Intergenerational Tutoring: Older Adults Supporting Children’s Academic Needs via Video Conferencing

Abstract COVID-19 resulted in societal disruptions across the lifespan. School (K-12) closures were among the most challenging impacts of the virus, leaving many parents with the burden of schooling their children at home. Another major impact of the virus was the social isolation and loneliness felt by many retired, older adults, who were sheltering at home. The disruptions of COVID-19 led our inter-professional team to develop the Intergenerational Tutoring program. Intergenerational Tutoring addresses a service delivery gap in schools because tutors expand schools' capacity to implement evidence-based instruction with students in need of individual support. At the same time, research shows that meaningful volunteering supports the well-being of older adults across physical, psychosocial and cognitive dimensions of health. The aim of the Intergenerational Tutoring program is to pair older adults with kindergarten children in high needs schools to implement early literacy interventions remotely via Zoom. Our poster will describe the Intergenerational Tutoring program including tutor training and tutoring implementation. We will summarize the initial findings from our pilot study conducted in spring and summer 2021 with tutors and children. Data will include (1) themes from tutor interviews regarding the personal meaningfulness of the program and the program’s associated benefits and challenges; (2) implementation fidelity data; (3) impact of tutoring on children’s early literacy skills; and (4) parent feedback. We will summarize lessons learned and next steps for the program.

Download Full-text

The Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abdallah Abu Khait ◽

Juliette Shellman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Arab Countries ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Arabic Version ◽

Harmonization Process ◽

Back Translation ◽

Target Culture

Abstract The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a 43 item reliable and valid scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why individuals reminisce: (a) identity (b) death preparation; (c) problem-solving; (d) bitterness revival; (e) boredom reduction; (f) intimacy maintenance; (g) conversation; and (h) teach/Inform others. Research indicates that certain reminiscence functions have a positive impact on the mental-health and well-being of older adults. However, no known studies have been conducted in Arab countries examining the relationship between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes due to the lack of an Arabic version of the RFS. The purpose of this study was to translate the RFS from English to Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic), back-translate from Arabic to English, and compare the two English versions for equivalence and accuracy through a multi-step translation method. A team of bilingual, bicultural, Arabic speaking experts assembled to conduct the forward, back translation and harmonization process. In the next step, professionals with expertise in linguistics communication sciences and disorders, Arabic literature, geriatric nursing, and medicine reviewed the translated documents to assess the content (relevant to the target culture) and semantic equivalencies (similarity of meaning in the target culture). Challenges that occurred during the study included finding nuanced translation equivalences for Likert scale responses, translation of idioms such as “when time is heavy on my hands”, and logistical issues such as coordinating virtual meetings for the team of experts. Lessons learned during the translation process and implications for use of the RFS-Arabic version with Jordanian older adults will be presented.

Download Full-text

Older adults’ philanthropic crafting of face masks during COVID-19

Craft Research ◽

10.1386/crre_00051_1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 223-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Christine Guy Schnittka

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Care ◽

Social Media ◽

Virtual Community ◽

Well Being ◽

Moral Values ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Front Line ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Front Line Workers

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages began sewing fabric face masks. Organized through separate grassroots movements, oftentimes using social media platforms, people pooled their resources to make masks for front line workers and others in desperate need. While some people sold these face masks, many participated in philanthropic crafting, donating them to hospitals and other health care centres. Older adults were identified early on as being particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus, and so their response to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic through crafting was salient. This study investigated the experience of philanthropic hand crafting by older adults who were living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-seven older adults of age 60–87 who sewed masks for others were interviewed. A comprehensive data analysis of these interviews yielded 39 descriptive codes that were collapsed into eight themes: emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, accomplishment, intellect, moral values and agency. One finding was that there were psychological, relational and existential benefits for the crafters. Making masks allowed participants to help other people, and it gave the participants a feeling of value, worthiness and purpose. Additionally, participants felt more in control in a chaotic world as they made masks to protect themselves, their loved ones, as well as strangers. The philanthropic crafting enhanced older adults’ well-being in many ways, and lessons learned from this study could be extended into ‘normal times’. For example, more older adults would be able to participate in craft-based philanthropy if they had access to the tools and materials. They would be more motivated if they received thank you notes and pictures of the recipients using their handmade gifts, and if they could express their creativity more. Finally, creating a physical or virtual community for older adults around craft philanthropy would help older adults feel more connected to and supported by their peers, and the community at large.

Download Full-text

Improving Interactive Health Literacy Skills of Older Adults: Lessons Learned From Formative Organizational Research With Community Partners

Progress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action ◽

10.1353/cpr.2015.0071 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 531-536 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

John Parmer ◽

Debra Furtado ◽

Donald L. Rubin ◽

Vicki Freimuth ◽

Terry Kaley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Community Partners ◽

Organizational Research ◽

Interactive Health

Download Full-text

Modeling individual variation in early literacy skills in kindergarten children with intellectual disabilities

Research in Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1016/j.ridd.2017.10.017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 72 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Arjan van Tilborg ◽

Eliane Segers ◽

Hans van Balkom ◽

Ludo Verhoeven

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disabilities ◽

Early Literacy ◽

Individual Variation ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Kindergarten Children ◽

Early Literacy Skills

Download Full-text

App-based learning for kindergarten children at home (Learning4Kids): study protocol for cohort 1 and the kindergarten assessments

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-020-02432-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Frank Niklas ◽

Efsun Annac ◽

Astrid Wirth

Keyword(s):

Social Inclusion ◽

Well Being ◽

Kindergarten Children ◽

Societal Implications ◽

Control Group ◽

Full Potential ◽

Intervention Approach ◽

Children’S Learning ◽

Children's Learning ◽

At Home

Abstract Background Children’s literacy and mathematical competencies are a critical platform for their successful functioning as individuals in society. However, many children, in particular those with low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds who may not receive the home support needed to develop to their full potential, are at risk of not reaching sufficient competence levels. The overall aim of this project is to develop innovative computer tablet applications (‘apps’) and test whether the apps support parents in the provision of high-quality home learning environments (HLEs) and impact positively on the short- and long-term development of children’s competencies. Altogether, “App-based learning for kindergarten children at home” (Learning4Kids) is a 5-year longitudinal study funded by the EU and designed to assess the potential impact of a tablet-based family intervention on children’s learning, development, social inclusion and well-being. Methods/design This study uses a multi-method intervention approach and draws on expertise from psychology, education, informatics, and didactics to evaluate the effectiveness of learning apps and the intervention approach. It also exploits new technological possibilities afforded by tablet computers that are very common nowadays in families. Learning4Kids sets out to measure the quality of the HLE, children’s early mathematical, literacy, and cognitive competencies and their behaviour. Here, data will be gathered via standardized tests, observations, and parental and educator surveys and checklists. Data collection also includes the assessment of app usage times via mobile sensing. In cohort 1, 190 families are assigned to one of four groups. One business-as-usual group will only participate in the child assessments, whereas the three remaining groups are provided with tablets for about 10 months. Two intervention groups will receive mathematical or literacy learning apps as well as parental information about these topics and the tablet-control-group will receive similar apps and information that focus on general child development, but not on mathematics or literacy. Discussion Whilst offering substantive advances for the scientific fields of psychology and education, the Learning4Kids study also has broad societal implications. Improving young children’s learning trajectories is both a social and economic imperative as it equips them to achieve greater individual success and to contribute to societal prosperity.

Download Full-text

NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIOECONOMIC WELL-BEING, HOME LITERACY, AND EARLY LITERACY SKILLS OF AT-RISK PRESCHOOLERS

Psychology in the Schools ◽

10.1002/pits.21711 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 50 (8) ◽

pp. 755-769 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

John Mark Froiland ◽

Douglas R. Powell ◽

Karen E. Diamond ◽

Seung-Hee Claire Son

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Early Literacy ◽

Well Being ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Home Literacy ◽

Early Literacy Skills

Download Full-text

My Writing: An E-LEA-Based Android Application to Develop Kindergarten Children's Early Literacy

KnE Social Sciences ◽

10.18502/kss.v6i2.9977 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Martha Christianti ◽

Rahmatul Irfan ◽

Nur Cholimah ◽

Fuad Reza Pahlevi

Keyword(s):

Early Literacy ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Android Application ◽

Language Experience ◽

Reading And Writing ◽

Children And Parents ◽

Language Experience Approach ◽

Children's Literacy ◽

Teacher Opinions ◽

At Home

My Writing is a tool that preschool children can use to improve their reading and writing skills, which can be used both at school and at home. This tool was developed based on the Language Experience Approach (LEA) and is in the form of an Android application designed for children. It is used to help children understand that the spoken language can be altered into the written one and still retains its meaning. 10 teachers were included in this study and data were collected from teacher opinions and assessments. The findings showed that My Writing is an effective application for developing literacy in young children, and that it is easy to use by children and parents, making it simple for teachers to assess children’s literacy skills while they study at home. Keywords: Language Experience Approach (LEA), Digital LEA, E-LEA, My Writing, early reading and writing

Download Full-text

Older Adults and the Impact of COVID-19: Lessons Learned from a Two-State Study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2682 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 724-725

Author(s):

Amanda Sokan ◽

Tracy Davis

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Cohesion ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Aging Population ◽

Well Being ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

State Study ◽

Psychosocial Impacts ◽

Household Environment ◽

The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased strains on the rapidly increasing aging population’s mental, emotional, and physiological health. COVID-19, which belongs to a family of respiratory viruses, was first detected in China before spreading to other parts of the globe. Due to underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems, the aging population is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. To better prepare for a future pandemic, it is necessary to explore the psychosocial impacts of limited human interactions to make the aging population feel safer while mitigating harm to their mental and emotional health. The purpose of this study is to highlight the experiences of the aging population with COVID-19, including psychosocial, behavioral responses to the pandemic, and older adults’ overall well-being. We surveyed a total of 203 adults 55 and older regarding their experiences with the pandemic. Survey components included the COVID-19 Household Environment Scale (Behar-Zusman, Chavez, & Gattamorta, ND), selected items from the COVID-19 Impact Study and open-ended questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (Williams et al., 2006), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Ferguson, 1978). Preliminary analyses indicate that most participants had not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms, nor did they know anyone who had passed away from the virus. However, participants did report loneliness and less family cohesion because of the pandemic. Findings from this study will be used to help older adults cope with the impact of the current pandemic and future pandemics.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness Of A Staff Training Program To Stimulate Physical Activity In Homecare: A Cluster RCT

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3479 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 975-975

Author(s):

Silke Metzelthin ◽

Teuni H Rooijackers ◽

G A Rixt Zijlstra ◽

Erik van Rossum ◽

Annemarie Koster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cluster Rct ◽

Cost Category ◽

At Home

Abstract Reablement encourages older adults to do things themselves rather than having things done for them. To implement reablement in practice homecare staff needs the right knowledge, attitude, skills and support. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the “Stay Active at Home” reablement training program. A 12-month cluster-RCT was conducted, involving staff (n=313) and clients (n=264) from 10 homecare teams, five of which were trained. Effects were evaluated using data from accelerometers, physical performance tests, questionnaires and electronic patient records. No beneficial effects were observed in older adults for sedentary behavior; daily, physical, and psychological functioning; and falls. In homecare staff there were no statistically significant differences between study groups for self-efficacy and outcome expectations scores except for higher self-efficacy scores in more compliant staff (adjusted mean difference: 1.9 [95% CI 0.1, 3.7]). No differences were observed for any cost category except for domestic help costs in the intervention group (adjusted mean difference: €-173 [95% CI -299, -50]). The probability that “Stay Active at Home” is cost-effective compared to usual care at a willingness-to-pay of €20,000 was 19.7%/ daily minute of sedentary time averted, 19.2%/ percent of sedentary time averted as proportion of wake/wear time, and 5.9%/QALY gained, respectively. The reablement training program needs further development based on the lessons learned before wider implementation.

Download Full-text