities in COVID-19 infections and mortality have been documented for older Black and Latinx populations, pandemic-related economic impacts have been less studied for these groups. Minoritized older adults may be particularly vulnerable to financial hardships given their precarious socioeconomic positions. Thus, we aim to highlight the devastating economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recession on older Black and Latinx adults, with a particular focus on the foreign-born population. METHODS This study used data from the 2020 COVID-19 module of the Health and Retirement Study. The sample included adults >50 years of age who were U.S.-born non-Latinx White and Black, U.S.-born Latinx, and foreign-born Latinx (n=2,803). We estimated age-standardized prevalence and means of variables indicating financial impact and economic hardship during the pandemic. We further examined differences in these measures across racial/ethnic and nativity groups. RESULTS Our findings document stark racial/ethnic inequalities in the pandemic's economic impact on older adults. Results show the pandemic has negatively affected older Black and Latinx adults across a host of economic factors (e.g., paying bills, affording health-related needs, or purchasing food), with foreign-born Latinx experiencing greater economic hardships relative to other groups. DISCUSSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, older Black and Latinx adults are experiencing disparate economic effects, including lacking money to cover basic needs, compared to older White adults. The implications of the economic shocks of the pandemic for the health and well-being of older Black and Latinx adults warrant policy-oriented action towards promoting equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Garcia
- Department of Sociology and Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.,Aging Studies Institute at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Amy D Thierry
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claire B Pendergrast
- Department of Sociology and Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.,Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Garcia MA, Warner DF, García C, Downer B, Raji M. Age Patterns in Self-Reported Cognitive Impairment Among Older Latino Subgroups and Non-Latino Whites in the United States, 1997-2018: Implications for Public Health Policy. Innov Aging 2021; 5:igab039. [PMID: 34917774 PMCID: PMC8670720 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES U.S. Latinos are a heterogeneous population with unique characteristics related to individual-level socioeconomic and contextual factors based on nativity status and country of origin. Population aging and greater public awareness of dementia may contribute to an increasing prevalence of self-reported cognitive impairment. However, population-level trends in self-reported cognitive impairment among Latinos are unclear and it is unknown whether there are differences among Latino subgroups. Thus, this study aims to examine heterogeneity in self-reported cognitive impairment among older U.S. Latino subgroups. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from the 1997-2018 National Health Interview Survey to document age-specific patterns in self-reported cognitive impairment among U.S.-born Mexican, foreign-born Mexican, island-born Puerto Rican, foreign-born Cuban, and U.S.-born non-Latino Whites aged 60 and older. We estimated hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random effects models (HAPC-CCREM) to isolate age patterns in self-reported cognitive impairment across disaggregated Latino subgroups and U.S.-born non-Latino Whites. RESULTS The overall prevalence of self-reported cognitive impairment increased from 6.0% in 1997 to 7.1% in 2018. This increase was evident among U.S.-born non-Latino Whites and U.S.-born and foreign-born Mexicans but not other Latino subgroups. Fully adjusted HAPC-CCREM estimates indicated that Latinos were more likely to self-report cognitive impairment than U.S-born non-Latino Whites (b = 0.371, p < .001). When disaggregated by Latino subgroup, the difference in the likelihood for self-reported cognitive impairment compared to U.S.-born non-Latino Whites was greatest for island-born Puerto Ricans (b = 0.598, p < .001) and smallest for foreign-born Cubans (b = 0.131, p > .05). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We found evidence of considerable heterogeneity in the age patterns of self-reported cognitive impairment among U.S. Latino subgroups. We also detected large differences in the likelihood for self-reported cognitive impairment between U.S. Latino subgroups compared to U.S.-born non-Latino Whites. These results underscore the importance of differentiating between unique Latino subpopulations when studying population-level trends in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Garcia
- Department of Sociology, Aging Studies Institute, Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - David F Warner
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center of Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine García
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, Aging Studies Institute, Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Brian Downer
- Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mukaila Raji
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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27
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Wiltshire J, Garcia Colato E, Conner KO, Anderson E, Orban B. Health care Affordability and Associated Concerns Among Adults Aged 65 and above in Florida. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:1120-1130. [PMID: 34404255 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211039314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed affordability of care in a diverse sample of Floridians aged ≥ 65 to ascertain concerns about health care costs. METHODS We surveyed 170 adults (40.6% white, 27.6% black, and 31.8% Hispanic) and conducted three race/ethnic-stratified focus groups (n = 27). RESULTS Most participants had Medicare (97.1%). Among whites, 11.6% reported problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months versus 14.9% of blacks and 24.1% of Hispanics. In addition, 13% of whites, 19.2% of blacks, and 20.4% of Hispanics reported not getting needed prescription drugs because of costs. The most frequently identified concerns from the focus groups were the cost of prescription drugs, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical billing. Concerns about medical billing included understanding bills, transparency, timely postings, and uncertainty about who to contact about problems. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that practices that help older adults effectively manage medical bills and costs may alleviate their concerns and guard against financial burdens.
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Koenig J, Abler B, Agartz I, Åkerstedt T, Andreassen OA, Anthony M, Bär KJ, Bertsch K, Brown RC, Brunner R, Carnevali L, Critchley HD, Cullen KR, de Geus EJC, de la Cruz F, Dziobek I, Ferger MD, Fischer H, Flor H, Gaebler M, Gianaros PJ, Giummarra MJ, Greening SG, Guendelman S, Heathers JAJ, Herpertz SC, Hu MX, Jentschke S, Kaess M, Kaufmann T, Klimes-Dougan B, Koelsch S, Krauch M, Kumral D, Lamers F, Lee TH, Lekander M, Lin F, Lotze M, Makovac E, Mancini M, Mancke F, Månsson KNT, Manuck SB, Mather M, Meeten F, Min J, Mueller B, Muench V, Nees F, Nga L, Nilsonne G, Ordonez Acuna D, Osnes B, Ottaviani C, Penninx BWJH, Ponzio A, Poudel GR, Reinelt J, Ren P, Sakaki M, Schumann A, Sørensen L, Specht K, Straub J, Tamm S, Thai M, Thayer JF, Ubani B, van der Mee DJ, van Velzen LS, Ventura-Bort C, Villringer A, Watson DR, Wei L, Wendt J, Schreiner MW, Westlye LT, Weymar M, Winkelmann T, Wu GR, Yoo HJ, Quintana DS. Cortical thickness and resting-state cardiac function across the lifespan: A cross-sectional pooled mega-analysis. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13688. [PMID: 33037836 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the association between autonomic nervous system [ANS] function and brain morphology across the lifespan provides important insights into neurovisceral mechanisms underlying health and disease. Resting-state ANS activity, indexed by measures of heart rate [HR] and its variability [HRV] has been associated with brain morphology, particularly cortical thickness [CT]. While findings have been mixed regarding the anatomical distribution and direction of the associations, these inconsistencies may be due to sex and age differences in HR/HRV and CT. Previous studies have been limited by small sample sizes, which impede the assessment of sex differences and aging effects on the association between ANS function and CT. To overcome these limitations, 20 groups worldwide contributed data collected under similar protocols of CT assessment and HR/HRV recording to be pooled in a mega-analysis (N = 1,218 (50.5% female), mean age 36.7 years (range: 12-87)). Findings suggest a decline in HRV as well as CT with increasing age. CT, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex, explained additional variance in HRV, beyond the effects of aging. This pattern of results may suggest that the decline in HRV with increasing age is related to a decline in orbitofrontal CT. These effects were independent of sex and specific to HRV; with no significant association between CT and HR. Greater CT across the adult lifespan may be vital for the maintenance of healthy cardiac regulation via the ANS-or greater cardiac vagal activity as indirectly reflected in HRV may slow brain atrophy. Findings reveal an important association between CT and cardiac parasympathetic activity with implications for healthy aging and longevity that should be studied further in longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Abler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Åkerstedt
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mia Anthony
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Karl-Jürgen Bär
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca C Brown
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Romuald Brunner
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Psychiatry, BSMS Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Kathryn R Cullen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eco J C de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Isabel Dziobek
- Department of Psychology, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc D Ferger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Gaebler
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- MindBrainBody Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter J Gianaros
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melita J Giummarra
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Caulfield Pain Management and Research Centre, Caulfield, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven G Greening
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Simon Guendelman
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mandy X Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Jentschke
- Cluster "Languages of Emotion", Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kaufmann
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bonnie Klimes-Dougan
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Stefan Koelsch
- Cluster "Languages of Emotion", Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marlene Krauch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Deniz Kumral
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- MindBrainBody Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Femke Lamers
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tae-Ho Lee
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Mats Lekander
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Feng Lin
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martin Lotze
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elena Makovac
- Centre for Neuroimaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Mancini
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Falk Mancke
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer N T Månsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen B Manuck
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mara Mather
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Frances Meeten
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Jungwon Min
- Emotion and Cognition Lab, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bryon Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Vera Muench
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lin Nga
- Emotion and Cognition Lab, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gustav Nilsonne
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Berge Osnes
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bjorgvin District Psychiatric Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cristina Ottaviani
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Allison Ponzio
- Emotion and Cognition Lab, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Govinda R Poudel
- Behaviour Environment and Cognition Research Program, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janis Reinelt
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ping Ren
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michiko Sakaki
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Research Institute, Kochi University of Technology, Kami, Japan
| | - Andy Schumann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lin Sørensen
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karsten Specht
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Education, UiT/The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Joana Straub
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandra Tamm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle Thai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Ubani
- Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Denise J van der Mee
- Department of Biological Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura S van Velzen
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Medical Center and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlos Ventura-Bort
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- MindBrainBody Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David R Watson
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Luqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Julia Wendt
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathias Weymar
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tobias Winkelmann
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Guo-Rong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hyun Joo Yoo
- Emotion and Cognition Lab, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Thomas Tobin CS, Hargrove TW. Race, Lifetime SES, and Allostatic Load among Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:347-356. [PMID: 34081108 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research demonstrates that Black Americans receive fewer health benefits at high levels of SES relative to Whites. Yet, few studies have considered the role of lifetime SES (i.e. changes in SES from childhood to adulthood) in shaping these patterns among older adults. This study investigates the extent to which racial disparities in allostatic load (AL), an indicator of accelerated physiological aging, vary across levels of lifetime SES among Black and White adults aged 50+. METHODS With data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study, modified Poisson regression models were used to assess racial differences in the odds of high AL (4+ high-risk biomarkers) among Black and White older adults (N=518) within each level of lifetime SES (i.e., stable low SES, upward mobility, downward mobility, stable high SES). RESULTS Stable high SES was associated with greater odds of high AL; there was not a significant association between other lifetime SES trajectories and AL. However, the magnitude of racial disparities varied across levels of lifetime SES, with a significant Black-White difference in AL observed only among upwardly mobile (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.24-2.51) and high SES groups (OR=2.22, 95% CI=1.37-3.58). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that racial disparities in AL among older adults depends on individuals' lifetime SES trajectories, and that older Black Americans receive fewer health benefits for achieving higher SES. These findings underscore the need to evaluate socioeconomic resources across the life course to clarify the extent of racial disparities among aging populations.
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Diehl M, Smyer MA, Mehrotra CM. Optimizing aging: A call for a new narrative. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 75:577-589. [PMID: 32378951 DOI: 10.1037/amp0000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have shown that biological and psychosocial aging are not as predetermined as had been thought for a long time. Yet, despite a large and growing evidence base, most individuals still hold negative views of aging that keep them from optimizing their chances for healthy and productive aging. Given this general background, this article has three major objectives: (a) to show that the 3 big misconceptions at the heart of the public's negative views of aging can be refuted based on scientific evidence; (b) to illustrate that changing individuals' views of aging calls for the development of a new narrative on aging, one that incorporates the increasing diversity of the aging population; and (c) to discuss how psychologists can contribute to creating this new narrative on aging. We argue that growing old(er) in the United States is not the same old business anymore and that psychologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to the social and cultural transformation that population aging and increasing diversity in the U.S. society require. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Diehl
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University
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31
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Garcia MA, Cantu PA. Cognitive Health and Psychological Well-Being among Latinx Older Adults in the United States and Mexico. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:555-557. [PMID: 33877324 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Garcia
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Sociology, Lincoln, NE, USA.,University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute for Ethnic Studies, Lincoln, NE, USA.,Syracuse University, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Heinz M, Bishop AJ, Finchum T. The Lived Experiences of African American Centenarians: Narrative Exploration from a Life Course Theory Perspective. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:1266-1276. [PMID: 33871020 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine examples of inequality experienced by African American centenarians throughout the life course. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were derived from 111 oral history transcripts from the Oklahoma Oral History Project. A sub-sample of all centenarians who identified as African American (n = 12) was utilized. An interpretive phenomenological approach and thematic analysis were used to review and code each narrative. RESULTS Findings revealed two themes: 1) Historical Time and Place with subthemes on Family Lineage, Segregation, Discrimination, and Racism, and Societal Changes. 2) Resource Buffers against Inequality with subthemes on multigenerational transmission, support and cultural connectedness, religion and spirituality, and self-reliance. Several centenarians acknowledged having grandparents who were slaves and others reported hidden family lineage due to complicated mixed-race dynamics. Work histories were impacted by the historical era, with limited "domestic" positions for women. Experiences with education varied, with one centenarian commenting on his legacy of teaching at Historically Black Schools whereas others expressed difficulty in keeping up with school and regret for not finishing. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This is one of the first studies to explore life course experiences specific to African American centenarians. Centenarians in this study possessed survival skills, and various support systems including community and religious/spiritual support; perhaps buffering against the impact of cumulative racial inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Heinz
- Department of Psychology, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa, USA
| | - Alexander J Bishop
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tanya Finchum
- Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Sauerteig MR, Ferraro KF, Bauldry S. Life Course Stressors and Functional Limitations in Later Life among White, Black, and Hispanic Adults: Deleterious, Hardening, or Benign? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:249-259. [PMID: 33864079 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although striking racial and ethnic disparities in health are manifest during later life, they may be rooted in early-life exposures. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we investigate whether life course stressors are associated with risk of later life functional limitations and whether this relationship differs by race and ethnicity. METHODS We utilize longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study to test whether child and adult stressors predict trajectories of the occurrence and severity of functional limitations among a diverse sample of older adults. RESULTS Child and adult stressors are associated with greater occurrence and severity of functional limitations during later life. Mediation analyses reveal the indirect influence of child stressors via adult stressors on occurrence and severity of functional limitations; however, the indirect effects are slightly stronger for Black and Hispanic adults than their White counterparts. DISCUSSION Child stressors, in and of themselves, do not increase functional limitations among Black and Hispanic people but are associated with greater adult stress exposure, predisposing them to more functional limitations. Results suggest that childhood stressors are associated with distinct social pathways to functional limitations among Black, White, and Hispanic older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth F Ferraro
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059, USA.,Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, 1202 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2055, USA
| | - Shawn Bauldry
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059, USA.,Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, 1202 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2055, USA
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Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Jackson CL, Ottinger MA, Cardenas A, James KA, Malecki KM, Chen JC, Geller AM, Mitchell UA. Adopting a "Compound" Exposome Approach in Environmental Aging Biomarker Research: A Call to Action for Advancing Racial Health Equity. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:45001. [PMID: 33822649 PMCID: PMC8043128 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In June 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a virtual workshop focused on integrating the science of aging and environmental health research. The concurrent COVID-19 pandemic and national attention on racism exposed shortcomings in the environmental research field's conceptualization and methodological use of race, which have subsequently hindered the ability of research to address racial health disparities. By the workshop's conclusion, the authors deduced that the utility of environmental aging biomarkers-aging biomarkers shown to be specifically influenced by environmental exposures-would be greatly diminished if these biomarkers are developed absent of considerations of broader societal factors-like structural racism-that impinge on racial health equity. OBJECTIVES The authors reached a post-workshop consensus recommendation: To advance racial health equity, a "compound" exposome approach should be widely adopted in environmental aging biomarker research. We present this recommendation here. DISCUSSION The authors believe that without explicit considerations of racial health equity, people in most need of the benefits afforded by a better understanding of the relationships between exposures and aging will be the least likely to receive them because biomarkers may not encompass cumulative impacts from their unique social and environmental stressors. Employing an exposome approach that allows for more comprehensive exposure-disease pathway characterization across broad domains, including the social exposome and neighborhood factors, is the first step. Exposome-centered study designs must then be supported with efforts aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of racially diverse study populations and researchers and further "compounded" with strategies directed at improving the use and interpretation of race throughout the publication and dissemination process. This compound exposome approach maximizes the ability of our science to identify environmental aging biomarkers that explicate racial disparities in health and best positions the environmental research community to contribute to the elimination of racial health disparities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8392.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and MD/PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. HHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Intramural Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, NIH, U.S. HHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Katherine A. James
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kristen M.C. Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew M. Geller
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Uchechi A. Mitchell
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Garcia MA, Homan PA, García C, Brown TH. The Color of COVID-19: Structural Racism and the Disproportionate Impact of the Pandemic on Older Black and Latinx Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:e75-e80. [PMID: 32756973 PMCID: PMC7454923 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this evidence-based theoretically informed essay is to provide an overview of how and why the COVID-19 outbreak is particularly detrimental for the health of older Black and Latinx adults. Methods We draw upon current events, academic literature, and numerous data sources to illustrate how biopsychosocial factors place older adults at higher risk for COVID-19 relative to younger adults, and how structural racism magnifies these risks for older Black and Latinx adults. Results We identify three proximate mechanisms through which structural racism operates as a fundamental cause of racial/ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 burden among older adults: (1) Risk of exposure; (2) Weathering processes; and (3) Health care access and quality. Discussion While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis, the racial/ethnic health inequalities among older adults it has exposed are long-standing and deeply rooted in structural racism within American society. This knowledge presents both challenges and opportunities for researchers and policymakers as they seek to address the needs of older adults. It is imperative that federal, state, and local governments collect and release comprehensive data on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths by race/ethnicity and age to better gauge the impact of outbreak across minority communities. We conclude with a discussion of incremental steps to be taken to lessen the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 among older Black and Latinx adults, as well as the need for transformative actions that address structural racism in order to achieve population health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Garcia
- Department of Sociology & Institute of Ethnic Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Patricia A Homan
- Department of Sociology, Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | | | - Tyson H Brown
- Department of Sociology and Center on Health & Society, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Andrasfay T, Goldman N. Reductions in 2020 US life expectancy due to COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on the Black and Latino populations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2014746118. [PMID: 33446511 PMCID: PMC7865122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014746118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has resulted in a staggering death toll in the United States: over 215,000 by mid-October 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black and Latino Americans have experienced a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, reflecting persistent structural inequalities that increase risk of exposure to COVID-19 and mortality risk for those infected. We estimate life expectancy at birth and at age 65 y for 2020, for the total US population and by race and ethnicity, using four scenarios of deaths-one in which the COVID-19 pandemic had not occurred and three including COVID-19 mortality projections produced by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Our medium estimate indicates a reduction in US life expectancy at birth of 1.13 y to 77.48 y, lower than any year since 2003. We also project a 0.87-y reduction in life expectancy at age 65 y. The Black and Latino populations are estimated to experience declines in life expectancy at birth of 2.10 and 3.05 y, respectively, both of which are several times the 0.68-y reduction for Whites. These projections imply an increase of nearly 40% in the Black-White life expectancy gap, from 3.6 y to over 5 y, thereby eliminating progress made in reducing this differential since 2006. Latinos, who have consistently experienced lower mortality than Whites (a phenomenon known as the Latino or Hispanic paradox), would see their more than 3-y survival advantage reduced to less than 1 y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Andrasfay
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089;
| | - Noreen Goldman
- Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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Lin J. Inter-Individual Variability in Trajectories of Functional Limitations by Race/Gender. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 75:1082-1092. [PMID: 30605552 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several theories emphasize that systematic interindividual divergence is a key feature of cohort aging and evidence for accumulative social inequality over the life course. While many have documented widening health gaps with age between subgroups, such divergence is only one aspect of the broader social inequality based on race and gender. This article examines patterns of interindividual variability in trajectories of functional limitations within each race/gender. METHODS Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)'s HRS cohort (born 1931-1941), I estimate growth curves of functional limitations with Level 2 heteroscedasticity, allowing interindividual variability to differ across 4 groups: white men, black men, white women, and black women. I examine race/gender differences in the age-based pattern of interindividual variability using an interquartile range of estimated individual trajectories. RESULTS Black men, white women, and black women have greater interindividual variability in functional limitations than do white men. Interindividual variability increases systematically with age at similar rates for all groups but black women. DISCUSSION Functional limitations become more heterogeneous with age for the entire cohort and for white men, white women, and black men. Future research should identify life-course processes that generate the race and gender patterning of interindividual variability in late-life health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielu Lin
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Sociology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
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Ureña S, Taylor MG, Carr DC. The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans. J Aging Health 2020; 33:237-248. [PMID: 33345683 DOI: 10.1177/0898264320975231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: We examine the impact of exposure to the dead, dying, and wounded (DDW) during military service on the later-life depressive symptom trajectories of male United States veterans, using psychological resilience as an internal resource that potentially moderates negative consequences. Methods: The Health and Retirement Study (2006-2014) and linked Veteran Mail Survey were used to estimate latent growth curve models of depressive symptom trajectories, beginning at respondents' first report of resilience. Results: Veterans with higher levels of resilience do not have increased depressive symptoms in later life, despite previous exposure to DDW. Those with lower levels of resilience and previous exposure to DDW experience poorer mental health in later life. Discussion: Psychological resilience is important for later-life mental health, particularly for veterans who endured potentially traumatic experiences. We discuss the importance acknowledging the role individual resources play in shaping adaptation to adverse life events and implications for mental health service needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ureña
- Arnold School of Public Health, 2629University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Office for the Study of Aging, 2629University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Miles G Taylor
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Pepper Institute on Aging & Public Policy, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Dawn C Carr
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Pepper Institute on Aging & Public Policy, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Sands LP. With Gratitude From the Inaugural Editor-in-Chief of Innovation in Aging. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igaa062. [PMID: 33381659 PMCID: PMC7754219 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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40
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Andrasfay T, Goldman N. Reductions in 2020 US life expectancy due to COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on the Black and Latino populations. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.07.12.20148387. [PMID: 32995806 PMCID: PMC7523145 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.12.20148387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has resulted in a staggering death toll in the US: over 215,000 by mid-October 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black and Latino Americans have experienced a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, reflecting persistent structural inequalities that increase risk of exposure to COVID-19 and mortality risk for those infected. We estimate life expectancy at birth and at age 65 for 2020, for the total US population and by race and ethnicity, using four scenarios of deaths - one in which the COVID-19 pandemic had not occurred and three including COVID-19 mortality projections produced by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Our medium estimate indicates a reduction in US life expectancy at birth of 1.13 years to 77.48 years, lower than any year since 2003. We also project a 0.87-year reduction in life expectancy at age 65. The Black and Latino populations are estimated to experience declines in life expectancy at birth of 2.10 and 3.05 years, respectively, both of which are several times the 0.68-year reduction for whites. These projections imply an increase of nearly 40% in the Black-white life expectancy gap, from 3.6 to over five years, thereby eliminating progress made in reducing this differential since 2006. Latinos, who have consistently experienced lower mortality than whites (a phenomenon known as the Latino or Hispanic paradox), would see their more than three-year survival advantage reduced to less than one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Andrasfay
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California
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41
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Reyes AM, Garcia MA. Gender and Age of Migration Differences in Mortality Among Older Mexican Americans. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 75:1707-1718. [PMID: 30953078 PMCID: PMC7489075 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Using a gendered life course perspective, we examine whether the relationship between age of migration and mortality is moderated by gender among a cohort of older Mexican Americans. METHODS Data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly and recently matched mortality data are used to estimate Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Our findings indicate that the relationship between age of migration and mortality is moderated by gender, suggesting a more nuanced perspective of the immigrant mortality paradox. Among men, midlife migrants exhibit an 18% lower risk of mortality compared to their U.S.-born co-ethnics, possibly due to immigrant selectivity at the time of migration. Conversely, late-life migrant women exhibit a 17% lower risk of mortality relative to U.S.-born women, attributed in part to socio-cultural characteristics that influence lifestyle risk factors across the life course. DISCUSSION Selection mechanisms and acculturation processes associated with the immigrant experience are contingent on both age and gender, suggesting the utility of an integrated life course approach to contextualize the mortality profiles of older immigrants. These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity among immigrants and highlight the need to understand gender differences in the migration process when assessing the immigrant mortality paradox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Reyes
- Cornell University, Policy Analysis and Management, Ithaca, New York
| | - Marc A Garcia
- University of Nebraska, Sociology and Institute of Ethnic Studies, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Kim G, Wang SY, Park S, Yun SW. Mental Health of Asian American Older Adults: Contemporary Issues and Future Directions. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igaa037. [PMID: 33274302 PMCID: PMC7691797 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the increased attention to older Asian Americans due to their increasing numbers in the United States, this article aims to provide a collective appraisal of older Asian American mental health issues by reviewing trends in older Asian American mental health research over the past 2 decades. This review article provides an overview of the current state of mental health and care research on older Asian Americans and vital factors associated with older Asian American mental health and care. We also identify gaps in current research on Asian American mental health issues and propose 5 potential areas for future research into which gerontologists need to put more effort during the next decade. Ways to reduce disparities in mental health and improve the quality of mental health of older Asian Americans are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giyeon Kim
- Department of Psychology, Chung-Ang
University, Seoul, South
Korea
| | - Sylvia Y Wang
- Department of Psychology, Misericordia
University, Dallas, Pennsylvania
| | - Soohyun Park
- Department of Psychology, The University of
Alabama, Tuscaloosa
| | - Stacy W Yun
- Department of Psychology, University of
Colorado, Colorado Springs
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43
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Vyas CM, Ogata S, Reynolds CF, Mischoulon D, Chang G, Cook NR, Manson JE, Crous-Bou M, De Vivo I, Okereke OI. Lifestyle and behavioral factors and mitochondrial DNA copy number in a diverse cohort of mid-life and older adults. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237235. [PMID: 32785256 PMCID: PMC7423118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is a putative biomarker of oxidative stress and biological aging. Modifiable factors, including physical activity (PA), avoidance of heavy alcohol use and smoking, and maintaining good mental health, may reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy aging. Yet, limited data exist regarding how these factors are associated with mtDNAcn or whether age, sex or race/ethnicity moderate associations. In this cross-sectional study, we selected 391 adults (183 non-Hispanic White, 110 Black and 98 Hispanic; mean = 67 years) from the VITAL-DEP (VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL-Depression Endpoint Prevention) ancillary to the VITAL trial. We estimated associations between lifestyle and behavioral factors (PA, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and depression) and log-transformed mtDNAcn using multivariable linear regression models. MtDNAcn was not correlated with chronological age; women had ~17% higher mtDNAcn compared to men. There were no significant associations between PA measures (frequency, amount or intensity) or alcohol consumption with mtDNAcn. Cigarette smoking (per 5 pack-years) was significantly associated with mtDNAcn (percent difference = -2.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.4%, -0.4%)); a large contrast was observed among heavy vs. non-smokers (≥30 vs. 0 pack-years): percent difference = -28.5% (95% CI = -44.2%, -8.3%). The estimate of mtDNAcn was suggestively different for past vs. no depression history (percent difference = -15.1% 95% CI = -30.8%, 4.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The association between smoking and log-mtDNAcn varied by sex and race/ethnicity; it was stronger in men and Black participants. While chance findings cannot be excluded, results from this study support associations of smoking, but not chronological age, with mtDNAcn and suggest nuanced considerations of mtDNAcn as indicative of varying oxidative stress states vs. biological aging itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag M. Vyas
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Soshiro Ogata
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David Mischoulon
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Grace Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nancy R. Cook
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marta Crous-Bou
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Olivia I. Okereke
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Browne CV, Braun KL, Mokuau NK, Wu YY, Muneoka S. Examining Long-Term Service and Support Needs and Preferences of Native Hawaiian Elders: A Mixed-Method Approach. J Aging Health 2020; 32:582-590. [PMID: 30957684 PMCID: PMC6996835 DOI: 10.1177/0898264319839903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The Native Hawaiian population experiences numerous disparities in health and income. Using a mixed-method research (MMR) design, we summarize findings from three phases of an MMR approach used to uncover kūpuna (elder) long-term service and support (LTSS) needs and care preferences. Methods: Key informants in Hawaiian health were interviewed, secondary analyses of large state data sets were conducted, and kūpuna and "ohana (family) caregivers were engaged in listening sessions. Results: Quantitative data confirmed numerous health disparities experienced by older Native Hawaiians, whereas qualitative data exposed their limited knowledge of this poor health profile and revealed their historical and contemporary experiences with discrimination in education, employment, and health care. Hawaiian culture was identified as a continued source of resilience in support of elders and family caregiving regardless of geographic setting. Discussion: We suggest three practice, policy, and research directions that offer the potential to respond to and improve kūpuna health and service use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Yan Wu
- University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, USA
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De Medeiros K, Etter-Lewis G. "Place" in the Small Stories of African American Elders: A Narrative Case Study. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:821-830. [PMID: 31504489 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although there is a rich literature on place and home within gerontology, few studies have considered how place acts as identity markers for older African Americans. Since narratives and stories represent ways of expressing self and identity through ordered talk, they offer an interesting way to consider how people age biographically such as through links between place and self. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed small stories (i.e., stories that can appear as snippets of talk immersed within a larger narrative) from five African Americans (three women, two men, ages 78-93 years) to better understand "place" in the context of their lives. RESULTS Overall, place in participants' small stories was linked to the African American oral tradition and, for some, the Great Migration (1915-1970) from south to north. Place identity in the small stories therefore went beyond fond reminisce and instead became a type of resistance to dominant narratives of place. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Studying small stories can therefore be an important tool in better understanding deeply personal experiences of place for under-represented elders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate De Medeiros
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis
- Department of English; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; and Black World Studies, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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46
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Owens OL, Beer JM, Revels AA, White K. The Lived Experiences of Older Low-Income African Americans Living Alone: Implications for Aging in Place in the United States. JOURNAL OF AGING AND ENVIRONMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/26892618.2020.1780662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Otis L. Owens
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jenay M. Beer
- College of Public Health and School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Asa A. Revels
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kellee White
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College, MD, USA
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Forrester SN, Taylor JL, Whitfield KE, Thorpe RJ. Advances in Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Health Disparities in Aging Minorities. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2020; 7:59-67. [PMID: 33868898 PMCID: PMC8045783 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-020-00234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose was to discuss appropriate methods for advancing our understanding of health disparities or minority aging including life-course perspectives, biological measures, pain measurement, and generational approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Life course perspectives provide an orientation for studying older minorities that concomitantly captures exposures and stressors that may lead to earlier onset of disease and premature mortality. The use of biological markers to study health disparities in older minorities is necessary in order to identify pathways between psychosocial factors and health outcomes. Work focusing on pain disparities should include explorations of relationships between psychosocial factors, and subjective and objective measures of pain. Studying families can provide insight into genetic associations and coping styles in older minorities. SUMMARY Methodological approaches that take life course, biology, and social factors into account may help identify causal pathways between social determinants of health and health outcomes among older minorities. Once these causal pathways have been identified, more strategies and interventions that strive toward health equity across older adults of all race/ethnic groups can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Forrester
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Roland J Thorpe
- Program for Research on Men's Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Wang B, Hoover DR, Beck T, Dong X. A Vulnerability Risk Index of Self-Neglect in a Community-Dwelling Older Population. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:809-816. [PMID: 31825532 PMCID: PMC9950796 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The only way to systematically screen for self-neglect among older adults is through in-home observations, which are often difficult and unfeasible for healthcare providers. To fill this gap, we need a robust and efficient prognostication tool to better treat and prevent self-neglect among older adults. OBJECTIVES To develop a predictive index that can be used to assess risk prognostication of the onset of self-neglect among community-dwelling older populations. DESIGN Two waves of longitudinal data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), collected during 2008 to 2012 with approximately 3-year follow-up intervals. SETTING Non-Hispanic black or non-Hispanic white community-dwelling older adults in three adjacent neighborhoods in Chicago, IL. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2885 individuals who were participants of the CHAP study. MEASUREMENTS The main outcomes are incident self-neglect cases. A total of 86 potential predictors were considered in the domains of sociodemographic and socioeconomic, general well-being, health behavior, medical health, medicine/healthcare, cognitive function, physical well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being. RESULTS The 3-year self-neglect incidence rate is 241 (8.4%). A 10-item predictive model (with a c-statistic of 0.76) was developed using stepwise selection in multivariable logistical regression models. After corrections of overfitting by validating in 100 bootstrapping samples, the predictive accuracy of the model dropped to 0.71, suggesting at least moderate overfitting. A point-based risk index was developed based on parameter estimates of each predictive factor in the final logistic model. The index has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76. CONCLUSION The study developed an efficient index with good predictive ability of self-neglect. Further external validation and impact studies are necessary before practitioners can apply this index to determine risk of self-neglect among other community aging populations. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:809-816, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Donald R. Hoover
- Department of Statistics and Biostatistics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Todd Beck
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - XinQi Dong
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Huentelman MJ, Talboom JS, Lewis CR, Chen Z, Barnes CA. Reinventing Neuroaging Research in the Digital Age. Trends Neurosci 2019; 43:17-23. [PMID: 31848024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide average human lifespan has increased over the past century. These changing demographics demand a reinvention of experimental approaches to study the brain and aging, with the aim of better matching cognitive healthspan with human lifespan. Past studies of cognitive aging included sample sizes that tended to be underpowered, were not sufficiently representative of national population characteristics, and often lacked longitudinal assessments. As a step to address these shortcomings, we propose a framework that encourages interaction between electronic-based and face-to-face study designs. We argue that this will achieve the necessary synergy to accelerate progress in the discovery and application of personalized interventions to optimize brain and cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt J Huentelman
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA; The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Joshua S Talboom
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA; The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Candace R Lewis
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA; The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Carol A Barnes
- The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Millar RJ. Neighborhood Cohesion, Disorder, and Physical Function in Older Adults: An Examination of Racial/Ethnic Differences. J Aging Health 2019; 32:1133-1144. [PMID: 31789070 DOI: 10.1177/0898264319890944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the link between neighborhood social cohesion, disorder, and physical function in older adults, and identified potential racial/ethnic differences in these associations. Method: Data come from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; N = 5,619). A series of linear regression models were used to predict physical function. Subgroup analyses and neighborhood/race interactions were used to examine differences. Results: Neighborhood disorder was associated with poorer physical function (p < .05), while neighborhood cohesion was not (p = .06). Although tests of interactions were not significant, subgroup analyses showed that neighborhood disorder, and not social cohesion, was associated with poorer physical function only in Whites. Discussion: Disadvantaged neighborhood social environment may contribute to differences in physical function among older adults. Racial and ethnic differences warrant closer investigation in studies of neighborhoods and functional health.
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