Senior Centers Research Articles

Is Effective Recruitment Strategy Critical to Assess Brain Cognitive Function of Super Agers in Rural West Texas.

Our commentary aims to elucidate the importance of participant recruitment strategy in healthy brain aging study, particularly in rural West Texas, where more than 50% of the population are Hispanics and Latinos. The objective of our health aging study is to investigate the possible influence of biological, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors on the occurrence of chronic diseases and dementia in the aging populations of West Texas. The success of this initiative is, in large part, reliant on high-quality, effective recruitment of participants. To that end, we propose an increase in our strategic recruitment efforts for both healthy, cognitively superior agers as well as those with mild cognitive impairment and patients with Alzheimer's disease in rural west Texas. We discussed, multi-advertising approaches, including ads in the local newspapers, local TV Channels and poster boards in senior centers.

Older adult drug overdose: an application of latent class analysis to identify prevention opportunities

BackgroundOlder adult overdose death rates have increased significantly in recent years. However, research for prevention of drug overdose death specific to older adults is limited. Our objective is to identify profiles based on missed intervention points (touchpoints) to inform prevention of future older adult unintentional overdose deaths.MethodsWe used latent class analysis methods to identify profiles of decedents aged 55 + years in the Illinois Statewide Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. This system collects data on 92.6% of all unintentional overdose deaths in Illinois and includes data from death certificates, coroner/medical examiner, toxicology, and autopsy reports. Data include decedent demographics, circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fatal overdose and details regarding the overdose. Variables in the latent class analysis model included sex, race, alcohol test result, social isolation, recent emergency department (ED) visit, chronic pain, and pain treatment.ResultsWe identified three distinct decent profiles. Class 1 (13% of decedents) included female decedents who were in pain treatment, had physical health problems, and had greater likelihood of a recent ED visit before their death. Class 2 (35% of decedents) decedents were most likely to be socially connected (live with others, employed, had social or family relationships) but less likely to have recent healthcare visits. Class 3 (52% of decedents) decedents had higher social isolation (lived alone, unemployed, unpartnered), were mostly male, had fewer known physical health conditions, and more alcohol positivity at time of death. White decedents are clustered in class 1 while Black decedents are predominant in classes 2 and 3.ConclusionsThese profiles link to potential touchpoint opportunities for substance use disorder screening harm reduction and treatment. Class 1 members were most likely to be reachable in healthcare settings. However, most decedents were members of Classes 2 and 3 with less engagement in the healthcare system, suggesting a need for screening and intervention in different contexts. For Class 2, intervention touchpoints might include education and screening in work or social settings such as senior centers given the higher degree of social connectivity. For Class 3, the most isolated group, touchpoints may occur in the context of harm reduction outreach and social service delivery.

Effect of negative social capital on exercise participation in the nonface-to-face era: The case of South Korea

Lack of access to social bonding sessions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on older adults' exercise participation. This study examined the relationships between bridging capital, bonding capital, relationship commitment, and exercise participation intention. We surveyed 740 adults aged 50 years or over who visited welfare, health, and senior centers in South Korea. The results showed that bridging capital and bonding capital were positively associated with relationship commitment and exercise participation intention, and that the effect of bridging capital on exercise participation intention was mediated by relationship commitment. Thus, it is necessary to find ways to develop programs that can connect older adults and help them form small networks, in order to promote their exercise participation.

Acoustical investigations of multipurpose spaces at community facilities

Multipurpose spaces in community and recreational facilities hold significant value, catering to a variety of uses and accommodating users of diverse age groups. This article discusses investigations conducted at nine municipally owned facilities including community centres, arenas, and a senior centre related to reportedly poor acoustic conditions in multipurpose spaces. The acoustical measurements of the as-found conditions, relevant criteria, and analysis are outlined. The sound isolation, acoustical treatment for interior reverberation control, and background noise from HVAC are discussed as the contributing factors for the subjective acoustic concerns.

Effects of sleep quality and physical activity measured by a Fitbit and self-rated questionnaire on the health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify influencing factors on health-related quality of life by examining relationships among sleep quality, physical activity, and health-related quality of life in older adults living in the community using a Fitbit and self-rated questionnaire. Methods: The participants were adults aged 65 years and above who were recruited from one senior university and three senior citizen centers. A total of 106 participants were included in the analysis. The data were analyzed with t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple regression analysis. Results: According to multiple regression analysis regarding objectively measured sleep quality and physical activity using a Fitbit, the factors affecting the health-related quality of life were age (β=-.30, p=.006), subjective health status as ‘moderate’ (β=.33, p=.001), and subjective health status as ‘good’ (β=.41, p=.001). In terms of using a self-rated questionnaire, the factors affecting health-related quality of life were age (β=-.27, p=.010), subjective health status as ‘moderate’ (β=.32, p=.001), subjective health status as ‘good’ (β=.37, p=.001), and physical activity (β=.18, p=.030). Conclusion: Although the findings may not be generalizable to community-dwelling older adults due to our convenience samples, this study suggests that customized physical activity programs are required to improve health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults of different age groups.

Subjective memory complaints and medication adherence among hypertensive Korean older adults with multimorbidity: mediating effect of depression and social support

Background & Aim(s)Medication adherence (MA) is a key factor in maintaining adequate blood pressure and preventing complications. However, some older adults experience difficulties in taking medicine properly due to declines in cognitive function. Although subjective memory complaints (SMC) are recognized as early markers of cognitive impairment, previous studies concerning the relationship between MA and cognitive function have focused only on objective cognitive function. Furthermore, while depression has a high correlation with SMC, low MA, and social support, there is limited evidence on their relationship. This study aims to understand the effect of SMC on MA and the mediating effect of depression and social support.Method(s)This study is a descriptive cross-sectional investigation. A sample of 195 community-dwelling hypertensive older adults with multimorbidity from 3 community senior centers in Gwangju, South Korea were recruited through convenience sampling. Data was collected through face-to-face survey from January to March 2018. The PROCESS macro v4.2 program [Model 6] was used to analyze the mediating effect of depression and social support in the relationship between SMC and MA. Data analysis was performed using SPSS/WIN 26.0 and STATA MP 17.0.ResultsThe average MA was 6.74. There were significant differences in MA according to awareness of prescribed drugs, awareness of side effects, insomnia, and healthcare accessibility. SMC was positively correlated with depression, while social support and MA were negatively correlated. While depression was a significant mediator of the effect of SMC on MA, the mediating effect of social support was not significant. The multiple mediation effect of depression and social support was not significant.ConclusionThe results suggest that medication management of older adults in community settings should be accompanied by a comprehensive health assessment of associated factors. Health professionals should explore strategies to improve memory as well as prevent and alleviate depression to increase MA among hypertensive older adults with multimorbidity.

An Exploratory Study of Silver Taekwondo as Serious Leisure and Successful Aging

This study explored older adults’ successful aging experiences through Taekwondo through a phenomenological design in which semi-structured interviews were used. The participants were recruited from a local senior center in the midwestern part of Korea using purposeful sampling. Three themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the findings. The first and second themes are related to Stebbins’ (1992) serious leisure theory and the third theme is related to Rowe and Kahn’s (1997) successful aging model. According to the results, participants engaged in Silver Taekwondo as serious leisure and their participation contributed to successful aging. The findings suggest Taekwondo is a promising leisure activity that has a positive impact on the daily lives of older adults.

Developing and evaluating a mindfulness-based finger/hand exercise intervention for ethnically diverse older adults with and without disabilities: A feasibility study

Few exercise interventions target ethnic minority older adults, especially those with disability. We evaluated feasibility of newly-developed finger/hand exercises to promote health in ethnically diverse older adults with/without disability. We conducted 10-minute video exercises daily, supervised by research assistants. The feasibility, evaluated via three studies, focused on recruitment, intervention fidelity, safety, outcome assessment, and acceptability. Studies varied in design and delivery methods, being conducted across settings (senior centers, apartments). We enrolled 101 Chinese older adults (mean age = 72) without disability in Study 1, and 15 older Africans/Hispanics with disability (mean age = 70) in Studies 2 and 3. Intervention, either in-person or online, was implementable and acceptable with high fidelity. Attendance was satisfactory (79.6%, 74.2%, 76.7%) and attrition was low (12%, 0%, 0%). Outcome measures data was ascertained. No adverse events were observed. Preliminary findings indicate feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the simple finger/hand exercise for diverse older adults.

Effect of a Bladder Control Self-Management Program Delivered Through a Health Kiosk.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of delivering a bladder control self-management program through a multiuser health kiosk and to evaluate the program's effect on urinary incontinence (UI) and incontinence-specific quality of life (QoL). Secondary analysis of data collected during participants' interactions with the Bladder Control Module (BCM) from the parent study. One hundred eleven participants from the parent study were eligible to be included in this secondary analysis. Their mean age was 72.8years, and most were female (n=95, 85.6%); 81 (75.7%) identified themselves as Caucasian. Each participant could access the BCM at a health kiosk situated at one of several sites: senior centers, subsidized senior housing, retirement communities, and a public library. The BCM comprised 6 sessions self-administered at least 1 week apart. The content focused on lifestyle modification, pelvic floor muscle training, and bladder (habit) retraining, with encouragement of behavioral self-monitoring between sessions. The feasibility of delivering the intervention was measured by the proportion of participants completing each session. The effect of the BCM on incontinence episodes and incontinence-specific QoL was measured, respectively, by a 7-day bladder diary and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form. Sixty-one of the 111 eligible participants accessed the BCM. Participants recording incontinence episodes in their baseline bladder diary and completing at least 3 BCM sessions experienced significant decreases in median total UI (P =.01), urge UI (P <.001), and stress UI (P =.02) episodes per day. Incontinence-related QoL significantly improved (P =.03). Our findings support the potential effectiveness of providing community-based, kiosk-enabled access to a conservative behavioral intervention designed to improve incontinence-related outcomes among older adults with UI. Additional research with a larger sample is warranted.

Mixed reality technology for older adults: Evaluating the impact of a novel virtual humanoid coach in a community-based physical exercise program in the Philippines.

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a global burden, leading to a variety of health challenges and even mortality. This study evaluated the impact of a novel virtual humanoid coach-driven physical exercise program among older adults. A non-randomized (quasi) experimental research was conducted in two community senior centers. The recruited participants (n = 130) were primarily female older adults with a mean age of 66.40 and agreed to be purposively assigned either experimental or control groups. Trained healthcare providers performed health assessments in three time points using valid and reliable tools. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and RM-ANOVA were used to quantitatively analyze the data using SPSS version 22. There are significant mean differences between the groups across all functional capacity assessments and Time 2-3 assessment of sleep quality. RM-ANOVA revealed significant differences in physical assessment over time between the two groups. The analyses of time and group interaction revealed significant improvement in health assessments among the members of the mixed reality group compared to the traditional groups. The impact of virtual coaches in community-based enhancing physical activity programs is comparable to the traditional mode and introduces a novel approach to promoting physical activity among older adults.

Toward Sustaining Web-Based Senior Center Programming Accessibility With and for Older Adult Immigrants: Community-Based Participatory Research Cross-Sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many community-based organizations serving Asian Americans pivoted to provide web-based care and social services. Asian American community leaders in the United States Pacific Northwest, including Asian Health & Service Center expressed that there are older immigrant adults who experienced backlash from discrimination, fear, and anxiety owing in part to anti-Asian hate and isolation, including from infection precautions. Pivoting supported staying safe from COVID-19 transmission and anti-Asian hate crimes. This study aims to examine the readiness of diverse groups of older Asian American immigrant adults (Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese) to use a web-based senior center, including technology access and telehealth use, and to identify the psychosocial health impacts that a web-based senior center could be positioned to meet. A community-based participatory research approach was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey study in an Asian-based health and service center in 2022. We selected surveys from the National Institutes of Health-supported PhenX Toolkit. Analyses were performed using R software. There was an 88.2% (216/245) response rate. Overall, 39.8% (86/216) of participants were Chinese, 25% (54/216) were Korean, and 24.5% (53/216) were Vietnamese. There were significant group differences in mobile data plans (P=.0005). Most had an unlimited mobile data plan (38/86, 44% Chinese; 39/54, 72% Koreans; 25/53, 47% Vietnamese). Significant group differences existed regarding whether they started using a new electronic device to communicate with friends or family after the COVID-19 outbreak (P=.0005); most were Korean participants (31/54, 57%). For written text and audio or video apps, most Chinese participants used WeChat (65/85, 76%; 57/84, 68%, respectively), most Koreans used KakaoTalk (49/54, 91%; 49/54, 91%, respectively), and most Vietnamese used Facebook Messenger for written text (32/50, 64%) and Apple Face Time (33/50, 66%) or Facebook Messenger (31/50, 62%) for audio or video. Significant group differences existed regarding whether to try telehealth (P=.0005); most Vietnamese expressed that they would never consider it (41/53, 77%). Significant group differences existed regarding how well they were able to concentrate (χ22=44.7; P<.0001); Chinese participants reported a greater inability (median 5, IQR 4-6). With regard to difficulties in life experiences (χ22=51; P<.0001), the median was 6 (IQR 5-7) for the Vietnamese group. Significant group differences existed in having had a family/household member's salary, hours, and contracts reduced (P=.0005) and having had a family/household member or friend fallen physically ill (P=.0005)-most Vietnamese (15/53, 28%) and Korean participants (10/53, 19%). To build an efficacious, web-based senior center with web-based care and social service options, more older adults need access to the internet and education about using technology-enabled communication devices. Addressing the unique psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on each group could improve health equity. The strength of the participating older adults was observed and honored.

Intergenerational Programs and Projects as a Proposal for Psychosocial Action in the Promotion of Active Aging

Introduction: Active aging promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) promote not only to add years to life, but also life to years. The pillars of active aging are based on health, safety, participation and education for life. To offer the possibility for older people to actively participate in society, there are different strategies, among which intergenerational programs and projects stand out. Objective: This mini-review aimed to review the value of intergenerational programs and projects in promoting active aging, through one of its fundamental pillars: the integration and participation of older adults. Method: The methodological procedure used in this paper involved a narrative approach with analysis from different sources. Different databases were consulted (WoS, PubMed, SciELO), and organizations such as the WHO and various oficial resources were used as sources of information. Results: Intergenerational programs and projects are plans coordinated and designed by educational centers, senior centers and other organizations and associations - public and private - that want to work together for the mutual benefit of older adults, children and youth. After review the benefits of intergenerational programs and projects, it stands out one of the recent and successful iniciative implemented in Spain -the intergenerational program “Adopt a Grandparent”. This iniciative is dedicated to fostering connections between different generations with the aim of alleviating situations of loneliness among older people. Discussion and Conclusions: Participation between generations brings us closer to a more intergenerational society. The social network formed through bidirectional synergies can positively impact aging, serving as a compass for the health and psychological well-being of older people. In essence, advocating for the promotion of intergenerationl programs and projects, as leading of the sphere social policies enables the construction of a society for all ages with psychosocial benefits.

A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a community-level physical activity strategy for older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome.

The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a syndrome characterized by subjective memory complaints and slow walking speeds that can identify older adults at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD). To date, the feasibility of community-based physical activity (PA) programs for improving outcomes in MCR have yet to be examined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a translational randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing 24-weeks of PA to a healthy aging education (HE) control intervention delivered within the infrastructure of an urban senior center in Greater Boston (clincaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03750682). An existing senior center employee was trained to administer the multimodal group-based PA program that included moderate-intensity aerobic walking, strength, flexibility and balance training. A total of 79 older adults attended the senior center for a screening visit, of whom 29 met the MCR criteria and 25 were randomized to PA or HE (mean age: 74.4 ± 7years; BMI: 32.4 ± 7kg/m2; 85% female; 3MSE score: 92.4 ± 7; gait speed: 0.52 ± 0.1m/s; SPPB score 4.8 ± 1.9). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the study was stopped prematurely. Participants could successfully adhere to the study interventions (overall attendance rate: PA: 69% vs. HE:70% at study termination). Participants also successfully completed baseline and follow-up study assessments that included a computerized cognitive testing battery and objective tests of physical performance and functional exercise capacity. No study-related adverse events occurred. Notable trends for improved cognitive performance, gait speed and 6-min walk distance were exhibited in PA compared to HE. Our study provides important preliminary information to aid the design of larger-scale RCTs of PA that may help to preserve the independence of vulnerable older adults at high risk for ADRD in community-based settings.

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context

Concern for the residential environment for the elderly is increasingly evident in theory in numerous academic studies and in practice reflected in contemporary realisations. Residential centers for seniors are becoming increasingly popular, and their form and function are becoming more complex and dedicated to specific needs. The authors presented the results of a study of a dozen of different case studies of residential and commercial complexes with a healthcare function for the elderly realised after 2005. The authors hypothesise that contemporary realised complexes for seniors are characterised by a varied morphology, i.e., in some cases they replicate the structure of the urban fabric, while in others they clearly break away from it and create individualised forms. The qualitative assessment considers the advantages and disadvantages associated with the morphology of the complexes. The authors also presented their individual design as an experiment of implementing current trends in an established location (research by design). The presented research shows that both the form and function of housing for seniors evolve depending on the needs. Functional programs and the facilities themselves are usually quite extensive and result in complex functional-spatial systems that fill most of the plots on which they were designed. Conclusions from the research can be valuable in studying other senior centres, especially when making location decisions for similar functions.

Assessment of Willingness to Work with the Elderly and the Related Factors in Iranian Dental Students

Objectives Due to the increase in the aged population and the need to improve their health and quality of life, the demand for social services and health care has increased. The present study e aims to investigate the willingness to work with the elderly and the related factors among Iranian dental students. Methods &amp; Materials This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2021. The study population consists of all male and female students in dentistry from the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Dental Branch. Of these, 287 were selected by a purposive sampling method. The Willingness to Work with elderly people scale, with 20 items and 4 subscales, was used for data collection. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the data was collected online. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 23 using the independent t-test, multiple linear regression analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. Results The mean age of students was 23.9±3.807 years, and the mean score of willingness was 51.69±13.004. Having the gerontology course did not have a significant effect on increasing the willingness (P&gt;0.05). The willingness level was significantly different in terms of experience working with the elderly, visiting senior care and rehabilitation centers, attending conferences and workshops about gerontology, and voluntary activities (charities) for the elderly (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion The Iranian dental students’ willingness to work with the elderly is not favorable. The students with experience working with the elderly, visiting senior care centers, or attending workshops or conferences on gerontology are more willing to work with the elderly. Therefore, designing educational courses and holding workshops or conferences on gerontology for dental students can be effective in increasing their willingness to work with the elderly.

Usability and acceptance as facilitators of behavioral intention to use a mixed reality exercise program in older adults: A structural equation model

BackgroundStaying active has been one of the mainstays in promoting health in older adults. Despite the potential of innovative health technologies for fitness, there is limited understanding of the factors influencing older adults’ behavioral intention to engage in mixed reality physical exercise. PurposeTo develop a theoretical model of technology usability and acceptance influencing behavioral intention to use a mixed reality physical exercise program among older adults. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted to develop a virtual exercise coach in a mixed-reality environment. Older adults (n = 64) were purposively selected from a community senior center in the Philippines and participated in the exercise program. Their responses were analyzed using a partial least square approach to structural equation modeling. ResultsThe generated measurement model demonstrated valid and reliable estimates. Its structural model (R2 = 0.64) had a good fit (GoF = 0.56) with consistent quality indices. It also indicated that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and information quality are significant (p < 0.05) factors explaining behavioral intention to use the virtual coach system among older adults. ConclusionThe belief in technology usefulness, trust, data quality, and the value of shared responsibility between the technology promoters and users significantly facilitates behavioral intention to use mixed reality virtual coach systems. The study results are valuable in developing technologies and improving older adult participation in technology-driven community health programs.

Exploration of the potentially effective elements within the policy concept of caring neighbourhoods in addressing and preventing loneliness

Loneliness does not only occur later in life; children, adolescents and adults can also experience loneliness during their lifetime. Loneliness leads to a variety of short- and long-term negative health effects. Given those negative effects, there has been an increased demand to introduce interventions that reduce loneliness. Furthermore, recently different scholars make a plea from loneliness reduction to loneliness prevention.&#x0D; Today, one of the Flemish government's strategies in addressing and preventing loneliness is the development of caring neighbourhoods (1). The neighbourhood can play a role in addressing loneliness (2). A caring neighbourhood is not a fixed prescribed model, it is a policy concept. It is a systemic approach for greater quality of life, better health, social cohesion and resilience within a defined neighbourhood (3). At the Flemish policy level, a caring neighbourhood, as a guiding policy concept, is understood “as a neighbourhood where conditions are met so that people, regardless of age and large or small support needs in multiple life domains, can continue to live comfortably in their own home or within a familiar neighbourhood. A neighbourhood where people of all ages, young and older adults live together, where people feel good and safe, where quality of life is central, where residents know and help each other, where people and families receive the support they need, and where services and facilities are accessible and available to all” (3, p. 5). In the neighbourhood, many volunteers, caregivers and other organizations can play a role and can respond to signs of loneliness. In a caring neighbourhood, everyone should have the opportunity to participate actively (1).&#x0D; Over the years, a wide range of loneliness interventions, especially for older adults, have been developed. Recently, several reviews and meta-analyses are published in order to investigate the effectiveness of different intervention and prevention strategies to alleviate loneliness within all ages.&#x0D; Within this study, we look at the effective elements of different intervention strategies to reduce and prevent loneliness and to what extent they correspond to the objectives of a caring neighbourhood. We conducted an explorative literature search on Pubmed, Web of science and Google scholar and included 13 reviews or meta-analyses. The study selection criteria included reviews of intervention studies to reduce or prevent loneliness in all age-groups. Furthermore, these reviews also needed to scientifically evaluate the effective elements of these interventions.&#x0D; &#x0D; The results of this exploratory research open the debate on the potential and limits of caring neighbourhoods in order to reduce and prevent loneliness. The discussion develops the argument that in order to combat and prevent loneliness, the development of caring neighbourhoods is relevant but should not be overidealized.&#x0D; 1.Flemish government. Flemish loneliness plan. 2022&#x0D; 2.Newall NEG, Menec VH. Targeting Socially Isolated Older Adults: A Process Evaluation of the Senior Centre Without Walls Social and Educational Program. J Appl Gerontol [Internet]. 2015 Dec 1 [cited 2022 Nov 30];34(8):958–76.&#x0D; 3.Flemish government, Department of Welfare, Public Health and Family. Inspiration framework at project call for caring neighbourhoods. 2021. Available from: https://www.zorgenvoormorgen.be/sites/default/files/media/20210610_inspiratiekader_FINAAL.pdf&#x0D;

REENGAGING AFRICAN AMERICAN AND BLACK OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 ERA: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY

Abstract Churches and senior centers are social engagement hubs for older Black and African Americans (BAA) that can positively impact well-being. Although these facilities re-opened after the COVID-19 pandemic, engagement with these facilities has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Our long-term goal is to develop a behavioral intervention to address the re-engagement needs/concerns of BAA older adults as a means of preventing/reducing depressive symptoms and disability. In the first phase of this work, we used a community-based participatory research approach to determine barriers to, and facilitators of, activity reengagement through the perspectives of leaders of BAA churches and senior centers around Hartford, Connecticut. We conducted three focus groups with key stakeholders (n=4 senior center staff; n=4 senior center staff; n=5 church staff) between May 2023 and July 2023. Using a Framework Method approach and semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to define engagement as it relates to senior center and church involvement since re-opening and to quantify, in their own words, the problem of disengagement. Participants were also asked about the effectiveness of online engagement vs. in-person engagement and members experience(s) with social isolation and loneliness. Line-by-line thematic analysis of the transcriptions was used to identify and group meaningful phrases and responses into major themes. Three organizing themes emerged: “transportation” concerns impacting members during COVID-19 pandemic, increased health issues among members; and issues and concerns related to family support. Leaders from churches and senior centers provided valuable insights into the overarching issues affecting re-engagement among older BAA senior center and church members.

TRANSPORTATION-RELATED FACTORS AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF COMPANIONSHIPS AMONG SENIOR CENTER MEMBERS

Abstract Throughout the United States, a variety of programs focus on social engagement to reduce social isolation and loneliness for older adults. An ideal site for this is the senior center. This research takes place in a senior center serving older Hispanic/Latinx adults in an urban community in the northeast United States. Data were collected 9/21-12/21 from 38 of approximately 42 regular members. Cross-sectional social network analysis data were analyzed using exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) of the likelihood of companionship ties among 42 senior center members. Several transportation related factors were significantly associated with the likelihood of companionship ties. Controlling for demographics and frequency of attendance, having missed going to the senior center due to a lack of transportation was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of a companionship tie (p = .004). Companionships were also less likely for members who were transportation cost-burdened (p = .016). Companionships were less likely for those whose primary mode of transportation was driving compared to those who primarily relied on others for rides (p = .016). Results suggest that transportation experiences are significant factors in the social relationships among senior center members. Finding ways to reduce transportation cost burden and the frequency of missing going to the senior center due to lack of transportation should be considered in interventions to enhance social integration for senior center members. Understanding the role of driving oneself in having companionships for senior center members is an area to explore in future research.

EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION AMONG ADLS, DEMOGRAPHICS, WITH FOOD SECURITY ADULTS AT SENIOR CENTERS IN FULTON COUNTY, GA

Abstract Food security amongst community-dwelling older adults attending senior centers is not often examined. It is an integral determinant of health because of the impact on multiple health conditions, which are further impacted by functional impairments and co-morbidities that can come with increasing age. Additionally, meal and nutrition education providers do not typically collect this information, which can be used to better provide services to their clients. This study examined the relationship between food security and demographic variables of older adults attending senior centers in Georgia served by nutrition provider Open Hand Atlanta (OHA). One hundred sixty-five senior center attendees were recruited from nine senior centers throughout Fulton County. The age of the participants ranged between 52 to 97, with most identifying as female (86.7%) and African American (79%). Food security (outcome of interest) was measured by the USDA 6-item module. Bivariate associations were tested between food security and ADLs and iADLs (instrumental ADLs) measured by a 15-item list, health conditions, shopping habits, transportation, caregiving, and demographics. Results showed that food security differed based on race/ethnicity X2 (n=165) = 8.94 (df=2), p = .011 and type of insurance X2 (n=100) = 5.95, (df=1) p = 0.015). In addition, those who are under public/Govt. insurance experience a higher proportion of food insecurity compared to those under private insurance (p=.015). Results have implications for nutrition providers when offering additional services to senior centers and the older adults they serve.