Gerontological Research Research Articles

The mediating role of psychological equilibrium in the relationship between dietary variety and self-reported health among older adults in rural China.

Self-Reported Health (SRH) is an important covariate in health and gerontology research and may be related to dietary diversity. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze this association in a large-scale general population of rural older adults from China. It also investigates the mediating effect of the psychological equilibrium (PE) in the association between dietary variety and SRH in this population. Based on data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS), 4,643 rural older adults were included in the study. The Dietary Variety Index was found across seven food classes using latent class analysis (LCA). We examined the factors impacting self-reported health using unordered multiple logistic regression analysis. Model 4 of the PROCESS version 4.1 software was used to evaluate the mediation impact of psychological balance. 4,643 rural seniors from the CLHLS were included in the study. Four distinct dietary variation indices (DVIs) were identified for each of the seven food categories through Latent Class Analysis. Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and milk significantly influenced self-reported health (SRH), according to unordered multinomial logistic regression. Positive correlations between DVI and psychological equilibrium (PE) (r = 0.052, P < 0.001), DVI and SRH (r = 0.054, P < 0.001), and PE and SRH (r = 0.220, P < 0.001) were revealed by Pearson correlation analysis. PE modifies the connection between DVI and SRH, with a significant indirect effect (β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.003), according to mediation analysis. The self-reported health (SRH) of older people living in rural areas has unique classification features; fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and milk have all been found to be important influencing factors. The relationship between psychological equilibrium (PE) and SRH is indirect. Our results emphasize how critical it is to support a varied diet in order to improve SRH in older adults living in rural areas. Furthermore, this population's psychological balance needs to be taken into consideration.

Normative Data for the Modified Location Learning Test (m-LLT) in the French-Quebec Population Aged Between 50 and 89Years.

This study aims to establish normative data for the modified Location Learning Test (m-LLT), considering sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, and educational level. One hundred eighty-nine middle-aged and elderly people aged 50years and older were recruited from the French-speaking population in Quebec (Canada). The m-LLT procedure described by Kessels etal. (2006) was used. Percentiles were derived for performance scores (Trial 1, Total Displacement Score, Learning Index, Delayed Recall Displacements), stratified by sociodemographic characteristics where appropriate. Regarding the sex variable, the number of displacements in Trial 1 and for the Total Displacement Score were higher in men than in women. Age was positively associated with the Total Displacement Score and Delayed Recall Displacements and negatively associated with the Learning Index. Education was positively associated with the Learning Index and Delayed Recall Displacements. Two-thirds of the normative sample achieved a perfect score on the fifth and final learning trial. Learning was better in women than in men, which may be explained by the use of verbal and nonverbal strategies and environmental awareness favoring women. The decline in learning and retrieval with age can be explained, among other reasons, by a less strategic approach during the encoding phase, a decline in other cognitive domains, or poorer imagery-based representations of the stimuli. The associations between education, strategic retrieval, and cognitive reserve are discussed. Overall, these normative data will enhance the detection of cognitive decline in geriatric clinical or research settings.

Comprehensive Dementia Care Models: State of the Science and Future Directions.

The rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias has led to renewed public discourse and policy changes in response to the care needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners. Comprehensive dementia care models are central to many recent policy initiatives, most notably the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model. Gerontological nursing research is uniquely positioned to design and lead research investigating the effectiveness of these initiatives, as well as the dissemination and scaling of existing comprehensive dementia care models. The current Annual State of the Science Review provides an overview of the current state of comprehensive dementia care models in the United States and relevant policies. Challenges and opportunities for nursing education, research, and implementation across the translational research continuum are also outlined. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(1), 7-16.].

Aging Anxiety, Identity and Gender Equality: A Study on Key Issues in Contemporary Western Gerontology

Since the late 20th century, Western gerontological research has expanded from purely biomedical to a broader cultural approach, developing interdisciplinary subfields such as humanistic and cultural gerontology. Cultural gerontology, drawing from cultural studies theories, places aging in parallel with categories like class, gender, and race to explore its culturally constructed attributes. Traditionally, old age has been negatively stereotyped as fragile and obstinate, leading to societal fear and discrimination. In reality, the segmentation of life stages is a product of societal evolution. Analyzing aging through a cultural studies lens—focusing on identity, aging anxiety, and gender power dynamics—reveals the critical role of culture in shaping the experiences and identities of the elderly. This approach effectively deconstructs negative stereotypes associated with old age and provides insights for the development of gerontology in China.

Honey bee as an alternative model invertebrate organism

Insects perfectly fit the flagship principle of animal research – 3R: to reduce (the number of animals), to replace (animals with alternative models) and to refine (methods). Bees have the most important advantages of a model organism: they cause minimal ethical controversy, they have a small and fully known genome, and they permit the use of many experimental techniques. Bees have a fully functional DNMT toolkit. Therefore, they are used as models in biomedical/genetic research, e.g. in research on the development of cancer or in the diagnostics of mental and neuroleptic diseases in humans. The reversion of aging processes in bees offers hope for progress in gerontology research. The cellular mechanisms of learning and memory coding, as well as the indicators of biochemical immunity parameters, are similar or analogous to those in humans, so bees may become useful in monitoring changes in behavior and metabolism. Bees are very well suited for studies on the dose of the substance applied to determine the lethal dose or the effect of a formula on life expectancy. Honeybees have proven to be an effective tool for studying the effects of a long-term consumption of stimulants, as well as for observing behavioral changes and developing addictions at the individual and social levels, as well as for investigating the effects of continuously delivering the same dose of a substance. The genomic and physiological flexibility of bees in dividing tasks among workers in a colony makes it possible to create a Single- Cohort Colony (SCC) in which peers compared perform different tasks. Moreover behavioral methods (e.g. Proboscis Extension Reflex – PER, Sting Extension Reflex – SER, free flying target discrimination tasks or the cap pushing response) make it possible to analyse changes occurring in honeybee brains during learning and remembering. Algorithms of actions are created based on the behavior of a colony or individual, e.g. Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (ABCA). Honeybees are also model organisms for profiling the so-called intelligence of a swarm or collective intelligence. Additionally, they serve as models for guidance systems and aviation technologies. Bees have inspired important projects in robotics, such as B-droid, Robobee and The Green Brain Project. It has also been confirmed that the apian sense of smell can be used to detect explosive devices, such as TNT, or drugs (including heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis). This inconspicuous little insect can revolutionize the world of science and contribute to the solution of many scientific problems as a versatile model.

Public Interest in Research on Aging: Analysis of Altmetric Attention Scores Over 5 Years.

This study pinpoints the areas in gerontological research that have commanded the most public attention as scored by Altmetric. We collected 12,740 outputs published in gerontological journals over 5 years from 2017 to 2022. Next, we identified the top 5% of outputs with the highest Altmetric Attention Scores. After removing duplicate publications and those without an abstract, 588 outputs remained. Our content analysis of the abstracts was conducted deductively and inductively. Theme 1 (50%; N = 293) revolved around "Health and Well-Being" (Theme 1). Theme 2 (28%; N = 164) was about "Health Services, Interventions and Innovations." Theme 3 was about "Informal and Long-Term Care" (13%; N = 80). Theme 4 focused on "Structural Inequalities" affecting older adults (9%; N = 51). Gerontologists should strengthen collaboration with other stakeholders to better engage the public across different age-related issues. These partnerships will enable the creation of initiatives that better serve the needs of aging populations.

Hematological and biochemical characterization of aging farm male rat strains in the national center for geriatrics and gerontology

Laboratory rats, like mice, are a type of animal commonly used in scientific investigations as well as in basic aging and geriatric research. The selection of a rat strain is an important first step in the planning and design of an experiment due to physiological, anatomical, and ethological variations in each strain, which may significantly modify the expected results. In the present study, we characterized age-related changes, from 3 months old (mo) to 24 mo, in three male rat strains commonly used in medical research: RccHan®️:WIST (RccHan:WIST), F344/NSlc (F344), and Slc:SD Rat (SD). The body weight, water/food consumption, and survival rate of each strain were physiologically evaluated. Hematological and biochemical values were analyzed every three months. Hematological results showed a decrease in lymphocytes and increases in other leukocytes from 12 mo in F344 and SD rats. The incidence of hematological disorder was 10-15% in F344 and SD rats from 18 mo. Increases in hepatic biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase (GPT/ALT) and aspartate transaminase (GOT/AST)) and cytopathological parameters (creatine phosphokinase (CPK)) were observed in male F344 rats at 12 mo. Triglycerides (TG) serum levels were significantly elevated in the 12 mo RccHan:WIST rats, while Lipase (LIP) levels were significantly reduced in 24 mo. The present results revealed significant variations in hematological and biochemical values in the different laboratory male rat strains due to genetic and nutritional-metabolic factors specific to each strain.

To protect and serve: a review of initiatives to support of police officers to better meet the needs of older adult

PurposePolice officers increasingly respond to incidents involving aging-related issues, where older adults are vulnerable and require tailored approaches. This scoping review aims to map initiatives aimed at enhancing interactions between older adults and police and evaluates outcomes. Findings inform the development of a geriatrics-focused police training curriculum to support age-friendly policing. A literature search across major databases and grey literature yielded 20 relevant publications. Three main initiatives were identified: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. These insights highlight effective strategies for improving police responses to aging-related challenges and guide future research and policy in this domain.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a scoping review methodology guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and PRISMA-ScR checklist. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed across multiple databases and grey literature sources. Screening and selection of relevant studies were conducted in duplicate, with data extraction focusing on key elements such as study objectives, design, interventions and outcomes. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings from included studies, highlighting three principal initiatives: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. This approach aimed to map existing evidence, inform the development of a geriatrics-focused training curriculum and identify best practices for age-friendly policing.FindingsThe scoping review identified 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings highlighted varied approaches to enhancing police interactions with older adults, emphasizing training as pivotal. Effective strategies included specialized units, tailored training programs and guidelines integrating geriatrics principles. Key outcomes encompassed improved officer knowledge, communication skills and attitudes toward older adults, fostering enhanced service delivery and community relations. Evidence underscored the importance of ongoing education and collaborative partnerships in optimizing policing responses to aging populations, advocating for sustainable, age-friendly policing practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe review’s limitations stem from primarily English-language studies, potentially overlooking non-English literature. Variability in study designs and outcomes poses challenges to synthesizing findings comprehensively. Limited generalizability may result due to geographic and cultural differences in policing practices. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies assessing long-term impacts and broader inclusion of diverse policing contexts and perspectives, enhancing applicability and depth of understanding in optimizing police interactions with older adults.Practical implicationsPractical implications include informing policy makers and law enforcement agencies about effective strategies to enhance interactions with older adults, emphasizing communication skills and de-escalation techniques. Training programs should integrate age-sensitive approaches to improve officers’ awareness and response to older adults’ needs and vulnerabilities. Implementing community engagement initiatives can foster trust and cooperation, contributing to safer and more supportive environments for older adults in policing interactions. These efforts can ultimately promote enhanced well-being and reduced conflicts between law enforcement and older adults.Social implicationsSocial implications highlight the need for broader societal awareness and education regarding the challenges faced by older adults in interactions with law enforcement. Addressing ageism and promoting respectful treatment can enhance community trust and reduce misunderstandings. Improved interactions between older adults and law enforcement can foster a more inclusive and supportive society, ensuring that older adults feel valued and protected. This can contribute to overall social cohesion and a more equitable experience for older adults in their interactions with law enforcement agencies.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of age-related issues and law enforcement interactions, a relatively underexplored area in both gerontology and criminal justice research. By examining the perceptions and experiences of older adults and law enforcement officers, it provides valuable insights into mitigating ageism and improving interactions. The study’s findings contribute to enhancing understanding of how to promote respectful and effective communication between these groups, thereby offering practical implications for policy and training initiatives aimed at fostering better relationships and outcomes for older adults in law enforcement encounters.

INCORPORATING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) MAPPING INTO GERONTOLOGY RESEARCH AND TEACHING

Abstract In gerontology, research frameworks like the life course perspective and social determinants of health (SDOH) are often used to contextualize aging and health outcomes in later life. Increasingly, an emphasis on data visualization has been put on research to have practical value. Geographic information systems (GIS), a mapping software, is one data visualization tool researchers can utilize in their work to understand what role place, space, and built environment have on health throughout the lifespan and in later life. Incorporating GIS training into gerontology research allows for students to learn data visualization, but also to apply their teachings of the life course perspective and SDOH to further understand the impact on health in later life. In this presentation, the aims are twofold: 1) explain the practical uses of GIS in gerontological research, with examples from recent work by the Healthy Aging Data Reports, and 2) describe the process of engaging undergraduate and graduate students in research, teaching, service, and policy through GIS mapping. Firstly, examples of how GIS mapping has provided communities and states with information on their aging populations will be examined. Examples of how community stakeholders in New England, Mississippi, and Wyoming have used maps to implement interventions and advocate for policy change will be described to demonstrate the practical implications of mapping for policy change. Then, best practices of teaching and training undergraduate and graduate students on using GIS mapping for gerontological research will be offered, alongside anecdotal evaluations from students on the experience.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF COOPERATIVE EXTENSION COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH FOR LATE LIFE MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract Rural-dwelling older adults have greater mental health disparities with higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their urban counterparts; however, reaching these communities to understand and address the specific psychological needs of rural-dwelling older adults remains a barrier for gerontologists. Due to the extensive reach of the Cooperative Extension system (Extension), with representation in every county across the U.S., Extension is primed to facilitate connections between researchers and rural communities to improve mental health outcomes for older adults. Despite the benefits of such partnerships, Extension is largely unknown and underutilized by gerontological researchers, which leaves many older adults unconnected with resources that could improve their mental health outcomes. To better understand this gap, we conducted a systematic review of gerontological studies that utilized Extension to reach and positively impact rural older adult mental health. Using the methods and results from these studies, we highlight the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) that make this gerontological research possible and beneficial for older adult mental health outcomes. We also explore the characteristics important for these collaborative relationships and underscores the role that Extension plays in improving mental health outcomes of older adults. Our review will contribute to gerontological research by outlining the advantages of CBPR conducted in partnership with the Extension system and providing guidance for researchers to make these connections that will reduce the mental health disparities between rural and urban older adults.

FORTIFYING GERIATRIC CARE AND RESEARCH: THE VHA ADVANCED FELLOWSHIP IN GERIATRICS

Abstract Geriatric care often involves addressing complex medical, social, and behavioral needs that require input from multiple disciplines. A robust workforce with geriatric specialties is essential to ensure that older adults receive the comprehensive care and support necessary for optimal aging. Despite the growing demand, there is a significant shortage of providers working in geriatric care, exacerbating the strain on existing resources. One way to address this shortage may be through the Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics (AFiG), a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program overseen by the Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). The AFiG is a 2-year, postgraduate (post-residency, post-doctoral, post-masters) training program, offered to clinicians and non-clinician scientists, that prepares leaders in geriatric research, education, and clinical innovation. Fellows are hosted in Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (GRECC) in 20 VA medical centers across the country, providing a rich combination of clinical rotations, didactic education, and research opportunities. Fellows gain expertise in identifying and addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults, particularly within the veteran population. This fellowship provides participants with a wealth of advanced training topics including management of multiple chronic conditions, population health and health promotion, models of care, policy initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This symposium features presentations from 1) AFiG leadership, 2) GRECC leadership, and 3) facilitated discussion with an interprofessional cohort of current/former Fellows to share the breadth of clinical and research experiences in the AFiG.

FUELING SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION: NIA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR AGING RESEARCHERS

Abstract The symposium panel will offer a comprehensive overview of National Institute on Aging (NIA) programs designed to foster entrepreneurship and facilitate the commercialization of aging-related innovations. Central to the discussion are initiatives such as NIA Startup Challenge and Accelerator which has been demonstrated to provide first-time entrepreneurs with essential training in evidence-based technology development and position them for success. Additionally, the panel will highlight the NIA Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) funding opportunities, which aim to expose researchers in gerontology and related fields to entrepreneurship. A key focus of the panel is the pivotal role of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding as a primary source of early-stage seed funding in aging research. Panelists will elucidate how SBIR funding empowers startups to reach critical value inflection points by supporting data collection and validation processes. Moderated by NIA entrepreneurial program leadership, the panel features representatives from Challenge finalists, SBIR-funded startups, and key stakeholders in the Aging Research-related startup ecosystem. Through diverse perspectives and real-world experiences, attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating the entrepreneurial journey, leveraging NIA resources, and harnessing the power of collaboration to enable the impactful commercialization of innovations that would enhance the health and/or care of older adults. In summary, the panel will provide a dynamic exchange of ideas, strategies, and success stories, as we illuminate the path from research innovation to market transformation in the realm of aging research. Business and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

TRANSCENDING ‘INTERDISCIPLINARY PARADOX’: TOWARDS AN AUTONOMOUS BODY OF KNOWLEDGE THROUGH TRANSDISCIPLINARITY

Abstract Autonomous body of knowledge (BoK) in gerontology is not only an extrinsic requirement to address the challenges of an aging society, but also an intrinsic need for the discipline to achieve its independency. The establishment of such a BoK requires an introspective reflection. This poster presents a review of the progress on the establishment of gerontology’s autonomous BoK, and explores the evolvement of the discipline following the “multidisciplinary-interdisciplinary-transdisciplinary” continuum. The study finds a ‘interdisciplinary paradox’ in current gerontological BoK, which manifests as: programmatic discourse on interdisciplinarity in gerontology continues to proliferate and disseminate, yet disciplinary and sub-disciplinary differentiation and specialization are ever-increasing. Moreover, there remains structural barriers in academia supporting interdisciplinary research in gerontology. To resolve this paradox and reinforce the establishment of gerontological autonomous BoK, a transdisciplinary research model (ISOE model) consisting of 3 phases could be adopted. The 3 phases in the model are as following: a. Breaking down barriers between organizations, interacting with diverse stakeholders and framing the real-world problem collectedly b. Integrating research methodologies and perspectives, and collaborating on producing solution-orientated knowledge and transferable results; c. Translating and applying research results to real world practice. In conclusion, transdisciplinary method offers a promising pathway to establish an autonomous BoK in gerontology.

COUNTY JAIL AS A SITE OF CARE AND CONTROL FOR OLDER HOMELESS SEATTLELITES

Abstract An estimated 1.2% of people over age 50 living in community settings have been recently involved in the criminal-legal system. County jails detain people who have yet to face trial, have been sentenced to misdemeanors with short sentences, or who violated parole. Much of the attention to aging within the criminal-legal system has focused on long-term institutions such as prisons; this gap limits our understanding and ability to respond to the need of older adults in the homeless-jail cycle. Using electronic medical record data from a specialty street-based palliative care team and key informant interviews, this presentation will present preliminary findings from a reflexive thematic analysis. Findings include: (1) entangled health and behavioral health precedents for criminal-legal involvement; (2) jail healthcare designed for high acuity and low complexity; (3) discretionary and subjective compassion for aging issues; and (4) ageism’s role in driving institutionalization of older people experiencing homelessness. Implications include guiding future abolitionist research in gerontology, workforce preparation within homeless response systems and correctional programs, and interventions to reduce jail use by older people.

DISABILITY: INDEPENDENT OR DEPENDENT VARIABLE IN GERONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH?

Abstract A critical issue for bridging aging and disability research is developing a shared understanding of when disability should be employed as an independent or a dependent variable. To date, this discussion has rarely been had across researchers. Is disability a dependent variable, an outcome? Or does it contribute to outcomes as an independent variable? Or both? How disability is conceptualized, measured, analyzed, and interpreted matters for how we understand the role disability plays over the life course. Disability status is used as both an independent and a dependent variable in gerontological and disability/rehabilitation research. Research in both fields often focuses on reducing likelihood, duration, and severity of disability. A key distinction between fields is how each conceptualize disability – what it is and what it means – particularly given age of onset and type of disability. For example, in gerontological research, often positions disability as an individual trait that mediates the ability to live independently (typically reducing independence). However, disability/rehabilitation research commonly positions disability as a situational trait, or moderating variable associated with difficulty of living independently, but not causing inability to live independently. NIH’s recent inclusion of disability as a social determinant of health provides an opportunity for gerontologists to more deeply consider how disability is employed in research designs and why. We discuss how more consistent use of disability as an independent and/or dependent variable can help bridge aging and disability research and provide greater understanding of the role disability plays over the life course.

MEDICAL EXPENDITURE DIFFERENCES: EMERGING OLDER ADULTS, BOOMERS VERSUS THE PREDECESSORS IN KOREA (2010–2020)

Abstract South Korea, the world’s fastest-aging society, faces growing concerns over the increasing societal caregiving burden as the aging of the baby boom generation (boomers) starting in 2020. Recognizing the importance of generational context in gerontological research, this study conducted APC analysis on the annual individual medical expenditure (AIME) of approximately 148,000 participants from the Korea Health Panel Survey data (2010-2020), comparing the industrial generation (IG) (born 1945-1954) with the boomers (born 1955-1964). The analysis revealed a declining AIME trend from the IG to the boomers, with age and period effects controlled. This trend was similarly observed in AIME related to out-patient (OP) services and services at primary care providers, contrasting with AIME related to emergency or in-patient services and care at higher-level institutions. The findings suggest that the difference in total AIME between the two generations could stem from a decrease in the use of OP services at primary healthcare institutions by the boomers. Further analysis, guided by the relationship between OP service use and the number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) reported in prior studies, indicated that the boomers had a significantly lower incidence of major NCDs compared to the IG. This research highlights how the boomers, having driven Korea’s post-war economic boom, are shaping into a distinct older population, diverging from aging patterns of the predecessor generation. It underscores the importance of developing sustainable health management and expenditure policies that reflect the needs of emerging older adults.

THE BLACK BOX OF AI-AGEISM: EXPLORING THE CO-CONSTITUTION OF AGING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Abstract Algorithmic technologies and (large) data infrastructures, often referred to as Artificial Intelligence (AI), have received increasing attention from gerontological research in the last decade. So far, however, available studies have often focused on evaluating the “impact” of AI technologies on the lives of older people, while critical engagement with theory has been largely absent in these studies. In this paper, we make a novel contribution by critically engaging with the theorizing in this growing field of research. We observe that gerontology’s engagement with AI is shaped by an interventionist logic that situates AI as a black box for gerontological research. We demonstrate how this black box logic has neglected many aspects of AI as a research topic for gerontology and discuss three classical concepts in gerontology to show how they can be used to open various black boxes of aging and AI in the areas: a) the datafication of aging, b) the political economy of AI and aging, and c) everyday engagements and embodiments of AI in later life. In the final chapter, we propose a model of the co-constitution of aging and AI that makes theoretical propositions to study the relational terrain between aging and AI and hence aims to open the black box of AI in gerontology beyond an interventionist logic.

BUILDING RESEARCH AND EVALUATION CAPACITY OF INTERGENERATIONAL INITIATIVES: EXAMPLES FROM THE FIELD

Abstract Conducting evaluations to assess the impact of projects, services, and programs is often a daunting task for nonprofit and grassroots organizations. More so, developing research projects that document the need for the work of these social-purpose organizations can be difficult for staff and volunteers busy with day-to-day responsibilities. This presentation will showcase an ongoing academic-organizational partnership created to increase the research and evaluation capacity of a national nonprofit organization and its network of nascent and established grantees bringing older and younger people together to work on major social and environmental issues. Topics addressed will be establishing and cultivating trusting and transparent relationships, developing a scope of work, using an organization-centric research capacity-building approach, engaging students in these efforts, and more. Further, specific examples of products from these research and evaluation projects will be shown to illustrate how to navigate the conflicting needs of academics on the tenure-track with those of community-based organizations. The primary implications of this academic-organization partnership are twofold: First, this model, piloted with an organization focused on fostering new intergenerational initiatives, can be used by gerontological researchers in a variety of fields to benefit the community while aligning with established academic expectations; and second, leaders within these nascent intergenerational initiatives have now learned how to conduct basic program evaluations within their own organizations, which should ultimately lead to the strengthening of programs that bring the generations together.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS CONDUCTING GERONTOLOGY RESEARCH: AN AVENUE FOR INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION

Abstract With the proportion of older adults and subsequent rates of age-related assets (e.g., wisdom) and challenges (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease/related dementias), projected to rise over the coming decades, it is imperative that professionals across disciplines understand how physical, cognitive, and everyday function in older adulthood impact individuals, families, and communities. As educators, we have a responsibility to train professionals to be competent and aware of older adults’ needs, whether or not students plan to pursue careers directly related to gerontology or geriatrics. Many forms of experiential learning have been employed to accomplish this goal, though students’ direct involvement in gerontology research has not been examined in detail. Our investigation debriefs the experiences of students and faculty involved in a pilot gerontology study where undergraduate students conducted in-person visits with older adult participants. Feedback was collected through anonymous online surveys, guided focus groups, and unstructured team conversations. A salient theme, and the focus of this presentation, was meaningful engagement between students and study participants. Students described gaining personal insights and professional skills from working with participants. Notably, we found that several structures supported positive connections (e.g., in-person interactions, pairing two student testers with a participant, shared goals, balance of structured activities and wait time for conversation). Areas for improvement included additional training for managing participants’ study task pacing. Although these findings reflect lessons learned from one case, they can guide future endeavors of faculty who want to include undergraduate students in their research while promoting intergenerational learning.

CULTIVATING RESILIENCE ACROSS DIVERSE AGING COMMUNITIES

Abstract This symposium explores the multifaceted experiences of resilience and well-being among older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the role of resistance and assertion of cultural practices for optimal aging and aging in place. Presentations span various communities in the U.S. that are not widely studied in gerontological research, offering a comprehensive perspective on aging challenges and strategies. The first presentation focuses on the concept of ‘Eldership’ among Alaskan Native Elders in promoting mutually beneficial relations within youth, communities, tribes, and organizations. The second presentation highlights perspectives from Native Hawaiian kumu loea (expert teachers) of traditional practices on regeneration of cultural practices and language, emphasizing the challenges and personal resilience of those reclaiming indigenous knowledge through resistance. The third presentation explores the well-being of older South Asian American women, identifying factors like robust social networks, participation in cultural events, and mindfulness practices as asset-based strengths that empower and support a sense of purpose. The fourth presentation identifies factors influencing life satisfaction among resettled Bhutanese older adults, uncovering the importance of social support and resilience. The final presentation investigates self-employment among older Hispanics, revealing intragroup disparities in safety-net program access and economic opportunities, showcasing how cultural identity serve as a proxy to later life financial security and well-being. Together, these presentations foster a deeper understanding of resilience across diverse aging communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural resistance and traditional practices as integral components of well-being, providing insights for those seeking culturally sensitive approaches to support the well-being of older populations.