scholarly journals The M. Powell Lawton Award Lecture: The Person-Environment Fit Framework, Older Adults and Technology Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 556-556
Author(s):  
Sara Czaja
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Policy Environments ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
Technology Systems

Abstract M. Powell Lawton made significant contributions throughout his illustrious career to improve the quality of life of older adults. His landmark theory of person-environment fit (P-E Fit) recognized the importance of understanding the dynamic interactions between older adults and their physical and social environments and the subsequent impact of these interactions on independent living. In today’s living environments, technology is ubiquitous and can serve as both a barrier and facilitator to the ability of older people to live independently. This presentation will discuss how the P-F Fit Model can be used to clarify potential mismatches between technology systems and the characteristics, abilities, and preferences of older adult and how it can be used to guide design and training interventions to maximize the ability of aging adults to interact successfully with technology systems. Examples will be drawn from the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) in the domains of social engagement, work, and health from technology design and intervention perspectives. The CREATE conceptual framework, consistent with the P-E Fit Model posits that users have varying needs, abilities, and attitudes; technology systems and tasks vary in demands; social, physical, and policy environments influence a person’s access to and support for technology transactions; and human-technology interactions are dynamic. A focus of the presentation will be on how a user-centered design approach is compatible with the P-E Fit model and can optimize the fit between older adults and technology systems.

scholarly journals Exploring Use of Digital Home Assistants for Older Adults: A Demonstration Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 425-426
Author(s):  
Maya Malecki ◽  
Leonardo Galoso ◽  
Saahithya Gowrishankar ◽  
Amy Brown ◽  
Ramavarapu Sreenivas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Digital Home ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Social Companion

Abstract Emerging digital home assistant technology has potential to support older adults in their homes. Voice-activated assistants can be used for entertainment, environmental control, physical activities, health management, and social engagement. However, many older adults have limited experience with these devices, which are not designed with them in mind. We conducted a demonstration project to explore how seven older adult assisted and independent living residents interacted with digital assistants over four months. We conducted monthly semi-structured telephone interviews and pre/post questionnaires. Participants desired to use their devices to communicate with others, and for a range of health activities, including nutrition tracking, medication management, and health information searching. However, numerous usability barriers emerged. Some participants perceived their device as a social companion. These findings indicate that older adults are willing to use digital assistants for various activities that may enhance independence, although instructional and training materials are needed to support their use.

scholarly journals Community Mobility in Older Adults: Novel Methodologies, Risk Factors, and Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 564-564
Author(s):  
Andrea Rosso ◽  
Michelle Carlson ◽  
Jana Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Current View ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Community Mobility

Abstract Community mobility is an individual’s movement outside the home. It is essential for the completion of many instrumental activities of daily living, such as shopping and healthcare, and promotes physical function, social engagement, independent living, and quality of life. Mobility research often focuses on gait speed measured in clinical settings, a critical but not sufficient determinant of community mobility. Here we present four talks that assess community mobility and its determinants using novel methodologies to enhance our understanding of how to maintain independence in older ages. First, Andrea Rosso presents characteristics of individuals with the strongest associations between environmental walkability, as assessed by virtual audits, and walking. Second, Kyle Moored demonstrates associations of self-reported fatigability with life space among older men, independent of their physical functioning. Breanna Crane introduces GPS-based objective measures of community mobility and their associations with cognitive and physical function of older adults. Finally, Pam Dunlap presents results of a randomized clinical trial of a physical therapy intervention to improve walking in older adults on subjective and objective measures of life space. These talks will provide a better understanding of the factors related to community mobility, introduce attendees to novel methodologies in the assessment of both community mobility and risk factors associated with the loss of community mobility, and demonstrate approaches to improve community mobility in at-risk older adults. The discussant, Jana Hirsch, will provide perspectives on how these data inform our current view of community mobility and will lead a discussion with the audience.

scholarly journals LAWTON’S THEORY OF PERSON-ENVIRONMENT FIT: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR DETECTING TIPPING POINTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S597-S597
Author(s):  
Janice D Crist ◽  
Cheryl Lacasse ◽  
Linda R Phillips ◽  
Jian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tipping Points ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Environmental Press ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
The Right ◽  
Health Cognition ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Abstract Caregiving families often experience “tipping points,” changes that forever alter their lives, such as a fall with a fractured femur. Tipping points for older adults can be conceptualized as an interaction between individuals and their environments. According to Lawton’s theory of person-environment fit (Lawton, 1983, 1985), physical and social environments and the person’s behavior are shaped by one another in a dynamic, ever-changing process. For older adults, the relationship between “environmental press,” or the mismatch between the person and his/her environment, and adaptation to that environment is mediated through one’s ability to cope. When stressors in health, cognition, or caregiver availability occur, environmental press may heighten, leading to a tipping point. In this paper the authors clarify how environmental press theory provides a foundation for studying early detection of impending tipping points and facilitating decisional support of families for choosing the right long-term support services at the right time.

scholarly journals Technology to Support Aging in Place: Older Adults’ Perspectives

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhi Wang ◽  
Khalisa Bolling ◽  
Wenlin Mao ◽  
Jennifer Reichstadt ◽  
Dilip Jeste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Technology Literacy ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Group Sessions

The U.S. population over 65 years of age is increasing. Most older adults prefer to age in place, and technologies, including Internet of things (IoT), Ambient/Active Assisted Living (AAL) robots and other artificial intelligence (AI), can support independent living. However, a top-down design process creates mismatches between technologies and older adults’ needs. A user-centered design approach was used to identify older adults’ perspectives regarding AAL and AI technologies and gauge interest in participating in a co-design process. A survey was used to obtain demographic characteristics and assess privacy perspectives. A convenience sample of 31 retirement community residents participated in one of two 90-min focus group sessions. The semi-structured group interview solicited barriers and facilitators to technology adoption, privacy attitudes, and interest in project co-design participation to inform technology development. Focus group sessions were audiotaped and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were reviewed and coded to identify themes and patterns. Descriptive statistics were applied to the quantitative data. Identified barriers to technology use included low technology literacy, including lack of familiarity with terminology, and physical challenges, which can make adoption difficult. Facilitators included an eagerness to learn, interest in co-design, and a desire to understand and control their data. Most participants identified as privacy pragmatics and fundamentalists, indicating that privacy is important to older adults. At the same time, they also reported a willingness to contribute to the design of technologies that would facilitate aging independently. There is a need to increase technology literacy of older adults along with aging literacy of technologists.

Introductory Information for Therapists

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Alice Medalia ◽  
Tiffany Herlands ◽  
Alice Saperstein ◽  
Nadine Revheim
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Psychiatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Skill Training ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
School Work ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses

Chapter 1 discusses what cognitive remediation is, why and where it is done, and who can benefit. From a psychiatric rehabilitation perspective, cognitive remediation is considered one of the skill-training interventions. Like other psychiatric rehabilitation interventions, it focuses on individuals’ skills and supports to improve the success and satisfaction they experience in their chosen living, learning, working, and social environments. Many psychiatric illnesses are associated with cognitive deficits in the areas of attention, memory processing speed, and executive functioning. Cognitive remediation is intended to help people develop the underlying cognitive skills that can make them better able to function in daily tasks, including school, work, social interactions, and independent living.

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.

User-Centered Design Enhances Usability of an mHealth System for Users with Dexterity Impairments (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuntal Chowdhary ◽  
Daihua Xie Yu ◽  
Gede Pramana ◽  
Andrea Fairman ◽  
Brad Edward Dicianno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Self Management ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
User Centered

BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) systems have been shown to be useful in supporting self-management by promoting adherence to schedules and longitudinal health interventions, especially in people with disabilities (PwD). The Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) System was developed to empower PwD and those with chronic conditions with supports needed for self-management and independent living. Since the first iteration of the iMHere 1.0 app, several studies have evaluated accessibility and usability of the system. Potential opportunities to improve and simplify the user interface (UI) were identified, and the iMHere modules were redesigned accordingly. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the redesigned modules within iMHere 1.0. METHODS This study evaluated the original and redesigned MyMeds and SkinCare modules. To assess the participants’ dexterity levels, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPBT) was administered. Participants were then asked to perform a set of tasks using both the original and redesigned MyMeds and SkinCare modules to assess efficiency and effectiveness. Usability was measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) to evaluate 10 new accessibility features that were added to the redesigned app. Participants were also asked which version they preferred. RESULTS Twenty-four participants with disabilities and varied degrees of dexterity impairments completed the entire study protocol. Participants displayed improved efficiency and effectiveness of use when using the redesigned modules, as compared to the original modules. Participants also reported improved usability and preferred the redesigned modules. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the iMHere System became more efficient, effective, and usable for individuals with dexterity impairments after redesigning it according to user-centered principles.

scholarly journals Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nadir G. Abdelrahman ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Molly E. Polverento ◽  
Andrea Wendling ◽  
Courtney M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Related

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Exploring the Motivators and Barriers of Older Adults Participating in an Interactive Exergame Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 402-402
Author(s):  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Michelle Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Spatial Environment ◽  
Interactive Video Game

Abstract Cognitive and physical activity are important to maintaining daily functioning in older adults. While bidirectional associations between cognitive and physical activity magnify with increasing age, elucidating shared benefits has been difficult as few interventions explicitly train on cognition and mobility simultaneously. We conducted focus groups among 14 older adults residing in an independent-living center who participated in an interactive video game study called Bandit the Dolphin, where participants simultaneously incorporated cognitive exercise and physical activity while navigating within a complex spatial environment to help Bandit jump, eat fish, and stun sharks. Using ‘sneaky exercise’ tactics, participants utilized upper extremities in conjunction with slight lower extremity movement to move Bandit within a 3-D oceanic environment. We conducted 3 semi-structured focus groups and analyzed the data using the “Sort and Sift, Think and Shift” method to assess general likes and dislikes as well as the primary motivators, barriers, and reasons for remaining in the study. Participants enjoyed the immersive nature, challenge, and “fun factor” of the game. Primary motivators for joining were generativity/helping others, self-improvement, from peer referrals, and because the study looked interesting. Key barriers reported in the study were exhaustion from standing, learning how to play in 3-D space, and frustration from lack of level advancement. Reasons for retention were due to the game being fun, a sense of duty, and fulfilling commitments. This information will guide ongoing research efforts to design interactive video game interventions that are enjoyable for older adults and maintain high retention rates.

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