scholarly journals Development of a Virtual Reality Platform to Promote Disaster Preparedness Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 352-352
Author(s):  
Chen Kan ◽  
Aaron Hagedorn ◽  
Sam Thomas ◽  
Reid Yeager ◽  
Zhen Cong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Disaster Scenario

Abstract This project develops a tailored and adaptive virtual reality platform to innovatively promote older adults’ disaster preparation in a socially engaging environment. The platform serves the following purposes: 1) assist older adults to develop tailored household emergency preparedness plans, 2) simulate extreme weather conditions and warnings for older adults to practice disaster response and develop relevant knowledge and skills as well as test and revise their emergency preparedness plans, 3) use the process as a social engagement tool to reduce social isolation and promote a sense of community. The virtual environments are designed in Unity to simulate extreme weather conditions/natural disasters and older adults are guided to use the HTC VR headset and experience the selected disaster scenario. The pilot VR platform will be tested among community-dwelling older adults in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

scholarly journals Disaster Preparedness and Coping Among Older Adults: Empirical Analysis and Virtual Reality Platform Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 351-351
Author(s):  
Zhen Cong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Different Types ◽  
And Coping

Abstract This symposium included 4 studies that use national and regional data to examine older adults’ disaster preparedness and coping. The first study examined age differences in preparedness for the continuation of COVID-19 with a sample of 443 residents in Dallas, TX. The findings highlight older adults’ resilience and special needs for different types of support during the pandemic. The second study examined the association of having COVID-19 and intergenerational relationships using the COVID-19 module of the Health and Retirement Study with a sample of 3266 respondents. Using a national sample of 1,467 respondents from the 2017 U.S. National Household Survey, the third study examined age differences relationships among the type of disasters (i.e., disasters with different lead-time), response efficacy, and disaster preparedness. The findings highlighted older adults’ unique vulnerability and resilience in different types of disasters. The fourth study discussed a pilot virtual reality platform under development to assist older adults to develop tailored household emergency preparedness plans and practice those plans with simulated extreme weather conditions and warnings for older adults to practice disaster response and develop relevant knowledge and skills as well as test and revise their emergency preparedness plans. Overall, this symposium emphasizes the uniqueness of older adults’ needs, vulnerability, and resilience to disasters.

Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

scholarly journals (P1-54) Healthcare Worker's Perception towards Individual and Institution Disaster Preparedness

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s116-s116
Author(s):  
G.H. Lim
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Response Training ◽  
The Family ◽  
Training Opportunities ◽  
H1n1 Outbreak

Background and AimDisaster and MCI events are occurrences that healthcare institutions must be prepared to respond to at all times. The events of September 11 2001 have rekindled our attention to this aspect of preparedness amongst our healthcare institutions. In Singapore, the SARS experience in 2003 and the recent H1N1 outbreak have thrust emergency preparedness further into the limelight. While priorities had been re-calibrated, we feel that we still lack far behind in our level of preparedness. This study is conducted to understand the perception of our healthcare workers towards their individual and the institution preparedness towards a disaster incident.MethodA questionnaire survey was done for this study for the doctors, nurses and allied health workers in our hospital. Questions measuring perception of disaster preparedness for themselves, their colleagues and that of the institution were asked. This was done using a 5-point likert scale.ResultsThe study was conducted over a 2-month period from 1st August 2010 till 30th September 2010. 1534 healthcare workers participated in the study. 75.3% felt that the institution is ready to respond to a disaster incident; but only 36.4% felt that they were ready. 12.6% had previous experience in disaster response. They were more likely to be ready to respond to future incidents (p = 0.00). Factors that influenced perception of readiness included leadership (p = 0.00), disaster drills (p = 0.02), access to disaster plans (p = 0.04), family support. 80.7% were willing to participate in future disaster incident response training. 74.5% felt that being able to respond to a disaster incident constitute part of their professional competency. However, only 31% of the respondents agreed that disaster response training was readily available and only 27.8% knew where to go to look for these training opportunities.ConclusionThere is an urgent need to train the healthcare workers to enhance their capability to respond to a disaster incident. While they have confidence in the institutions capability they were not sure of their own capability. Training opportunities should be made more accessible. We should also do more to harvest the family support that these worker value in order for them to be able to perform their roles in a disaster incident.

scholarly journals What influences diet quality in older people? A qualitative study among community-dwelling older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2685-2693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Bloom ◽  
Wendy Lawrence ◽  
Mary Barker ◽  
Janis Baird ◽  
Elaine Dennison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Hertfordshire Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

AbstractObjectiveTo explore influences on diet in a group of community-dwelling older adults in the UK.DesignData were collected through focus group discussions with older people; discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and transcripts analysed thematically.SettingHertfordshire, UK.SubjectsParticipants were sampled purposively from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, focusing on those whose diets had been assessed at two time points: 1998–2001 and 2011.ResultsNinety-two adults participated (47 % women; 74–83 years) and eleven focus groups were held. A number of age-related factors were identified that were linked to food choices, including lifelong food experiences, retirement, bereavement and medical conditions, as well as environmental factors (such as transport). There appeared to be variability in how individuals responded to these influences, indicating that other underlying factors may mediate the effects of age-related factors on diet. Discussions about ‘keeping going’, being motivated to ‘not give up’, not wanting to be perceived as ‘old’, as well as examples of resilience and coping strategies, suggest the importance of mediating psychological factors. In addition, discussion about social activities and isolation, community spirit and loneliness, indicated the importance of social engagement as an influence on diet.ConclusionsInterventions to promote healthier diets in older age should take account of underlying psychological and social factors that influence diet, which may mediate the effects of age-related factors.

scholarly journals Virtual reality, the COVID-19 pandemic and rehabilitation for community-dwelling older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 196-198
Author(s):  
James Edward Hill ◽  
Joanna Harrison ◽  
Catherine Harris ◽  
Jacqueline Twamley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Reminiscence intervention for community-dwelling older adults without dementia: a literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Shropshire
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Term Care

The aim of the present integrative literature review is to summarise empirical evidence supporting the positive health benefits of reminiscence intervention for older adults without dementia who reside in community and long-term care settings. Reminiscence intervention may be used to improve cognitive ability in older adults by prompting them to share life stories and recall past events. Using Garrard's matrix method, 15 studies were identified and included in this review, with a total of 815 participants. The health outcomes of reminiscence intervention for older adults residing in the community and long-term care settings were improvements in depressive symptoms; greater wellbeing, peace and life satisfaction; and improvements in quality of life, social engagement, anxiety and cognitive skills/memory. Non-pharmacological approaches such as reminiscence intervention may contribute to a rich base for reformulating cognitive interpretations, increasing cognitive abilities, and improving social skills among older adults.

Qualitative research can improve understandings about disaster preparedness for independent older adults in the community

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Tuohy ◽  
Christine Stephens ◽  
David Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

Purpose – Improving older adults’ preparedness for and response to natural disasters has become an important issue. Population ageing, together with concerns about increasing extreme weather-related events, has added further impetus to the need to reduce older adults’ vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues. Design/methodology/approach – Social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment, which have invariably used quantitative research methods. Findings – To date much of the preparedness and response research has focused on organisational responses to preparedness, while perspectives from older adults have received less attention. Furthermore social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment. Originality/value – Extending research to include qualitative methodologies, which recognises older adults as active participants in research about themselves, would contribute to increasing understandings about influences on disaster preparedness and response; and inform social policies and prevention programmes.

scholarly journals The Role of Virtual Reality in Improving Health Outcomes for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordana Dermody ◽  
Lisa Whitehead ◽  
Graham Wilson ◽  
Courtney Glass
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) delivered through immersive headsets creates an opportunity to deliver interventions to improve physical, mental, and psychosocial health outcomes. VR app studies with older adults have primarily focused on rehabilitation and physical function including gait, balance, fall prevention, pain management, and cognition. Several systematic reviews have previously been conducted, but much of the extant literature is focused on rehabilitation or other institutional settings, and little is known about the effectiveness of VR apps using immersive headsets to target health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR apps delivered using commercially available immersive headsets to improve physical, mental, or psychosocial health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Peer-reviewed publications that included community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years residing in residential aged care settings and nursing homes were included. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness evidence. The title of this review was registered with JBI, and the systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS In total, 7 studies that specifically included community-dwelling older adults were included in this review. VR apps using a head-mounted display led to improvements in a number of health outcomes, including pain management, posture, cognitive functioning specifically related to Alzheimer disease, and a decreased risk of falls. A total of 6 studies reported a statistically significant difference post VR intervention, and 1 study reported an improvement in cognitive function to reduce navigational errors. Only one study reported on the usability and acceptability of the interventions delivered through VR. While one study used a distraction mechanism for pain management, none of the studies used gaming technology to promote enjoyment. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to improve health outcomes through VR have demonstrated potential; however, the ability to synthesize findings by primary outcome for the older adult population is not possible. A number of factors, especially related to frailty, usability, and acceptability, also need to be explored before more substantial recommendations on the effectiveness of VR interventions for older adults can be made. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42019143504; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=143504

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Social Relationships on Social Engagement Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Su-I Hou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
College Education ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Endurance Strength ◽  
Social Leisure ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract This study examined physical activity (FITNESS) and social relationships (FRIENDS) on social engagement among community older adults. Members from two Florida aging-in-village programs participated. Three five-Likert scales were used: A 5-item FITNESS (weight, endurance, strength, flexibility, health), 4-item FRIEND (family, friends, neighbors, communication), and a 3-item social engagement scales (social-leisure activities, stay involved, healthy independent) (Cronbach alphas: .82~.92). Among the 96 participants, 79% were females, 91% were whites, 56% were married, 86% had college education, and 46% living alone. Mean age was 70.7 (SD=10.10). Participants reported at least 30-min. physical activity about 4.2 days per week. Overall social engagement was high (mean=4.38), FITNESS was median (mean=3.46), and FRINED was high (mean=4.19). FITNESS was significant to more 30-min. physical activity. Yet, higher FITNESS, FRIENDS, age, and volunteers were all significant to social engagement. Results has implications on promoting social engagement among older adults participating in aging-in-community programs.

scholarly journals Behavioral Health, Social Engagement, and Long-Term Care Services Use Among Community Older Adults: USA vs. Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 348-349
Author(s):  
Su-I Hou ◽  
Chien-Ching Li ◽  
Darren Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Aging In Community ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract As healthcare advances, older adults are living longer. While 90% of older adults prefer aging in their own homes and communities, it is important to examine key factors influencing healthy aging-in-community and community-based long-term care (LTC) services available in different countries. This symposium examines behavioral health, social engagement, and LTC services utilization among community-dwelling older adults in the USA and Taiwan. Lessons learned from older adults across countries will provide insights for tailored community-based LTC services and program development. Dr. Hou from The University of Central Florida (UCF) will highlight similarities and differences in behavioral health profiles and the topics that most interest community-dwelling older Americans participating in three aging-in-community programs in Central Florida. Dr. Wang from Case Western Reserve University will examine the impact of neighborhood social cohesion on mobility among community-dwelling older Americans aged 65 and older from the national Health and Retirement Study. Dr. Liu from National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan will share results of healthy lifestyle on quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in southern Taiwan. Dr. Young from State University of New York at Albany will compare long-term care use among community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia in Central Taiwan. Finally, Drs. Cao and Hou from UCF will analyze home and community-based services in the USA versus Taiwan. This symposium will further discuss similarities and differences of key factors related to healthy aging-in-community, along with practical recommendations and lessons learned across countries and cultural environments to improve community-based long-term care services and programs.

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