scholarly journals Technological Interventions and Social Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With or Without Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 590-590
Author(s):  
Lizzy Boots ◽  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
An Neven ◽  
Frans Verhey ◽  
Marjolein de Vugt ◽  
...  

Abstract Social isolation is a growing health issue in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia as it can negatively affect their health and well-being. Consequently, psychosocial interventions targeting their social participation are increasingly gaining importance. So far, however, little is known about the potential of technological interventions in this population. Therefore, this systematic review explored the effectiveness of technological interventions in improving social participation of community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. Records identified through five scientific databases were independently screened by two reviewers. A total of 36 studies published between 2005 and 2020 were included in a narrative synthesis. Studies differed widely in study design, type of technology, used outcome measures, and methodological quality. However, the findings highlight the potential role of technological interventions in improving different dimensions of social participation. At the same time, barriers and facilitators of these interventions to social participation were identified.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Pascale Heins ◽  
Lizzy M. M. Boots ◽  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
An Neven ◽  
Frans R. J. Verhey ◽  
...  

Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults with dementia is a growing health issue that can negatively affect health and well-being. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of technology in improving their social participation. This systematic review aims to provide a systematic overview of the effects of technological interventions that target social participation in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. The scientific databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and independently screened by two reviewers. Results were synthesized narratively. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. In total, 36 studies of varying methodological quality were identified. Most studies evaluated social networking technology and ICT training programs. Three studies focused on people with dementia. Quantitative findings showed limited effects on loneliness, social isolation, and social support. Nevertheless, several benefits related to social participation were reported qualitatively. Social interaction, face-to-face contact, and intergenerational engagement were suggested to be successful elements of technological interventions in improving the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are highly needed to evaluate the long-term effects of technology on the multidimensional concept of social participation.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2628
Author(s):  
Nataša Obradović ◽  
Émilie Lagueux ◽  
Karine Latulippe ◽  
Véronique Provencher

Human–animal interactions may positively impact the health and well-being of older adults. Considering about one third of community-dwelling older adults report owning a pet, better understanding the benefits, challenges, and the role of pet ownership may help support the relationships between older adults and their pets. This case study aims to better understand the role of pet ownership in the daily lives of older adults and explore the benefits and the challenges of owning a pet for this population. Interviews were conducted with Violet, a 77-year-old dog owner and her healthcare provider. Qualitative data were analyzed by two evaluators and validated by the participants. Both participants agree that the benefits outweigh the challenges for both the older adult and her pet. The benefits and challenges were the following: Violet, taking care of her dog (Jack), (1) could provide Violet with a sense of safety and positively influence her mood; (2) may introduce a slight fall risk; (3) includes financial costs to consider. Ensuring Jack’s well-being is important for Violet and her dog benefits from Violet’s continual presence and care. The findings suggest that improving the fit between characteristics of the owner and their pet may support the meaningful role of pet ownership within the context of aging-in-place.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 948-948
Author(s):  
Meng-Hsuan Yu ◽  
Shiau-Fang Chao

Abstract Participating in meaningful activities has been proven beneficial to the well-being of disabled older adults. However, social distancing policies and restrictions on public activities have been implemented since the outbreak of COVID-19 at the beginning of 2020 in Taiwan. These restrictions not only prevent older individuals from performing meaningful activities but also have actual impacts on their daily life. This study aims to elucidate the intervening role of meanings of life activities on the relationship between functional status and COVID-19 disruptions. Data were collected from a sample of 526 community-dwelling older adults with disabilities in Taiwan between April and July, 2020. Utilizing Multiple Regression Analysis, the research findings were as follows. First, participants with better functional status experienced more COVID-19 related disruptions to their daily routine. In the meantime, they also valued their life activities as more meaningful than those with worse functional status. Second, higher levels of meanings in performing life activities also positively related to COVID-19 disruptions. Third, meanings of life activities fully mediated the relationship between functional status and COVID-19 disruptions. That is, disabled older individuals with better functional status may experience more COVID-19 related disruptions because their accessibility to meaningful activities was limited. Since preventive approaches to control the spread are necessary during COVID-19 epidemic, efforts should be made to sustain meaningful life activities participation among disabled older adults. Based on the findings of this study, this would be especially critical to the well-being of more capable older individuals with disabilities during the pandemic.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199332
Author(s):  
Wanda Rietkerk ◽  
Jannet de Jonge-de Haan ◽  
Joris P. J. Slaets ◽  
Sytse U. Zuidema ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Volkert ◽  
Martin Härter ◽  
Maria Christina Dehoust ◽  
Berta Ausín ◽  
Alessandra Canuto ◽  
...  

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