Introducing the Attitudes toward Technology Longitudinal Aging Study (ATLAS): Initial Wave 1 Findings

Abstract Differences between younger and older adults' use and adoption of technology have declined over the past two decades, though the mechanisms behind observed trends are uncertain. Few longitudinal studies have tried to capture detailed changes in technology attitudes, adoption, and usage over time among older adults. This presentation presents newly collected data from the first wave of the Attitudes toward Technology Longitudinal Aging Study (ATLAS), a 5-wave questionnaire-based longitudinal study of older adults' attitudes toward technology and levels of technology use (N = 88; Men = 30; Women = 58; Mage = 69.7 years). We present baseline characteristics of Wave 1 and explore predictors of technology use, adoption, and proficiency. Waves 2 through 5 will assess changes in these domains. Wave 1 results replicated previous findings in that older age was associated with lower computer and mobile device proficiency (computer: r = -.219*, p < .05 , mobile device: r = -.291**, p < .01). However, there was variability among both types of proficiency (McomputerProf = 27.39, SD = 3.57 ; MmobileProf = 31.52, SD = 9.21), indicating room for change over time. Both types of proficiency were correlated with level of technology use (computer: r = -.219*, p < .05 , mobile device: r = -.572***, p < .001). Taken together, these initial relationships suggest the possibility that future waves will see changes in technology use predicted by changes in age-related differences in technology proficiency and attitudes.

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Older adults report cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

European Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1007/s41999-021-00514-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Noah A. Schuster ◽

Sascha de Breij ◽

Laura A. Schaap ◽

Natasja M. van Schoor ◽

Mike J. L. Peters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Medical Care ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽

Hospital Outpatient ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽

Aging Study ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study

Abstract Purpose Delay of routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic may have serious consequences for the health and functioning of older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate whether older adults reported cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore associations with health and socio-demographic characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional data of 880 older adults aged ≥ 62 years (mean age 73.4 years, 50.3% female) were used from the COVID-19 questionnaire of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a cohort study among community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands. Cancellation and avoidance of care were assessed by self-report, and covered questions on cancellation of primary care (general practitioner), cancellation of hospital outpatient care, and postponed help-seeking. Respondent characteristics included age, sex, educational level, loneliness, depression, anxiety, frailty, multimorbidity and information on quarantine. Results 35% of the sample reported cancellations due to the COVID-19 situation, either initiated by the respondent (12%) or by healthcare professionals (29%). Postponed help-seeking was reported by 8% of the sample. Multimorbidity was associated with healthcare-initiated cancellations (primary care OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.09–3.50; hospital OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.28–2.74) and respondent-initiated hospital outpatient cancellations (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.04–4.12). Depressive symptoms were associated with postponed help-seeking (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06–1.24). Conclusion About one third of the study sample reported cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the first months of the pandemic, and this was more common among those with multiple chronic conditions. How this impacts outcomes in the long term should be investigated in future research.

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Social network size, loneliness, physical functioning and depressive symptoms among older adults: examining reciprocal associations in four waves of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry ◽

10.1002/gps.5560 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Joan Domènech‐Abella ◽

Jordi Mundó ◽

Lise Switsers ◽

Theo van Tilburg ◽

Daniel Fernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Functioning ◽

Network Size ◽

Social Network Size ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽

Aging Study ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study ◽

Reciprocal Associations

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Predictors in starting and stopping Internet use between 2002 and 2012 by Dutch adults 65 years and older

Health Informatics Journal ◽

10.1177/1460458217720398 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 715-730 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jessica Berner ◽

Marja Aartsen ◽

Dorly Deeg

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Internet Use ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Demographic Predictors ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽

Aging Study ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study ◽

Normal Cognition ◽

High Sense

Research has indicated the need to consider the ageing process with technology adoption by older adults. This study examined psychological, health, social and demographic predictors with starting and stopping Internet use by older adults (2002–2012). Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, and Cox regression analyses were done to test predictors over time with starting or stopping Internet use. The results indicated that older adults starting to use the Internet (11.6%) outnumbered those who stopped (3.1%). Psychological, health, social and demographic predictors separately predicted starting and stopping Internet use. Starting use was predicted by lower age, higher education, normal cognition and living alone. The predictors in stopping use were being younger, having a high sense of mastery and being higher educated. The results need to be interpreted as indicative due to the small number of stoppers. Suggestions are made on how to improve usability.

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Age Differences in the Social Associative Learning of Trust Information

10.31234/osf.io/b38rd ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Kendra Leigh Seaman ◽

Alexander P. Christensen ◽

Katherine Senn ◽

Jessica Cooper ◽

Brittany Shane Cassidy

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Age Differences ◽

Social Cues ◽

Trust Game ◽

Time Model ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Cortical Areas ◽

Age Related ◽

The Social ◽

Over Time

Trust is a key component of social interaction. Older adults, however, often exhibit excessive trust relative to younger adults. One explanation is that older adults may learn to trust differently than younger adults. Here, we examine how younger (N=33) and older adults (N=30) learn to trust over time. Participants completed a classic iterative trust game with three partners. Younger and older adults shared similar amounts but differed in how they shared money. Compared to younger adults, older adults invested more with untrustworthy partners and less with trustworthy partners. As a group, older adults displayed less learning than younger adults. However, computational modeling shows that this is because older adults are more likely to forget what they have learned over time. Model-based fMRI analyses revealed several age-related differences in neural processing. Younger adults showed prediction error signals in social processing areas while older adults showed over-recruitment of several cortical areas. Collectively, these findings suggest that older adults attend to and learn from social cues differently from younger adults.

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TRENDS IN LIFESTYLE AMONG 3 GENERATIONS OF OLDER ADULTS; THE LONGITUDINAL AGING STUDY AMSTERDAM

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnw162.1818 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (Suppl_3) ◽

pp. 455-455

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽

Aging Study ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study

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Age-Related Differences in Medication Adherence, Symptoms, and Stigma in Poorly Adherent Adults With Bipolar Disorder

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/0891988719874116 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 250-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen Smilowitz ◽

Awais Aftab ◽

Michelle Aebi ◽

Jennifer Levin ◽

Curtis Tatsuoka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Medication Adherence ◽

Symptom Severity ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Internalized Stigma ◽

Age Related ◽

Severity Scores ◽

Over Time

Objective: We present a secondary analysis of data reporting differences in medication adherence, psychiatric symptom severity, and internalized stigma levels in older (age ≥ 55 years) versus younger (age < 55 years) adults with bipolar disorder (BD) and poor medication adherence. Methods: Data used for this analysis came from 184 participants in a National Institute of Mental Health–funded randomized controlled trial, comparing a customized adherence enhancement (CAE) intervention intended to promote BD medication adherence with a BD-specific educational program (EDU). At screen, study participants were ≥20% nonadherent with BD medications as measured by the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ). Psychiatric symptoms, functional status, and internalized stigma were measured using validated scales. Results: Older adults had significantly lower anxiety disorder comorbidity ( P < .01 for 1 or more anxiety disorders), depressive symptom severity scores ( P = .011), and self-stigma scores ( P = .001) compared to their younger counterparts. In the analyses evaluating change over time in TRQ between older and younger participants by treatment arm (ie, CAE and EDU), there was a significant finding of interaction between time, age-group, and treatment arm ( P = .007). Conclusions: Older adults may be less anxious and depressed, with less self-stigma, compared to younger people with BD and poor adherence. With respect to medication adherence, older individuals in EDU appear to do less well than younger individuals over time.

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ADVANCING THE MEASUREMENT OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT: BEYOND ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2334 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S626-S626

Author(s):

Shelbie Turner ◽

Karen Hooker ◽

Shannon E Jarrott

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Members ◽

Intergenerational Relationships ◽

Intergenerational Relationship ◽

Comprehensive Theory ◽

Age Related ◽

Valid Instrument ◽

Intergenerational Interactions ◽

Nuanced Understanding ◽

Over Time

Abstract In our presentation, we will offer insights into our process of creating and validating a comprehensive theory- and evidence- informed measure of intergenerational contact that expands beyond the measurement of age-related attitudes. While attitudinal shifts are an important construct related to intergenerational contact and its impact on ageism, efforts to “Reframe Aging” require a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms by which intergenerational contact can have positive impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Intergenerational contact is dynamic; it varies both between- and within- people, dyads, and places, as well as over time. Our measure includes quantity and qualities of intergenerational contact, including the extent to which the contact is between family vs. non-family members. Unlike existing measures of intergenerational relationship, ours reflects young persons’ and older adults’ intergenerational relationships. A psychometrically valid instrument of intergenerational contact is an essential first-step for determining how aging can be reframed through intergenerational interactions.

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Challenges faced by older adults with vision loss: a qualitative study with implications for rehabilitation

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215511429162 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 748-757 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Verena R Cimarolli ◽

Kathrin Boerner ◽

Mark Brennan-Ing ◽

Joann P Reinhardt ◽

Amy Horowitz

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Functional Domain ◽

Social Challenges ◽

Age Related ◽

Vision Rehabilitation ◽

Almost All ◽

Over Time

Objective: To provide an in-depth assessment of challenges faced by older adults with recent vision loss and to determine changes in the nature of these challenges over time for the purpose of informing the design of vision rehabilitation services. Design: Longitudinal, qualitative study with three time points. Setting: Vision rehabilitation agency. Subjects: Three hundred and sixty-four older adults aged 65 with significant vision impairment due to age-related macular degeneration. Interventions: In-person interviews conducted at baseline, one year and two years and coded using a qualitative analytical approach. Main measures: Open-ended questions assessing challenges faced due to vision loss in functional, social and psychological life domains. Results: Almost all participants reported a wide variety of challenges across all three domains with the most variety in the functional domain. Over a two-year period, functional challenges (e.g. using transportation) increased, social challenges (e.g. recognizing people) remained stable, and psychological challenges (e.g. negative affect) decreased overall. Conclusions: Although functional challenges are predominant, social and psychological challenges are quite common and need to be addressed in vision rehabilitation. Rehabilitation planning should also consider that vision-related challenges can change over time.

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