What Stories Can Teach Us About Aging
2025
Author(s): Ruth Finkelstein
In this video, Ruth Finkelstein challenges the approach to research on aging, health disparities, and inequality.
Read MoreIn this video, Ruth Finkelstein challenges the approach to research on aging, health disparities, and inequality.
Read MoreSocial Security disability benefits were effective in their role as a safety net as far as health insurance is concerned. Medicaid eligibility was an important benefit of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Read MoreDespite pandemic disruptions, transgender/gender diverse individuals with HIV remained engaged in care. Telehealth supported care engagement. This poster was presented at IWHOD 2025.
Read MoreDuring the COVID-19 lockdown, health care system strains led to some delays in care for people with HIV. Care providers who maintained strong communication and connection with patients reduced disruption and stress.
Read MoreThis analysis drew on interviews with 61 individuals. Participants attributed weight changes to external and internal factors. Feeling in control of one’s health was linked to body image satisfaction.
Read MoreLong COVID adversely affected health-related quality of life among people living with HIV.
Read MoreThis testimony supports stronger protections against elder fraud. It also discusses the benefits of supported decision-making over traditional guardianship.
Read MoreThis study used claims data to analyze primary care and behavioral care visits before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The poster was presented at IDWeek 2024.
Read MoreThis longitudinal study examined adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Adherence of at least 90% was associated with HIV viral suppression.
Read MoreThose with inadequate incomes and comorbidities had more symptoms of long COVID.
Read MoreFailure to maintain durable viral suppression appears to be part of a syndrome of poor health. This poster was presented at the AcademyHealth 2024 Annual Research Meeting.
Read MoreBrennan-Ing finds ageism and body image dissatisfaction lead to mental distress.
Read MoreBrennan-Ing contributed an entry on HIV and Aging to SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ+ Studies.
Read MoreIn this chapter, Manalel and colleagues discuss modern-day challenges related to aging that individuals and their families experience. The authors offer policy recommendations to address these challenges.
Read MoreBrookdale's Mark Brennan-Ing and public health expert Nina Martinez discuss mental health among people with HIV.
Read MoreThis article presents a model for measuring different dimensions of social relations. This framework can help identify potential strengths in social networks among older people with HIV.
Read MoreThe findings highlight the importance of life-course illness trajectories. This poster was presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting.
Read MoreOlder women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa tend to be more involved than older men in social support exchanges. Social support differences are smaller where interdependence is high.
Read MoreFears of COVID-19 and anti-Asian violence amplified each other. This poster was presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting.
Read MoreThis letter to the New York Times discusses the situation faced by older adults in New York State prisons. There is a need for legislative action.
Read MoreInformation overload eroded trust in authority and led to vaccine hesitancy. Participants turned to their personal networks, which strongly influenced decisions about vaccination.
Read MorePeople who are aging with HIV face several health challenges that emphasize the importance of access to health care and health equity.
Read MoreThe study found that one size does not fit all when it comes to tech training and support for older adults. Training should be customized based on individuals' skills.
Read MoreThis article describes a framework for social relationships that pays special attention to how our lives are linked to others over time.
Read MoreOlder people are often portrayed as passive victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet older adults do take responsibility for their own health and that of others.
Read MoreThis testimony supports the NYC Council's Resolution 241. The resolution calls on the New York State Legislature to pass two critical elder justice bills, Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole.
Read MorePeople age 55 and older are the only age segment of New York's imprisoned population that is growing. This situation is setting up the state for a human rights crisis and escalating costs.
Read MoreThis testimony supports legislation to require the city to provide digital literacy training to older adults. It shows how the city can maximize the impact of its proposed investment.
Read MoreThis testimony supports the New York State Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole bills. It was presented to a joint committee hearing of the New York State Senate.
Read MoreOlder adults with HIV experience unique challenges that often go unacknowledged. Policies should address social isolation and HIV stigma.
Read MoreCouncil Member Crystal Hudson has introduced a package of bills to help older New Yorkers. Brookdale has recommendations on how to strengthen these bills.
Read MoreThe podcast features a wide-ranging conversation about attitudes and policies on aging.
Read MoreHalf of people living with HIV are 50 years old or older. The testimony underscores the importance of sexual health education and behavioral health services for older New Yorkers living with HIV.
Read MoreThis edited volume covers such topics as epidemiology, health and functioning, and social support. Chapters offer policy and program implications to support those growing older with HIV.
Read MoreIn this piece for amNY, the authors call on New York City to use the 311 system to put free tech support within reach of older adults and all city residents.
Read MoreThe senior center of the future should facilitate access to this city’s abundant resources. It should also unleash older New Yorkers’ power to use their knowledge, skills, and energy to support their fellow New Yorkers.
Read MoreMore people over 65 are working in the U.S. than ever before. But there are very different narratives about what that means.
Read MoreThis publication in Nature Aging discusses how urban environments can influence well-being over the life course. Urban design that addresses inequities at all stages of life would lead to a better old age.
Read MoreIn this webcast video, Ruth Finkelstein talks about the ways that adult education can help fight poverty.
Read MoreThis article for CWI Labs examines the impact of caregiving on a woman's economic security.
Read MoreLocal businesses are important to the social fabric of neighborhoods. When they close because of high rent, older New Yorkers are especially affected.
Read MoreThis paper, coauthored by Brookdale's Dr. Mark Brennan-Ing, looks at perceptions of aging and frailty in gay and bisexual men.
Read MoreThis study looked at how childhood sexual abuse impacts health in older people with HIV.
Read MoreIn this Aging Wisely podcast, christian gonzález-rivera talks about the increasing diversity of New York's older adult population. He calls for more investment in the ability of older people to age in their own homes and communities.
Read MoreBrookdale and LiveOn NY present more than 100 ideas to inspire the city’s incoming leaders to make New York a better, more equitable place to age.
Read MoreThe Inclusive Growth Blueprint is a new framework for changing how decisions are made in NYC. The blueprint reflects Brookdale's core principle that investments in people throughout their lives will lead to a healthier older age.
Read MoreThis study looked at how resilience can buffer the impact of discrimination among older sexual minority men.
Read MoreThis editorial by Brennan-Ing and colleagues examines aging research with sexual and gender minority adults. Directions for future research are identified.
Read MoreThis project examined how demographics, health, and health care use were associated with viral loads among people with HIV.
Read MoreSenior centers as currently structured are missing an opportunity. They could be places where older adults use their knowledge, skills, and energy to support others.
Read MoreBrennan-Ing and colleagues examine self-appraisals in older gay and bisexual men. Connection to the gay community may be a source of resilience.
Read MoreIn this "Psychology of Aging" podcast with Dr. Regina Koepp, Mark Brennan-Ing talks about strategies for aging with HIV.
Read MoreIn this podcast, Mark Brennan-Ing, director of research and evaluation, discusses current issues in aging with HIV.
Read MoreNearly half the men in the study reported having a primary partner. Less than a quarter of participants reported having a secondary supportive partner.
Read MoreVaccination rates in New York City show significant racial and ethnic disparities. In this testimony before the City Council, we lay out a plan to get the vaccine to some of the most disadvantaged New Yorkers.
Read MoreThis paper by Brennan-Ing and colleagues reports on the link between inflammation and health in older adults with HIV.
Read MoreOlder immigrants with the lowest levels of formal education often lack internet access at home. Our testimony recommends ways to invest in closing the digital divide for this population.
Read MoreThis paper by Brennan-Ing and colleagues gives an overview of current issues in HIV and aging. Policy and program recommendations are provided.
Read MoreThis policy brief offers practical solutions for how to close the digital divide among older adults.
Read MoreIn this op-ed for the New York Daily News, Dr. Finkelstein argues that to ensure equity, the city's aging services network must have a greater role in planning and implementing vaccine distribution.
Read MoreChristian gonzález-rivera called for public investment in programs to help older New Yorkers gain technology skills and confidence.
Read MoreOlder LGB adults were as likely to remain sexually active as older heterosexuals. Gay and bisexual men were more likely than heterosexual men to report some sexual problems.
Read MoreThere are specific policies employers can adopt to make workplaces better places to grow older. Age diversity can contribute to companies’ bottom line.
Read MoreWe examined the cost and efficacy of integrating medical and behavioral health care for older adults with HIV in New York City.
Read MoreIn testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Aging, Christian González-Rivera lays out a two-part vision for the senior center of the future.
Read MoreConsidering a safe way to reopen workplaces has led to suggestions that older workers need to stay at home so others don’t have to. The data don’t support that argument.
Read MoreDr. Finkelstein elaborates on an interview published in Forbes: Plans to reopen the economy by locking down older adults are immoral and will not work---either to get the economy vibrant again or to contain the virus.
Read MoreThis one-page infographic illustrates how dementia can contribute to the substantial wealth disparity between Black and White Americans.
Read MoreDr. Charles Emlet (University of Washington, Tacoma) and Brookdale's Dr. Mark Brennan-Ing make eight policy recommendations for older adults with HIV.
Read MoreData from focus groups of older adults with HIV were used to examine service use and service gaps for this growing population. Based on these data we make recommendations for improving program options for these older adults.
Read MoreIn this op-ed Dr. Ruth Finkelstein recommends that Congress pass legislation similar to Title I of the Ryan White CARE Act to ensure funds for addressing the COVID-19 crisis reach the communities that are most in need.
Read MoreIn an opinion piece in City Limits, Dr. Ruth Finkelstein and Christian González-Rivera suggest ways to practice physical distancing while protecting against the social isolation of older adults.
Read MoreThis white paper reports the findings of the NYC Creative Aging Initiative and outlines recommendations for strengthening New York City’s creative aging ecosystem.
Read MoreDementia is associated with a loss of 97 percent of wealth among Black Americans, compared with 42 percent among non-Black Americans. Wealth loss among Black and non-Black Americans without dementia did not differ substantially.
Read MoreThis book chapter compares the United States and Germany in the management of older employees. Drawing from evidence in both countries, the authors propose a revised set of workplace practices and policies.
Read MoreStudy participants who reported more HIV-related conditions and poorer health said they did not receive enough emotional support. Care plans should not overlook the importance of social support.
Read MoreDr. Ruth Finkelstein and Christian González-Rivera testified in support of a package of bills to combat discrimination against older workers in New York City.
Read MoreThe authors examine the unique needs of sexual and gender minority older adult military veterans to identify future program, policy, and research goals.
Read MoreIn this study, spirituality served as a buffer between HIV stigma and psychological well-being among older men with HIV, especially gay or bisexual men, who may have built resilience through struggles against homophobia.
Read MoreThe United Nations has named 17 goals to improve the health of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Psychology has great potential to help reduce poverty and increase women’s empowerment.
Read MoreLilliam Barrios-Paoli, the former New York City commissioner of the Department for the Aging, talks with Dr. Ruth Finkelstein about cumulative disadvantage.
Read MoreAs the population of people with HIV is aging globally, both HIV stigma and ageism are linked to poorer health outcomes. Stigma may also affect social integration via self-protective withdrawal.
Read MoreDr. Ernest Gonzales of New York University’s Aging Incubator presents Dr. Ruth Finkelstein speaking on how the conditions of our lives influence how we age across the life-span.
Read MoreMore than 3 million New York State residents are 65 or older. This data analysis provides a new level of detail about the older population across the state and finds that it is more diverse than ever before.
Read MoreThis paper applies eight components of successful aging to update a model of successful aging with HIV. Clinical practice and research implications are highlighted.
Read MoreNearly 25% of LGBT older adults in this study said they were having problems with memory and thinking. Odds of reported impairment were higher among those who were people of color, depressed, or functionally impaired.
Read MoreThis study looked at stigma and social isolation among four groups of older persons with HIV. Some of the gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men, and Spanish speakers said that aging contributed to their isolation.
Read MoreAs the ranks of older New Yorkers grow, New York City will face a shortage of home care workers and social services. The state should take the lead in improving opportunities for home health aides.
Read MoreJobs have been built on assumptions about the nature of work, the length and characteristics of our lives. As work has changed and people live longer, we must change our ideas of “work.”
Read MoreThis study tested an adaptation of the RESPECT intervention, which involves weekly phone calls by care managers to individuals with HIV. After six months, depressive symptoms were significantly improved.
Read MorePeople aging with HIV have medical and psychosocial needs beyond the scope of the HIV services network. Care providers, social service agencies, and content experts should work together to serve this diverse population.
Read MoreThis essay highlights the ways grandparents contribute to the economic mobility of immigrant families in New York City. It is crucial that older immigrants and their families have access to the services they need.
Read MoreThe growth in New York’s older immigrant population is far outpacing that of the U.S. born senior population. There are now more people over the age of 65 in the city than there are children ages 10 and younger.
Read MoreResults of this study suggest that coping resources may help ease the effect of HIV stigma on psychological well-being. The findings support the development of spiritual interventions for people aging with HIV.
Read MoreWork can support healthy aging but it can also put healthy aging in danger. This study offers ideas for social protection, human resources policies, and keeping older employees employed.
Read MoreThe American Psychological Association recently published guidelines for working with transgender and gender nonconforming people. This paper reviews those guidelines with older adults in mind.
Read MoreIn the United States, we can now expect to live three decades longer than our great-grandparents. This conference hosted by The Atlantic examined the shape of the new old age and its impact on society.
Read MoreToo often, the city’s senior services fail to reach older immigrants. This testimony, delivered before the New York City Council’s Committee on Aging, recommends budget priorities for the Department for the Aging.
Read MoreIn the future, societies as a whole will be older, and there will be fewer people. To create sustainable societies, we need to understand how to maximize human potential in later life.
Read MoreThis report gives New York City employers a resource to create age-friendly workplaces. The Age Smart Employer award criteria is included as are practices and policies that contribute to an age-friendly workplace.
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