scholarly journals Health Promotion in the Community Via an Intergenerational Platform: Intergenerational e-Health Literacy Program (I-HeLP)

2021 ◽  
pp. 349-357
Author(s):  
Vivien Xi WU
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Illiteracy

AbstractThe increase in life expectancy and emphasis on self-reliance for older adults are global phenomena. As such, living healthily in the community is considered a viable means of promoting successful and active aging. Existing knowledge indicates the prevalence of health illiteracy among the older population and the impact of poor health literacy on health outcomes and health care costs. Nevertheless, e-health literacy is a critical issue for a rapidly aging population in a technology-driven society. Intergenerational studies reported that older adults enjoy engaging with younger people and benefit from the social stimulation by improved social behaviours, intergenerational social network, and participation.An Intergenerational e-health Literacy Program (I-HeLP) is developed to draw upon the IT-savvy strength of the youth, and teach older adults to seek, understand and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply knowledge gained to address the health problem. I-HeLP is an evidence-based program, which provides comprehensive coverage on relevant health-related e-resources. I-HeLP aims to engage youth volunteers to teach older adults regarding e-health literacy, and enhance older adults’ sense of coherence, e-health literacy, physical and mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and intergenerational communication. I-HeLP promotes social participation, health, and wellbeing of older adults, and empowers the younger generation to play an active role in society. Furthermore, I-HeLP aligns with the ‘Smart Nation’ initiative by the Singapore government to empower citizens to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives with the use of technology.

scholarly journals Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nadir G. Abdelrahman ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Molly E. Polverento ◽  
Andrea Wendling ◽  
Courtney M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Related

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.

scholarly journals Contributors to and Consequences of Poor Sleep in Older Adults: Biopsychosocial Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 578-578
Author(s):  
Adam Spira ◽  
Katie Stone
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Older Parents ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Sleep is a significant contributor to health and wellbeing across the lifespan, especially in later life. Poor sleep is common among older adults and can be both a risk factor for and consequence of numerous physical and mental health-related outcomes. In this symposium, we will present novel results from four studies that will advance understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to or result from poor sleep in older adults. Specifically, Study 1 will present findings tying objectively measured sleep to performance on cognitive tasks administered using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in the day-to-day lives of older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Study 2 will examine associations of personality dimensions and facets with insomnia symptoms in well-functioning older adults. Study 3 will examine psychological pathways linking parent-child relationships to subjective and objective sleep characteristics among older parents. Finally, study 4 will examine use patterns of cannabis for the treatment of sleep problems in older adults, and the ways in which this might differ from patients using cannabis for other reasons (e.g., pain). Together, this symposium will highlight novel links of an array of factors with sleep health in the aging population and their implications for prevention. Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

scholarly journals Promoting Problem Solving About Health Management: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Evaluation of a Digital Health Intervention for Older Adults With Pre-Frailty and Frailty

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142098568
Author(s):  
Annie T. Chen ◽  
Frances Chu ◽  
Andrew K. Teng ◽  
Soojeong Han ◽  
Shih-Yin Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Health Related

Background: There is a need for interventions to promote health management of older adults with pre-frailty and frailty. Technology poses promising solutions, but questions exist about effective delivery. Objectives: We present the results of a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of Virtual Online Communities for Older Adults (VOCALE), an 8-week intervention conducted in the northwestern United States, in which participants shared health-related experiences and applied problem solving skills in a Facebook group. Methods: We performed a mixed-methods process evaluation, integrating quantitative and qualitative data, to characterize the intervention and its effects. We focus on four areas: health-related measures (health literacy and self-efficacy), participation, problem solving skills enacted, and subjective feedback. Results: Eight older adults with pre-frailty and frailty (age = 82.7 ± 6.6 years) completed the study. There was an upward trend in health literacy and health self-efficacy post-intervention. Participants posted at least two times per week. Content analysis of 210 posts showed participants were able to apply the problem solving skills taught, and exit interviews showed participants’ increased awareness of the need to manage health, and enjoyment in learning about others. Conclusion: This mixed-methods evaluation provides insight into feasibility and design considerations for online interventions to promote health management among vulnerable older adults.

scholarly journals A Siege on Positive Ageing: COVID-19 as Exacerbating Age-based Stereotype Threats among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Sanderson ◽  
Lydia Harkin ◽  
Avelie Stuart ◽  
Clifford Stevenson ◽  
Miriam Sang-Ah Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Identity Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Loss Of Autonomy ◽  
Positive Ageing ◽  
Social Identity Approach

Older adults face significant challenges in regards to the various stereotypes associated with ageing, which have consequences for their mental health and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened these age-based stereotypes due to older adults’ proportionally higher vulnerability to the virus. The present research explored how the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of ageing by impacting on the social identities of older adults and how these challenges have been met. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 32 UK older adults from a range of household compositions. Guided by the social identity approach, a thematic analysis found that participants faced a number of recognisable stereotype threats: loss of opportunities to enact meaningful identities, loss of autonomy and loss of usefulness. Despite these threats, we also found participants used identity management strategies and mobilised existing or new social identities to give and receive of support and to retain a meaningful and purposeful life. The implications of this research are that governments and those supporting older adults can attend to the negative psychology impact of protective policies and know that fostering group connections can be a source of pandemic resilience.

scholarly journals Subjective and Functional Health Literacy Screening in Geriatric Primary Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 379-379
Author(s):  
Amy Albright ◽  
Deanna Dragan ◽  
Anne Halli-Tierney ◽  
Dana Carroll ◽  
Rebecca Allen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Screening ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

Abstract The aim of the current study is to provide comprehensive health care to older adults by assessing physical and mental health in a geriatric primary care setting, including evaluation of both subjective and functional health literacy. Health literacy is vital to understanding medical information and making subsequent decisions based on this information. Knowledge of patient health literacy may be particularly important for care providers, as it can provide guidance on how to best communicate with the patient (Nouri & Rudd, 2015). It may be particularly important to monitor health literacy within older adults, as several studies (e.g., Kobayashi et al., 2015) have shown that health literacy decreases with mild cognitive impairment. Approximately 250 patients (mean age = 76; 74% female; 16% African American) attending an interdisciplinary geriatrics clinic in West Alabama have been recruited to take part in a variety of behavioral health screenings. The current study assessed subjective health literacy using questions developed by Chew, Bradley, and Boyko (2004) and functional health literacy using the Newest Vital Sign (Weiss et al., 2005). While there was a significant correlation between subjective and functional health literacy (r = .43, p < .001), 81% of patients reported adequate subjective health literacy, while only 41% demonstrated adequate health literacy on a functional screening measure. Based on these findings, self-reported health literacy may not necessarily be reflective of performance on more functional measures. Given the potential consequences of overestimating health literacy, this represents a serious barrier to patient care.

scholarly journals Promoting health literacy: What potential does nursing informatics offer to support older adults in the use of technology? A scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 2707-2721
Author(s):  
Anna Haupeltshofer ◽  
Vicky Egerer ◽  
Stefanie Seeling
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Modular System ◽  
Nursing Informatics ◽  
Equal Opportunities ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Technological Competencies

Digitalization is the future and, simultaneously, a challenge for nursing. In addition, health literacy is increasingly associated with the use of technology. Older adults are greatly underrepresented in the use of digital technology and regarded as a vulnerable group. Consequently, training programs for technological knowledge and improving technological competencies are indispensable to promote equal opportunities and health literacy. The researchers inquire what characterizes nursing informatics as an expanding field in relation to the roles and competencies of nurses in technical appropriation processes of older adults. We conducted a scoping review based on a systematic literature search. We identified 23 relevant studies and developed a modular system to characterize the potential of nursing informatics: nursing informatics as a profession, competencies of nurses and nursing informatics, assessments, and eHealth literacy. Nursing informatics is a new field in some countries, but competence profiles and role descriptions clearly show that nurses act as educators, supporters, advocates, and mediators.

scholarly journals Neighborhood social environment and disability among Mexican older adults: a cohort-based analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Juliana Bonilla-Tinoco ◽  
Julián Alfredo Fernández-Niño ◽  
Dustin T. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
World Population ◽  
Neighborhood Characteristics ◽  
Disability Score ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Frequent Event

Considering that the world population is rapidly aging and disability is a very frequent event in older adults, there is an increasing interest in studying their determinants, such as the neighborhood characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between the social environment of the neighborhood and disability in older adults. A cohort study was assembled using waves 1 and 2 from the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE) in Mexico, which included adults with 55+ years old. Neighborhood characteristics - such as social participation, trust and safety - and individual covariates were measured only in wave 1 (baseline), while disability was measured in both waves to adjust for the score of wave 1. Multilevel negative binomial models with random intercepts at the municipality level were constructed for the disability score in wave 2, using each of the social environment variables as the main exposure and adjusting for the sociodemographic and health-related variables. Finally, interaction terms with sex, age, and socioeconomic quintiles were tested. Results showed that neighborhoods with a medium (IRR: 0.68; 95%CI: 0.53-0.87) or high (IRR: 0.67; 95%CI: 0.52-0.86) safety level were associated with a significant reduction in the disability score of adults older than 75 years, although there was no association between other characteristics of the social environment and disability in the general sample. Consequently, actions to improve safety in the neighborhoods should be carried out to help reduce the disability score in vulnerable older adults, especially in a context where safety is a critical issue, as in Mexico.

scholarly journals Inclusive Social Lettings Practice: Opportunities to Enhance Independent Living for Disabled People

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 54-65
Author(s):  
Isobel Anderson ◽  
Dianne-Dominique Theakstone ◽  
Julia Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Disabled People ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Explicit Recognition ◽  
Housing Needs

Appropriate housing is a key element of independent living for disabled people, yet research evidence confirms the continuing, often negative, impact of unsuitable housing on their lives. This article examines access to social rented housing as a route to independent living, through a study of lettings practice for accessible and adapted homes. Drawing on the social and social-relational models of disability, the study adopted a disabled-led, co-production approach. Qualitative research methods were used to compare social landlord practice and track home seeker/tenant experiences. While housing providers were proactive in reviewing policy and practice to better meet the housing needs of disabled people, there remained some ‘distance’ between landlord goals and applicant experiences. Disabled people’s extended lived experience of inappropriate housing, while waiting for a more accessible home, impacted negatively on their quality of life and physical and mental health. Social lettings policies and practice were necessarily complex, but often difficult for applicants to understand. The complexity of disabled people’s housing needs meant that the matching process for suitable housing was also complex, often requiring individualised solutions. Recommendations to improve practice include making better use of technology to improve data on accessible/adapted properties and applicant needs; flexibility in lettings practice to facilitate effective matches; and flexibility in fully recognising disabled people’s housing and independent living needs. Social rented housing remains an important mechanism for achieving disabled people’s independence. Explicit recognition of the social-relational interpretation of disability could deliver more inclusive lettings practice and achieve more sustainable tenancies.

scholarly journals Gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Compernolle ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Television Time ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background. Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results. Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower body mass index, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.Conclusions. Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.

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