I Would be More at a Loss Without It: Technology as a Tool for Resilience for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract COVID-19 associated shelter-in-place orders led to concerns about worsening social isolation and inadequate access to technology among older adults, yet little is known about technology use in this population during the pandemic. We examined older adults’ experiences with technology during shelter-in-place in order to identify lessons learned for a post-pandemic world. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 20 community-dwelling older adults in San Francisco. Two independent coders conducted concurrent data analysis using inductive and deductive approaches to identify salient themes. Participants were 78 years on average (range 64-99), 55% female, 25% Black, 75% lived alone, and 60% reported at least one ADL impairment. Technology emerged as core aspect of resilience, indicating whether older adults could navigate pandemic restrictions, with two primary themes identified. First, many participants reported discovery of new technologies to maintain or develop new connections, including Zoom-based community groups and telehealth services (“there’s all kinds of virtual programs where you can exercise”). Second, older adults were resourceful in identifying community resources and enlisting family members to learn (“I had to ask one of my granddaughters how to make the chat thing work”). Despite difficulty navigating passwords, software updates and other common obstacles, most participants expressed gratitude for technology and the connectivity made possible. Many indicated an intention to integrate new technology-based social interactions into everyday life even after restrictions ended. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role technology can play in fostering resilience among older adults in adapting to external stressors.

Download Full-text

Older Adults—Potential Users of Technologies

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55060253 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (6) ◽

pp. 253 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vita Lesauskaitė ◽

Gytė Damulevičienė ◽

Jurgita Knašienė ◽

Egidijus Kazanavičius ◽

Agnius Liutkevičius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

New Technologies ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

University Education ◽

The Internet ◽

Ageing In Place ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background and objective: The successful adoption of technology is becoming increasingly important to functional independence and successful ageing in place. A better understanding of technology usage amongst older people may help to direct future interventions aimed at improving their healthcare. We aimed to obtain the first data regarding technology use, including gerontechnologies, represented by fall detectors, from older adults in Lithuania. Material and methods: The research was carried out in the framework of the project Smart Gerontechnology for Healthy Ageing, which involved assessing the use of technologies and the readiness to use gerontechnologies, as represented by fall detectors. A total of 375 individuals that were more than 60 years of age were enrolled in the study. The self-reporting questionnaires were completed by geriatric in-patients, hospitalized in the geriatric department, and also by community-dwelling older adults. Results: Geriatric in-patients’ use of computers and the internet was associated with age (every year of age decreased the probability of computer and internet use by 0.9-times) and a positive attitude towards new technologies—this predictor increased the use of a computer by six-times in comparison with people who did not have such an attitude. Sex and education had no influence on computer use for geriatric in-patients. For community-dwelling older adults, the use of computers and internet was associated with age, education (a university education increased the use of computers and the internet by four times), and a positive attitude towards technologies. Conclusions: Lithuanian older women in the study used computers, the internet, and cell phones equally with men. Increasing age was a strong negative predictor of technology use. A positive attitude to new technologies was a strong positive predictor of technology use. Most geriatric patients and community-dwelling older adults were ready to use technologies that permit ageing in place.

Download Full-text

Predicting Technology Use Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Community Participation

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2164 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 567-567

Author(s):

Brittany Drazich ◽

Laura Samuel ◽

Thomas Cudjoe ◽

Melissa Hladek ◽

Sarah Szanton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Community Participation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

New Technologies ◽

Social Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Study Data ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Technology use is important for older adults, particularly in the pandemic. The pattern of technology use among older adults varies significantly. We hypothesized that limitations of activities of daily living (ADL), wellbeing, and community participation of community-dwelling older adults before the pandemic would predict technology use during the pandemic. National Health and Aging Trends Study data on 2924 older adults were utilized. Adjusted for age, gender, race, education, marital status, and chronic conditions, previous well-being predicted more online social activities (OR=1.03, p =.03); previous ADL limitations predicted more telehealth use (OR=1.11, p=.014); and previous community participation predicted: learning new technologies (OR=1.46, p <.001), more telecommunication (OR=1.12, p=.007), more online social activity (OR=1.58, p<.001), and more telehealth use (OR=1.09, p= .04). The results of this study imply that high community participation promotes older adults’ transition to technology use. Older adults with low participation may need extra attention for such a transition.

Download Full-text

Physical and Mental Health, Technology Use, and Loneliness in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2232 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 585-585

Author(s):

Martha Coates ◽

Zachary Hathaway ◽

Katelyn Moore ◽

Yaegin Park ◽

Jenny Tsui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

Electronic Device ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Retirement Community ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Exact Test ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Social isolation is a negative outcome of COVID-19. This study examined patterns of physical and mental health and technology use in older adults, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited 115 community-dwelling older adults 65 and older (72% female) from the Pennsylvania region via Research Match (N=84) or from a retirement community (N=31). A significant association between loneliness and worsening of health during the pandemic was observed, Fisher’s Exact Test 6.90, p=.03. Those who were lonely demonstrated significantly lower Mental Component Summary Scores (M = 42.75, SD = 11.55) compared to those who were not lonely (M= 55.34, SD= 7.66), t(49) = 5.84, p <.01. Those reporting loneliness were more likely to use a new electronic device to communicate with family during COVID-19 pandemic, X2, (1, N= 107) = 6.24, p =.01. These findings suggest the important role of technology to decrease loneliness in older adults during a pandemic.

Download Full-text

Barriers that Contribute to the Digital Divide Among Older Community Dwelling Adults in Later Life

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3165 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 876-876

Author(s):

Mai See Yang ◽

Haowei Wang ◽

Yong Kyung Choi

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Digital Divide ◽

Technology Use ◽

New Technologies ◽

Smart Phone ◽

Later Life ◽

Population Based ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Concern ◽

Foreign Born

Abstract Research demonstrates that race and health literacy contribute to the digital divide, which is a major public health concern for older adults in the U.S. However, we still lack information about what types of barriers older adults have through a comprehensive examination using population -based data. This study focuses specifically on barriers to technology use among older adults. We use data from the Health and Retirement study 2012 Module “Technology Use: Barriers and Benefits” (N = 1,416). About 42% of participatnts did not use any technology (e.g., emails, social media, smart phone) (n = 501). The mean age for this non-user group was 72 years old (SD 10.3). 13% were foreign born, over half were female (56%), and the majory were somewhat educated (72% with a high school education or lower). About 23% of non-users were self-reported black, 16% Hispanic, 3% other race, and 58% non-Hispanic white. Barriers for adopting the use of technology included too difficult to keep up with the changes in technology (78%), too complicated (69%), not interested (65%), too much time required to learn (53%), too hard to learn (52%), expensive (43%), not easily available (24%), and opposed to using new technologies (27%). Results suggest that barriers were significantly correlated with more depressive symptoms among older adults who did not use technology. Compared to users, non-users were also more likely to have health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, stroke, and arthritis). Findings of this study provide directions to address digital divide among older adults.

Download Full-text

Challenges of Implementing the PRISM 2.0 Trial for Supporting Social Connectivity Through Technology

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1190 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 307-307

Author(s):

Walter Boot ◽

Sara Czaja ◽

Dana Plude

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Assisted Living ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Technology Use ◽

Social Research ◽

New Technology ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Assisted Living Facilities ◽

Senior Housing ◽

Social Connectivity

Abstract Following the success of the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) trial, which found that a specially designed computer system for older adults can enhance social connectivity and reduce loneliness among older adults at risk for social isolation, the PRISM 2.0 trial sought to replicate and extend these results to a new technology platform (tablet rather than desktop) with expanded social features and diverse populations of older adults, including older adults living in rural areas, assisted living communities, and senior housing. This symposium discusses the aims of the trial conducted by the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE), challenges encountered (including challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic), and solutions to those challenges. S. Czaja will begin with an overview of the PRISM 2.0 system and the trial. J. Sharit will discuss challenges encountered working within the context of assisted living facilities and with impaired participants. This will be followed by a discussion of technical challenges encountered during the course of the trial presented by N. Charness. W. Rogers will present training issues involved (both with respect to participants and assessors). Finally, W. Boot will describe challenges encountered with measuring and quantifying technology use during the trial. Lessons learned are applicable to many types of technology interventions administered in diverse contexts. D. Plude, Deputy Director in the Division of Behavioral and Social Research of NIA, will serve as discussant.

Download Full-text

ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL: HANDLING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AMONG LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.017 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S6-S6

Author(s):

Laura Samuel ◽

Rebecca Wright ◽

Melissa Spahr ◽

Laken C Roberts ◽

Sarah L Szanton

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Resources ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Community Programs ◽

Public Benefits ◽

The Social ◽

Financial Challenges ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Low income older adults often face financial challenges which increase their risk for earlier disability and mortality. This study explored the social norms, beliefs and practices relevant to handling financial challenges among low-income community-dwelling older adults residing near Baltimore, MD whom we recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. Four vignette-based focus group sessions included 28 participants. Using hierarchical thematic analysis, three key themes emerged. First, the theme “Rob Peter to pay Paul” describes the consensus that individuals must prioritize financial needs, which required individuals to “work with a budget”, apply for aid, “cry for [aid]” and, when needed, “work something out” with landlords and lenders. One participant described the amount of work by saying “We’re retired but we’re working for ourselves.” Secondly, the theme “Your rent should be first” describes how low income older adults prioritize housing over food and other needs because “resources for housing is a problem” and because homelessness is both more permanent and socially stigmatizing than hunger - “Don’t nobody know you’re hungry unless you tell them, but everybody know when you outdoors.” Finally, the theme “We need to put the word out” describes the consensus that public benefits and community resources should be made more visible and accessible. Many individuals only know about resources because they seek information (“you go and you find out”), but “ it’s hard to ask for help. ” These results can inform the development and improvement of financial and community programs and policies for low-income older adults addressing financial challenges.

Download Full-text

Technology Use and Frequency and Self-Rated Skills: A Survey of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society ◽

10.1111/jgs.13507 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 63 (7) ◽

pp. 1483-1484 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Lorraine Scanlon ◽

Emma O'Shea ◽

Rónán O'Caoimh ◽

Suzanne Timmons

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Download Full-text

Gender Differences in Pain-Physical Activity Linkages among Older Adults: Lessons Learned from Daily Life Approaches

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2016/1931590 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Amy Ho ◽

Maureen C. Ashe ◽

Anita DeLongis ◽

Peter Graf ◽

Karim M. Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sociocultural Factors ◽

Active Lifestyle ◽

Step Counts ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Daily Pain

Background. Many older adults know about the health benefits of an active lifestyle, but, frequently, pain prevents them from engaging in physical activity. The majority of older adults experience pain, a complex experience that can vary across time and is shaped by sociocultural factors like gender.Objectives. To describe the time-varying associations between daily pain and physical activity and to explore differences in these associations between women and men.Methods. One hundred and twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older were asked to report their pain levels three times daily over a 10-day period and wear an accelerometer to objectively capture their daily physical activity (step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity).Results. Increased daily step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity were associated with increased daily pain, especially among women. Confirming past literature and contrasting findings for daily pain reports, overall pain levels across the study period were negatively associated with minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.Conclusions. Findings highlight that pain is significantly associated with physical activity in old age. The nature of this association depends on the time scale that is considered and differs between women and men.

Download Full-text