Focus Groups With Older Adults

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Jutta E. Ataie ◽  
David L. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 169-170
Author(s):  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Karl Shieh ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

scholarly journals Exploring the Motivators and Barriers of Older Adults Participating in an Interactive Exergame Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 402-402
Author(s):  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Michelle Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Spatial Environment ◽  
Interactive Video Game

Abstract Cognitive and physical activity are important to maintaining daily functioning in older adults. While bidirectional associations between cognitive and physical activity magnify with increasing age, elucidating shared benefits has been difficult as few interventions explicitly train on cognition and mobility simultaneously. We conducted focus groups among 14 older adults residing in an independent-living center who participated in an interactive video game study called Bandit the Dolphin, where participants simultaneously incorporated cognitive exercise and physical activity while navigating within a complex spatial environment to help Bandit jump, eat fish, and stun sharks. Using ‘sneaky exercise’ tactics, participants utilized upper extremities in conjunction with slight lower extremity movement to move Bandit within a 3-D oceanic environment. We conducted 3 semi-structured focus groups and analyzed the data using the “Sort and Sift, Think and Shift” method to assess general likes and dislikes as well as the primary motivators, barriers, and reasons for remaining in the study. Participants enjoyed the immersive nature, challenge, and “fun factor” of the game. Primary motivators for joining were generativity/helping others, self-improvement, from peer referrals, and because the study looked interesting. Key barriers reported in the study were exhaustion from standing, learning how to play in 3-D space, and frustration from lack of level advancement. Reasons for retention were due to the game being fun, a sense of duty, and fulfilling commitments. This information will guide ongoing research efforts to design interactive video game interventions that are enjoyable for older adults and maintain high retention rates.

scholarly journals Developing a Volunteer Education Initiative for Older Adults’ Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 687-687
Author(s):  
Liz Seidel ◽  
Tara Cortes ◽  
Cinnamon St John
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Data Utilization ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Usable Knowledge ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Education Initiative

Abstract Older adults need sufficient information to make healthy decisions and be active participants in their healthcare. Yet there is often a lack of information available. The Bronx Health Corps (BHC) was created to meet this need by providing older adults with usable knowledge on managing health conditions and promoting healthy behaviors in community-based settings. The BHC trained 175 volunteers, educated 2,065 older adults, with a total attendance of >5,000. Steps of creating a volunteer education initiative will be presented with qualitative and quantitative data utilization in implementation of the program. Focus groups with older adults noted challenges in addressing community health needs and the importance of reaching outside of healthcare settings to address the health of the community. Focus groups with Spanish speaking older adults and caregivers expanded knowledge on their attitudes toward the 4Ms and their ability to use that knowledge in interacting with their providers.

Participatory development of the food literacy intervention “GUSTO” for older adults in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Zastrow ◽  
K Neher ◽  
H Hassel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Food Literacy

Abstract Background Healthy aging is one of the major challenges currently faced by an aging population. Food literacy (FL) refers to the ability to apply knowledge and practical skills regarding healthy and sustainable nutrition into everyday life. The project “GUSTO” is sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care and aims to contribute to enjoyable aging by developing the nutritional skills of people aged 65 and over. This community-based program comprises independent working groups of older adults guided by peer moderators. The FL intervention is developed in cooperation with the target group. Methods The nutritional situation of older adults was first established through a literature research. The results of this research were compared to the “self-perceived food literacy scale” by Poelman et al. (2018) and the “nutritional framework for literacy courses” by Johannsen et al. (2019). The resulting data provided a basis for focus group discussions carried out in six municipalities, supported by local practice partners. In six guided focus group discussions, a number of recurring themes were identified and summarized. Results The focus groups consisted of a total of 44 people between 62 and 88 years of age (average age: 73.1 ± 6.1 years). 22.7 % were men. The group discussions revealed resources used and barriers encountered in terms of FL and interests of older adults. It was evident that, due to the high density of information available, the participants found it difficult to identify reliable information and to implement it in their everyday life. At the request of the focus groups, topics such as the best before date and the use of food waste were added to the intervention. Conclusions Older adults find it challenging to identify reliable nutritional information and implement it in their everyday life. With the help of the participatory approach outlined in this study, target group-related issues can be identified and taken into account in the intervention. Key messages Older adults can be involved in the development of an FL intervention. A participatory approach allows target group-related issues and specific needs to be taken into account in the intervention.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

A mixed reality cognitive orthosis to support older adults in achieving their daily living activities: perspective from stakeholders (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amel Yaddaden ◽  
Guillaume Spalla ◽  
Charles Gouin-Vallerand ◽  
Patty Semeniuk ◽  
Nathalie Bier
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Mixed Reality ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Daily Living Activities ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Head Mounted Displays

BACKGROUND Mixed reality is an emerging technology allowing to "blend" virtual objects in the actual user's environment. A way to realize this is by using head-mounted displays. Many recent studies have suggested the possibility of using this technology to support the cognition of people with neurodegenerative disorders. However, most studies explored improvements in cognition rather than in independence and safety during the accomplishment of daily living activities. It is therefore crucial to document the possibility of using mixed reality to support the independence of older adults in their daily life. OBJECTIVE This study is part of a larger user-centered design study of a cognitive orthosis using pure mixed reality to support independence of people living with neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). The objectives were to explore: (1) What are the main difficulties encountered by older adults with NDs in their daily life to ensure that the pure mixed reality meets their needs; (2) What are the most effective interventions with this population in order to determine what types of assistance should be given by the pure mixed reality technology; (3) How should the pure mixed reality technology provide assistance to promote safety and independence at home; and (4) What are the main facilitators and barriers for the use of this technology. METHODS We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with 5 focus groups with experts of the disease and its functional impacts (n = 29) to gather information. Qualitative data from the focus groups was analyzed through an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The themes emerging from the analysis will provide clear guidelines to the development team prototyping a first version of a cognitive orthosis based on pure mixed reality. CONCLUSIONS The cognitive orthosis that will be developed in the light of this study will act as a proof of concept of the possibility of supporting people with neurodegenerative disorders using pure mixed reality.

scholarly journals Mindfulness for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Analysis

Pain Medicine ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2138-2145 ◽  
Author(s):  
José G Luiggi-Hernandez ◽  
Jean Woo ◽  
Megan Hamm ◽  
Carol M Greco ◽  
Debra K Weiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Chronic Low Back Pain ◽  
Complete Agreement ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Fear Of Pain ◽  
Body Therapy

Abstract Objective Mindfulness is a nonpharmacologic mind-body therapy that has been shown to be effective in older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP). There are few first-person accounts in the literature that describe the older adult experience and perspective while learning mindfulness and meditation to treat pain. The objective of this study was to investigate dominant themes present in the experiences of older adults applying mindfulness and meditation to cope with cLBP. Design Qualitative analysis of four focus groups. Subject Twenty-five adults age 65 years or older who had completed an eight-week mindfulness program. Methods The focus groups met for a comprehensive discussion session about their experience with mindfulness and meditation. The audio for each session was recorded, and the discussions were transcribed. Codebook development, qualitative coding, and thematic analysis were performed. The coders each coded all four transcripts, following which they met to adjudicate all coding differences until they were in complete agreement on coding. Results Several key themes were brought up by older adults utilizing mindfulness as a means of coping with pain, which included overcoming fear of pain (“Before [learning mindfulness], I used to dread pain”), pain awareness (“You’re focusing more on being aware than the pain; now that’s what helps me”), and pain significance (“It becomes insignificant”). Conclusions The themes identify several ways mindfulness impacts older adults with cLBP, including decreased negative emotions related to chronic pain such as fear of pain, a different perspective or change in awareness about pain, and reducing the significance of pain.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Conceptualization of an e-Mental Health Treatment for Depression in Older Adults: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Eichenberg ◽  
Markus Schott ◽  
Adam Sawyer ◽  
Georg Aumayr ◽  
Manuela Plößnig
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Everyday

BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in older adults. Unfortunately, it often goes unrecognized in the older population. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify how Web-based apps can recognize and help treat depression in older adults. METHODS Focus groups were conducted with mental health care experts. A Web-based survey of 56 older adults suffering from depression was conducted. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 2 individuals. RESULTS Results of the focus groups highlighted that there is a need for a collaborative care platform for depression in old age. Findings from the Web-based study showed that younger participants (aged 50 to 64 years) used electronic media more often than older participants (aged 65 years and older). The interviews pointed in a comparable direction. CONCLUSIONS Overall, an e-mental (electronic mental) health treatment for depression in older adults would be well accepted. Web-based care platforms should be developed, evaluated, and in case of evidence for their effectiveness, integrated into the everyday clinic.

scholarly journals Mobile Care System for Older Adults: perceptions about its use in caring for people with dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
André da Silva Brites ◽  
Celia Pereira Caldas ◽  
Luciana Branco da Motta ◽  
Danielli Santos do Carmo ◽  
Alexandre Sztajnberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care System

Abstract Objective: To analyze the perceptions of caregivers and health professionals about a mobile application used for the caring and social support of people with dementia. Method: A qualitative study was performed on the experience of implementing a Mobile Care System for Older Adults (Sistema Móvel de Assistência ao Idoso, SMAI) in the routine of caregivers of people with dementia, treated at an outpatient clinic for cognitive disorders. Data were obtained through the application of questionnaires about the characteristics of caregivers and the Zarit scale to assess the level of burden. An Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ) was applied for functional evaluation. The perception of caregivers and professionals were collected through the audio recording of focus groups and analyzed according to the thematic-categorical analysis technique. Results: Twenty caregivers and five health professionals participated in the focus groups. Categories that emerged from the study revealed themes related to users’ experiences, communication, medication management, feelings of caregivers, patient management strategies, impact of dementia on caregivers’ lives, illness of caregivers and application evaluation. Conclusion: Interventions using mobile applications can help improve communication and social support in the care of dementia. The experience with the SMAI and its applications represented an innovative opportunity for both family caregivers and healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals “You get three different hats on and try to figure it out:” home based care provision during a disaster

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Anne Bell ◽  
Sarah Dickey ◽  
Marie-Anne Rosemberg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Home Health Agencies ◽  
Home Based Care

Abstract Background Home based care is a vital, and growing, part of the health care system that allows individuals to remain in their homes while still receiving health care. During a disaster, when normal health care systems are disrupted, home based care remains a vital source of support for older adults. The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively understand the barriers and facilitators of both patients and providers that influence the provision of home based care activities in two hurricane affected communities. Methods Using qualitative inquiry informed by the social ecological model, five focus groups were conducted with home based care providers (n = 25) in two settings affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey. An open-source database of home health agencies participating in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services programs was used to identify participants. Data were manually coded and larger themes were generated from recurring ideas and concepts using an abductive analysis approach. Results Twenty five participants were included in one of five focus groups. Of the 22 who responded to the demographic survey, 65 % were registered nurses, 20 % were Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), and 15 % were other types of health care providers. 12 % of the sample was male and 88 % was female. Five themes were identified in the analysis: barriers to implementing preparedness plans, adaptability of home based care providers, disasters exacerbate inequalities, perceived unreliability of government and corporations, and the balance between caring for self and family and caring for patients. Conclusions This study provides qualitative evidence on the factors that influence home based care provision in disaster-affected communities, including the barriers and facilitators faced by both patients and providers in preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster. While home based care providers faced multiple challenges to providing care during and after a disaster, the importance of community supports and holistic models of care in the immediate period after the disaster were emphasized. We recommend greater inclusion of home health agencies in the community planning process. This study informs the growing body of evidence on the value of home based care in promoting safety and well-being for older adults during a disaster.

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