Bei Wu

Dr. Wu is Dean’s Professor in Global Health and Vice Dean for Research at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is an inaugural Co-Director of the NYU Aging Incubator. Prior to joining NYU, she was the Pauline Gratz Professor of Nursing at Duke University School of Nursing. Prof. Wu is an internationally-known leader in gerontology.

As a principal investigator, Prof. Wu has led numerous projects supported by federal agencies and private foundations, including the NIH and CDC. She is currently leading several NIH-funded projects including a clinical trial to improve oral health for persons

with cognitive impairment, and a large secondary data analysis to examine how the co-occurrence of diabetes and poor oral health may lead to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. She co-leads the newly funded Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity. Through this center, she also leads a 5-year intervention study that focuses on supporting Chinese and Korean dementia caregivers who are at increased risk for high blood pressure and diabetes due to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. She is a director of the Research and Education Core for the NIA-funded Asian Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR).

As a scholar, Prof. Wu is an internationally known leader in gerontology. Her scholarship has been distinguished by interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in various disciplines, including nursing and dentistry, in the US and abroad. Her research areas cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health, including oral health, long-term care, dementia, and caregiving. She is one of the first in the nation to study the linkages between oral health and cognitive decline in older adults. Her research has also addressed knowledge gaps in the linkages between oral health and diabetes.

Prof. Wu has devoted much of her time to training the next generation of aging and nursing scientists from dozens of academic institutions in the U.S. and abroad. She has mentored hundreds of faculty members, visiting scholars, and students from various disciplines, including nursing, gerontology, dentistry, medicine, social work, demography, public health, sociology, public policy, geography, and economics. She is successful in mentoring several dozens of early-stage faculty members in receiving competitive funding from NIH, Robert Wood Johnson Scholars, the Alzheimer’s Society (UK), National Science Foundation of China, China Medical Board, National Medical Research Council (Singapore), and many others.

Prof. Wu is a productive researcher. She has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers, books, reports, and conference abstracts. Her extensive publications cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health. She has delivered presentations at hundreds of conferences as an invited speaker. Her work has been widely recognized in the field. Research findings from her team have been featured by the National Institute on Aging, and in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, BBC, U.S. News and World Report, MarketWatch, CBS News, Reuters, AARP Bulletin, China Daily, Daily Mail, South China Morning Post, and Financial Review.

Her achievement has been recognized by many international and national organizations and she is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, and the New York Academy of Medicine. She is an honorary member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, and is the former president of the Geriatric Oral Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research. She has served on a number of NIH review panels and is a frequent reviewer for multiple international funding agencies. She was honored as the 2017 IADR Distinguished Scientist in Geriatric Oral Research. She is the recipient of the 2022 Wei Hu Inspiration Award from the China Health Policy and Management Society.

PhD - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston

MS - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston

BS - Shanghai University

Gerontology

Global

Honorary Member, Sigma Theta Tau International - Honor Society of Nursing

Distinguished Scientist Award for Geriatric Oral Research, International Association for Dental Research (2017)

Pauline Gratz Professorship, Duke University School of Nursing (2014)

J. Morita Junior Investigator Award in Geriatric Oral Health, International Association for Dental Research (2007)

Fellow, Gerontological Society of America

Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine

Fellow, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

Immigrant Status, Resilience, and Perceived Oral Health Among Chinese Americans in Hawaii

Wu, B., Pei, Y., Zhang, W., & Northridge, M. (2020). Research on Aging, 42(5), 186-195. 10.1177/0164027520912493

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the associations among immigrant status, resilience, and perceived oral health for Chinese American older adults in Hawaii. Method: Data derived from 430 Chinese American adults aged 55 years and older residing in Honolulu, HI. We compared the self-rated oral health and oral health problems between U.S.-born Chinese Americans and foreign-born Chinese Americans by using ordered logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression models. Results: Findings suggest that immigrant status and lower levels of resilience are associated with poorer self-rated oral health and more oral health problems for Chinese American older adults in Hawaii. Resilience is more strongly associated with self-rated oral health for U.S.-born Chinese American than for foreign-born Chinese Americans, but this pattern was not evident for oral health problems. Discussion: Older Chinese American immigrants in Hawaii are disadvantaged in terms of their oral health. Understanding their susceptibilities may lead to targeted interventions.

The Impact of Living Alone and Intergenerational Support on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Mexican Americans: Does Gender Matter?

Pei, Y., Cong, Z., & Wu, B. (2020). International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 90(3), 255-280. doi.org/10.1177/0091415019836099

Abstract

Abstract

The study examined gender differences in the impact of living alone and intergenerational support on depressive symptoms among Mexican American older adults. The sample included 335 parent–adult child pairs which are nested within 92 Mexican American respondents, because each respondent reported their specific relationships with each child. Clustered regression analysis showed gender differences in the impact of living alone and intergenerational support on depressive symptoms among Mexican American older adults. In general, older men provided and received less intergenerational support than older women, but their depressive symptoms were more susceptible to living alone and different types of intergenerational support. Factors such as living alone, receiving instrumental support were associated with more depressive symptoms in older men than inolder women, whereas older men benefited more from the emotional closeness with children than older women. The findings highlight the need for a gender-specific approach to future research on this topic.

Investigation for the transcultural self-efficacy of nurses in Guizhou, China

Li, J., Wu, B., He, Z., Liu, J., Xiao, R., & Luo, Y. (2020). International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(2), 191-197. 10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.03.004

Abstract

Abstract

Aim: As conflict caused by cultural diversity among patients in China continues to rise, hospitals are in urgent need for improvement of transcultural efficacy among nurses. This study aims to evaluate the transcultural self-efficacy of nurses working in the tertiary general hospital in Guizhou Province, an ethnic minority region in western China, and to identify whether nurses’ demographic characteristics affect their transcultural self-efficacy. Method: We used the Chinese version of the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET-CV) to survey 1,190 in-service nurses. Results: Results showed that the level of transcultural self-efficacy of the nurses was generally moderate; few of the nurses had high or low transcultural self-efficacy. The nurses’ transcultural self-efficacy was affected by demographic variables, including age, marital status, employment type, income, work experience, and whether or not they were head nurses. Having a stable work environment, a stable marriage, a good educational background, and a high-ranked professional title were associated with increased transcultural self-efficacy. Conclusion: Nursing administrators in hospitals should offer continuing education on transcultural nursing according to nurses’ demographic characteristics and the SEST scores.

Longitudinal associations between parent-child relationship quality and insomnia for aging parents: The mediating role of depressive symptoms

Wang, H., Kim, K., Burr, J. A., & Wu, B. (2020). Social Science and Medicine, 253. 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112972

The mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults

Gong, X., Ni, Z., & Wu, B. (2020). Ageing and Society, 40(3), 465-479. 10.1017/S0144686X18001010

Abstract

Abstract

Vision impairment is prevalent and it is strongly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study used data from a probability-based sample of 1,093 adults aged 60 and older in Shanghai, China. Structural equation models were used to examine the structural relationships among sets of variables simultaneously, including vision impairment, activities of daily living ADLs, instrumental ADLs (IADLs), friends support, family support, relatives support and depressive symptoms. The bootstrapping method and the program PRODCLIN were used to test the indirect effects of these variables. This study found that vision impairment was directly associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms, and the association was partially mediated by functional limitations (IADLs) and social support (friends support). The study demonstrates that improving social support from friends and enhancing social participation for visually impaired older adults can reduce depressive symptoms. More importantly, this study contributes to the knowledge of mediating mechanisms between vision impairment and depressive symptoms.

Neighborhood Cohesion and Oral Health Problems among Older Chinese American Immigrants: Does Acculturation Make a Difference?

Mao, W., Wu, B., Chi, I., Yang, W., Dong, X., & Meeks, S. (2020). Gerontologist, 60(2), 219-228. 10.1093/geront/gnz126

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite an increasing, yet still limited amount of research on social determinants of oral health, the influences of neighborhood characteristics remain understudied, especially within the context of immigration. Acculturation is multidimensional, and its influences on the oral health of immigrants vary across age and ethnic groups. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems among older Chinese American immigrants, and whether and to what extent acculturation indicators moderate the relationship between such cohesion and oral health. Methods: The research design and working sample included 3,157 older Chinese American immigrants aged 60 years or older from the baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Neighborhood cohesion was measured by a six-item scale. Oral health problems were measured by the presence or absence of such problems. Acculturation included residence in ethnic enclaves, length of stay, and behavioral acculturation. Stepwise logistic regression models with interaction terms (Neighborhood cohesion × Acculturation) were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems, accounting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. Results: Individuals experiencing higher levels of neighborhood cohesion reported a lower likelihood of having oral health problems. The protective effect of neighborhood cohesion against having oral health problems was stronger when individuals resided in ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown. Discussion and Implications: To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals' perceptions and levels of integration into their neighborhoods and communities.

Neighborhood Social Cohesion, Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being among Chinese Older Adults in Hawai'i

Zhang, W., Liu, S., Zhang, K., Wu, B., & Meeks, S. (2020). Gerontologist, 60(2), 229-238. 10.1093/geront/gnz104

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objectives: A growing body of literature indicates that neighborhood social cohesion is generally associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction (LS). However, very few studies have examined these relationships among Chinese older adults, the fastest growing aging population across all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Focusing on this population, the current study aims to examine the associations of neighborhood cohesion with psychological distress and LS as well as the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of birth place in the associations. Research Design and Methods: Ordinary least squares regressions were applied to analyze data collected among 430 Chinese older adults aged 55 and older residing in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Results: Results show that neighborhood social cohesion was positively associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of LS for the whole sample. The association between social cohesion and psychological distress was moderated by birth place such that the protecting effects of neighborhood cohesion on distress were only salient for the U.S.-born but not for the foreign-born. Moreover, the mediating role of resilience was identified: It contributed to more than 60% of the association between social cohesion and psychological distress, and more than 22% of the association between social cohesion and LS. Discussion and Implications: Our findings indicate the importance of a cohesive social environment and resilience in shaping psychological well-being and quality of life for older Chinese adults, the U.S.-born in particular, living in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

Neighborhood-based social capital and cognitive function among older adults in five low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health

Jiang, N., Wu, B., Lu, N., & Dong, T. (2020). International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 35(4), 365-375. 10.1002/gps.5239

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate which neighborhood-based social capital components are associated with a higher level of cognitive function in LMICs. Methods: This international population-based study used cross-sectional survey data from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a study of adults aged 50 years or older in China, Ghana, India, the Russian Federation, and South Africa from 2007 through 2010 (N = 29 528). Associations between neighborhood-based social capital indicators (trust in neighbors, perceived neighborhood safety, and community participation) and cognitive function were examined using ordinary least squares regressions and random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Results of the meta-analyses of within-country effects indicated that trust in neighbors were positively associated with cognitive function across India, Russia, and Ghana, but negatively associated in South Africa (β = −0.041, SE =.013, P <.01) and no effect in China (P >.05). The significant effect of perceived neighborhood safety was only found in South Africa (β = 0.051, SE =.007, P <.001) and China (β = 0.030, SE =.005, P <.001). Community participation approached a null effect in South Africa (P >.05). Discussion: Different indicators of neighborhood-based social capital, which are well-established protective resources for cognitive function, may have varied relationships with cognitive function cross-nationally. This finding provides a better understanding of the mechanisms by which neighborhood social capital may contribute to better cognitive function in LMICs than high-income countries, potentially due to differences in neighborhood environments, health systems, and availability of public resources.

Outpatient visits among older adults living alone in China: Does health insurance and city of residence matter?

Wang, J., Pei, Y., Zhong, R., & Wu, B. (2020). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 1-12. 10.3390/ijerph17124256

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between health insurance, city of residence, and outpatient visits among older adults living alone in China. A sample of 3173 individuals was derived from “Survey on Older Adults Aged 70 and Above Living Alone in Urban China” in five different cities. Logistic regression models indicated that older adults living alone who had urban employee basic medical insurance, urban resident basic medical insurance, and public medical insurance were more likely to have outpatient visits than those without any health insurance. After controlling the number of chronic diseases, only those with public medical insurance were more likely to have outpatient visits than uninsured older adults. Additionally, older adults who resided in Shanghai and Guangzhou were more likely to have outpatient visits than those in Chengdu, whereas older adults who were in Dalian and Hohhot were less likely to have outpatient visits. To improve the equity of outpatient visits among older adults living alone in China, policy efforts should be made to reduce fragmentation of different health insurance plans, expand the health insurance coverage for older adults, provide programs that consider the needs of this special group of older adults, and reduce the inequality in health resources and health insurance policies across cities.

Parent–Child Relationships and Aging Parents’ Sleep Quality: A Comparison of One-Child and Multiple-Children Families in China

Wang, H., Kim, K., Burr, J. A., & Wu, B. (2020). Journal of Aging and Health, 32(10), 1602-1613. 10.1177/0898264320947304

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the associations between parent–child relationships and sleep difficulty among older parents in the context of Chinese multiple-children and one-child families. Methods: Using the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this study analyzed older parents’ (N = 8,450) reports of sleep quality and relationships with each of children. Results: Results from multivariate logistic regression models showed that living alone, greater variations in children’s financial transfers and emotional closeness, and more instrumental support from children were associated with higher risks of sleep difficulty for Chinese older parents with multiple children. The maximum levels of financial transfers and emotional closeness from all children were related to lower risks of sleep difficulty for parents from multiple-children families, while greater instrumental support from children was associated with higher risks of sleep difficulty for parents from one-child families. Discussion: Findings have implications for support programs for Chinese aging population with sleep problems.