Lesley A Ro
Biographic Data
| ID | 221638 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Lesley A Ro |
| GIVEN NAMES | Lesley A |
| FAMILY NAME | Ro |
| SIGNATURE | RO L A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Clemson University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3794-158X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 22 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 31 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 22 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Family relationship quality and psychological and cognitive health among grandparent caregivers: The moderating role of co-residence with adult children
The present study explores how family relationship quality is associated with psychological and cognitive health among grandparents who had primary responsibility in raising their grandchildren and examines whether co-residence with adult children moderates this relationship. The study uses data from 589 grandparents who completed the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) is used to identify grandp…
Predictive Utility of Four Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Assessments and Cognitive Status Changes Among Cognitively In-Tact Older Adults
Purpose To examine the factor structure and predictive utility of four instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measures to identify cognitive status changes among older adults enrolled in the ACTIVE Trial. Major Findings Extracted factors represented IADL instruments. Baseline performance on the Everyday Problems Test (EPT) predicted 5-year MMSE scores (est. = .08, p < .001), adjusting for demographic and health covariates, baseline MMSE, …
Transportation Use and Perception of Leisure Constraints, Health and Neighborhood Characteristics: A Preliminary Study Among Low-Income Older Adults
Transportation needs among lower-income older adults are understudied, particularly regarding their relationships with leisure constraints, health, and neighborhood characteristics. This preliminary study assessed 39 older adults residing in subsidized housing and examined their reported modes of transportation for daily activities. The most common transportation mode was relying on others to drive, followed by driving themselves and using public…
Does Cognitive Training Reduce Falls across Ten Years: Data from the Active Trial
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive training on the risk of experiencing a fall across 10 years. The study used data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized controlled trial. Older adults aged 65-94 were randomly assigned to speed of processing, memory, or reasoning training or to a no-contact control group ( n = 2802). The experience of a fall in the prior two months…
Social and Neighborhood Context Moderates the Associations Between Processing Speed and Driving Mobility: A 10-year Analysis of the Active Study
Objectives: Processing speed is essential to functional independence in later life, such as driving a vehicle. Few studies have examined processing speed and driving mobility in the context of racial differences and social determinants of health (SDoH). This study characterized the longitudinal association between processing speed and driving mobility, and how it varied by race and SDoH. Methods: Using data from the control arm of the Advanced Co…
Examining Rural and Racial Disparities in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Technology Use Among Older Adults
Loneliness, the subjective negative experience derived from a lack of meaningful companionship, is associated with heightened vulnerability to adverse health outcomes among older adults. Social technology affords an opportunity to cultivate social connectedness and mitigate loneliness. However, research examining potential inequalities in loneliness is limited. This study investigates racial and rural-urban differences in the relationship between…
Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults
Introduction: Several interventions have been developed to enhance social connectedness among older adults. However, little research has demonstrated their performance in a social distancing environment. Exergames are not only beneficial to older adults' physical and cognitive health, but they also allow players to interact with each other at a distance, which can reduce loneliness and increase social connection. The aim of this pilot study was t…
Correlates of Life Satisfaction Among Middle-Aged and Older Black Adults
Indicators of Crash Risk in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis From the Active Study
Objective: This study aims to examine indicators of crash risk longitudinally in older adults ( n = 486). Method: This study applied secondary data analyses of the 10 years of follow-up for the ACTIVE study combined with state-recorded crash records from five of the six participating sites. Cox proportional hazards models were first used to examine the effect of each variable of interest at baseline after controlling for miles driven and then to …
Age- and Time-Varying Associations Between Subjective Health and Episodic Memory in Older Adults
Together, our findings highlight stable and varying relationships between episodic memory and multiple subjective health indicators across metrics of time in older adults. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT00298558
Cognitive Training Attenuates Decline in Physical Function Across 10 Years
This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of cognitive training to complex physical function across 10 years
The Effects of Useful Field of View Training on Brain Activity and Connectivity
UFOVt enhances connections needed for visual attention. Together with prior work, this study provides evidence that improvement of the brain's visual attention efficiency is one mechanism underlying UFOVt
Older Black Adults’ Satisfaction and Anxiety Levels After Completing Alternative Versus Traditional Cognitive Batteries
Computer-based cognitive batteries appear to be less intimidating than the commonly used paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests for Black adults. Thus, these cognitive batteries may be useful tools for monitoring older Blacks' cognitive status
Age-Varying Relationships Between Physical Function and Cognition in Older Adulthood
Results suggest that depending on the sample age, there may be inconsistencies in the relationships between physical and cognitive performance. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally to better elucidate discrepant findings
The Impact of Three Cognitive Training Interventions on Older Adults’ Physical Functioning Across 5 Years
This is the first study to demonstrate differential longitudinal cognitive training transfer effects to three performance-based physical functioning measures. Future research should investigate mechanisms of far-transfer effects
The Transfer of Cognitive Speed of Processing Training to Older Adults’ Driving Mobility Across 5 Years
These results and prior research indicate that cognitive SPT transfers to prolonged driving mobility among older adults. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind transfer effects to real-world activities, such as driving
Speed of Processing Training in the Active Study: How Much Is Needed and Who Benefits
Cognitive performance improved by 2.5 standard deviations for participants who attended all 10 initial sessions and all 8 booster sessions compared to randomized participants who attended none. Implications for the broader application of cognitive training interventions are discussed
The Relationship Between Computer Experience and Computerized Cognitive Test Performance Among Older Adults
Findings suggest that computer experience is not uniquely related to performance on computerized cognitive measures compared with paper-and-pencil measures. Because the relationship between computer experience and UFOV was fully attenuated by computer attitudes, this may imply that motivational factors are more influential to UFOV performance than computer experience. Our findings support the hypothesis that computer use is related to cognitive p…
Visual Function and Cognitive Speed of Processing Mediate Age-Related Decline in Memory Span and Fluid Intelligence
The findings support both the sensory degradation and speed of processing accounts of age-related, cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings highlight positive aspects of normal cognitive aging in that older age may not be associated with a loss of fluid intelligence if visual sensory functioning and processing speed can be maintained
Do Older Drivers At-Risk for Crashes Modify Their Driving Over Time
Five-year driving habit trajectories among older adults (n = 645) at-risk for crashes were examined. Performance measures included Useful Field of View (UFOV). Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, Rapid Walk, and Foot Tap. Self-report measures included demographics and the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Longitudinal random-effects models revealed that drivers at-risk for subsequent crashes, based upon UFOV, regulated their driving more than the lowe…
Longitudinal Predictors of Driving Cessation Among Older Adults From the Active Clinical Trial
We examined the physical, visual, health, and cognitive abilities of 1,656 older adults as prospective predictors of self-reported driving cessation over a 5-year period. We examined the time to driving cessation across 5 years after we controlled for days driven per week at baseline and any cognitive intervention participation. Older age, congestive heart failure, and poorer physical performance (according to the Turn 360 Test) were statisticall…
The Impact of Speed of Processing Training on Cognitive and Everyday Functions
We combined data from six studies, all using the same speed of processing training program, to examine the mechanisms of training gain and the impact of training on cognitive and everyday abilities of older adults. Results indicated that training produces immediate improvements across all subtests of the Useful Field of View test, particularly for older adults with initial speed of processing deficits. Age and education had little to no impact on…
Longitudinal Predictors of Driving Cessation Among Older Adults From the Active Clinical Trial
We examined the physical, visual, health, and cognitive abilities of 1,656 older adults as prospective predictors of self-reported driving cessation over a 5-year period. We examined the time to driving cessation across 5 years after we controlled for days driven per week at baseline and any cognitive intervention participation. Older age, congestive heart failure, and poorer physical performance (according to the Turn 360 Test) were statisticall…
The Relationship Between Computer Experience and Computerized Cognitive Test Performance Among Older Adults
Findings suggest that computer experience is not uniquely related to performance on computerized cognitive measures compared with paper-and-pencil measures. Because the relationship between computer experience and UFOV was fully attenuated by computer attitudes, this may imply that motivational factors are more influential to UFOV performance than computer experience. Our findings support the hypothesis that computer use is related to cognitive p…
The Transfer of Cognitive Speed of Processing Training to Older Adults’ Driving Mobility Across 5 Years
These results and prior research indicate that cognitive SPT transfers to prolonged driving mobility among older adults. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind transfer effects to real-world activities, such as driving
Do Older Drivers At-Risk for Crashes Modify Their Driving Over Time
Five-year driving habit trajectories among older adults (n = 645) at-risk for crashes were examined. Performance measures included Useful Field of View (UFOV). Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, Rapid Walk, and Foot Tap. Self-report measures included demographics and the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Longitudinal random-effects models revealed that drivers at-risk for subsequent crashes, based upon UFOV, regulated their driving more than the lowe…
Speed of Processing Training in the Active Study: How Much Is Needed and Who Benefits
Cognitive performance improved by 2.5 standard deviations for participants who attended all 10 initial sessions and all 8 booster sessions compared to randomized participants who attended none. Implications for the broader application of cognitive training interventions are discussed
Family relationship quality and psychological and cognitive health among grandparent caregivers: The moderating role of co-residence with adult children
The present study explores how family relationship quality is associated with psychological and cognitive health among grandparents who had primary responsibility in raising their grandchildren and examines whether co-residence with adult children moderates this relationship. The study uses data from 589 grandparents who completed the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) is used to identify grandp…
Indicators of Crash Risk in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis From the Active Study
Objective: This study aims to examine indicators of crash risk longitudinally in older adults ( n = 486). Method: This study applied secondary data analyses of the 10 years of follow-up for the ACTIVE study combined with state-recorded crash records from five of the six participating sites. Cox proportional hazards models were first used to examine the effect of each variable of interest at baseline after controlling for miles driven and then to …
Older Black Adults’ Satisfaction and Anxiety Levels After Completing Alternative Versus Traditional Cognitive Batteries
Computer-based cognitive batteries appear to be less intimidating than the commonly used paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests for Black adults. Thus, these cognitive batteries may be useful tools for monitoring older Blacks' cognitive status
Age-Varying Relationships Between Physical Function and Cognition in Older Adulthood
Results suggest that depending on the sample age, there may be inconsistencies in the relationships between physical and cognitive performance. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally to better elucidate discrepant findings
The Impact of Speed of Processing Training on Cognitive and Everyday Functions
We combined data from six studies, all using the same speed of processing training program, to examine the mechanisms of training gain and the impact of training on cognitive and everyday abilities of older adults. Results indicated that training produces immediate improvements across all subtests of the Useful Field of View test, particularly for older adults with initial speed of processing deficits. Age and education had little to no impact on…
Longitudinal Predictors of Driving Cessation Among Older Adults From the Active Clinical Trial
We examined the physical, visual, health, and cognitive abilities of 1,656 older adults as prospective predictors of self-reported driving cessation over a 5-year period. We examined the time to driving cessation across 5 years after we controlled for days driven per week at baseline and any cognitive intervention participation. Older age, congestive heart failure, and poorer physical performance (according to the Turn 360 Test) were statisticall…
Visual Function and Cognitive Speed of Processing Mediate Age-Related Decline in Memory Span and Fluid Intelligence
The findings support both the sensory degradation and speed of processing accounts of age-related, cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings highlight positive aspects of normal cognitive aging in that older age may not be associated with a loss of fluid intelligence if visual sensory functioning and processing speed can be maintained
Do Older Drivers At-Risk for Crashes Modify Their Driving Over Time
Five-year driving habit trajectories among older adults (n = 645) at-risk for crashes were examined. Performance measures included Useful Field of View (UFOV). Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, Rapid Walk, and Foot Tap. Self-report measures included demographics and the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Longitudinal random-effects models revealed that drivers at-risk for subsequent crashes, based upon UFOV, regulated their driving more than the lowe…
The Relationship Between Computer Experience and Computerized Cognitive Test Performance Among Older Adults
Findings suggest that computer experience is not uniquely related to performance on computerized cognitive measures compared with paper-and-pencil measures. Because the relationship between computer experience and UFOV was fully attenuated by computer attitudes, this may imply that motivational factors are more influential to UFOV performance than computer experience. Our findings support the hypothesis that computer use is related to cognitive p…
Speed of Processing Training in the Active Study: How Much Is Needed and Who Benefits
Cognitive performance improved by 2.5 standard deviations for participants who attended all 10 initial sessions and all 8 booster sessions compared to randomized participants who attended none. Implications for the broader application of cognitive training interventions are discussed
The Transfer of Cognitive Speed of Processing Training to Older Adults’ Driving Mobility Across 5 Years
These results and prior research indicate that cognitive SPT transfers to prolonged driving mobility among older adults. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind transfer effects to real-world activities, such as driving
The Impact of Three Cognitive Training Interventions on Older Adults’ Physical Functioning Across 5 Years
This is the first study to demonstrate differential longitudinal cognitive training transfer effects to three performance-based physical functioning measures. Future research should investigate mechanisms of far-transfer effects
Age-Varying Relationships Between Physical Function and Cognition in Older Adulthood
Results suggest that depending on the sample age, there may be inconsistencies in the relationships between physical and cognitive performance. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally to better elucidate discrepant findings
The Effects of Useful Field of View Training on Brain Activity and Connectivity
UFOVt enhances connections needed for visual attention. Together with prior work, this study provides evidence that improvement of the brain's visual attention efficiency is one mechanism underlying UFOVt
Older Black Adults’ Satisfaction and Anxiety Levels After Completing Alternative Versus Traditional Cognitive Batteries
Computer-based cognitive batteries appear to be less intimidating than the commonly used paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests for Black adults. Thus, these cognitive batteries may be useful tools for monitoring older Blacks' cognitive status
Cognitive Training Attenuates Decline in Physical Function Across 10 Years
This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of cognitive training to complex physical function across 10 years
Examining Rural and Racial Disparities in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Technology Use Among Older Adults
Loneliness, the subjective negative experience derived from a lack of meaningful companionship, is associated with heightened vulnerability to adverse health outcomes among older adults. Social technology affords an opportunity to cultivate social connectedness and mitigate loneliness. However, research examining potential inequalities in loneliness is limited. This study investigates racial and rural-urban differences in the relationship between…
Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults
Introduction: Several interventions have been developed to enhance social connectedness among older adults. However, little research has demonstrated their performance in a social distancing environment. Exergames are not only beneficial to older adults' physical and cognitive health, but they also allow players to interact with each other at a distance, which can reduce loneliness and increase social connection. The aim of this pilot study was t…
Correlates of Life Satisfaction Among Middle-Aged and Older Black Adults
Indicators of Crash Risk in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis From the Active Study
Objective: This study aims to examine indicators of crash risk longitudinally in older adults ( n = 486). Method: This study applied secondary data analyses of the 10 years of follow-up for the ACTIVE study combined with state-recorded crash records from five of the six participating sites. Cox proportional hazards models were first used to examine the effect of each variable of interest at baseline after controlling for miles driven and then to …
Age- and Time-Varying Associations Between Subjective Health and Episodic Memory in Older Adults
Together, our findings highlight stable and varying relationships between episodic memory and multiple subjective health indicators across metrics of time in older adults. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT00298558
Does Cognitive Training Reduce Falls across Ten Years: Data from the Active Trial
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive training on the risk of experiencing a fall across 10 years. The study used data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized controlled trial. Older adults aged 65-94 were randomly assigned to speed of processing, memory, or reasoning training or to a no-contact control group ( n = 2802). The experience of a fall in the prior two months…
Social and Neighborhood Context Moderates the Associations Between Processing Speed and Driving Mobility: A 10-year Analysis of the Active Study
Objectives: Processing speed is essential to functional independence in later life, such as driving a vehicle. Few studies have examined processing speed and driving mobility in the context of racial differences and social determinants of health (SDoH). This study characterized the longitudinal association between processing speed and driving mobility, and how it varied by race and SDoH. Methods: Using data from the control arm of the Advanced Co…
Predictive Utility of Four Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Assessments and Cognitive Status Changes Among Cognitively In-Tact Older Adults
Purpose To examine the factor structure and predictive utility of four instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measures to identify cognitive status changes among older adults enrolled in the ACTIVE Trial. Major Findings Extracted factors represented IADL instruments. Baseline performance on the Everyday Problems Test (EPT) predicted 5-year MMSE scores (est. = .08, p < .001), adjusting for demographic and health covariates, baseline MMSE, …
Transportation Use and Perception of Leisure Constraints, Health and Neighborhood Characteristics: A Preliminary Study Among Low-Income Older Adults
Transportation needs among lower-income older adults are understudied, particularly regarding their relationships with leisure constraints, health, and neighborhood characteristics. This preliminary study assessed 39 older adults residing in subsidized housing and examined their reported modes of transportation for daily activities. The most common transportation mode was relying on others to drive, followed by driving themselves and using public…
Family relationship quality and psychological and cognitive health among grandparent caregivers: The moderating role of co-residence with adult children
The present study explores how family relationship quality is associated with psychological and cognitive health among grandparents who had primary responsibility in raising their grandchildren and examines whether co-residence with adult children moderates this relationship. The study uses data from 589 grandparents who completed the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) is used to identify grandp…
Psychology (21 works) · Medicine (18 works) · Cognition (15 works) · Gerontology (13 works) · Psychiatry (13 works) · Older Adults Driving Studies (11 works) · Health disparities and outcomes (8 works) · Cognitive psychology (7 works) · Physical medicine and rehabilitation (7 works) · Urban Transport and Accessibility (7 works)