scholarly journals The Effectiveness of an Intergenerational Technology Program for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 933-933
Author(s):  
Dolapo Adeniji ◽  
Margaret Adamek ◽  
Sally Catlin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Technology Program ◽  
Know How ◽  
Technology Students ◽  
Information Technology Students ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Technology Anxiety

Abstract While an increasing number of services and opportunities are available through technology devices such as smartphones and iPad, older adults often lack the technology skills and know-how to access such services. The use of social media, email, and texting can also lessen social isolation of older adults. In this project, nine undergraduate Computer Information Technology students enrolled in a service-learning course served as mentors for older adults. A total of 33 older adults (MAge= 77.9 SDAge= 8.62) participated in a 14 weeks intergenerational technology education at two community senior centers in an urban Midwest city. Fourteen participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Significant improvement was found between pre- and post- surveys outcomes in technology anxiety and social engagement of the older adults. Findings from our qualitative data revealed that intergenerational program enables older adult to benefit from individual and group learning, make new friends among peers, experience intergenerational interactions, and have confidence in technology use. However, the intergenerational technology program helped to decrease technology anxiety and improve the participants’ social engagement. Engaging technology students in mentoring older adults in small group at a community center proved to be mutually beneficial to both the students and the older adults. The program boosted older adults’ comfort with technology use as well as encouraging social engagement with peers, mentors, and the virtual world.

scholarly journals Examining Rural and Racial Disparities in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Technology Use Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaileigh A. Byrne ◽  
Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky ◽  
Cheryl Dye ◽  
Lesley A. Ross ◽  
Kapil Chalil Madathil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Loneliness, the subjective negative experience derived from a lack of meaningful companionship, is associated with heightened vulnerability to adverse health outcomes among older adults. Social technology affords an opportunity to cultivate social connectedness and mitigate loneliness. However, research examining potential inequalities in loneliness is limited. This study investigates racial and rural-urban differences in the relationship between social technology use and loneliness in adults aged 50 and older using data from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,315). Social technology use was operationalized as the self-reported frequency of communication through Skype, Facebook, or other social media with family and friends. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness scale, and rural-urban differences were based on Beale rural-urban continuum codes. Examinations of race focused on differences between Black/African-American and White/Caucasian groups. A path model analysis was performed to assess whether race and rurality moderated the relationship between social technology use and loneliness, adjusting for living arrangements, age, general computer usage. Social engagement and frequency of social contact with family and friends were included as mediators. The primary study results demonstrated that the association between social technology use and loneliness differed by rurality, but not race. Rural older adults who use social technology less frequently experience greater loneliness than urban older adults. This relationship between social technology and loneliness was mediated by social engagement and frequency of social contact. Furthermore, racial and rural-urban differences in social technology use demonstrated that social technology use is less prevalent among rural older adults than urban and suburban-dwelling older adults; no such racial differences were observed. However, Black older adults report greater levels of perceived social negativity in their relationships compared to White older adults. Interventions seeking to address loneliness using social technology should consider rural and racial disparities.

Oral Histories and Service Learning to Promote Geriatric Competence, Comfort, and Career Interest

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. S-3-S-21
Author(s):  
Denise Gammonley ◽  
Mary Mann ◽  
Daniel Fleishman ◽  
Lloyd Duran ◽  
Shawn Lawrence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Oral Histories ◽  
Career Interest ◽  
Values Assessment ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Generalist Practice

Gathering oral histories allows BSW students to learn and apply person-centered care principles through individualized social engagement with older adults. Thirty-three undergraduates enrolled in generalist practice took part in a semester long service-learning project gathering oral histories of older adults. A mixedmethods pre/post quasi-experimental design with a comparison group of BSW students engaged in service-learning in other settings evaluated the effects on student attainment of geriatric social work competencies, comfort engaging with older adults, and career interest. Relative to the comparison group, oral history students demonstrated statistically significant gains in values, assessment, intervention, and aging services geriatric competence. Competence related to values had the strongest effect size. Student comfort with older adults and career interest did not change. Although analysis of students’ critical reflections indicated that learning to communicate with cognitively impaired older adults was challenging, findings suggest that participant understanding of the aging process expanded.

Technology Use by Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara J. Czaja ◽  
Chin Chin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Potential Benefits

The expanding power of computers and the growth of information technologies such as the Internet have made it possible for large numbers of people to have direct access to an increasingly wide array of information sources and services. Use of technology has become an integral component of work, education, communication, entertainment, and health care. Moreover, home appliances, security systems, and other communication devices are becoming more integrated with network resources providing faster and more powerful interactive services. Older adults represent an increasing large proportion of the population and will need to be active users of technology to function independently and receive the potential benefits of technology. Thus, it is critically important to understand how older adults respond to and adopt new information technologies. Technology offers many potential benefits for older people such as enhanced access to information and resources and health-care services, as well as opportunities for cognitive and social engagement. Unfortunately, because of a number of factors many older people confront challenges and barriers when attempting to access and use technology systems.

scholarly journals Social engagement technologies and their use among grandparents and adult grandchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mueller ◽  
H Foran
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Adult Grandchildren ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract The quality of close family relationships can affect the health and well-being of older adults. Further, research suggests that relationships between grandparents and adult grandchildren can have a positive impact on the lives of each generation, particularly regarding social and emotional support. Social engagement technologies may provide new opportunities for older adults to foster and maintain family relationships, including those between grandparents and adult grandchildren. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between the use of social engagement technologies and health and well-being outcomes in 177 younger adults (M = 26.67, SD = 7.83; 81.4% female) and 202 older adults (M = 71.09, SD = 8.17; 77.8% female). Social technology use was assessed through five mediums that are used to enhance social connectivity (e.g., e-mail, social network sites, online video or phone calls, instant messaging, and smartphones). Higher use of social engagement technologies was associated with better self-rated health, subjective well-being, and social support among younger and older adults. Interestingly, social technology use was associated with less depressive symptoms only for older adults (r=-.26, p<.05). There was, however, no correlation between social technology use and loneliness at the bivariate level. Of all five media, only smartphone use was correlated with more positive evaluations of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. After controlling for age, both grandparent-grandchild relationship quality and social technology use were associated with better self-rated health, subjective well-being, and social support for grandparents and adult grandchildren. Key messages Taken together, these findings indicate the need for a nuanced perspective on the benefits of social engagement technologies. More research is needed to explore the use case for social engagement technologies among older adults and their family members.

scholarly journals PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: THE TIES THAT BIND: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S210-S210
Author(s):  
Tamara A Baker ◽  
Lewina O Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great Promise

Abstract Data show that seven out of every ten adults, over the age of 50, own a smartphone, with one out of ten owning a tablet. While traditional activities dictate the use of technology among this cohort, there is growing evidence that adults similarly use devices to also manage their medical care and to learn online. This increase has guided scholars in recognizing the utility of technology from designing interventions to understanding how technology may serve as a barrier and/or facilitator to one’s general well-being. This symposium features four presentations from nationally recognized scholars that will expand traditional perspectives on technology use, and how it influences social ties among older adults. Dr. Charness will examine the population-level trends in social network use by aging adults and discuss a recent CREATE intervention study (PRISM), that used a computer-based platform to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Dr. Czaja will similarly present findings from CREATE, and other trials, on the access to and use of email, social media sites, and online support groups among older adults, and the resultant impact on social connectivity, loneliness and social support. Dr. Rogers will discuss technologies that currently exist (e.g., apps, mobile devices, social networking) or are being developed (e.g., robotics, telepresence, virtual reality) to support social engagement. Dr. Antonucci will examine aspects of new technologies and their influence on health and well-being, while underscoring the perspective that new and emerging technologies hold great promise in overcoming traditional barriers to maintaining social contact and exchange.

scholarly journals Adapting Training and Use of an Application for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Amidst COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 658-659
Author(s):  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Sarah Weingast ◽  
Gabriel Gladstone-Groth ◽  
Marco Ceruso ◽  
Sara Czaja
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Remote Access ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Remote Training ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements have resulted in disruptions to daily life, reduced opportunities for social engagement, and diminished resource access for millions of older adults. Individuals with cognitive impairments (CI) are particularly vulnerable to risk for social isolation. This presentation will discuss the PRISM-CI pilot trial, which aims to examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system on enhancing connectivity and quality of life among a diverse sample of 50 older adults aged 65 and over with a CI. PRISM-CI, adapted from the PRISM system (developed by the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement) for this population, is intended to support social engagement, memory, and access to resources and information. We will present data regarding the feasibility and perceived value of PRISM-CI and discuss the challenges, and strategies used, to adapt the PRISM-CI trial during the pandemic. We used a multi-modal approach to provide remote training and specialized tablet instruction that includes individualized training sessions tailored to individuals’ learning needs, hobbies, and prior technology use. The adapted protocol also involves the use of remote access software for troubleshooting. We will also discuss how participant feedback guided the inclusion of additional features, such as Zoom videoconferencing and virtual library access, for the PRISM-CI application. Finally, we will demonstrate how the adaptation of the PRISM-CI protocol holds promise for the use of flexible, remote technology approaches to reach socially isolated older adults to foster psychosocial well-being.

The Impact of TimeSlips on Undergraduate Students in Service Learning With Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sabine Heuer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Attitude Shift ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Journal Entries

Purpose Future speech-language pathologists are often unprepared in their academic training to serve the communicative and cognitive needs of older adults with dementia. While negative attitudes toward older adults are prevalent among undergraduate students, service learning has been shown to positively affect students' attitudes toward older adults. TimeSlips is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to improve health care students' attitudes toward older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore the change in attitudes in speech-language pathology students toward older adults using TimeSlips in service learning. Method Fifty-one students participated in TimeSlips service learning with older adults and completed the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) before and after service learning. In addition, students completed a reflection journal. The DAS data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics, and journal entries were analyzed using a qualitative analysis approach. Results The service learners exhibited a significant increase in positive attitude as indexed on the DAS. The reflective journal entries supported the positive change in attitudes. Conclusions A noticeable attitude shift was indexed in reflective journals and on the DAS. TimeSlips is an evidence-based, patient-centered approach well suited to address challenges in the preparation of Communication Sciences and Disorders students to work with the growing population of older adults.

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.

Computer Technology Use and Attitudes Among Older Adults

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Wadley ◽  
Rachel Benz ◽  
Martha Frankel ◽  
David Ball ◽  
Daniel Roenker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Technology Use
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