scholarly journals Mindful Age and Technology: a Qualitative Analysis of a Tablet/Smartphone App Intervention Designed for Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Vailati Riboni ◽  
Isabel Sadowski ◽  
Benedetta Comazzi ◽  
Francesco Pagnini
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract The global population is aging while modern healthcare systems are responding with limited success to the growing care demands of the senior population. Capitalizing on recent technological advancements, new ways to improve older adults’ quality of life have recently been implemented. The current study investigated, from a qualitative point of view, the utility of a mindfulness-based smartphone application for older adults. A description of the older adults’ experience with the smartphone application designed to enhance well-being and mindfulness will be presented. Participants’general beliefs about the benefits of technology for personal well-being will also be discussed. 68 older adults were recruited from different education centers for seniors. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a) a treatment group, which received the smartphone application intervention (n = 34), or b) a waitlist control group (n = 34). The experimental intervention included the utilization of a smartphone app designed specifically for improving older adult well-being and mindfulness levels. Participants completed semi-structured interviews evaluating participants’ treatment experience and technology-acceptance at recruitment (T0, baseline) and post-intervention (T1, post-intervention). Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified from verbatim responses of both interviews: Utility of technology for health, Impressions of technology, Mindful-benefits of smartphone application usage, and Smartphone application usage as a means to improve interpersonal relationships. Participants showed a positive experience of the app intervention. Qualitative analysis underlined the main Mindfulness-benefits reported by participants and the potentially crucial role of “Langerian” mindfulness in the relationship between older adults and health technology.

scholarly journals USABILITY OF AN ONLINE DISCUSSION PLATFORM: DEVELOPMENT OF A CODING SCHEME

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S873-S874
Author(s):  
Soojeong Han ◽  
Andrew Teng ◽  
Shih-Yin Lin ◽  
Frances Chu ◽  
George Demiris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Coding Scheme ◽  
Acceptance Model

Abstract Online discussion platforms have the potential to support or even improve older adults’ well-being. Nonetheless, potential health benefits are often shaped by the usability of such platforms. Improving usability is imperative to maximize these potential benefits. As a part of a qualitative analysis of a study of an online community for older adults with frailty symptoms, we developed and refined a coding scheme targeting usability. The scheme was derived by reviewing contemporary literature on user experience, usability, and health information technology in older adults. Our review revealed challenges to apply commonly used terms to summarize our qualitative data. For example, the concept of perceived usability has different meanings and definitions in existing frameworks as they pertain to user engagement and technology adoption (specifically, the Technology Acceptance Model) than usability in an online discussion context for older adults. Because none of the meanings of usability fully encompassed the breadth of this concept for older users, we developed a coding scheme that is practical and captures a broad range of older adults’ perceptions of usability. Through qualitative analysis of the online discussion content using the newly developed coding scheme, new themes emerged such as confusing layout (e.g., difficulty in locating discussion boxes), insufficient instruction or training (trouble posting discussions), unwanted results (e.g., pressed a wrong key), and memory issues and cognitive burden. This presentation describes the process of developing a coding scheme, illustrates nuances of meanings in concepts related to usability, and presents preliminary results of our qualitative analysis.

scholarly journals WHEN AND HOW I WANT: FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTS OF EMBEDDING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTO NURSING HOME CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S167-S167
Author(s):  
Eva Barrett ◽  
Paddy Gillespie ◽  
John Newell ◽  
Dympna Casey
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Nottingham Health Profile ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Nursing Home Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Timed Up And Go

Abstract Physical activity (PA) is essential to maintaining health into older age. However, older adults living in nursing homes (NHs) remain highly inactive. This study tested the feasibility of a PA programme embedded into NH care and its potential effects on older adults’ function and quality of life (QOL). A cluster-randomised controlled pilot feasibility study, including qualitative and economic components, was conducted. Intervention participants (n=18) performed Morning Movement (morning-time walking and sit-to-stand exercises) and Activity Bursts (bouts of activity throughout the day in standing), 3 times weekly for 12-weeks. Participants in the control NH (n=16) received usual care. At baseline and 12-weeks, feasibility and economic data were collected, function was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) and QOL was measured with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Investigating Choice Experiments for the Preferences of Older People-CAPability (ICECAP-O). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and participants at mid- and post-intervention and analysed thematically. The PA programme was acceptable to staff and participants and study procedures were feasible. Mean TUG improved by 10.2 (±21.6) seconds in the intervention group and was unchanged -0.2 (9.5) seconds in the control group (95% confidence interval of between-group difference in improvement -2.5 to 23.3 seconds). 10MWT scores stayed stable in the intervention group and disimproved in the control group. ICECAP-O and NHP scores were unchanged. While this study contained a small sample, it demonstrated a feasible, acceptable and potentially effective NH PA intervention and provides guidance for a definitive trial.

scholarly journals Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afroditi Stathi ◽  
Janet Withall ◽  
Janice L Thompson ◽  
Mark G Davis ◽  
Selena Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Peer Volunteers ◽  
The Face ◽  
Support Autonomy

Abstract Background ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE’s feasibility and acceptability. Methods Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver. Conclusions ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.

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.

“There Was No ‘That’s Not My Job’”: New York Area Agencies on Aging Approaches to Supporting Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199102
Author(s):  
Claire Pendergrast
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New York ◽  
New York State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Contextual Influences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Priority Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many older adults’ traditional sources of formal and informal supports, increasing demand for Area Agency on Aging services (AAAs). This study examines strategies used by AAAs to support older adults’ health and well-being during COVID-19 and identifies contextual influences on AAA pandemic response activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 20 AAAs in New York State. A combined inductive and deductive approach was used to code and thematically analyze the data. AAAs rapidly expanded capacity and dramatically modified program offerings, communications activities, and service delivery protocols to address emergent needs and minimize COVID-19 exposure risk for clients. AAAs’ trusted relationships with older adults and community partners improved their capacity to identify priority needs and coordinate appropriate supports. Policymakers should ensure that AAAs receive sustained financial and technical support to ensure critical community-based services are available for older adults throughout pandemic response and recovery.

scholarly journals Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 802
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽  
Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽  
Mario Del-Líbano ◽  
María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychological Practice ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reducing Stress ◽  
Positive Effect

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Adaptations to the Call for Social Distancing and Use of Technology: Insights From Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Lived Experiences

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199686
Author(s):  
Shoshana H. Bardach ◽  
Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽  
Kelly Parsons ◽  
Allison K. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Technology Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Comparison Approach

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.

Mindfulness Meditation Apps: An Effective Tool to Improve Mental Health Among Graduate Students in STEM Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Grogan
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stem Programs

Abstract This paper seeks to determine whether or not mindfulness meditation training via a simple meditation app can effectively improve well-being among graduate students enrolled in STEM programs. Graduate students were recruited from STEM programs at the University of Florida. Participants were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The control group simply proceeded as they normally would during an academic semester. The treatment group received free access to the Ten Percent Happier app and were asked to meditate once per day for eight weeks. Both groups completed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention surveys that included the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). The treatment group averaged about 10 minutes of meditation per day, and the average participant meditated on about 82% of days within the intervention period. At the end of the 8-week intervention, the treatment group reported CES-D and GAD-7 scores that were about 35% and 41% lower than the control group and their physical symptom score was about 36% lower. Relative to their own starting scores, CES-D, GAD-7, and physical symptom scores decreased 35%, 50%, and 43%, respectively for the treatment group, while the control group experienced no change in scores.

scholarly journals Development of Smartphone Application Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Enhance Self-Efficacy for Online Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chattavut Peechapol ◽  
Jaitip Na-Songkhla ◽  
Siridej Sujiva ◽  
Arthorn Luangsodsai
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behaviour ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Planned Behaviour ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Experimental Group

This study was conducted to develop a smartphone application to enhance self-efficacy for online learning. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used as a framework for developing the smartphone app. The study used research and design (R&amp;D) through three phases: 1)<strong> </strong>examining relevant literature and interviewing recognized experts in the field, 2) developing the smartphone app, and 3) studying the effect of the smartphone app on the self-efficacy of online learners. The results demonstrated that the framework of the smartphone application based on the TPB comprised six components. They were 1) the TPB’s concept for online learning, 2) instructional process, 3) instructional support tools, 4) application features, 5) instructor’s role, and 6) learner’s role. For technical aspects, the smartphone app was developed and deployed by using Amazon Web Service (AWS) cloud computing platform and infrastructure. Studying the effect of the application on self-efficacy was performed for four weeks using two groups in a pre-test/post-test design. The research method involved purposive sampling of 180 undergraduate students, consisting of a 90-student experimental group and a 90-student control group. The application based on the TPB and the application without the TPB were implemented in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. The results demonstrated that the post-test score of self-efficacy in online learning for the experimental group was statistically significantly higher than the control group at 0.05 level. This result showed that the smartphone app based on the TPB could significantly affect self-efficacy for online learners; it has the potential to be an effective tool for teaching an online course.

The Importance of Religiosity to the Well-Being of African American Older Adults Living With Dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayron Epps ◽  
Ishan C. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Religious Practices ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Structured Interviews

This study was a post hoc analysis of a larger qualitative descriptive study exploring family involvement in health promotion activities for African Americans living with dementia where participants identified religious practices as meaningful health promotion activities. The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which religiosity may influence the well-being of older adults living with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a sample of 22 family caregivers and 15 older adults living with dementia ( N = 37). Three themes emerged: Engagement, Promotion of Faith and Spiritual Connectedness, and Maintenance of Religious Practices. It is imperative for family caregivers to understand the important contributions of religious activities and beliefs to the well-being of their family member. This information might be of use for faith communities, policy makers, and health care providers in the provision of optimal person-centered care and the promotion of quality of life for persons living with dementia.

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