scholarly journals Envisioning the future for older adults: Autonomy, health, well-being, and social connectedness with technology support

Futures ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 87 ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy A. Rogers ◽  
Tracy L. Mitzner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
The Future

scholarly journals Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongnam Hwang ◽  
Sangmin Park ◽  
Sujin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Groups

Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.

scholarly journals EXAMINING DISCREPANCIES IN SOCIAL ROBOT VERSUS HUMAN ASSESSMENTS OF GERIATRIC WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S329-S329
Author(s):  
Erin Harrington ◽  
Ha Do ◽  
Alex J Bishop ◽  
Celinda Reese-Melancon ◽  
and Weihua Sheng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Loneliness Scale

Abstract Socially assistive robotic (SAR) technologies represent a viable tool for monitoring the safety and health of older adults. However, it is unclear whether SARs can comprehensively screen geriatric well-being as effectively as trained human clinicians. The purpose of this study was to compare SAR versus human assessment of geriatric well-being. Participants included 30 older adults (Mage = 73.40, SD = 7.88) who completed a robot-administered well-being assessment session during which human-administered evaluation was simultaneously performed. Standardized clinical screening assessment tools common in geriatric care were administered (e.g., Short Blessed Test (SBT), UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, PHQ-4, Iowa Fatigue Scale, Fall Risk). Multiple dependent sample t-tests were used to explore variability in assessment scores between SAR and human evaluation. Assessment scores significantly differed on several measures, including the SBT (t(29) = -9.33, p < .001), UCLA Loneliness scale (t(19) = 2.37, p < . 05), and fall risk assessment (t(29) = 3.03, p < .01). Specifically, the SAR indicated that older adults were significantly more cognitively impaired, less lonely, and more likely to fall compared to the human administrator. Other observed differences and hypothesized explanations will be discussed in greater detail. The current study indicates that there is a divergence in geriatric assessment outcomes based on human versus SAR administration. Findings have implications relative to further developing SAR technology to align with human-based evaluations to enhance cognitive well-being, social connectedness, and falls prevention.

Art therapy in art museums: Promoting social connectedness and psychological well-being of older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Bennington ◽  
Amy Backos ◽  
Jennifer Harrison ◽  
Arnell Etherington Reader ◽  
Richard Carolan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Art Therapy ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Art Museums ◽  
Psychological Well Being

scholarly journals Older People and Social Connectedness: How Place and Activities Keep People Engaged

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene H. Yen ◽  
Janet K. Shim ◽  
Airin D. Martinez ◽  
Judith C. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future

To understand how older adults perceive and navigate their neighborhoods, we examined the implications of activity in their neighborhoods for their health. We interviewed 38 adults (ages 62–85) who lived in San Francisco or Oakland, California. Seven key themes emerged: (1) people express a wide range of expectations for neighborliness, from “we do not bother each other” to “we have keys to each other’s houses”, (2) social distance between “other” people impede a sense of connection, (3) ethnic differences in living arrangements affect activities and activity locations, (4) people try to stay busy, (5) people able to leave their homes do many activities outside their immediate residential neighborhoods, (6) access to a car is a necessity for most, and (7) it is unusual to plan for the future when mobility might become limited. Multiple locations influence older adults’ health, including residential neighborhoods. Older adults value mobility, active lives, and social connections.

scholarly journals Developing the Art–Technology Intergenerational Community Program for Older Adults' Health and Social Connectedness

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo ◽  
Annie Sungkajun ◽  
Brittany Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Video Data ◽  
Interactive Art ◽  
Art Making ◽  
Light Emitting

As the older adult population increases, research investigating how to support their health and well-being has become more urgent. This paper discusses the development of the art–technology intergenerational community (ATIC) program for older adults in Bryan and College Station, Texas. The program's purpose was to help improve older adult's health, well-being, and social connectedness. During the program, participants attended four sessions across 4 weeks, creating interactive art projects such as light-up cards, pop-up cards with light, interactive light painting, and interactive soft circuit ornaments. Preliminary studies allowed researchers to refine making materials by designing easy-to-follow fabricated circuit templates. Participants were able to create interactive art by using various materials such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), copper tape, coin-cell batteries, and conductive thread. A total of 18 participants aged 60–83 participated in the ATIC program. Participants were asked to complete pre- and post-study questionnaires which assessed older adults' subjective health or well-being, feelings of intergenerational connectedness, and attitude about art and technology. Video data were captured for qualitative analysis on the art creation process, cognitive health, and social connectedness of the participants. Our findings show that those who participated in the ATIC program had improved perceptions of their own health and intergenerational relationships. There were also significant differences between pre- and post-study conditions for positive and negative affect. Qualitative results showed that the program participants were engaged in the art-making process and that creations helped to support intergenerational relationships with the student volunteers as well as their own family members.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Social Connectedness Across the Adult Lifespan in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Madeline A. Gregory ◽  
Nicole K. Legg ◽  
Zachary Senay ◽  
Jamie-Lee Barden ◽  
Peter Phiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Adult Age

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound consequences on collective mental health and well-being, and yet, older adults appear better off than younger adults. The current study examined mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups in a large sample (n = 5,320) of Canadians using multiple hierarchical regression analyses. Results suggest older adults are experiencing better mental health and more social connectedness relative to younger adults. Loneliness predicted negative mental health outcomes across all age groups, while the negative association between social support and mental health was only significant at average and high levels of loneliness in the 65–69 age group. Results point towards differential mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups and indicate that loneliness and social support may be key intervention targets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should further examine mechanisms of resiliency among older Canadian adults during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Social Connection Planning for Lonely or Socially Isolated Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 36-37
Author(s):  
Emily Bower ◽  
Aurora Newman ◽  
Paige Reohr ◽  
Kimberly Vandorden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Model

Abstract Social connections are important for maintaining health and well-being with age. Behavioral interventions to promote connectedness hold promise, but there is limited evidence to guide effective modifications in the context of physical distancing or quarantine restrictions, such as those required during the COVID-19 pandemic. We present evidence for a brief (1-2 session) social connection intervention, “Connections Planning,” to enhance social connectedness for older adults. We first describe a cognitive-behavioral model of loneliness, which served as the framework for developing the intervention. We then present two case examples to demonstrate the application of the intervention with older adults in a community mental health clinic during physical distancing restrictions. Finally, we present initial findings from a pilot study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention delivered remotely with up to 10 community-dwelling older adults who endorse clinically significant loneliness. Recommendations for adapting the intervention during physical distancing restrictions are provided.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and Well-Being Among Middle-Age and Older Adults: Before and During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Lydia Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Physical Isolation ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Aging And Health ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This symposium brings together five studies that examined the relationship between social isolation and well-being. Two used pre-COVID data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). One aimed to identify patterns of social isolation trajectory in a 9-year period, where social isolation was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. It identified four distinct patterns, and the pattern had a gradient relationship with health outcomes. Another examined the association between self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and social well-being among older adults. It found that positive SPA predicted increased social connectedness and reduced loneliness in four years. Two other studies were based on a longitudinal survey (COVID-19 Coping Survey) that began in April 2020. One reports that adults 55+ with comorbidity at pandemic onset had persistently elevated depressive symptoms in a 6-month period, regardless of their social isolation level. Another paper suggests that physical isolation at pandemic onset was associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness throughout the following six months. The fifth paper was based on two-wave data—2019 survey and 2020 COVID supplement—from the National Aging and Health Trend Study (NAHTS). It found that older adults who were very socially isolated and completely homebound before the pandemic experienced less psychological distress during the outbreak than those who were very socially integrated and not homebound. The five studies highlight the multiple dimensions of social isolation, their antecedents and development over time, and their role in shaping mental health in a pandemic context.

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