scholarly journals Lessons In Customizing Virtual Communities To Meet The Needs Of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 97-97
Author(s):  
Neil Dsouza
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Physical World ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Technology Platform ◽  
Technology Learning ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Community Mobility

Abstract GetSetUp started as a technology learning platform for older adults. During Covid-19 we realized that many adults not only wanted to learn technology but were eager for lifelong learning opportunities. Our specially designed technology platform offered a safe, welcoming space that fosters growth, learning, and community for older adults over 60,000 Michiganders over 60 joined in just 4 months. Case studies show how older adults can benefit from technology to feel empowered, reduce social isolation, and improve wellbeing through a job or volunteer opportunities and new friendships. Reports highlight this ongoing need for those with limited community, mobility issues, or those looking to diversify their communities. A trusted virtual community helps connect the physical world digitally to assure older adults understand processes like vaccine enrollment procedures. Virtual communities will not replace physical communities but offer research opportunities, reach more remote communities, and allow for collaboration with state and aging networks.

Virtually Finding Community in the Third Space

2011 ◽  
pp. 574-577
Author(s):  
Samantha Bax
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Mail ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Physical World ◽  
Bulletin Board ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Social Contracts ◽  
Communication Space

The Internet has enabled individuals to communicate across continents and also through temporal spaces, making both place and time irrelevant to these communications. The specific interaction systems utilized for these purposes are referred to as computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies and encompass electronic mail (e-mail), bulletin board systems and Internet Relay Chat (IRC), to name the most well-known of these technologies. Each of these technologies allows for the gathering of individuals within cyberspace to converse and to exchange information with each other. It is interesting to note that the terms communication and community stem from a Latin word meaning “common,” and thus it can be inferred that communication is a process through which community can be developed (Fernback & Thompson, 1995). Licklider and Taylor (1968), predicted three decades ago that computer networks would become communities, and “in most fields they will consist of geographically separated members …” (online) gathering within a common communication space. Earlier technologies such as the telephone have inspired scholars to state that we now live in a boundless “global village” (McLuhan, 1964). Current CMC technologies have brought about the possibility of numerous people meeting online and conversing with and between each other, allowing for a meeting “space” that consists of abrogated time and place (Fernback & Thompson, 1995), with no boundaries of race, gender or creed. It is from these utopian ideals that the idea of virtual communities has stemmed. The concept of the “virtual community” refers to groupings of individuals utilizing CMC technologies in such a way that they can be likened to communities in the physical world. Rheingold (1993c) states that “virtual communities might be real communities, they might be pseudocommunities or they might be something entirely new in the realm of social contracts” (p. 62). Thus, the question still remains as to whether “virtual communities” can replicate communities that exist in the physical world.

scholarly journals Using Everyday Technology Independently When Living with Forgetfulness: Experiences of Older Adults in Barcelona

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142199375
Author(s):  
Samuel Briones ◽  
Louise Meijering
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Capability Approach

Older adults living with forgetfulness encounter difficulties when engaging with changing and dynamic everyday technology (ET). The capability to use ET is important for independence in later life and is affected by the contextual and individual characteristics of older adults. Using the capability approach as a theoretical lens, this phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of older adults living with forgetfulness, in order to identify contextual and individual factors that facilitate the use of ET in everyday life. A qualitative methodology was used to interview 16 community-dwelling older adults participating in memory and technology workshops at local community centres in Barcelona. Findings show that motivation and openness to learning played a facilitating role in our participants’ use of ET. The presence of social support in the form of “technology experts” and community centres offering learning opportunities were also enhancing factors that encourage independence when engaging with ET. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the importance of expanding intergenerational ET learning opportunities, through the creation of age-friendly spaces.

A Distinct Type of Online Group for Customer Knowledge Innovation: The Virtual Product User Community

Libri ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuguang Li ◽  
Andrew Cox
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Distinct Type ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
User Community ◽  
Customer Group ◽  
Knowledge Innovation ◽  
Classification Framework ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Virtual Product

Abstract Among online communities of customers there are a number of different types of group that need to be distinguished. One interesting type are virtual product user communities, i.e. company sponsored online forums where product users share usage experience and collaboratively construct new knowledge to solve technical problems. The purpose of this paper is to show that these “virtual product user communities” are a distinct type of customer group with knowledge innovation capability. The research adopts a method combining observation and content analysis of discussion threads where technical problems are solved, complemented by thematic analysis of interviews with forum members to explore its character, especially its knowledge related attributes. The paper confirms empirically that the virtual product user community is a distinct type of virtual community and can be differentiated from other virtual communities of consumers. In addition, an enhanced classification framework, extending Porter’s (2004) classic 5Ps model, is proposed to highlight knowledge-related activities in virtual communities. Of particular interest is that the findings suggest that knowledge-related activities should be considered as an important attribute in defining and classifying virtual communities. In terms of practical implications, it is recommended that the virtual product user community should be given appropriate support from top management in order to fully exploit its knowledge innovation value. Moreover, tailored facilitation strategies to promote knowledge construction activities and community development can be developed in accordance with its unique attributes. The paper precisely distinguishes one specific type of innovative virtual community consisting of product users from other online customer communities. Moreover, it outlines a revised virtual community classification framework, which can be widely applied in analysing features of online groups. Its key attribute of knowledge-related activity redirects attention to virtual communities’ knowledge innovation capabilities.

scholarly journals Places Visited, Maintained, or Abandoned Outside Home: A Community Mobility Need of Older Adults With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 673-673
Author(s):  
Isabel Margot-Cattin ◽  
Sophie Gaber ◽  
Nicolas Kuhne ◽  
Camilla Malinowski ◽  
Louise Nygard
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract For older adults to “age in place”, they need to keep engaged and mobile in their communities, whatever their health condition. The impact of age and cognitive decline on community mobility is a growing problem in Europe and worldwide. Engaging in occupations outside home implies being able to get to those places where activities are performed. Yet little is known regarding the types of places visited, maintained or abandoned for older adults with/without dementia. This study addresses community mobility needs through the places people visit, maintain or abandon. People with and without dementia, aged 55+, were interviewed using the Participation in ACTivities and Places OUTside the Home (ACT-OUT) questionnaire across Switzerland (n=70), Sweden (n=69) and the UK (n=128). Results show that people with dementia experience a higher rate of abandonment for more places than regular older adults. Insights about driving cessation and access to travel passes will be presented.

scholarly journals An International Comparison of the Community Mobility Patterns of Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 673-673
Author(s):  
Lizette Swanepoel ◽  
Isabelle Gelinas ◽  
Barbara Mazer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mobility Patterns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
Safe Transport

Abstract Community mobility in older adults is important for maintaining health, quality of life and social participation. Globally, older adults who are non-drivers, access their community through various modes of transport to maintain community mobility. This international cross-sectional cohort study (n=246) explored the mobility patterns of older adults and examined their access to out-of-home activities and health related quality of life in seven countries. Quality of life was determined using EQ-5D-5L and was generally high among all participants. Findings from the study indicate that a complex myriad of factors influence safe transport mobility in older adults. Results suggested that inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted access to out-of-home activities, yet these factors but did not increase use of public transport. Given the complexity of transportation use and mobility patterns in older adults, an individualised approach may be necessary to keep older adults connected to their out-of-home activities.

Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1664-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Cohen ◽  
Anna Zisberg ◽  
Yehudit Chayat ◽  
Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽  
Efrat Gil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Activity Survey

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.

Environmental Demands Associated With Community Mobility in Older Adults With and Without Mobility Disabilities

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 670-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Shumway-Cook ◽  
Aftab E Patla ◽  
Anita Stewart ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci ◽  
Marcia A Ciol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Mobility Disability ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Mobility Function ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Trip Frequency

Abstract Background and Purpose. In this study, the influence of 8 dimensions of the physical environment on mobility in older adults with and without mobility disability was measured. This was done in order to identify environmental factors that contribute to mobility disability. Subjects. Subjects were 36 older adults (≥70 years of age) who were recruited from 2 geographic sites (Seattle, Wash, and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) and were grouped according to level of mobility function (physically able [ability to walk ½ mile (0.8 km) or climb stairs without assistance], physically disabled). Methods. Subjects were observed and videotaped during 3 trips into the community (trip to grocery store, physician visit, recreational trip). Frequency of encounters with environmental features within each of the 8 dimensions was recorded. Differences in baseline characteristics and environmental encounters were analyzed using an analysis of variance or the Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Results. Mobility disability among older adults was not associated with a uniform decrease in encounters with environmental challenges across all dimensions. Environmental dimensions that differed between subjects who were physically able and those with physical disability included temporal factors, physical load, terrain, and postural transition. Dimensions that were not different included distance, density, ambient conditions (eg, light levels and weather conditions), and attentional demands. Discussion and Conclusion. Understanding the relationship of the environment to mobility is crucial to both prevention and rehabilitation of mobility disability in older adults. Among older adults, certain dimensions of the environment may disable community mobility more than others.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals A logical approach to supporting professional learning communities

2011 ◽  
pp. 599-620
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Collaborative Tools ◽  
Integration Strategies

Collaborative knowledge sharing requires that dialogues successfully cross organizational barriers and information silos. Successful communication in person or in a virtual community involves a willingness to share ideas and consider diverse viewpoints. This research examines a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content management system called NASATalk, which offers public and private blog posts, file sharing, asynchronous discussion, and live chat services. The service is designed to provide a virtual environment where educators can share ideas, suggestions, successes, and innovations in STEM teaching and learning activities. This study features qualitative data from STEM education groups that helped extend the design of the NASATalk Web 2.0 collaborative tools and features. The analysis shows that the context, e-collaborative tools, integration strategies, and outcomes varied, but also contributed additional space, time, tools, integration strategies, and outcomes through the virtual collaborative learning environment. This study is designed to inform the STEM education community as well as those offering virtual community resources and tools of the added value of using virtual communities to help STEM educators work together in collaborative, virtual environments to discuss ways they can improve their instruction and student performance.

scholarly journals Observación participante en una organización de filtraciones periodísticas: el caso WikiLeaks

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-231
Author(s):  
Alberto Quian
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Information Flows ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
La Red

Para explicar los procesos de una comunidad virtual de filtraciones de documentos secretos utilizamos el método de observación participante, introduciéndonos en la red de colaboradores de WikiLeaks. De este modo, intentamos describir los procesos de creación de noticias en estos entornos emergentes mediante la observación del espacio virtual en el que se trabaja, los instrumentos y procedimientos con los que se opera y los flujos de comunicación e información que se generan en este. El objetivo es contribuir a ampliar el conocimiento sobre los roles emergentes de investigador en la observación en línea y, particularmente, describir el funcionamiento de comunidades virtuales confidenciales, además de aportar nuevas claves metodológicas para los estudios con un enfoque en el newsmaking. To explain the processes of a virtual community working with secret leaked documents, we use the participant observation method entering into the WikiLeaks’ collaborators network. In this way, we attempt to describe the processes of newsmaking in these emerging environments by observing the virtual space in which it works, the tools and procedures that normally are used, and the communication and information flows generated in it. The aim of this paper is to contribute to broaden knowledge about the emerging roles of researcher using online observation —and particularly in confidential virtual communities—, and to provide new methodological keys for studies focused on newsmaking.

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