Dr. Wang is a part of the team that has recently published “Alleviating poverty through healthcare: subnational policy patterns and determinants in China” on Journal of Asian Public Policy. This study examined how 68 Chinese cities designed Health Poverty Alleviation policies under the Targeted Poverty Alleviation Project. Cluster analysis identified five distinct policy models based on policy domains and attributes, revealing substantial local variation. Policy differences were driven primarily by provincial government pressure, political leadership tenure, and local health needs, highlighting the influence of political and contextual factors on social policy design under decentralized governance.
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/17516234.2026.2660973
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Dr. Wang, with colleagues, has recently published “Varied rather than similar: COVID-19 social policy responses for families and workers in East Asia” on Journal of Asian Public Policy. Using a model family approach across six East Asian societies, this study compared COVID-19 social policy responses for low-income families. Hong Kong implemented the most comprehensive reforms, Taiwan expanded generous but relatively low-value benefits, and Singapore prioritized broad coverage. Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China introduced fewer changes. The findings highlight substantial variation in welfare responses and provide insights for strengthening shock-responsive social protection systems.
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/17516234.2026.2615665
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/17516234.2026.2615665
Dr. Ang is a part of the team that has recently published “Bidirectional longitudinal associations of family/friend social support with cognitive function in late life” in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. This study examines reciprocal relationships between social support and cognitive function among 2,700 older Chinese adults. Friend support predicted better subsequent cognitive function, while effects varied by hukou status. Both family and friend support benefited rural older adults’ cognition, whereas cognitive function predicted family support differently in urban and rural settings.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag114
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag114
Dr. Ang is a part of the team that has recently published “Fluid emotions, managed disruption: Understanding involuntary state-led resettlement in Singapore” in Cities. This study examines the experiences of low-income public rental residents undergoing involuntary state-led resettlement in Singapore. Interviews reveal that emotions and actions during relocation are shaped by prior experiences with the state, social services, neighborhoods, and housing histories. The findings highlight relocation’s psychological costs and inform more responsive resettlement policies.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106742
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106742
Dr. Tareque is a part of the team that has recently published “Mapping drivers of life expectancy change in Asia from 1990 to 2023” in Nature. This study analyzed life expectancy, cause-specific mortality, and risk factors across 34 Asian countries and territories from 1990–2023 using Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 data. Life expectancy increased throughout the period, with cardiovascular mortality reductions driving gains in Central, East, and high-income Asia Pacific. COVID-19 reversed trends in several regions, while contributing factors varied substantially across countries and regions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10739-6
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10739-6
Dr Ansah is a part of the team that has recently published “Modeling the dynamics of access to healthy food. The case of Cleveland, Ohio” in SSM - Population Health. This study uses system dynamics modeling, developed with low-income African American residents in Cleveland, to examine drivers of healthy food access. Results suggest declining affordability, rising food costs, unhealthy food retailers, food-bank reliance, and grocery store closures may worsen food insecurity. Broader, multisectoral strategies addressing income and food systems are needed.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2026.101964
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2026.101964
Dr. Chen is a part of the team that has recently published “From Discrimination to Unmet Healthcare Needs and Care (Dis)Satisfaction among Urban-Dwelling Indigenous Taiwanese Adults: A Path Analysis” in Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. This study examines how everyday discrimination affects healthcare outcomes among urban-dwelling Indigenous Taiwanese adults. Survey data from 443 participants showed that discrimination increased perceived barriers, reduced patient activation, and weakened provider relationships. These pathways mediated its effects on unmet healthcare needs and care satisfaction, highlighting targets for culturally responsive interventions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02840-9
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02840-9
Dr. Chen, with colleagues, has recently published “Marriage Mandates: Understanding Parental Pressures to Marry Among Taiwanese Young Adults” in Journal of Marriage and Family. This study examined parental pressure on adult children to marry using three waves of Taiwan Panel Study of Family Dynamics data from 585 families. Pressure remained prevalent and was associated with child characteristics, including sexual minority status. Divorced, separated, or remarried parents were less likely to pressure children, while younger mothers showed lower pressure. Cohort effects persisted despite cultural beliefs.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.70067
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.70067
Dr. Chen, with colleague, has recently published “ Evolving Landscapes, Shifting Narratives: Understanding Taiwanese News Media Portrayals of LGBTQ+ Populations from 2010 to 2021” in Journal of Homosexuality. This study examined Taiwanese newspaper portrayals of sexual minorities from 2010 to 2021, analyzing 18,558 articles from three major newspapers using web-scraped data, GPT-4-assisted classification, and time-series regression. Positive coverage increased overall, but differences in coverage frequency and sentiment between gay and lesbian subjects persisted. Major legal and social milestones only partially shifted portrayals toward neutrality and broader LGBTQ+ topics.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2026.2690193
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2026.2690193
Dr. Chen is a part of the team that has recently published “Parental academic comparisons of siblings and adolescent well-being: A longitudinal study from Taiwan” in Family Relations. This study examined how parental academic comparisons between siblings relate to adolescents’ well-being using longitudinal data from 1,464 Taiwanese adolescents aged 15–18. Nearly three quarters reported some comparison. Frequent perceived comparisons were associated with poorer mental health and more aggressive behavior, particularly among females. However, these associations became nonsignificant after accounting for family relationships and self-esteem, suggesting they may explain these links.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.70225
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.70225
Dr. Zheng has recently published “Dynamic Contributions of Chronic Diseases to the Widening Educational Gap in Disability and Mortality, 2002–2018: A Research Note” in Demography. This study examines how chronic diseases contributed to widening educational gaps in disability and mortality from 2002 to 2018. Using data from 419,873 participants, findings show that differences in disease-outcome associations, rather than disease prevalence, drove much of the widening gaps, particularly for mental illness, cardiovascular, liver, lung, and musculoskeletal diseases.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-12664351
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-12664351
Dr. Visaria and Dr. Malhotra are part of the team that has recently published “Rationale, Design, and Baseline Characteristics of the TARGET (Targeted Assessment and Recruitment of Geriatrics for Effective Fall Prevention Treatments) Cohort of Older Adults for Assessing Fall and Fracture Risk: Prospective Cohort Study” in JMIR aging. This study describes TARGET, a national prospective cohort of 2,291 Singaporean adults aged 60 and older, using wearable sensors, finite element models, virtual reality, and electronic medical records to improve fall and fracture risk prediction. Baseline findings show significant functional, psychosocial, cognitive, and biomechanical differences between fallers and nonfallers.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.2196/89285
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.2196/89285
Dr. Zhang, with colleagues, has published “Exposure to parental depression in childhood and memory trajectories in mid- and later life” in PLOS One. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this study examined whether childhood exposure to parental depression affects memory trajectories in later life among Chinese adults aged 50 and older. Individuals who experienced depression in both parents during childhood showed lower baseline memory scores, and these disadvantages persisted over seven years. Educational attainment and adult health, especially depressive symptoms, partly explained the association. However, exposure to only one depressed parent was not linked to significantly different memory trajectories. The findings highlight lasting cognitive effects of parental mental health.
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0342573
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0342573
Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Modeling competing narratives in adaptive networks: how social pressure and network dynamics drive tipping and persistence” in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. This study develops an agent-based model to explain how competing narratives spread through adaptive social networks. Strong social pressure and rapid network rewiring produced fast, localized diffusion and ideological clustering, while moderate adaptation enabled broader diffusion through bridging ties. Declining attention limited large-scale spread, but persistent promotion by committed seeders sustained narratives within polarized clusters, demonstrating how network dynamics shape diffusion and polarization.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-08287-5
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-08287-5
Dr. Sun, with colleagues, has recently published “Long-term exposure to extreme temperature and high-impact chronic pain among middle-aged and older US adults” in Environmental Research: Health. Using Health and Retirement Study data linked with census tract temperature records, this study examined how prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures affects high-impact chronic pain. Long-term extreme cold increased the likelihood of reporting chronic pain, with stronger effects among certain groups. Extreme heat had varied effects by wealth and rural-urban residence, highlighting socioeconomic differences and the need for climate-adaptive pain prevention strategies.
View Publication: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ae8717/meta
View Publication: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ae8717/meta
Dr. Chiao is a part of the team that has recently published “How Patient Use of Electronic Health Records Affects Perceived Quality of Care in Older Adults: Exploring Gender and Age Disparities” in Journal of Applied Gerontology. Using 2018–2020 HINTS data, this study examined the relationship between electronic health record (EHR) use and quality of care among U.S. adults aged 65 and older. Patient-centered communication (PCC) significantly mediated this relationship, with a stronger mediating effect among adults over 70. The findings highlight the importance of age-sensitive EHR design and communication strategies in improving healthcare experiences.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251350733
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251350733
Dr. Ang is a part of the team that has recently published “Creative Work, Divine Struggles, and Self-Esteem: Evidence from Singapore” on Review of Religious Research. Using data from 467 Singaporean workers, this study found that creative work was positively associated with self-esteem, whereas divine struggles were negatively associated with self-esteem. Importantly, creative work had a stronger positive effect among individuals experiencing greater divine struggles, suggesting that meaningful work can compensate for diminished self-worth linked to troubled relationships with God.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/0034673X251340694
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/0034673X251340694
Dr. Visaria is a part of the team that has recently published “Getting lonely and isolated? Transitions in social isolation profiles over time and factors associated with them among older adults” on Social Networks. This longitudinal study of 1,305 older Singaporeans identified five distinct social isolation profiles based on social ties, support, and loneliness. Over half changed profiles over time. Lower education and financial insecurity increased the likelihood of losing supportive relationships, while worsening depressive symptoms predicted persistent or increasing loneliness. The findings suggest that socioeconomic disadvantage and mental health independently shape different dimensions of social isolation, requiring targeted interventions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.005
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.005
Dr. Montez and Dr. Zajacova, with colleagues, have recently published “Changes in the Education-Health Gradient Within U.S. States, 1993–2019” in Population Research and Policy Review. Using 27 years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, this study found that the education–health gradient strengthened significantly in 49 of 50 U.S. states among adults aged 30–64. Household income was the largest contributor to this increase, while employment and obesity also played roles. State-level contextual factors contributed little, highlighting the importance of subnational approaches to health inequality.
View Publication: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11113-026-10020-8
View Publication: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11113-026-10020-8
Dr. Teerawichitchainan, with colleagues, has recently published “Navigating aging and health with limited family ties across societies: Challenges, adaptations, and policy responses” in Social Science & Medicine. This overview introduces a special issue examining ageing with limited family ties across nine studies and multiple countries. It emphasizes that limited family ties take diverse forms and do not uniformly produce negative outcomes. Their effects depend on individual resources, relationships, gender, socioeconomic conditions, cultural norms, and available support. The issue calls for more inclusive care, housing, health, and planning systems.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119605
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119605
Dr. Teerawichitchainan is a part of the team that has recently published “How do limited familial ties and community relationships shape health-seeking in older adulthood? Evidence from Indonesia” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. Using Indonesia Family Life Survey data, this study identified four health-seeking profiles among 2,809 older Indonesians. Different forms of limited family ties were associated with distinct health-seeking behaviors: spousal absence reduced routine care, while parent–child disconnection increased comprehensive care. Community trust partly compensated for weak family ties, but community engagement could widen disparities, highlighting the need for culturally grounded interventions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag118
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag118
Dr. Garcia and Dr. Chiu, with colleagues, has recently published “A comparison of dementia-free life expectancy estimates across competing algorithmic classifications: new knowledge and considerations from the health and retirement study” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. Using Health and Retirement Study data, this study compared dementia-free life expectancy estimates based on four classification methods across race/ethnicity, nativity, and gender. Alternative algorithms generally produced estimates similar to the established Langa–Weir classification, although small differences emerged for some groups. The findings suggest that even modest methodological differences can affect assessments of dementia disparities and highlight the need for validated classifications.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag051
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag051
Dr. Kim, with colleagues, has recently published “Financial Profiles of South Korean Widows: The Roles of State, Market, and Family” in Journal of Aging & Social Policy. Using Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data, this study identified five financial profiles among 650 middle-aged and older widowed women. Financially unstable widows had the poorest well-being and limited access to social assistance, while family wealth and intergenerational support reduced vulnerability. The findings highlight the need for stronger noncontributory pensions and less restrictive asset tests to reduce poverty in widowhood.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2026.2702890
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2026.2702890
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Impact of the Diagnosis of Dementia in Older Care-recipients on Their Family Caregivers’ Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life” in Dementia. Using four-wave longitudinal data from Singapore, this study examined changes in family caregivers’ mental health and quality of life following dementia diagnoses in older care recipients. Caregivers experiencing a new diagnosis had the highest depressive symptoms and lowest physical and psychological QoL. Regression analyses showed significant declines in psychological and environmental QoL, highlighting the need for caregiver support after dementia diagnosis.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012251389668
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012251389668
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Racial and ethnic disparities among older adults with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review” in Aging & Mental Health. This scoping review examined racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare among older adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Only eight studies met the criteria, highlighting a major research gap. Minority older adults with ASD experienced greater physical and psychological comorbidity burdens, lower treatment and outpatient service use, and reduced access to supportive accommodations. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive, population-specific research.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2612742
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2612742
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Revisiting the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST): evidence from a multi-cohort study in Asia supporting age-dependent thresholds” in Osteoporos Int. This multi-ethnic study evaluated the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) for screening osteoporosis in women and men aged 50 and 60 years or older. OST showed acceptable discrimination, but fixed thresholds performed inconsistently across age groups. Age-dependent thresholds substantially improved screening performance, suggesting that osteoporosis screening should move beyond a single universal OST cut-off toward age-specific approaches.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-026-08123-1
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-026-08123-1
Dr. Chiu, with colleagues, has recently published “Sleep Quality and Cognitive Life Expectancy in the United States” in Research on Aging. Using 2002–2020 Health and Retirement Study data, this study examined associations between sleep quality, cognitive status, and life expectancy among 20,683 older adults. Poorer sleep quality was associated with 1.0–2.4 fewer years of total life expectancy and life expectancy with normal cognition in both men and women. The findings highlight sleep health as an important factor in healthy cognitive aging and dementia prevention.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275251394993
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275251394993
Dr. Chen is a part of the team that has recently published “The associations of sleep deficiency and frailty with multimorbidity among community-dwelling older adults in the Philippines and Viet Nam” in Psychology, Health & Medicine. This study examined sleep deficiency, multimorbidity, and frailty among older adults in the Philippines and Viet Nam. Sleep deficiency was associated with 83% higher odds of multimorbidity in the Philippines and 57% higher odds in Viet Nam, after adjustment for frailty and other factors. Findings support improving sleep health to potentially reduce multimorbidity, though associations varied by frailty status.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2025.2519223
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2025.2519223
Dr. Chen is a part of the team that has recently published “Food insecurity and sleep deficiency among older Filipinos: the mediating roles of depressive symptoms and frailty phenotypes” in Journal of Global Health. Using nationally representative data from 3,599 older adults in the Philippines, this study examined whether depression and frailty mediate the relationship between food insecurity and sleep deficiency. Food insecurity was associated with sleep problems indirectly through depressive symptoms and frailty, while its direct association was not significant. The findings suggest addressing depression and frailty may improve sleep among food-insecure older adults.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.15.04235
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.15.04235
Dr. Chen, with colleagues, has recently published “Longitudinal relationships between persistent moderate-to-severe pain and poor multidimensional sleep health with frailty among community-dwelling older adults” in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus. Using data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, this study examined pain, multidimensional sleep health, and future frailty among community-dwelling older adults. Acute and persistent moderate-to-severe pain and poor sleep health independently increased frailty risk. Poor sleep further amplified the risk associated with persistent pain, suggesting that improving multidimensional sleep health may help reduce frailty among older adults experiencing chronic pain.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100224
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100224
Dr. Chen is a part of the team that has recently published “Bouncing back, holding steady, or wiser for wear? Uncovering and predicting trajectories of work–eldercare conflict and enrichment during the COVID-19 pandemic” in Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. This study examined changes in the work–eldercare interface among 193 working informal caregivers in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic using three waves of data. Work-to-eldercare conflict worsened, while eldercare-to-work conflict partially rebounded and enrichment generally improved. Family-supportive supervisor behaviors and work-supportive family influenced adaptation, with effects varying by resilience, highlighting the importance of workplace and family resources.
View Publication: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/ocp0000431
View Publication: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/ocp0000431
Dr. Wu is a part of the team that has recently published “ Expectations for Families to Care for Older Adults in the United States: Rapid Scoping Review 2011–2023” in Journal of Family Theory & Review. This review examined U.S. research published from 2011 to 2023 on expectations for family caregiving of older adults. Studies showed limited theoretical consistency, with familism from intergenerational solidarity theory most commonly used. Definitions and measures varied widely, often focusing broadly on family care or adult children. Future research should develop stronger theories and more nuanced measures reflecting caregiver roles, tasks, and care recipients’ health conditions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.70042
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.70042
Dr. Wen is a part of the team that has recently published “Relationship Between Generative AI Use and Life Satisfaction and the Mediating Role of AI Literacy Among Hong Kong Adults: Cross-Sectional Study” in Journal of Medical Internet Research. This population-based study of Hong Kong adults found that GenAI use was indirectly associated with higher life satisfaction through perceived AI usefulness, behavioral intention to use AI, and AI literacy. Younger adults reported greater AI engagement, while the indirect association was stronger among men and older adults. The findings highlight AI literacy as a key pathway linking GenAI use to well-being.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.2196/88362
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.2196/88362
Dr. Wen is a part of the team that has recently published “Greenness across the lifespan and adult respiratory health: A longitudinal cohort study” in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. This study examined life-course exposure to greenness and respiratory health using longitudinal data from Taiwan. Greater greenness was associated with better lung function and lower odds of respiratory impairment, with adolescence identified as the most sensitive period. Reduced PM2.5 exposure partially mediated these benefits. The findings support expanding urban green spaces to promote long-term respiratory health across the life course.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2026.129570
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2026.129570
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Socioeconomic status and the relationship of physical performance with activities of daily living among US older adults” in PLoS One. Using Health and Retirement Study data, this study examined whether socioeconomic status (SES) modifies the relationship between physical performance and activities of daily living (ADL) limitations in older adults. Better gait speed and grip strength consistently predicted greater ADL independence, but education, income, and wealth did not alter these associations. Maintaining physical performance remains essential for preserving independence in later life.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347918
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347918
Dr. Malhotra, with colleagues, has recently published “Community-based health-focused longitudinal aging studies in East and Southeast Asia: landscape and future directions” in The Lancet Regional Health–Western Pacific. This systematic review identified 30 community-based longitudinal aging studies across 10 East and Southeast Asian countries and regions. While recent studies increasingly include biomarkers and physical performance measures, major gaps remain in geographic coverage, frailty assessment, data accessibility, and cross-national collaboration. The review calls for greater regional coordination, standardized measures, and improved data sharing to strengthen healthy aging research and policymaking.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2026.101867
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2026.101867
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Variations in perceived social support among family caregivers from diverse cultural backgrounds” in Ethnicity & Health. This study compared perceived social support among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-CALD family caregivers in Australia. While overall support levels were similar, factors associated with perceived support differed. Mental health was the strongest predictor in both groups, with age and education influencing CALD caregivers and primary caregiving status affecting non-CALD caregivers. The findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored caregiver support policies.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2026.2655631
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2026.2655631
Dr. Solé-Auró is a part of the team that has recently published “Health across Generations in Europe. The role of Age, Gender, and Education” in Journal of Population Ageing. Using 18 years of SHARE data, this study examined health trajectories across six European birth cohorts from age 50 onward. Younger cohorts experienced better self-perceived health and delayed multimorbidity, suggesting morbidity compression. Gender health inequalities narrowed across cohorts, but educational disparities persisted, with higher-educated individuals consistently reporting better health. The findings underscore the need for policies addressing persistent socioeconomic health inequalities in ageing populations.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-026-09572-6
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-026-09572-6
Dr. Tareque is a part of the team that has recently published “Influence of internal migration on antenatal care utilization in Bangladesh: Findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey” in PLoS One. Using nationally representative data from Bangladesh, this study found that internal migration significantly influences antenatal care utilization. Rural-to-urban migrants were more likely to receive professional antenatal care, while urban-to-rural migrants had lower use of professional and quality care. Strengthening rural health services could reduce inequalities in maternal healthcare access.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345817
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345817
Dr. Tareque is a part of the team that has recently published “Trends and Sociodemographic Differentials in Neonatal, Infant, and Under-5 Mortality in Bangladesh, 1993–2022” in Public Health Challenges. Analyzing Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data from 1993–2022, this study found substantial declines in neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality. However, persistent disparities by maternal education, household wealth, and region remained, with the poorest and least educated facing nearly double the risk, highlighting priorities for targeted, equitable child health interventions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.70303
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.70303
Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Donor Motivation and Civil Society Regimes from a Cross-Cultural and Institutional Perspective” in Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. Using nationally representative data from Taiwan and the United States, this study found that charitable giving differs across institutional and cultural contexts. U.S. giving was more individualized and based on personal evaluations, whereas Taiwanese giving was more socially embedded. By combining propensity score matching, regression, and random forest analyses, the study highlights how institutional contexts shape charitable behavior and offers insights for culturally adaptive fundraising strategies.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1017/S095787652600046X
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1017/S095787652600046X
Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Message Timing Outperforms Message Intensity for Cost-Effective Epidemic Control” in Applied Mathematical Modelling. This study introduces a transparent, auditable framework for adapting epidemic messaging based on infection prevalence. Across 160,000 simulations, adaptive messaging outperformed fixed strategies only in populations with low vaccine acceptance and weak social influence. Elsewhere, fixed messaging achieved similar outcomes, suggesting adaptive approaches are most valuable in specific public health contexts.
View Publucation: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2026.117139
View Publucation: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2026.117139
Dr. Zajacova is a part of the team that has recently published “Incidence rates of twelve chronic diseases/conditions in US adults: findings from a population-based study” in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. Using nationally representative US data from 2019–2020, this study estimated one-year incidence rates for 12 major chronic diseases and conditions. Incidence varied substantially, with high cholesterol and chronic pain most common and diabetes, COPD, and coronary heart disease least common. Age consistently predicted risk, informing priorities for chronic disease prevention and resource allocation.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2025.101342
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2025.101342
Dr. Wen is a part of the team that has recently published “Natural Environment, Neighborhood Contexts, and Intra-Urban Suicidal Behavior” on GeoHealth. Using census block group data from Salt Lake City, this study found that greater green space and walkability were associated with lower suicidal behavior, while greater hotel access and higher labor force participation were linked to higher risk. Higher income and larger families were protective. Environmental effects varied by neighborhood characteristics, highlighting how physical, socioeconomic, and contextual factors jointly influence suicide risk and emphasizing the need for place-based prevention strategies.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GH001567
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GH001567
Dr. Wen is a part of the team that has recently published “Racial/ethnic disparities in neighborhood physical activity environments: Comparing Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and Asian Americans in the United States” in SSM-Population Health. Using U.S. census tract data, this study found that Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) and Asian populations experience distinct physical activity environments (PAEs). NHPI communities generally had less favorable built, facility, and social environments but better natural environments in Hawaii, whereas Asian communities showed the opposite pattern. These findings demonstrate that aggregating NHPI and Asian populations obscures important environmental disparities and highlights the need for disaggregated, context-specific public health research and interventions.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2026.101916
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2026.101916
Dr. Zang is a part of the team that has recently published “Housing prices, homeownership, and cognitive functioning in later life: evidence from China” in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. Using longitudinal data from older Chinese adults (2011–2018), this study found that rising housing prices were associated with better cognitive functioning among homeowners, particularly in mental intactness, but not among non-homeowners. Benefits were greatest for socioeconomically disadvantaged homeowners and were partly explained by improved financial security, fewer depressive symptoms, and greater leisure participation. The findings identify housing wealth as an important social determinant of cognitive health in later life.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag066
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag066
Dr. Zang is a part of the team that has recently published “Coevolution of Cognitive and Health Trajectories Among US Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment” in Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Using 2011–2021 data from 2,569 U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with cognitive impairment, this study identified five distinct trajectories of perceived health and cognition. Stable, favorable health trajectories were strongly associated with better cognitive outcomes, whereas sharp declines in health predicted faster cognitive deterioration despite higher initial health. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining overall health to slow cognitive decline and support holistic care for people with cognitive impairment.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2026.106175
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2026.106175
Dr. Kim is a part of the team that has recently published “Quality of life trajectories among frail older adults in Korea: the role of social network factors” in Aging & Mental Health. Using 10 years of data from 3,177 older Koreans, this study found that frail adults had lower initial quality of life than non-frail peers. While quality of life declined overall, it improved among frail participants over time. Greater participation in social activities was associated with better quality of life, highlighting the value of social engagement for frail older adults.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2683657
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2683657
Dr. Kingston is a part of the team that has recently published “Disability free life expectancy: a simulation study of scenarios to extend healthy years and reduce inequalities” in BMC medicine. Using multistate modeling of 16,899 adults aged 50+ in England, this study found that interventions targeting both age-related disability and socioeconomic deprivation produced the greatest gains in disability-free life expectancy (4.8–8.6 years) while reducing inequalities. Age-focused interventions alone increased disability-free life expectancy but widened socioeconomic gaps, whereas deprivation-only interventions yielded modest improvements. The findings highlight the need for combined strategies to promote healthy, equitable aging.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04934-5
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04934-5
Dr. Kingston is a part of the team that has recently published “Exploring the relationship between cognitive impairment, frailty and mortality in the oldest old: findings from the Newcastle 85+ cohort study” in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Using data from 695 adults aged 85 years in the Newcastle 85+ Study, this longitudinal analysis found that frailty accelerated cognitive decline and, when combined with cognitive impairment, markedly increased mortality risk. Participants with both conditions had the highest mortality (HR 3.67), a 28% lower 10-year survival probability, and lost approximately two years of restricted mean survival. The findings support integrated interventions targeting both physical frailty and cognitive health.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106338
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106338
Dr. Teerawichitchainan is a part of the team that has recently published “Digital Technologies in Care for Older Adults Living Alone: A Scoping Review” in Innovation in Aging. Analyzing 37 sources (2000–2025), five technology categories emerged, from communication tools to AI. Most interventions improved physical function, well-being, and loneliness, but challenges included digital literacy and exclusion. Gaps include limited diversity, cost-effectiveness, and long-term outcomes, calling for participatory, person-centered approaches.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igag048
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igag048
Dr. Wen is a part of the team that has recently published “A cross-sectional analysis of disparities in neighborhood physical activity environments across the urban–rural Spectrum in the contiguous United States” in Preventive Medicine. This study examined racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in neighborhood physical activity environments (PAEs) across U.S. census tracts. Results showed that predominantly non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic neighborhoods had lower land-use mix, fewer fitness centers, less green space, and higher pollution than non-Hispanic White neighborhoods. High-poverty tracts also had fewer recreational resources, less green space, and lower civic engagement, despite higher road and intersection density. Disparities were generally larger in urban and suburban areas.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2026.108539
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2026.108539
Dr. Lusk is a part of the team that has recently published “Prevention of Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults and Children: A Systematic Review” on Annals of Internal Medicine. This systematic review of 31 studies found that, in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate kidney stones, increased fluid intake, a normal-to-high calcium, low-protein, low-sodium diet, thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence. Evidence for other interventions was limited. No studies evaluated surveillance imaging. Benefits in children and long-term harms remain uncertain, although serious adverse events were uncommon.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-25-04452
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-25-04452
Dr. Lusk is a part of the team that has recently published “Triptan Initiation and Cerebrovascular Events in Patients With Migraine: A Nationwide Cohort Study” in Journal of the American Heart Association. In a retrospective cohort of 869,092 migraine patients, triptan initiation was associated with increased risks of cerebral ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and myocardial infarction. Using propensity score–weighted analyses, researchers found triptan users had more than double the hazard of ischemic stroke (HR 2.37), although the absolute annual risk increase was small (0.17%). Findings suggest a significant independent association between triptan use and subsequent vascular events.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.125.043409
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.125.043409
Dr. Lee, with colleagues, has recently published “Good death and end-of-life care preferences: perspectives from older Singaporeans” in BMC Palliat Care. This qualitative study examined older Singaporeans’ views on a good death and end-of-life (EOL) planning. Good death was defined by freedom from suffering, avoiding burdening family, accepting mortality, and fulfilling family responsibilities. Limited EOL discussions reflected emotional and social barriers, suggesting a need for family-centered, culturally sensitive EOL care and planning services.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-026-02162-5
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-026-02162-5
Dr. Kim is a part of the team that has recently published “Sibling Dynamics in Adult Children's Support Across Parental Widowhood Phases in Korea” in Journal of Marriage and Family. This quantitative study examined how adult children's financial and caregiving support varies by sibling position, sibship size, and widowhood timing. First-born sons increased financial support in early widowhood; first-born daughters provided dying-parent care. Both supports proved temporary, with later-born sons less involved.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.70038
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.70038
Dr. Kingston is a part of the team that has recently published “Are there socioeconomic inequalities among older people prescribed potentially inappropriate medications? A systematic review and meta-analysis” in Research Connections. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 observational studies found that older adults with lower socioeconomic status (SES) were significantly more likely to receive potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) than those with higher SES (OR 1.29). Similar disparities were observed for lower education and income levels. The findings highlight persistent socioeconomic inequalities in prescribing quality and medication safety among older adults, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and further research into underlying causes.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/rescon/vmag045
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/rescon/vmag045
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Joint trajectories of burden and benefits of caregiving among informal caregivers of older adults with functional limitations: a longitudinal study” in Nature Publishing Group UK. This longitudinal study of 274 informal caregivers in Singapore identified four distinct patterns of caregiving burden and benefits over time. Most caregivers experienced low or moderate burden alongside high benefits. Care support from trained live-in helpers was linked to lower burden, while greater caregiving preparedness predicted higher benefits. Findings underscore diverse caregiving experiences and the value of caregiver training and support.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-42321-5
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-42321-5
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Subjective masticatory function and healthy life expectancy among older adults in Singapore: a multistate life table analysis” in Journal of Dentistry. Using nationally representative data from older adults in Singapore, this study found that impaired masticatory (chewing) function was associated with shorter total life expectancy and fewer years lived without disability. At age 60, those without chewing impairment lived nearly three more ADL-free years than those with impairment. Dental prostheses partially offset these losses but did not fully eliminate them. The findings highlight oral function as an important determinant of healthy ageing and support integrating oral health screening and rehabilitation into geriatric care.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106655
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106655
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Enhancing goals of care discussions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinician-directed behavioural nudges” in Age and Ageing. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 51 studies found that clinician-directed behavioral nudges significantly increased documentation of goals-of-care discussions (GOCDs) for patients with serious illnesses. Nudges more than tripled documentation rates, with multicomponent interventions showing the strongest effects. Evidence also suggested improvements in communication quality and reduced hospital readmissions. Findings indicate that low-cost, scalable nudges can help overcome clinician barriers and improve advance care planning practices.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag113
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag113
Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Uncertainty and unmet needs in older high-risk blunt trauma survivors and their caregivers: a multi-centre mixed methods study” in Scientific Reports. This mixed-methods longitudinal study examined the experiences of older high-risk blunt trauma survivors and their caregivers after hospital discharge. Among 155 patients, unplanned readmissions and mortality were common. Interviews identified key unmet needs, including uncertainty about prognosis, financial challenges, unmet social needs, inconsistent healthcare access, and inadequate support systems. Patients with frequent readmissions, greater comorbidity, or poorer functioning reported lower quality of life, while caregivers experienced increasing financial strain. The findings highlight the need for coordinated post-discharge support and early identification of at-risk patients to improve long-term outcomes and reduce uncertainty.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47587-3
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47587-3
Dr. Solé-Auró is a part of the team that has recently published “Trust, agency, gendered roles and generational influences in ageing foodscapes: a qualitative study on everyday food practices among older adults in Spain” in International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science. This qualitative study of 72 older adults in Seville and Lleida, Spain, examined food purchasing and cooking practices. Participants reported declining trust in retailers, reduced fresh-food quality, and fewer traditional stores. Gender roles, mobility, finances, and generational norms shaped habits. Findings highlight trust and gender equity as key policy considerations.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101533
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101533
Dr. Solé-Auró is a part of the team that has recently published “Paths to multimorbidity: a longitudinal perspective on disease accumulation in Catalonia, Spain” in European Journal of Public Health. Using Catalonia health records (2007–2021), this study tracked disease accumulation among adults aged 45–74. Nine multimorbidity trajectories emerged, shaped by sex and income. Metabolic and hypertensive conditions were common entry points. Healthcare use varied by disease type, with cardiovascular and cancer clusters showing the highest service utilization, underscoring needs for targeted care.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag029
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag029
Dr. Zang is a part of the team that has recently published “The Worst Tie Matters: Intergenerational Relationship Trajectories in Multi-Child Families and Depressive Symptoms of Older Parents in China” in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. Using data from 3,519 older adults in China followed from 2014–2020, this study found that improving parent–child relationships were associated with fewer depressive symptoms in later life. Among families with multiple children, the quality of the most strained relationship was the strongest predictor of mental health. These effects were most pronounced among older adults with lower socioeconomic status, suggesting that repairing difficult family relationships may be particularly important for vulnerable populations.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag097
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag097
Dr. Zang is a part of the team that has recently published “Benchmarking weighted estimates of social determinants of Health in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)” in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. This study evaluated whether weighted estimates from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) accurately reflected socioeconomic disadvantage among older U.S. adults. Using a nationally representative sample of 8,245 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, researchers compared NHATS estimates with U.S. Census benchmarks, highlighting potential underrepresentation of socioeconomic factors in survey weighting procedures.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag037
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag037
Dr. Ang is a part of the team that has recently published “Fluid emotions, managed disruption: Understanding involuntary state-led resettlement in Singapore” in Cities. This study examines involuntary state-led resettlement in Singapore among low-income public rental residents, using interviews from two estates. It finds emotions are shaped by prior state interactions, neighbourhood ties, and housing histories; that actions reflect attempts to regain control or disengage; and that impacts must be assessed from the start, not only after relocation, to inform policy design.
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106742
View publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106742
Dr. Garcia is a part of the team that has recently published “Heterogeneity in healthy aging among U.S. Latinos: a dual functionality perspective” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. Using 16 years of American Community Survey data, this study examined healthy aging among U.S. Latinos using “dual functionality,” defined as freedom from both cognitive and physical limitations. Functional health declined with age, but disparities varied by heritage, nativity, and sex. South Americans showed the strongest outcomes, while island-born Puerto Ricans consistently experienced the poorest. Foreign-born Latinos generally had better functional health than U.S.-born peers, though this advantage weakened with age, especially among women. Findings highlight persistent structural inequalities shaping aging outcomes.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag039
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag039
Dr. Garcia is a part of the team that has recently published “Heterogeneous Impairment Patterns among Midlife Latinos in the United States” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. Using American Community Survey data (2008–2019), this study examines impairment among U.S. Latinos aged 45–64, emphasizing subgroup differences. Results reveal major heterogeneity: Puerto Rican, Black, multiracial, American Indian, and Alaska Native Latinos face especially high impairment risks. U.S.-born Latinos, childhood migrants, and long-term residents also show elevated probabilities. The findings demonstrate that treating Latinos as a single pan-ethnic group obscures important disparities, limiting effective health policy and intervention efforts.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag087
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag087
Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Dissipative quantum dynamics in static networks with different topologies” in New Journal of Physics. This study examines how network topology influences dissipative quantum dynamics in spin networks coupled to thermal bosonic reservoirs. Using a Lindblad master equation framework, the authors first analyze small Ising-spin networks to show how different structures affect quantum population and coherence decay. They then develop a mean-field approach for large-scale networks, linking complex topologies to coherence behavior. Findings demonstrate that quantum coherence is highly sensitive to network structure, with implications for entangled-state dynamics, complex systems, social models, epidemiology, and biological processes.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ae441d
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ae441d
Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Transitional Justice and Health, Happiness, and Solidarity: An Analysis of the 2020 National Survey in Taiwan” in International Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services. Using Taiwan as a case study, this research examines how attitudes toward transitional justice relate to well-being and self-defense solidarity in a post-authoritarian society facing geopolitical threats. Based on a 2020 national survey, the study finds that support for recognizing past state violence and promoting reconciliation is positively associated with physical health, happiness, and willingness to defend society against external political violence.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/27551938261442799
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/27551938261442799
Dr. Visaria, with colleagues, has recently published “Association of depressive symptomatology with healthcare utilization among community-dwelling older adults: an electronic medical records-based longitudinal study in Singapore” in Aging & mental health. This study of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore found that depressive symptoms were strongly associated with greater healthcare utilization. Using longitudinal survey and electronic medical record data from 4,049 participants, researchers showed that higher depressive symptom scores increased the likelihood of emergency department visits, frequent ED use, and hospitalizations within 12 months. Each unit increase in depressive symptoms raised odds of ED visits by 5% and hospitalizations by 6%. Findings emphasize the importance of early depression identification and treatment to reduce healthcare burden among older adults.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2639631
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2639631
Dr. Zajacova is a part of the team that has recently published “Country-level gender inequality and sex disparities in adolescent chronic pain: A 47-country analysis” in Preventive Medicine. This study examined how national gender inequality influences adolescent chronic pain and sex disparities across 47 countries. Using data from over 244,000 adolescents, researchers found that higher gender inequality was linked to greater overall pain prevalence but smaller female–male disparities because boys’ pain increased more sharply in unequal societies. Higher intimate partner violence prevalence was associated with larger female–male differences. Findings highlight the importance of structural gender inequality in shaping adolescent chronic pain patterns globally.
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2026.108495
View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2026.108495
Dr. Zajacova is a part of the team that has recently published “Educational Disparities in Disability in Mid- to Late-Life: How Much is Attributable to Pain?” in Journal of Aging and Health. Using 2002–2018 National Health Interview Survey data, this study investigates how chronic pain contributes to educational disparities in disability. Site-specific pain explained 18–34% of disability gaps between adults with low and high educational attainment, mainly because pain was more prevalent among less educated individuals. Effects were stronger in midlife than older age, with minimal gender differences. Findings highlight chronic pain as an important but understudied pathway linking education to disability inequality later in life.
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Dr. Chiao is a part of the team that has recently published “Applying the general strain theoretical framework to exploring the associations between adverse childhood experiences and problematic Internet use” in Children and Youth Services Review. Using data from a 17-year Taiwan Youth Project, this study examined how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence problematic Internet use (PIU) in young adulthood. Guided by General Strain Theory, results showed ACEs directly increased PIU risk and indirectly did so through heightened loneliness. Findings highlight the importance of emotional pathways and educational context in understanding how early adversity contributes to later problematic Internet behaviors.
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Dr. Solé-Auró is a part of the team that has recently published “Multimorbidity trends in Catalonia, 2010–21: a population-based cohort study” in International Journal of Epidemiology. As the article title suggests, this study examines the interconnections between people with multimorbidity and their socioeconomic gradients. After stratifying a random population sample by income groups and birth cohorts, logistic regression models are used to estimate the association between multimorbidity and mortality. Results show an increasing prevalence of multimorbidity across all age groups, where lower-income individuals are the most vulnerable to related health incidence.
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Dr. Kim is a part of the team that has recently published “Perceived age discrimination and cognitive function in older Korean adults: a cross-sectional study” in Aging & Mental Health. This study examined the relationship between perceived age discrimination and cognitive function among older Koreans using a large national sample. Findings showed that 40.5% experienced age discrimination, which was significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance and higher odds of cognitive impairment. Even after adjusting for other factors, discrimination remained a significant predictor. The results highlight ageism as a modifiable psychosocial risk factor and emphasize the need for policies and interventions to protect cognitive health in aging populations.
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Dr. Montez is a part of the team that has recently published “US State Policy Contexts and Mental Health Among Working-Age Adults” in The Milbank Quarterly. This study, led by Dr. Iliya Gutin, reveals that conservative state policy contexts are significant predictors of poorer mental health among working-age adults. Findings show that shifts toward conservatism correlate with increased mental distress and a higher probability of extreme distress, regardless of pandemic-specific policies. These negative impacts are most pronounced for individuals without a college degree, suggesting that state-level policy environments worsen educational health disparities.
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Dr. Lee is a part of a team that has recently published “Spousal Loss, Depressive Symptoms, and Religious Involvement: Immediate Impact and Trajectories in Late Life” in Research on Aging. Analyzing Health and Retirement Study data from 2006 to 2018, researchers found that religious involvement significantly buffers the immediate depressive symptoms following late-life spousal loss. While faith-based engagement provides a crucial initial emotional cushion, it does not impact long-term recovery trajectories or changes in mental health over time. Consequently, while religion mitigates the acute shock of bereavement, alternative coping resources are necessary to support sustained psychological well-being.
View Publication:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01640275251350287
View Publication:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01640275251350287
Dr. Kim and Dr. Teerawichitchainan are part of the team that has recently published “Childlessness and health in middle age and older adulthood: Evidence from Singapore” in European Economic Review. This study investigates the causal impact of childlessness on the health of 1,500 Singaporeans aged 50 and older. By utilizing infertility and childless siblings as instrumental variables, the researchers address potential biases in previous data. Findings reveal that childlessness significantly increases the likelihood of poor self-reported health and mental distress. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that standard OLS models underestimate these negative effects. View Publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2026.105279
Dr. Visaria and Dr. Malhotra are part of the team that has recently published “Link between tooth loss and health expectancy: findings from a prospective Singaporean population-based cohort study of older adults” in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. This study examined how the number of teeth affects health expectancy—years lived without limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) or physical function—among adults aged 60 years and older in Singapore. Older adults with more natural teeth generally experienced longer periods of independent living. Differences were greater among men and those with lower education. Results also suggested that removable dental prostheses may support healthier aging, highlighting the importance of both tooth retention and prosthetic rehabilitation.
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Dr. Tareque, with colleagues, has recently published “Sixteen-year longitudinal associations between loneliness and depressive symptoms among older adults” in Aging & Mental Health. This study examines the long-term relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms among U.S. adults aged 60+ over a 16-year period using Health and Retirement Study data from 2006 to 2022. Two analyses tested whether loneliness predicts later depression and whether depression predicts later loneliness. Results showed lonely participants had nearly double the odds of future depressive symptoms. Baseline depression also increased later loneliness risk. Cognitive impairment predicted loneliness, while women and those with poorer self-rated health were more likely to develop.
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Dr. Teerawichitchainan, with colleagues, has recently published “Childlessness and Advance Care Planning in Midlife and Late Adulthood: A Mixed-Methods Study in Singapore” in Social Science & Medicine. As the title suggests, this study examines multiple dimensions of advance care planning (ACP) by quantitative analyses and interviews with targeted respondents–childless adults aged 50+ in Singapore. While results indicate a different ACP level between childless men and women, it is further suggested that various barriers, including difficulty appointing proxies, misconceptions about costs, and competing caregiving demands, together contribute to the overall modest ACP level in Singapore.
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Dr. Zang is a part of the team that has recently published “Beyond Lifelong Marriage and Spousal Coresidence: A Research Note on Racial and Ethnic Differences in Late-Life Family and Living Arrangements” in Demography. This study examines how race, ethnicity, and sex shape marital status and living arrangements after age 50. An innovative Bayesian multistate life table approach is employed to reveal different matrimonial patterns of white, black and Hispanic adults, and to investigate how sex–such as the case for female minorities–closely interrelates to an individual’s social and economic security in later life.
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Dr. Malhotra is a part of the team that has recently published “Advance Care Planning and long-term bereavement in caregivers of patients with metastatic cancer” in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. This study examines associations between ACP engagement and caregivers’ risk of complicated grief and anxiety six months after a patient's death, moderation by patient age and patient-caregiver relationship, and mediation by patient’s emotional distress and caregiver preparedness for patient’s death. The Brief Grief Questionnaire is used to assess caregivers’ risk of complicated grief, and anxiety with the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A higher ACP engagement, as the study’s result points out, may benefit diverse groups of bereaved caregivers of patients with cancer.
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Dr. Lusk, with colleagues, has recently published “Calcitonin Gene–Related Peptide Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Migraine” in Neurology. This retrospective cohort study used insurance claims data to evaluate whether initiating calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors for migraine is associated with cardiovascular risk. Among individual outcomes, only ischemic stroke showed a significant increase, while myocardial infarction, revascularization, retinal artery occlusion, and intracranial hemorrhage were not significantly associated. Overall, initiation of CGRP inhibitors was linked to a modest increase in cardiovascular risk in patients with migraine.
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Dr. Kingston is a part of the team that has recently published “Intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing in the United Kingdom and Brazil: a coordinated analysis of two population-based cohort studies” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. This research inspects intrinsic capacity (IC) of the UK and Brazil, considering the two countries’ diverse cultural and socioeconomic factors. Using linear and logistic regressions to analyze data, this research examines IC and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics and health outcomes, revealing that older age, non-White race/ethnicity, less education, and lower wealth are crucially linked to lower IC scores.
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Dr. Minagawa and Dr. Luy are part of the team that has recently published “Why do women live longer than men, but spend more time in poor health? A decomposition analysis of the gender gap in unhealthy life years across Europe” in European Journal of Epidemiology. This study tested the “longevity hypothesis,” which suggests that women spend more years in poor health mainly because they live longer. The study examined gender differences in unhealthy life years at age 50 across several health indicators. Women consistently experienced more years in poor health than men. Results varied somewhat across health indicators and countries, but overall findings support the longevity hypothesis and highlight the importance of considering different dimensions of health when examining gender inequalities.
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Dr. Zajacova is a part of the team that has recently published “Incidence rates of twelve chronic diseases/conditions in US adults: findings from a population-based study” in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. This research simultaneously examines the incidence of multiple chronic diseases/conditions among US adults, estimating one-year incidence rates for 12 conditions with high public burden. Assessing documented variation in chronic disease/condition incidence, research findings provide essential evidence to prioritize and coordinate prevention initiatives across the chronic disease/condition spectrum.
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Dr. Lee is a part of the team that has recently published “Personal cancer worry and Systemic Cancer Concern: Pathways to health behaviors via social media and emotional well-being” in Computers in Human Behavior, investigating how personal worry and systemic cancer concern relate to digital health behaviors through distinct affective and trust-related pathways. Drawing on an integrated theoretical framework, this study analyzes nationally representative U.S. data using structural equation modeling. The findings inform psychologically responsive digital health design, such that emotion-sensitive features may support users with heightened vulnerability, whereas credibility cues may address institutional distrust.
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Dr. Garcia, with colleagues, has recently published “Cognitive difficulties among middle-aged and older Latino adults: within-group variation across U.S. states” in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. This study examined state-level variation in cognitive difficulties among Latinos aged 45 and older in the United States using American Community Survey data (2008–2019). Results showed substantial differences across states and Latino subgroups. U.S.-born Latinos reported higher levels of cognitive difficulties than foreign-born individuals. Higher prevalence was observed among certain heritage groups, including Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Cubans. The findings suggest that nativity, heritage, and state-level context interact to shape cognitive risk patterns.
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Dr. Yu is a part of the team that has recently published “Respondent characteristics’ moderating effect on mixed-mode effects: an example of subjective well-being measurements” in International Journal of Social Research Methodology. This study examined whether survey mode affects socially desirable responses to subjective well-being questions. Using longitudinal survey data from Taiwan and applying propensity score matching to address selection bias, the study compared face-to-face and online responses. Results showed that face-to-face respondents were more likely to report higher satisfaction with family life and economic conditions than online respondents. Mode effects were particularly evident among younger participants and those with higher education.
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Dr. Zajacova is a part of the team that has recently published "Where does it hurt? A 4-S model of pain onset and recovery across body sites among older adults" in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. This study examines the bodily distribution of pain and its covariates and proposes a framework to systematize how pain sites remain stable, spread, switch, or subside over time. The 4-S model, proposed as a framework in this study, provides valuable insights into understanding the complex interplay of pain onset and recovery and offers ways to integrate this framework into ongoing investigations of late-life pain.
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https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/80/7/gbaf061/8155623
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