scholarly journals Robotic Pet Use Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. 2018-2028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janella Hudson ◽  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Effective Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Objective The primary purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of robotic pets in alleviating loneliness for older adults. Method Self-reported lonely individuals with AARP Medicare Supplement plans insured by UnitedHealthcare who participated in a program with a robotic pet (n = 20) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to provide feedback about their experiences interacting with a robotic pet, their perceptions about the potential impact on loneliness, and recommendations for improving the program. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Constant comparison and consensus-gaining processes were used to develop categories that later formed representative themes. Results Seven themes emerged from analysis: Openness to Adoption of Robotic Pet, Reactions to Pet and its Attributes, Integration of Pet in Daily Life, Strategic Utilization and Forging New Connections, Deriving Comfort and Camaraderie, Advice for Future Users, and Recommendations for Enhancing Ownership Experience. Participants living alone, with fewer social connections and less active lifestyles, derived the most benefit from interacting with their pets. Common responses to pets included cuddling, petting, grooming, and sleeping with them. Some shared or loaned their pets, while others refused to loan their pets to interested peers. Most reported showing their pets to others, which helped some facilitate communication and social connections. Conclusion Robotic pets may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness in older adults, especially among those who live alone, have fewer social connections, and live less active lifestyles.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Perception of Aging Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142199932
Author(s):  
Alexander Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Subjective Views ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a pattern of physical distancing worldwide, particularly for adults aged 65+. Such distancing can evoke subjective feelings of negative self-perception of aging (SPA) among older adults, but how this pandemic has influenced such SPA is not yet known. This study, therefore, explored SPA at different time phases of the COVID-19 pandemic to explain the pandemic’s impact on SPA among older adults. The analysis employed a sample of 1,990 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 95 (mean age = 72.74 years; 43% female) in Switzerland. Data collection from different older adults within one study occurred both before and after Switzerland’s first confirmed COVID-19 case. The descriptive analysis revealed that negative SPA increased, and positive SPA decreased, after the Swiss government recommended physical distancing. After the Federal Council decided to ease these measures, negative SPA slightly decreased and positive SPA increased. According to the multivariate analysis, individuals interviewed after the lockdown were more likely to report greater levels of negative SPA and lower levels of positive SPA. Age, income, and living alone also correlated with SPA. The results suggest that the pandemic has affected older adults’ subjective views of their own aging, and these findings help illustrate the pandemic’s outcomes.

scholarly journals I’m Not Creative in That Way: Older Adults’ Differential Experiences of an Arts-Based Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 835-835
Author(s):  
Colette Brown ◽  
Andrea Chirino ◽  
Cristina Cortez ◽  
Cassandra Gearhart
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Conceptual Art ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cognitively Normal ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Art Activities ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract A recent 12-week intervention study revealed that making conceptual art is linked to improved cognitive health among community-dwelling older adults (Brown et al., 2020). Unknown, however, is whether the intervention experience differed for participants who exhibited more versus less improvement. This pilot study examined 163 excerpts from semi-structured interviews with cognitively normal, older adult participants (N = 11, Mean age = 72.82). Using thematic analysis and data displays on Dedoose, key themes were distilled regarding intervention acceptability. Participants exhibiting less cognitive improvement more often mentioned personally connecting to topics of dementia and aging through art, but more often mentioned scheduling conflicts. Conversely, participants exhibiting greater cognitive improvement more often mentioned experiencing intellectual enrichment, but feeling insecure about their art capabilities. Novel art activities may be personally meaningful and cognitively stimulating for some participants, but emotionally frustrating for others. Future work should explore ways to optimize arts-based interventions for older participants.

scholarly journals Understanding of Resilience of Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Qualitative Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233372142096690
Author(s):  
Chun Hu ◽  
Pak-Kwong Chung ◽  
Chun-Qing Zhang ◽  
Yiqun Gan ◽  
Rui Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Support ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Important Trait ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Purpose: Resilience is an important trait for older adults facing adversity. This qualitative study aimed to identify the characteristics that contribute to resilience in a group of community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Methods: Twenty-five Chinese older adults were invited. Interviews were conducted to collect information about the adverse events in their lives, their attitudes towards adversity and the beliefs underlying their approaches to overcoming adversity. The transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Seven themes emerged from the interviews: equanimity, positive attitudes towards life; meaningfulness, self-reliance, social support, environmental support, and spirituality and faith. Conclusion: Our qualitative analysis found that resilience among older adults in Hong Kong is characterized by internal, external and existential factors. The results may be useful for the development of proactive interventions aimed at assisting older adults to enhance the positive experiences in their lives.

Predictors of self-neglect among community-dwelling older adults living alone in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 457-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming Yu ◽  
Libin Gu ◽  
Wenjuan Jiao ◽  
Haozhi Xia ◽  
Wenru Wang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

scholarly journals Meanings of Care Convoys: The Structure, Function, and Adequacy of Care Networks Among Frail, Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-597
Author(s):  
Deborah Lambotte ◽  
An-Sofie Smetcoren ◽  
G. A. Rixt Zijlstra ◽  
Jan De Lepeleire ◽  
Liesbeth De Donder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Relational Aspect ◽  
Health Care Monitoring ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Researchers propose that the convoy of care model should be used to study care networks of frail, older individuals. Care convoys are defined as the evolving collection of individuals who may or may not have close personal connections to the recipient or to one another, but who provide care, including help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), socio-emotional care, skilled health care, monitoring, and advocacy. This study reports on community-dwelling older adults’ experiences of their care convoy, how care convoys change over time, and perceived (positive) outcomes. A qualitative analysis among 65 semi-structured interviews with frail, community-dwelling older adults demonstrates a great variety in the composition of care convoys. Participants were often actively involved in their care convoy and valued the social/relational aspect of care. Care and support covered a wide range of activities, with some activities being provided by specific types of caregivers. Participants expressed the adequacy of their care convoy in terms of satisfaction and sufficiency. Noteworthy, participants who were satisfied with their care convoy did not necessarily receive sufficient help. Policies and practice should recognize the relational aspect of care, the complex interplay between all actors, and the dynamic character of care convoys.

scholarly journals AN ACTING AND IMPROV CLASS: WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY BELONGING FOR OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Laura Sutherland ◽  
Ruth E Dunkle ◽  
Garrett T Pace ◽  
Ariel Kennedy ◽  
Pat Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Performance ◽  
Community Belonging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Low Income Housing

Abstract Arts-based interventions can enhance the quality of life of older adults, but community-dwelling older adults may have reduced access to such interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a creative arts program can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults in low-income housing. A university social work department and community agency collaborated in establishing a professionally run theater group of older adults in two low-income housing buildings in an urban area. All residents were encouraged to participate. The study consisted of three twelve-week acting and improvisation courses, focusing on either staged reading of monologues and dialogues, co-writing a script, or staged reading of a complete play. Each class culminated in a public performance for the building. Fourteen participants enrolled, all African American (11 women, 3 men; mean age 66 years; mean ADL = 1.4 (range of 1-2.5)). Attendance on average was 8 classes. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires, participant observation of class sessions, semi-structured interviews with building managers, and post-session participant reflections. Thematic analysis was performed, and revealed key themes of increased community belonging, increased confidence, and increased daily coping abilities. Additional themes included the gaining of new artistic skills and interest in continuing classes. Barriers to participation included difficulty in recruitment and absence due to ongoing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. This project has implications for the potential of arts-based programming to increase well-being for underrepresented community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals Conversations in Times of Isolation: Exploring Rural-Dwelling Older Adults’ Experiences of Isolation and Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Manitoba, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3028
Author(s):  
Rachel V. Herron ◽  
Nancy E.G. Newall ◽  
Breanna C. Lawrence ◽  
Doug Ramsey ◽  
Candice M. Waddell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Current Context ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Older adults have been described as a vulnerable group in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, where this study took place, older adults have been encouraged to self-isolate while the rest of the population has been cautioned against in-person contact with them. Prior to COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness among older adults was considered a serious public health concern. Using a series of semi-structured interviews with 26 community-dwelling older adults (65 +) living in rural Manitoba, we explore older adults’ experiences of isolation and loneliness in the initial stages of the pandemic between the months of May and July 2020. Participants identified a loss of autonomy, loss of activities and social spaces (e.g., having coffee or eating out, volunteering, and going to church), and lack of meaningful connection at home as factors influencing their sense of isolation and loneliness. Although these loses initially influenced participants’ self-reported isolation and loneliness, the majority developed strategies to mitigate isolation and loneliness, such as drawing on past experiences of isolation, engaging in physically distanced visits, connecting remotely, and “keeping busy.” Our findings call attention to the role of different environments and resources in supporting older adults social and emotional wellbeing, particularly as they adapt to changes in social contact over time.

scholarly journals The Effect of Bottleium, a Bottle-Type Aquarium, Ownership on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 115-115
Author(s):  
Mai Takase ◽  
Ryogo Ogino ◽  
Keishiro Yoshida ◽  
Hikari Kusunoki ◽  
Tetsuya Kenmochi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Freshwater Snail ◽  
Ornamental Fish ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Interpersonal Interactions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Housing Complex ◽  
Pet Owner ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract The pet ownership of ornamental fish acts positively towards the well-being of older adults. A Bottleium is an aquarium that uses a glass bottle instead of a tank. Its small size allows older adults to own ornamental fish as a pet. In this study, the effect of Bottleium ownership on the daily life of community-dwelling older adults was explored. A three-hour workshop to build one’s own Bottleium (size: 11cm×11cm×20cm) was hosted at Toyoshikidai housing complex (Kashiwa, Japan). An ornamental fish and a freshwater snail were added to each bottle. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants one month after taking the Bottleium home (N=25). The Bottleium ownership acted as a stimulus to older adults. The effects on an individual were “trigger of conversation” and “development of responsibility.” Participants living alone treated the fish as their companions and had light conversations. They carefully looked after the fish as would a pet owner. Furthermore, the Bottleium facilitated “interpersonal interactions.” Basic information was provided during the workshop, but participants assisted each other in complementing the information, and they even visited each other’s residences to observe the fish. Older adults who do not own the Bottleium also visited for this purpose. Two cases were reported where participants looked after each other’s fish in times of hospitalization. The interpersonal interactions might have resulted from the nature of the housing complex, as participants were already familiar with each other. Similar phenomena could be anticipated at places such as apartments and nursing homes.

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