scholarly journals PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: THE TIES THAT BIND: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S210-S210
Author(s):  
Tamara A Baker ◽  
Lewina O Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great Promise

Abstract Data show that seven out of every ten adults, over the age of 50, own a smartphone, with one out of ten owning a tablet. While traditional activities dictate the use of technology among this cohort, there is growing evidence that adults similarly use devices to also manage their medical care and to learn online. This increase has guided scholars in recognizing the utility of technology from designing interventions to understanding how technology may serve as a barrier and/or facilitator to one’s general well-being. This symposium features four presentations from nationally recognized scholars that will expand traditional perspectives on technology use, and how it influences social ties among older adults. Dr. Charness will examine the population-level trends in social network use by aging adults and discuss a recent CREATE intervention study (PRISM), that used a computer-based platform to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Dr. Czaja will similarly present findings from CREATE, and other trials, on the access to and use of email, social media sites, and online support groups among older adults, and the resultant impact on social connectivity, loneliness and social support. Dr. Rogers will discuss technologies that currently exist (e.g., apps, mobile devices, social networking) or are being developed (e.g., robotics, telepresence, virtual reality) to support social engagement. Dr. Antonucci will examine aspects of new technologies and their influence on health and well-being, while underscoring the perspective that new and emerging technologies hold great promise in overcoming traditional barriers to maintaining social contact and exchange.

scholarly journals Social Contact and Wellness Outcomes for Older Adults in Different Residential Settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 407-407
Author(s):  
Joseph Bihary ◽  
Jennifer Smith ◽  
Dugan O’Connor ◽  
Ajla Basic ◽  
Janis Sayer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract More frequent social contact with others has been shown to be associated with positive well-being outcomes for older adults, who may be at increased risk of loneliness or isolation. The current study investigates whether the potential benefits of social contact might vary by social contact medium and by residence type (senior living (SL) settings vs. the broader community). 5,148 older adults residing in SL communities completed surveys on health and well-being. Data were combined with responses from 1,000 demographically similar older adults residing outside SL settings who participated in a similar study. Participants in both studies reported their frequency of social contact with friends (4 types: in-person meet-ups, speaking by phone, writing or emailing, and communicating via social media), subjective overall health, and life satisfaction. Results of multilevel regression analyses revealed that more frequent in-person social contact with friends was associated with more positive ratings of overall health only for participants in non-SL settings, but not those in SL. More frequent in-person social contact was also associated with higher life satisfaction, and this effect was stronger for non-SL participants. More frequent contact by phone and written letters/emails was associated with better ratings of overall health, regardless of residence type. In contrast, more frequent social media use was associated with lower ratings of overall health. Analyses controlled for age, gender, education, marital status, income, chronic health conditions, and depressive symptoms. The observed patterns of results speak to the possible protective benefits of social engagement for older adults in different residence settings.

scholarly journals Examining Rural and Racial Disparities in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Technology Use Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaileigh A. Byrne ◽  
Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky ◽  
Cheryl Dye ◽  
Lesley A. Ross ◽  
Kapil Chalil Madathil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rural 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 social technology use and loneliness in adults aged 50 and older using data from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,315). Social technology use was operationalized as the self-reported frequency of communication through Skype, Facebook, or other social media with family and friends. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness scale, and rural-urban differences were based on Beale rural-urban continuum codes. Examinations of race focused on differences between Black/African-American and White/Caucasian groups. A path model analysis was performed to assess whether race and rurality moderated the relationship between social technology use and loneliness, adjusting for living arrangements, age, general computer usage. Social engagement and frequency of social contact with family and friends were included as mediators. The primary study results demonstrated that the association between social technology use and loneliness differed by rurality, but not race. Rural older adults who use social technology less frequently experience greater loneliness than urban older adults. This relationship between social technology and loneliness was mediated by social engagement and frequency of social contact. Furthermore, racial and rural-urban differences in social technology use demonstrated that social technology use is less prevalent among rural older adults than urban and suburban-dwelling older adults; no such racial differences were observed. However, Black older adults report greater levels of perceived social negativity in their relationships compared to White older adults. Interventions seeking to address loneliness using social technology should consider rural and racial disparities.

scholarly journals Predicting Technology Use Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Community Participation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 567-567
Author(s):  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Laura Samuel ◽  
Thomas Cudjoe ◽  
Melissa Hladek ◽  
Sarah Szanton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Technology use is important for older adults, particularly in the pandemic. The pattern of technology use among older adults varies significantly. We hypothesized that limitations of activities of daily living (ADL), wellbeing, and community participation of community-dwelling older adults before the pandemic would predict technology use during the pandemic. National Health and Aging Trends Study data on 2924 older adults were utilized. Adjusted for age, gender, race, education, marital status, and chronic conditions, previous well-being predicted more online social activities (OR=1.03, p =.03); previous ADL limitations predicted more telehealth use (OR=1.11, p=.014); and previous community participation predicted: learning new technologies (OR=1.46, p <.001), more telecommunication (OR=1.12, p=.007), more online social activity (OR=1.58, p<.001), and more telehealth use (OR=1.09, p= .04). The results of this study imply that high community participation promotes older adults’ transition to technology use. Older adults with low participation may need extra attention for such a transition.

scholarly journals Technology Use Among Older Adults to Manage their Health During a Global Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 742-742
Author(s):  
Gashaye M Tefera ◽  
Erin Robinson ◽  
Geunhye Park
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Preventative Health ◽  
Daily Exercise ◽  
Virtual Visits ◽  
Communication And Coordination

Abstract Risk of severe COVID-19 illness increases with age, and older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19 and related complications as compared to their younger counterparts. This reality, combined with pandemic-related lockdown and social distancing policies, has increased in-home isolation for older adults. This includes cancelling in-person healthcare appointments and conducting many appointments via tele-health. As older adults have had to quickly pivot to learning new technologies, little is known about their experiences with navigating virtual healthcare during the pandemic. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to address that gap. One-on-one interviews (N=29) were conducted with older adults (Mean age=71.5; 86% female) via phone/Zoom. Participants were asked about their healthcare experiences during the pandemic and the role technology played. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using Nvivo12 software. Findings demonstrate that participants used technology to schedule medical appointments, engage in virtual visits with their providers, set reminders to take medications, and undertake their daily exercise routine. Post-lockdown, some participants preferred in-person visits due to the nature of their diagnosis, personal preference, or unfamiliarity with the needed technology. Older adults encountered challenges including cancelled appointments, miscommunication with providers, and lack of skill to use technologies. Cancellation of appointments and postponement of treatments affected the health of some of the participants. Implications of this research can inform tele-health approaches with older patients, as well as provider communication and coordination of care. Leveraging technology for preventative health approaches can also assist older adults in ongoing health maintenance and promote well-being.

scholarly journals CALL A TEENAGER . . . THAT’S WHAT I DO!: GRANDCHILDREN HELP OLDER ADULTS USE NEW TECHNOLOGIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S331-S331
Author(s):  
Jennifer D Portz ◽  
Christine Fruhauf ◽  
Sheana Bull ◽  
Rebecca S Boxer ◽  
David Bekelman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Open Coding

Abstract As older adults increasingly show interest in technology for their well-being, families will play an important role in promoting the adoption and use of beneficial health technologies. The purpose of this study was to conduct a sub-analysis of data collected from a large-scale qualitative project regarding older adults’ experiences using health information technology. Specifically, the sub-analysis explored older adults’ experiences with technology support from family members to inform strategies for promoting older adult engagement with new health technologies. While the primary analysis of the original study was theoretically driven, this paper reports results from the inductive, open-coding analysis. Twenty-four older patients (≥65 years) with multiple chronic conditions (Charlson Comorbidity Index > 2) participated in a focus group conducted at patients’ primary clinic. While conducting the primary theoretically-driven analysis, coders also utilized an open-coding approach to ensure important ideas not reflected in the theoretical code-book were captured. Open-coding resulted in a primary theme, “family support”, that was furthered categorized by who and how the tech-support was provided. Participants were not specifically asked about family support, yet family assistance and encouragement for technology emerged from every focus group. Participants repeatedly mentioned that they called their grandchildren and adult children for help with technology. Participants also reported that family members experienced difficulty when teaching technology use. Family members struggled to explain simple technology tasks and were frustrated by the slow teaching process. Family support, specifically via grandchildren, may have a key role in the successful adoption and use of emerging health technologies.

scholarly journals Social Relations and Technology: Continuity, Context, and Change

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni C Antonucci ◽  
Kristine J Ajrouch ◽  
Jasmine A Manalel
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Continuity And Change ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Social relations, although basic to human nature, health and well-being, have become increasingly complicated as a result of changing population demography and technology. In this essay, we provide a historical overview of social relations, especially as they affect older people. We briefly review the evolution of theory and measurement surrounding social relations as well as early empirical evidence. We consider how social relations have changed over time as well as continuity and change regarding basic characteristics of social relations. Of special interest is the emerging influence of technology on how people maintain contact, especially the changing ways people can use technology to increase, decrease, maintain, or avoid social relations. We consider both negative and positive aspects of these new technologies and their influence on health and well-being. Finally, we conclude that new and emerging technologies hold great promise for the future by overcoming traditional barriers to maintaining social contact, support exchange, and information acquisition. Nevertheless, we caution that these new technologies can have the dehumanizing effect of distance thus creating the potential for insensitivity and increased negativity. In sum, we are cautiously optimistic about the promise of technology to expand, but not replace, traditional forms of social contact.

scholarly journals DIGITAL INEQUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS’ ONLINE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL CAPITAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S920-S920
Author(s):  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Amanda E Hunsaker ◽  
Eszter Hargittai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The increasing popularity of social media and other online communities offers new possibilities for older adults to stay socially connected. This study examines the relationship of older adults’ online social engagement and bonding as well as bridging social capital based on a survey of over 1,000 adults aged 60 and over. Social bonding refers to support obtained from existing strong social ties while social bridging is creating connections across varied social networks. We estimated three multi-stage regression models to examine these relationships when controlling for sociodemographic factors, as well as Internet experiences and skills. We then extended the regression models with Internet skills as a moderator. Findings show that older adults who engage more often in specific online social activities (i.e., asking questions on social media, looking at photos of family members/others) enjoy greater bridging social capital (both in offline and online contexts) than those who do so less often. Furthermore, Internet skills moderate the relationship between online social engagement and social capital. Specifically, older adults with greater Internet skills benefit relatively more from engaging in specific online social activities more often with respect to online social bridging. These results imply that digital inequalities may put older adults who are less skilled in using the Internet at a disadvantage when it comes to building social capital from online social engagement. Thus, while social media has potential positive implications for well-being among older adults, the current manifestation of this does not suggest equitable distribution of those benefits across different older users.

scholarly journals Social engagement technologies and their use among grandparents and adult grandchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mueller ◽  
H Foran
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Adult Grandchildren ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract The quality of close family relationships can affect the health and well-being of older adults. Further, research suggests that relationships between grandparents and adult grandchildren can have a positive impact on the lives of each generation, particularly regarding social and emotional support. Social engagement technologies may provide new opportunities for older adults to foster and maintain family relationships, including those between grandparents and adult grandchildren. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between the use of social engagement technologies and health and well-being outcomes in 177 younger adults (M = 26.67, SD = 7.83; 81.4% female) and 202 older adults (M = 71.09, SD = 8.17; 77.8% female). Social technology use was assessed through five mediums that are used to enhance social connectivity (e.g., e-mail, social network sites, online video or phone calls, instant messaging, and smartphones). Higher use of social engagement technologies was associated with better self-rated health, subjective well-being, and social support among younger and older adults. Interestingly, social technology use was associated with less depressive symptoms only for older adults (r=-.26, p<.05). There was, however, no correlation between social technology use and loneliness at the bivariate level. Of all five media, only smartphone use was correlated with more positive evaluations of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. After controlling for age, both grandparent-grandchild relationship quality and social technology use were associated with better self-rated health, subjective well-being, and social support for grandparents and adult grandchildren. Key messages Taken together, these findings indicate the need for a nuanced perspective on the benefits of social engagement technologies. More research is needed to explore the use case for social engagement technologies among older adults and their family members.

scholarly journals Adapting Training and Use of an Application for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Amidst COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 658-659
Author(s):  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Sarah Weingast ◽  
Gabriel Gladstone-Groth ◽  
Marco Ceruso ◽  
Sara Czaja
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Remote Access ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Remote Training ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements have resulted in disruptions to daily life, reduced opportunities for social engagement, and diminished resource access for millions of older adults. Individuals with cognitive impairments (CI) are particularly vulnerable to risk for social isolation. This presentation will discuss the PRISM-CI pilot trial, which aims to examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system on enhancing connectivity and quality of life among a diverse sample of 50 older adults aged 65 and over with a CI. PRISM-CI, adapted from the PRISM system (developed by the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement) for this population, is intended to support social engagement, memory, and access to resources and information. We will present data regarding the feasibility and perceived value of PRISM-CI and discuss the challenges, and strategies used, to adapt the PRISM-CI trial during the pandemic. We used a multi-modal approach to provide remote training and specialized tablet instruction that includes individualized training sessions tailored to individuals’ learning needs, hobbies, and prior technology use. The adapted protocol also involves the use of remote access software for troubleshooting. We will also discuss how participant feedback guided the inclusion of additional features, such as Zoom videoconferencing and virtual library access, for the PRISM-CI application. Finally, we will demonstrate how the adaptation of the PRISM-CI protocol holds promise for the use of flexible, remote technology approaches to reach socially isolated older adults to foster psychosocial well-being.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

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