TY - JOUR T1 - A Brief Report on Older Working Caregivers: Developing a Typology of Work Environments. JF - The Journal of Gerontology, Series B Y1 - 2022 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Kendra Jason A1 - Taylor, Miles A1 - Tiffany R Washington KW - latent class KW - Older workers KW - productive engagement AB -

OBJECTIVES: A growing proportion of the US labor force juggles paid work with family caregiving of older adults. However, no research has examined caregivers' work environments. The purpose of this brief report is to develop typologies of the work environments of family caregivers.

METHODS: This study used data drawn from the 2008-2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Our sample includes employed individuals who also provided regular help with daily activities to a parent or spouse (n=976). We used latent class analysis to develop caregiver work environment typologies.

RESULTS: Our analyses revealed four typologies among caregivers: a) high quality work environments (n=340; 35%); b) average work environments with high job lock (n=293; 30%); c) low-quality work environments (n=203; 21%), and d) high personal interference in supportive work environments (n=140; 14%). Although only 21% of working caregivers were in a low-quality work environment (Type C), descriptive results suggest that these workers were most likely to be minorities who needed to work for financial reasons, reporting the highest number of health problems, and the most work hours.

DISCUSSION: Our findings provide insights into the types of environments that caregivers work in, and the characteristics of individuals in those environments. We discuss implications of our findings for future research and work-based policy development.

VL - 77 IS - 7 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Gender Disparities in Life Satisfaction after Retirement: The Role of Leisure, Family, and Finances. JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2021 A1 - Calasanti, Toni A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Patricia Homan A1 - Coan, Victoria KW - Diversity in aging KW - Gender relations KW - Longitudinal methods AB -

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent research on life satisfaction in retirement explores gender differences but yields inconsistent patterns and does not consider gendered sources of satisfaction. We use a gender relations framework to examine whether women and men experience different changes in life satisfaction with retirement, and whether observed differences are a consequence of different assessments of the leisure, family, and financial situations that characterize their post-retirement lives.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We use longitudinal data drawn from men and women in the Health and Retirement Study who transitioned into retirement between ages 62-72 for the first time between 2008 and 2016 (N=593). We employ Ordinary Least Squares regression and mediation tests to assess gender differences in overall and domain-specific life satisfaction (i.e., leisure, family, finances).

RESULTS: Men reported increased life satisfaction following retirement, but women did not. No gender differences related to leisure or family life post-retirement emerged. Gender was associated with post-retirement satisfaction with finances (p<0.001), with men reporting higher financial satisfaction. Mediation models confirmed a gender disparity in overall life satisfaction mediated by satisfaction with finances post-retirement (p<0.01), explaining approximately one-third of the disparity.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study shows men derive greater improvements in life satisfaction in association with retirement than do women, and some of this disparity relates to women's lower satisfaction with their finances. These findings should caution policy-makers from assuming how women's increased labor force participation influences financial security in retirement, and encourage scholars to consider how gender influences subjective assessments of later life.

VL - 61 IS - 8 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans. JF - Journal of Aging and Health Y1 - 2021 A1 - Urena, Stephanie A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - latent growth curves KW - life course AB -

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. 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. 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. 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.

VL - 33 IS - 3-4 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Loneliness Following Widowhood: The Role of the Military and Social Support. JF - The Journals of Gerontology: Series B Y1 - 2021 A1 - Brittany M. King A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Miles G Taylor KW - Bereavement KW - Life course analysis KW - Social networks KW - Veteran widows AB -

OBJECTIVES: Increased loneliness is a common consequence of widowhood in later life. However, individuals with high levels of perceived social support from friends tend to cope more effectively following major social losses like widowhood. Military service is associated with cultivation of strong social support structures. This effect may not only influence those who serve, but also their spouses. Roughly half of older women today are married to veterans, which could shape how they cope with widowhood. We tested two hypotheses: (a) widows of veterans will be less lonely following widowhood compared to their nonveteran counterparts, and (b) this effect will be explained by perceived social support from friends.

METHODS: We used the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine changes in loneliness following widowhood among wives of veterans and nonveterans. We used Ordinary Least Squares regression and mediation tests to address our hypotheses.

RESULTS: Net of baseline differences, widows of veterans reported statistically lower levels of loneliness (p < .05) following widowhood compared to widows of nonveterans. Widows of veterans retained the same level of perceived social support from friends pre- and postwidowhood, whereas nonveteran wives experienced a loss. Perceived social support from friends mediated the association between veteran status of the deceased spouse and loneliness.

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest wives of veterans may have more resilient social support structures than nonveteran spouses, helping them cope at widowhood. Future research should explore whether these effects persist in association with other major stressful events in later life.

VL - 76 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Psychological Resilience and Health Among Older Adults: A Comparison of Personal Resources. JF - The Journals of Gerontology: Series B Y1 - 2021 A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - hopelessness KW - Mastery KW - Optimism KW - Trajectories KW - Well-being AB -

OBJECTIVES: Research on life course inequality and successful aging has sought to understand how events and challenges may lead to poor outcomes in later life for some individuals, while others fare well in the face of adversity. Among internalized resources, research suggests psychological resilience is protective in the face of challenges, but little is known about the predictive efficacy of this measure compared to other resources such as mastery. This paper examines connections between psychological resilience and later life health compared to other internalized resources.

METHOD: Standardized associations between 4 resources (resilience, mastery, optimism, hopelessness) and 5 health outcomes were tested using short-term health transitions and longer term health trajectories in a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework using the Leave Behind Questionnaire (LBQ) and linked Health and Retirement Study (HRS) between 2006/2008 and 2014/2016 (n = 11,050-12,823).

RESULTS: Psychological resilience had consistent and robust associations with health transitions and trajectories. Further, the effects of this resource were generally 4-10 times greater than for mastery, optimism, and hopelessness in combined models. Trajectory analyses replicate these findings and suggest the beneficial associations of resilience over time were persistent for some health outcomes, and cumulative for others.

DISCUSSION: The results suggest that psychological resilience is powerfully associated with health in later life, with substantially greater predictive efficacy than other commonly used resource measures. Future research should establish how this intrapersonal resource works alongside structural and interpersonal resources to promote and protect health and functioning in the face of challenges and adversity.

VL - 76 IS - 6 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Alternative retirement paths and cognitive performance: Exploring the role of preretirement job complexity. JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2020 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Robert J. Willis A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - Carstensen, Lisbeth KW - Cognitive Ability KW - Employment and Labor Force KW - Trajectories AB -

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that working longer may be protective of cognitive functioning in later life, especially for workers in low complexity jobs. As postretirement work becomes increasingly popular, it is important to understand how various retirement pathways influence cognitive function. The present study examines cognitive changes as a function of job complexity in the context of different types of retirement transitions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We use data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine change in cognitive function for workers who have held low, moderate, and high complexity jobs and move through distinct retirement pathways-retiring and returning to work, partial retirement-compared with those who fully retire or remain full-time workers. Inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (a propensity score method) is used to adjust for selection effects.

RESULTS: There are systematic variations in the relationships between work and cognitive performance as a function of job complexity and retirement pathways. All retirement pathways were associated with accelerated cognitive decline for workers in low complexity jobs. In contrast, for high complexity workers retirement was not associated with accelerated cognitive decline and retiring and returning to work was associated with modest improvement in cognitive functioning.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Both policy makers and individuals are beginning to embrace longer working lives which offer variety of potential benefits. Our findings suggest that continued full-time work also may be protective for cognitive health in workers who hold low complexity jobs.

VL - 60 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31289823?dopt=Abstract IS - 3 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Life-Course Religious Attendance and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life JF - Research on Aging Y1 - 2020 A1 - Terrence D. Hill A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Amy M. Burdette A1 - Benjamin Dowd-Arrow KW - Cognitive health KW - Memory KW - Mental Status KW - Religion AB - Although several studies suggest that religious attendance is associated with better cognitive functioning in later life, researchers have generally failed to connect with any established life-course perspectives or theories of cognitive aging. Building on previous work, we examine the effects of life-course religious attendance on a range of cognitive functioning outcomes. We employ data from the religious life histories module of the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, a subsample of 516 adults aged 65 and older. Our key findings demonstrate that older adults who attended religious services for more of their life course tend to exhibit poorer working memory and mental status and better self-rated memory than older adults who attended less often. We contribute to previous research by reconceptualizing religious attendance as a cumulative life-course exposure, exploring the effects of religious attendance net of secular social engagement, and examining a wider range of cognitive functioning outcomes. N1 - PMID: 32266864 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - More than Selection Effects: Volunteering is Associated with Benefits in Cognitive Functioning JF - The Journals of Gerontology: Series B Y1 - 2020 A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - Alzheimer’s disease KW - Cognition KW - Health Promotion KW - Volunteer activity AB - Volunteering is a lifestyle behavior that bolsters cognitive resilience. However, previous studies have not assessed the degree to which cognitive functioning is predictive of becoming a volunteer (i.e., selection into volunteering), and how this might contribute to superior cognitive performance observed among volunteers. The purpose of this brief report is to address the role of cognition-related selection into becoming a volunteer in the association between formal volunteering and two cognitive measures: (1) overall cognitive function, and (2) self-rated memory.The Health and Retirement Study was used to assess whether, net of cognitive selection into volunteering, formal volunteering is associated with cognitive function.Selection explained between 4.9% and 29% of the effect of volunteering on cognitive function (depending on the cognitive outcome and the level of volunteering). However, net of cognitive selection into volunteering, among all cognitive measures there are beneficial effects of formal volunteering on cognitive function. SN - 1079-5014 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Postretirement life satisfaction and financial vulnerability: The moderating role of control JF - Journals of Gerontology - Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Y1 - 2020 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Moen, P. A1 - Perry Jenkins, M. A1 - Smyer, M. KW - Personal control KW - Retirement KW - Successful aging AB - Objectives: This article examines changes in life satisfaction around retirement exits for those with varying preretirement incomes, testing whether constraints on personal control and control over finances moderate the relationship between retiring and preretirement income. Method: This longitudinal study draws data from the 2004-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study to examine changes in life satisfaction pre- versus postretirement for three groups (the poor/near poor, financially vulnerable, and financially stable) of full-time workers aged 51-87 years (N = 970), and a subset (N = 334) who fully retire over a 4-year period. Results: Controlling for baseline life satisfaction, health, job/demographic characteristics, and social engagement, ordinary least squares regression results show financially stable retirees report higher levels of postretirement life satisfaction relative to their full-time working counterparts, whereas the poor/near poor and the financially vulnerable report similar life satisfaction to those who continue working full time. Constraints on personal control and control over finances moderate postretirement life satisfaction for the financially vulnerable. Discussion: Results suggest full retirement predicts improved life satisfaction only for those most advantaged financially. Financially vulnerable older workers may adjust more effectively to retirement if they have access to resources that facilitate greater control over their lives. © 2018 The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. VL - 75 UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85081528537&doi=10.1093%2fgeronb%2fgby105&partnerID=40&md5=6dbfe386a5b903c47e3a8926acb571fd IS - 4 N1 - cited By 0 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Psychological Health Benefits of Companion Animals Following a Social Loss JF - TheGerontologist Y1 - 2020 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Nancy R Gee A1 - Natalie J Sachs-Ericsson KW - Human–animal interaction KW - Spousal loss AB - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In later life, the loss of a spouse due to divorce or widowhood is common and can lead to elevated depressive symptoms and loneliness. Research suggests that companion animal (CA) may be beneficial for psychological health, but limited research has explored whether CA can buffer negative consequences of social losses. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study uses data drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine changes in depressive symptoms and loneliness in relation to a social loss among those with/without a CA. We used inverse-probability weighted regression to adjust for selection factors and isolate effects of CA ownership on changes in psychological health. RESULTS: Regardless of CA ownership, spousal loss was associated with psychological health consequences. Facing a social loss without a CA was related to statistically greater increases in depressive symptoms relative to those with a pet (2.580 vs. 1.207 symptoms, respectively). Similarly, experiencing a loss was associated with significantly greater increases in loneliness, with statistically greater increases in loneliness among those without a CA (p < .01). However, those with a CA did not experience greater increases in loneliness than those who did not experience a loss. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: In later life, CA ownership may buffer against the detrimental consequences of major social losses on psychological health. Future research on the therapeutic effects of CA ownership, as well as pet therapy, during other major life stage transitions is needed to help isolate potential mechanisms driving the benefits of human-animal interactions. VL - 60 IS - 3 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Structural Social Support and Changes in Depression during the Retirement Transition: "I Get by With a Little Help from My Friends". JF - Journals of Gerontology Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Y1 - 2020 A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - depression KW - Retirement KW - Social Support AB -

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether (a) retirement was associated with increased depressive symptoms, (b) four sources social support were associated with decreased depressive symptoms, and (c) whether the relationship between retirement and depressive symptoms varied across four sources social support.

METHOD: Health and Retirement Study data were used to assess whether four measures of structural support moderated the association between transitioning to full retirement (relative to remaining in full time work) and symptoms of depression.

RESULTS: Results from two stage mixed-effects multilevel models indicated (a) on average retirement was associated with a small but significant increase in depressive symptoms after adjusting for pre-retirement social support, (b) on average, social support not associated with changes in symptoms of depression, but (c) social support from friends moderates the association between retirement and symptoms of depression such that at low levels of social support, retirement was associated with a sizeable increase in depressive symptoms, but this association decreased as level of social support from friends increased.

DISCUSSION: Results suggest people with low levels of social support may benefit from actively cultivating friendships in retirement to help mitigate some of deleterious effects of retirement.

VL - 75 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Depressive Symptoms and the Buffering Effect of Resilience on Widowhood by Gender JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2019 A1 - Brittany M. King A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Miles G Taylor KW - depression KW - gender KW - Gender Differences KW - Widowhood KW - Widows AB - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spousal loss is a stressful life event that often results in significant depressive symptoms, with men often experiencing more significant depressive symptoms than women. Recent research suggests that psychological resilience may play a role in shaping how well people recover from the loss of a spouse. This study examined the moderating effect of resilience on widowhood in relation to changes in depressive symptoms for men and women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine a change in depressive symptoms for men and women who experience spousal loss compared to those who remain continuously married (N = 5,626). We used the Simplified Resilience Score, which is based on measures drawn from the psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaire. Ordinary least squares regression was used to assess depression following reported spousal loss for widows relative to their continuously married counterparts. RESULTS: Results show resilience moderated depressive symptoms following spousal loss, but these effects varied by gender. Resilience was significantly and negatively associated with depressive symptoms for married but not for widowed women. However, for widowed men, resilience was significantly and negatively associated with depressive symptoms, and a high resilience score buffered the effect of widowhood. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study suggests that having high levels of resilience prior to spousal loss may help offset persistent depressive symptoms, especially for men. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. VL - 59 UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30247641 N1 - cited By 0 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Early-Life Military Exposures and Functional Impairment Trajectories Among Older Male Veterans: The Buffering Effect of Psychological Resilience. JF - Journal of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences Y1 - 2019 A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Urena, Stephanie A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Min, Stella KW - Early Life KW - Functional limitations KW - Psychosocial KW - Resilience KW - Veterans AB -

Objectives: Drawing on the life course framework and theoretical concept of resilience, we examine the impact of early-life service-related exposures (SREs) on later-life functional impairment trajectories among older U.S. male veterans. We conceptualize resilience as a psychological resource potentially moderating the lasting negative consequences of traumatic military exposures.

Method: Using the 2013 Veterans Mail Survey linked to the Health and Retirement Study 2006-2014 Leave Behind Questionnaire and RAND Data File (v.N), we estimate latent growth curve models of functional impairment trajectories.

Results: SRE to death has a persistent positive effect on functional limitations and activities of daily living limitations. Psychological resilience significantly moderates this association, such that veterans maintaining higher levels of resilience in the face of adverse exposures have considerably less functional impairment over time compared to their counterparts with low levels of resilience.

Discussion: Our findings point to the importance of psychological resilience in later life, especially within the realm of traumas occurring in early life. We discuss implications for current military training programs, stressing the importance of research considering individual resources and processes that promote adaptation in the face of adverse life events.

U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29788363?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Expanding the Happiness Paradox: Ethnoracial Disparities in Life Satisfaction Among Older Immigrants in the United States JF - Journal of Aging and Health Y1 - 2019 A1 - Rocío Calvo A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Matz-Costa, Christina KW - Health Disparities KW - Racial/ethnic differences AB - Objective: This study investigated nativity disparities in life satisfaction among ethnoracial groups of older adults in the United States and the factors associated with such disparities. Method: Cross-sectional data from 7,348 respondents aged 60 and older from the 2012/2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to estimate linear regression models. Results: Older immigrants experienced higher levels of life satisfaction than comparable native-born individuals. This “happiness advantage” was particularly salient for Hispanic immigrants, who reported the highest levels of life satisfaction of all groups included in the study. With increasing education, life satisfaction increased for White and “Other Race” groups, regardless of nativity. However, for both Black groups and native-born Hispanics, higher levels of education were associated with lower life satisfaction. Discussion: Findings suggest that the “happiness paradox” may not only be a matter of Hispanic ethnicity, but that it may also extend to immigrants from other ethnoracial backgrounds. VL - 31 IS - 2 JO - J Aging Health ER - TY - JOUR T1 - The role of maternal relationship in the persisting effect of combat exposure. JF - Innovation in Aging Y1 - 2019 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Meyer, Alex A1 - Natalie J Sachs-Ericsson KW - Family Roles/Relationships KW - Motherhood KW - Veterans KW - Well-being AB -

Background and Objectives: The veteran population is aging. Combat exposure is associated with negative health and psychological outcomes in some, but not all veterans; others even appear to experience gains. One mechanism driving these varied responses might be early life relationships. This study investigated the extent to which the quality of early maternal relationships influences the association between combat exposures and life satisfaction (LS) among older male veterans.

Research Design and Methods: Data were drawn from a pooled sample of male veterans in the Health and Retirement Study who completed the 2013 Veteran Mail Survey ( = 1,160). We used ordinary least squares regression to examine the association between combat exposures (with and without exposure to death) and LS, and the moderating effect of maternal relationship quality on this association.

Results: We found a significant positive association between maternal relationship quality and LS, and a significant association of combat that was dependent on maternal relationship quality. Specifically, combat-exposed veterans with poor maternal relationship quality reported lower LS, whereas combat-exposed veterans with high relationship quality reported higher LS-relative to their noncombat-exposed counterparts. The effects of exposure to death of hazardous toxins did not mediate or moderate this relationship.

Discussion and Implications: Findings indicate that maternal relationships had a lasting influence on whether combat contributed to a positive, negative, or neutral long-term effect on wellbeing. Findings support previous studies that suggest early life factors may play an important role in the fostering of resilient health outcomes over the life course. Implications for preventative strategies in soldiers are discussed.

VL - 3 IS - 1 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30972373?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Typologies of older adult companion animal owners and non-owners: moving beyond the dichotomy. JF - Aging & Mental Health Y1 - 2019 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Miles G Taylor A1 - Nancy R Gee A1 - Natalie J Sachs-Ericsson KW - Pets KW - Social Support AB -

OBJECTIVES: Research on the influence of companion animals (CA) on the health of older adults has yielded contradictory results. Selection factors, leading to heterogeneity both between and within groups of CA owners and non-owners, likely bias results. We conduct analyses to identify typologies of owners and non-owners.

METHODS: Using data on older adults (60+) from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and the HRS companion animal module, (owners = 478) and (non-owners = 624), we conducted latent class analyses (LCA). We used key demographic, health, daily engagement, and pet characteristic variables to complete our analyses.

RESULTS: Analyses revealed five clusters of CA owners and four clusters of non-owners. Health and CA related characteristics distinguishing clusters suggest important sources of variability and reflect qualitatively different profiles of owners and non-owners. We also found CA owners were more likely than non-owners to be high on neuroticism and to be less extroverted than non-owners-but again there was considerable within group variability.

IMPLICATIONS: Factors that select people into pet ownership not only work individually to characterize ownership, they create distinct typologies of CA owners and non-owners that likely contribute to subsequent health outcomes. In order to determine if having a CA is beneficial to health in later life and for whom, future research should consider selection factors like those identified in the typologies. Statistical analyses, such as LCA, that can adequately account for these selection factors is necessary to avoid biases in the interpretation of results.

U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30380913?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Adjustment to Widowhood and Loneliness Among Older Men: The Influence of Military Service. JF - Gerontologist Y1 - 2018 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Urena, Stephanie A1 - Miles G Taylor KW - Bereavement KW - Depressive symptoms KW - Loneliness KW - Men's health KW - Resilience KW - Veterans KW - Widowhood AB -

Background and Objectives: Men are at higher risk of experiencing poorer adjustment to widowhood compared to women, a transition that is associated with increased loneliness. Military service may play an important role in how men process widowhood, particularly among current cohorts of older men. The present study explores whether military experiences relate to better adjustment to widowhood, that is, reduction of loneliness associated with widowhood for men. We examine (a) whether military experience, especially exposure to death, shapes changes in loneliness following widowhood relative to those without military experience, and (b) if any observed benefits of military experience are explained by greater social engagement.

Research Design and Methods: We use the Health and Retirement Study and linked Veterans Mail Survey to address respondents while they are continuously married (T1) and at widowhood four years later (T2) using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. To address our hypotheses, we examine whether military experience without exposure to death, and/or military experience with exposure to death moderates the overall negative effect of widowhood for loneliness relative to civilians.

Results: There is a significantly lower level of loneliness among veterans with exposure to death relative to civilians who become widowed; however, veterans without exposure to death remain similar to civilian widowers. Social engagement does not explain the benefits associated with military exposures for widowers.

Discussion and Implications: Although exposure to death early in life is traumatic, our research suggests that such adversity within the specific context of the military may help enhance resilience during the transition to widowhood.

VL - 58 IS - 6 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28977488?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Does Becoming A Volunteer Attenuate Loneliness Among Recently Widowed Older Adults? JF - Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences Y1 - 2018 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - Matz-Costa, Christina A1 - Yochai Z Shavit KW - Bereavement KW - Depressive symptoms KW - Loneliness KW - Volunteerism KW - Widowhood AB -

Objectives: Loneliness is a significant public health concern, particularly for those who have lost a spouse through widowhood. This study examines whether becoming a volunteer at the time of widowhood is associated with reduction of these risks.

Method: A pooled sample of 5,882 married adults age 51+, drawn from the 2006-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, was used to estimate regression models of the relationship between becoming widowed (relative to staying continuously married) and loneliness, and whether the associated loneliness of having lost a spouse is moderated by starting to volunteer (<2 hr, 2+ hr/week).

Results: Our results show that for those who become widowed, loneliness is significantly higher than those who stay continuously married. However, starting to volunteer 2+ hr per week is related to attenuated loneliness among the widowed such that widows who volunteer at that intensity have levels of loneliness similar to those of continuously married individuals volunteering at the same intensity.

Discussion: This study suggests higher intensity volunteering may be a particularly important pathway for alleviating loneliness among older adults who have recently become widowed. Results are discussed in light of theory, future research, and potential interventions.

VL - 73 IS - 3 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28977483?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - The Relation of Volunteering and Subsequent Changes in Physical Disability in Older Adults. JF - Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences Y1 - 2018 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - John W Rowe KW - Disabilities KW - Health Conditions and Status KW - Volunteerism AB -

Objectives: To describe the association between initiating volunteering and changes in physical disability in older adults, and whether intensity and gender modify this relationship.

Methods: Employing propensity score weighted regression adjustment, we calculate changes in disability using a sample of U.S. adults (n = 7,135) in the Health and Retirement Study (1996-2012) not volunteering at baseline but later initiating volunteering (1-99 hr/year or 100+ hours per year) or remaining a nonvolunteer.

Results: Relative to continuous nonvolunteers, low-intensity volunteering is related to 34% lower disability in the low-intensity group (average treatment effect [ATE] = -0.12) and 63% lower in the higher-intensity group (ATE = -0.23). For men, progression was lower only in the highest intensity group (ATE = +0.02), but women experienced similarly less progression of disability (38%-39%) at either level of new engagement (ATE = -0.17 and -0.18).

Discussion: Initiating a new volunteer role in later life is related to decreased progression of disability, at low or high levels for women and only at higher levels for men. This study suggests that volunteer intervention programs may represent a major public health strategy to delay the progression of physical disability for older adults.

VL - 73 IS - 2 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28958062?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Another Paradox? The Life Satisfaction of Older Hispanic Immigrants in the United States. JF - J Aging Health Y1 - 2017 A1 - Rocío Calvo A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Matz-Costa, Christina KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - Emigrants and Immigrants KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Models, Theoretical KW - Personal Satisfaction KW - Surveys and Questionnaires AB -

OBJECTIVE: To investigate disparities in life satisfaction among older Hispanic immigrants in the United States relative to their native-born Hispanic and non-Hispanic White counterparts, and to identify factors associated with such disparities.

METHOD: Cross-sectional data from 9,798 individuals age 60 and above from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to estimate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.

RESULTS: Hispanic immigrants reported the highest levels of life satisfaction of all groups. Wealthier older adults, who were socially engaged, had social support, and experienced fewer functional limitations and lower exposure to discrimination, were more satisfied with their lives in the overall sample. Interaction effects revealed that although education was associated with greater life satisfaction only among non-Hispanic Whites, co-residing with children was associated with greater life satisfaction only among Hispanics.

DISCUSSION: Although older Hispanic immigrants had the least amount of socioeconomic resources of all groups in our study, they were the most satisfied with their lives. Possible explanations and directions for future research are discussed.

VL - 29 UR - http://jah.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/01/14/0898264315624901.abstract IS - 1 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26772911?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Does Caring for a Spouse With Dementia Accelerate Cognitive Decline? Findings From the Health and Retirement Study. JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2017 A1 - Kara B. Dassel A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Vitaliano, Peter KW - Caregiving KW - Cognitive Ability KW - Dementia KW - Older Adults AB -

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to expand our recent work, which showed that spousal dementia caregivers compared to spousal nondementia caregivers experience an accelerated rate of frailty over time, by exploring cognitive health outcomes between dementia and nondementia caregivers.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Using 8 biannual waves of the Health and Retirement Study data and performance on the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, we examined changes in cognitive health among surviving spousal caregivers (N = 1,255) of individuals with dementia (n = 192) and without dementia (n = 1,063), 2 waves prior and 2 waves following the death of the care recipient.

RESULTS: Controlling for baseline health and contextual factors (e.g., frailty status, age, education), results revealed that dementia caregivers had significantly greater cognitive decline (p < .01) compared to nondementia caregivers. Relative to 2 waves prior to the death of their spouse, dementia caregivers declined by 1.77 points relative to nondementia caregivers (0.87 points) at the time their spouses' deaths were reported and 1.89 relative to the 1.18 points at the wave following these deaths, respectively.

IMPLICATIONS: The findings from this study show that spousal caregivers of persons with dementia experience accelerated cognitive decline themselves compared to nondementia caregivers. These results, along with our previous study findings, suggest that this vulnerable group could benefit from early cognitive screening and psychosocial interventions designed to help dementia caregivers better maintain their cognitive and physical health during and following their intensive caregiving responsibilities.

VL - 57 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Multiple Chronic Conditions, Resilience, and Workforce Transitions in Later Life: A Socio-Ecological Model. JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2017 A1 - Kendra Jason A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Tiffany R Washington A1 - Tandrea S Hilliard A1 - Chivon A Mingo KW - Comorbidity KW - Resilience KW - Retirement Planning and Satisfaction AB -

Purpose of the Study: Despite the growing prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC), a problem that disproportionally affects older adults, few studies have examined the impact of MCC status on changes in workforce participation in later life. Recent research suggests that resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, may buffer the negative impact of chronic disease. Guided by an adapted socio-ecological risk and resilience conceptual model, this study examined the buffering effect of resilience on the relationship between individual and contextual risks, including MCC, and workforce transitions (i.e., leaving the workforce, working fewer hours, working the same hours, or working more hours).

Design and Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Study, this study pooled a sample of 4,861 older workers aged 51 and older with 2 consecutive biannual waves of data. Nonnested multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results: MCC are related to higher risk of transitioning out of the workforce. Resilience buffered the negative effects of MCC on workforce engagement and remained independently associated with increased probability of working the same or more hours compared with leaving work.

Implications: MCC are associated with movement out of the paid workforce in later life. Despite the challenges MCC impose on older workers, having higher levels of resilience may provide the psychological resources needed to sustain work engagement in the face of new deficits. These findings suggest that identifying ways to bolster resilience may enhance the longevity of productive workforce engagement.

VL - 57 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Successful Aging in the Context of the Disablement Process: Working and Volunteering as Moderators on the Association Between Chronic Conditions and Subsequent Functional Limitations. JF - J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Y1 - 2017 A1 - Ben Lennox Kail A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Aging KW - Disabled Persons KW - Employment KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - United States KW - Volunteers AB -

Objectives : This study evaluated the successful aging model by assessing the impact of two forms of productive engagement-working and volunteering-as potential interventions in the process of disablement.

Method : The Health and Retirement Study was used to (a) estimate two-stage selection equations of (i) currently working part time and full time and (ii) currently volunteering less than 100 hours and volunteering 100 hours or more per year (net of chronic health problems) and (b) assess whether, net of selection, working, and volunteering moderate the association between chronic conditions and subsequent functional limitations.

Results : Chronic conditions were associated with elevated levels of subsequent functional limitations, whereas both working and volunteering were associated with lower levels of subsequent functional limitations. Moreover, workers and volunteers of less than 100 hours per year experienced a reduction in the association of chronic conditions on subsequent functional limitations.

Discussion : This research highlights the role of productive engagement as a key element in successful aging. Not only do work and volunteering have direct associations with health outcomes themselves, but they also act as potential interventions in the process of disablement by attenuating the way in which chronic conditions are translated into subsequent functional limitations. This suggests that (a) future research should apply successful aging models to health processes as well as health outcomes and (b) policy makers should support social institutions that foster late-life productive engagement.

VL - 72 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27225973 IS - 2 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27225973?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Do Higher Levels of Resilience Buffer the Deleterious Impact of Chronic Illness on Disability in Later Life? JF - Gerontologist Y1 - 2016 A1 - Lydia K Manning A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Ben Lennox Kail KW - Activities of Daily Living KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Aging KW - Chronic disease KW - Disability Evaluation KW - Disabled Persons KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Resilience, Psychological KW - Retirement KW - Surveys and Questionnaires AB -

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In examining the ability of resilience, or the ability to navigate adversity in a manner that protects well-being, to buffer the impact of chronic disease onset on disability in later life, the authors tested 2 hypotheses: (a) People with greater levels of resilience will have lower levels of disability and (b) resilience will moderate the association between the onset of a new chronic condition and subsequent disability.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a sample of 10,753 Americans between the ages of 51 and 98, derived from 3 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2010). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the impact of resilience on changes in disability (measured as difficulty with activities of daily living [ADLs] and instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]) over a 2-year period using a simplified resilience score.

RESULTS: Resilience protects against increases in ADL and IADL limitations that are often associated with aging. Resilience mitigates a considerable amount of the deleterious consequences related to the onset of chronic illness and subsequent disability.

IMPLICATIONS: Our results support our hypotheses and are consistent with claims that high levels of resilience can protect against the negative impact of disability in later life.

VL - 56 UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25063353 IS - 3 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25063353?dopt=Abstract ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Does Dementia Caregiving Accelerate Frailty? Findings From the Health and Retirement Study JF - The Gerontologist Y1 - 2016 A1 - Kara B. Dassel A1 - Dawn C Carr KW - Adult children KW - End of life decisions KW - Health Conditions and Status KW - Healthcare KW - Public Policy AB - Purpose of the Study: Numerous studies have discovered negative health consequences associated with spousal caregiving at the end of life; however, little is known about how care-recipient cognitive status impacts caregiver health outcomes, specifically in the area of frailty, and whether health consequences remain over time. This study examines differences in frailty between spousal caregivers of persons with and without a dementia diagnosis. Design and Methods: Using 7 biannual waves of the Health and Retirement Study data (1998 2010), we examined odds of becoming frailer among surviving spouses of individuals who died between 2000 and 2010 (N = 1,246) with and without dementia. To assess increased frailty, we used a Frailty Index, which assesses chronic diseases, mobility, functional status, depressive symptoms, and subjective health. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between care-recipient cognitive status and whether, compared with the wave prior to death of the care-recipient, spousal caregivers were frailer: (1) in the wave the death was reported and (2) 2 years after the death was reported.Results: Dementia caregivers had 40.5 higher odds of experiencing increased frailty by the time the death was reported and 90 higher odds in the following wave compared with non-dementia caregivers.Implications: Given our findings, we discuss public health implications regarding the health and well-being of caregivers of persons with dementia. Given projected increases in dementia diagnoses as the population ages, we propose a need for interventions that provide enhanced support for dementia caregivers. VL - 56 UR - http://gerontologist.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/08/25/geront.gnu078.abstract IS - 3 U4 - Dementia/Decline/cognition/spousal caregiving/Frail Elderly/Public Health/caregiver burden ER - TY - JOUR T1 - Physical, Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Mediators of Activity Involvement and Health in Later Life. JF - Res Aging Y1 - 2016 A1 - Matz-Costa, Christina A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Tay K. McNamara A1 - Jacquelyn Boone James KW - Aged KW - depression KW - Efficiency KW - Employment KW - Exercise KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - Humans KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Quality of Life KW - Volunteers AB -

The current study tests the indirect effect of activity-related physical activity, cognitive activity, social interaction, and emotional exchange on the relationship between activity involvement and health (physical and emotional) in later life. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 5,442) were used to estimate a series of linear regression models. We found significant indirect effects for social interaction and benefit to others (emotional exchange) on emotional health (depressive symptoms) and indirect effects for use of body and benefit to others (physical) on physical health (frailty). The most potent indirect effect associated with emotional and physical health was experienced by those engaged in all four domains (use of body, use of mind, social interaction, and benefit to others). While effect sizes are small and results should be interpreted with caution, findings shed light on ways in which public health interventions aimed toward increasing role engagement in later life could be improved.

VL - 38 UR - http://roa.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/09/30/0164027515606182.abstract IS - 7 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26429863?dopt=Abstract U4 - activity levels/productivity/employment/volunteer activity/health outcomes ER - TY - JOUR T1 - The influence of unpaid work on the transition out of full-time paid work. JF - Gerontologist Y1 - 2013 A1 - Dawn C Carr A1 - Ben Lennox Kail KW - Age Factors KW - Aged KW - Employment KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Interviews as Topic KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Retirement KW - Salaries and Fringe Benefits KW - Volunteers KW - Work AB -

PURPOSE: Continued employment after retirement and engagement in unpaid work are both important ways of diminishing the negative economic effects of the retirement of baby boomer cohorts on society. Little research, however, examines the relationship between paid and unpaid work at the transition from full-time work. Using a resource perspective framework this study examines how engagement in unpaid work prior to and at the transition from full-time work influences whether individuals partially or fully retire.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a sample of 2,236 Americans between the ages 50 and 68, who were interviewed between 1998 and 2008. Logistic regression was used to estimate transitioning into partial retirement (relative to full retirement) after leaving full-time work.

RESULTS: We found that the odds of transitioning into part-time work were increased by continuous volunteering (78%) and reduced by starting parental (84%), grandchild (41%), and spousal (90%) caregiving and unaffected by all other patterns of engagement in unpaid work.

IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest that volunteering is complementary with a transition to part-time work, and starting a new caregiving role at this transitioncreates a barrier to continued employment. In order to provide workers the opportunity to engage in the work force longer at the brink of retirement, it may be necessary to increase the support mechanisms for those who experience new caregiving responsibilities.

VL - 53 IS - 1 U1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22859436?dopt=Abstract U2 - PMC3605938 U4 - retirement Planning/Public policy/baby boomers/partial retirement/labor force participation/unpaid work ER -