scholarly journals The Nordic @geing Online project: Co-creating a social application together with older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Nordmyr ◽  
A K Forsman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Online Services ◽  
Online Application ◽  
Development Fund

Abstract Background Online resources present various possibilities for health promotion, also in the growing older adult population. Tailored online services aiming to support social participation among users could potentially promote older adults’ psychosocial health. In the @geing Online project an online application is developed, focusing on access to meaningful social activities among older adults in rural areas in Finland and Sweden. The innovation project (2017-2020) is funded by the Interreg Botnia-Atlantica programme (European Regional Development Fund). Methods A collaborative, user-centred design approach is applied when developing the online application, allowing older potential users and personnel groups from the social and health care sector to evaluate application features in a step-wise process. The inclusion of personnel groups allows for the exploration of the feasibility of introducing the tool in home care services and similar relevant contexts from an organizational perspective. Further, the inclusion of regional IT-companies presents opportunities for them to develop their competence regarding eHealth tools and older adults as a target group. Results An advanced prototype of the application and its core features is presented. Promising approaches and outcomes regarding the co-creation methods applied to ensure the involvement of stakeholders in the development process are elaborated upon. Challenging issues related to the project theme, such as stereotypical and negative views of older adults’ competences and motivation related to application use are also discussed. Conclusions The project highlights possibilities - but also challenges - when co-creating a social application together with older adults, some of whom have no experience in internet use. The gathered project outcomes will provide lessons on the potential of new technologies for delivering health promotion initiatives among older adults. Key messages Tailored online services aiming to support social participation among users provide possibilities for promoting psychosocial health in the growing population of older adults. Application development utilizing a user-centered design approach can be implemented even if the end-users are not familiar with the internet or application use.

scholarly journals Environmental Characteristics Associated with Older Adults’ Social Participation: The Contribution of Sociodemography and Transportation in Metropolitan, Urban, and Rural Areas

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8399
Author(s):  
Mélanie Levasseur ◽  
Daniel Naud ◽  
Jean-François Bruneau ◽  
Mélissa Généreux
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Deprivation ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Environmental Characteristics

Although social participation fosters older adults’ health, little is known about which environmental characteristics are related to greater participation in social activities. The Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 2737), a transportation survey, and multiple secondary data sources were used to identify the environmental characteristics associated with older Quebecers’ social participation according to living area. Greater social participation was associated with: (1) a higher concentration of older adults (IRR = 2.172 (95% CI 1.600, 2.948); p < 0.001), more kilometers traveled by paratransit (IRR = 1.714 (95% CI 1.286, 2.285); p < 0.01), a lack of medical clinics (IRR = 0.730 (95% CI 0.574, 0.930); p = 0.01), and more funded home adaptations (IRR = 1.170 (95% CI 1.036, 1.320); p = 0.01) in large metropolitan areas; (2) larger paratransit fleets (IRR = 1.368 (95% CI 1.044, 1.791); p = 0.02) and a lower density of road intersections (IRR = 0.862 (95% CI 0.756, 0.982); p = 0.03) in regular metropolitan areas; (3) less social deprivation (IRR = 1.162 (95% CI 1.025, 1.318); p = 0.02) in urban areas; and (4) a higher concentration of older populations (IRR = 2.386 (95% CI 1.817, 3.133); p < 0.001) in rural areas. According to these findings, social participation interventions should target the local environment—for example, by providing more social interaction opportunities for older adults living in younger neighborhoods and by improving access to public transportation, especially paratransit.

scholarly journals Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Levasseur ◽  
Sonia Routhier ◽  
Irma Clapperton ◽  
Chantal Doré ◽  
Frances Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Social

Abstract Background: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality.Methods: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants.Results: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation).Conclusions: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

scholarly journals Overcoming Health Promotion Barriers in Rural Health: A Qualitative Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 128-128
Author(s):  
John Batsis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Team Member ◽  
Adult Weight ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions ◽  
Weight Loss Interventions ◽  
Weight Loss Study

Abstract Weight loss interventions are fraught with difficulties for older adults in rural areas due to transportation difficulties, reduced availability of staff, and lack of programs. Telemedicine can overcome these barriers. A qualitative analysis of data from 44 exit-interviews from a rural-based, older adult weight loss study, informed by thematic analysis, was conducted. Participant’s age was 73 years (73% female) and BMI was 36.5kg/m2. Distance to the site was 24 miles (31 min). Key themes included: a) telemedicine can help improve one’s health, is more practical than in-person visits, is less costly, and time efficient; b) the majority (60%) were initially apprehensive about using telemedicine, a fear that resolved quickly; c) setting up telemedicine was easy and acceptable, despite a quick learning curve; d) having a team member for troubleshooting was important. Using telemedicine in older adults with obesity residing in rural areas should be considered in health promotion interventions.

scholarly journals Association between social capital and sleep duration among rural older adults in China

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Yang ◽  
Hongman Wang ◽  
Jingmin Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Generalized Trust ◽  
Long Sleep ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Abstract Objective Sleep disturbances are great challenges to older adults’ health promotion. The study tested gender differences in the association between different dimensions of social capital and self-reported sleep duration of Chinese rural older adults. Design The data of rural older adults were extracted from a national cross-sectional survey of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and analyzed in this study. Setting CLHLS covered 23 provinces in China. Participants The 6552 rural respondents aged ≥65 years old were involved. Main outcome measures Generalized trust, informal social participation, formal social participation and social support were used to assess social capital. Self-reported sleep duration was measured as health outcome. Results Low level of generalized trust had harmful effect on insufficient sleep (AOR 1.110, 95% CI 1.018-1.324), and having no formal or informal social participation was significantly positively associated with long sleep (AORformal 1.424, 95% CI 1.007-2.013; AORinformal 1.241, 95% CI 1.016-1.516). Rural older female adults with no emotional social support had higher odds of insufficient sleep (AOR 1.502, 95% CI 1.258-1.978). Meanwhile, both informal and formal social participation showed inverse association with long sleep for females. Conclusions This study found the relationship between social capital, sleep duration and the gender differences in Chinese rural older adults. More targeted sleep disturbance interventions could be taken in social capital of rural older adults, and gender differences should be considered when making social capital-embedded health promotion policies and interventions.

scholarly journals The Graying of Rural America: Community Engagement and Health Promotion Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Majee ◽  
Lydia Aziato ◽  
Karien Jooste ◽  
Adaobi Anakwe
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Leadership ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Community Residents ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities

Background. Although social participation has been linked to positive physical and mental health outcomes, elderly people in rural areas remain highly disengaged. Also, few studies have examined community residents’ perceptions of the barriers and opportunities for the elderly to participate in community activities. Purpose. This article highlights the perceptions of rural community residents regarding their understanding of the following: (1) community leadership, (2) barriers and opportunities for the elderly to engage in leadership, and (3) potential community-based solutions for promoting more social participation. Method. Individual interviews were conducted with 16 community members. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Researchers immersed and familiarized themselves with the data prior to developing codes. Coding was initially done manually and later using NVivo. Findings. Four major themes emerged: conceptions of community leadership, elderly resource inventory, barriers to elderly engagement, and potential solutions. Themes collectively illustrated that residents have a clear understanding of the role of community leadership, of available resources for the elderly, and of the barriers encountered when using these resources. Conclusion. Our findings highlight a need for health promotion strategies that are informed by community needs and foster healthy lifestyles for all community residents.

scholarly journals Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélanie Levasseur ◽  
Sonia Routhier ◽  
Irma Clapperton ◽  
Chantal Doré ◽  
Frances Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Social

Abstract Background Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality. Methods A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants. Results Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6–9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation). Conclusions To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

scholarly journals Architecture of a Telemonitoring System for the Mobility of the Elderly in Wheelchairs Supported by Internet of Things Technologies as a Component of a Smart City

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Edith Ochoa Guevara ◽  
Juan Sanchez Arteta ◽  
David Almesiga Riaño ◽  
Diego Sarmiento Vargas ◽  
Bryan Tunarosa Naranjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Industrial Companies

Digital transformation and the entry of new technologies in industry are changing the way of mobility and production in large cities. The industrial revolution 4.0 comes hand in hand with technology and advances in this field. The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the innovations that offers the most versatility to industrial companies in the main cities as a relevant axis for supporting rural areas of the country. This Technology enables Cities to allow mobility and movement for all, regardless of their physical or mobility conditions. This chapter presents the proposal of the project “Safe mobility in conventional wheelchairs in public spaces from smart cities”, in which the creation of a prototype of coupling to wheelchairs in people with disabilities in their lower extremities is expected. Through the caterpillar traction system, to facilitate the ascending and descending of stairs safely and reliably called Wheelchair Adapter. It is intended to review two relevant elements for this type of people, such as health and mobility. The design and implementation of an Architecture of a Telemonitoring System for Older Adults in Health and Mobility in their wheelchair supported by Internet of Things Technologies (IoT) generally called RobotUp_IoT. Its purpose is to efficiently monitor both the health and wheelchair movement of older adults with disabilities in their lower extremities. Therefore, an analytical and predictive methodology is proposed with the support of the Build Information Modeling (BIM) process and the 4.0 industry in the IoT technique, in order to build a conceptual 3D model and its generation of tests for its respective implementation and implementation of this architecture. Heelchair Adapter and it is expected to incorporate the health part through Telemonitoring for seniors between 2020 and 2022 contributing to other solutions and research in this regard.

scholarly journals Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Levasseur ◽  
Sonia Routhier ◽  
Irma Clapperton ◽  
Chantal Doré ◽  
Frances Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Social

Abstract Background: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality. Methods: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants. Results: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation).Conclusions: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

scholarly journals Environmental Factors Associated With Social Participation of Older Adults Living in Metropolitan, Urban, and Rural Areas: The NuAge Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (8) ◽  
pp. 1718-1725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélanie Levasseur ◽  
Alan A. Cohen ◽  
Marie-France Dubois ◽  
Mélissa Généreux ◽  
Lucie Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document