scholarly journals Use and Disuse of Technology Among Persons With Memory Concerns and Their Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 220-220
Author(s):  
Ashley Millenbah ◽  
Elizabeth Albers ◽  
Jude Mikal ◽  
Jessica Finlay ◽  
Eric Jutkowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Memory Concerns ◽  
Care Technology ◽  
With Memory

Abstract Social distancing and shelter-in-place orders designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 increased isolation among persons with memory concerns (PWMC) and increased the burden on individuals providing their care. Technology, such as smartphones or tablets, has demonstrated potential to improve the social connections and mental health of older adults; however, older adults historically have been reluctant to adopt new technology. We aimed to understand why some PWMC and their caregivers used new technology to adapt to lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic while others did not. In this study, we used data collected in 20 qualitative interviews from June to August, 2020 with PWMC and their family caregivers to assess changes in and barriers to technology use. Qualitative thematic analysis identified three themes which explained motivations for using new technology during a pandemic: 1) seeking relief from caregiver burden, 2) alleviating boredom, and 3) maintaining social connection. Results further revealed lingering barriers to PWMC and caregiver adoption of technologies, including: 1) PWMC dependence upon caregivers, 2) a lack of familiarity with technology, and 3) difficulties using technology. This in-depth investigation suggests that technology has the ability to provide caregivers relief from caregiving duties and provide PWMC with more independence during periods of pronounced isolation

Intergenerational Montessori Program for Adults With Memory Concerns

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Michelle Bourgeois ◽  
Jennifer Brush
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
After School ◽  
Program Participation ◽  
After School Program ◽  
Memory Concerns ◽  
Neutral Affect ◽  
With Memory

Purpose This study evaluated the effects of an intergenerational Montessori after-school program on the engagement, affect, and quality of life of older adults with memory concerns and on the attitudes of children toward older adults. Method Eleven older adults were paired with 11 children to participate in a 45-min after-school activity program. Observations of engagement and affect during the interactions were collected 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The older adults' engagement and affect also were observed during 45-min planning/discussion sessions without the children present before their arrival to the program. Results Results revealed significant differences in older adults' engagement and positive affect when the children were present. Significant pre–post improvements in reported quality of life and maintenance of cognitive status were associated with program participation. Children demonstrated more active than passive engagement and more happy than neutral affect during activity sessions. Four of the seven children improved their positive ratings of older adults. Conclusions This program documented success in improving engagement and affect in older adults with mild memory concerns while engaging with children. Future studies with a larger sample of participants with varying degrees of memory impairment are needed to investigate the potential of this promising program.

“Citizens Too”: Safety Setting Collaboration Among Older Adults with Memory Concerns

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Nora Mcdonald ◽  
Helena M. Mentis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Memory Concerns ◽  
With Memory

Designing technologies that support the cybersecurity of older adults with memory concerns involves wrestling with an uncomfortable paradox between surveillance and independence and the close collaboration of couples. This research captures the interactions between older adult couples where one or both have memory concerns—a primary feature of cognitive decline—as they make decisions on how to safeguard their online activities using a Safety Setting probe we designed, and over the course of several informal interviews and a diary study. Throughout, couples demonstrated a collaborative mentality to which we apply a frame of citizenship in opensource collaboration, specifically (a) histories of participation , (b) lower barriers to participation, and (c) maintaining ongoing contribution. In this metaphor of collaborative enterprise, one partner (or member of the couple) may be the service provider and the other may be the participant, but at varying moments, they may switch roles while still maintaining a collaborative focus on preserving shared assets and freedom on the internet. We conclude with a discussion of what this service provider-contributor mentality means for empowerment through citizenship, and implications for vulnerable populations’ cybersecurity.

scholarly journals ICT as an instrument for social and emotional ageing. A qualitative study with older adults with cognitive impairments

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Perception Of Control ◽  
The Social ◽  
Insight Into

Inspired by theories from the field of social and emotional aging, we studied the use of ICTs by older adults with cognitive impairments. By means of qualitative interviews (N=30) with older adults with cognitive impairments and their relatives, we got a detailed picture of the role of ICTs in their daily lives. First, our data showed that older adults with cognitive impairments used ICTs to enhance their social and emotional wellbeing. This involved social interaction, feelings of belongingness, and engagement in hobbies and regular daily activities. Second, our research provided insight into the strategies applied when ICT use became too difficult, with a considerable role for the social network. When the network offered help upon request or proactively encouraged the older person, this increased the perception of control. This also applied to the indirect use of ICTs, when someone from the social network operated the devices. Denying the older person the use of ICTs undermined the perception of control. The findings provide insight into how the potential of ICT can be exploited for this target group. We end the paper with practical recommendations.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Perceptions of ICT: Main Findings from the Technology In Later Life (TILL) Study

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ramsden Marston ◽  
Rebecca Genoe ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Cory Kulczycki ◽  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Impact Behavior ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

Technology is entwined in 21st Century society, and within the lives of people across all ages. The Technology In Later Life (TILL) study is the first piece of work contributing to the impact, behavior, and perception of technology use, by adults aged ≥70 years, residing in rural and suburban areas. TILL is an international, multi-centred, multi-methods study investigating and conceptualizing how various technologies impact the lives of older adults; residing in urban and rural locations in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. This in-depth study recruited 37 participants via a multi-methods approach. Analysis of the findings ascertained two overarching themes: facilitators of technology use (i.e., sharing of information and feeling secure), and detractors of technology (i.e., feelings of apprehension of use). Proposed recommendations include promotion of technology from a strengths-based perspective focusing on positive opportunities technology to improve health and wellbeing, creating a peer support network to assist with learning of new technology, and the need to examine further how intergenerational relationships may be enhanced through the use of technology. The distinction of these themes narrates to the originality of this initial study and milieu of recruited participants, intersecting across the fields of gerontology, geography, social sciences, and gerontechnology.

scholarly journals Using the concept of activity space to understand the social health of older adults living with memory problems and dementia at home

2020 ◽  
pp. 113208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi Sturge ◽  
Mirjam Klaassens ◽  
Debbie Lager ◽  
Gerd Weitkamp ◽  
Daan Vegter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activity Space ◽  
Social Health ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
The Social ◽  
With Memory ◽  
At Home

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

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.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 219-219
Author(s):  
Rebecca Newmark ◽  
Theresa Allison ◽  
Alexander Smith ◽  
Carla Perissinotto ◽  
Ashwin Kotwal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Software Updates ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

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.

scholarly journals Understanding Older Adults’ Technology use During COVID-19 to Support Health and Connection

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 960-961
Author(s):  
Shani Bardach ◽  
Elizabeth Rhodus ◽  
Kelly Parsons ◽  
Allison Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Human Interactions ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Personal Challenges

Abstract The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted everyday life as individuals, especially older adults, are encouraged to distance to reduce virus transmission. Remote strategies for connection may ameliorate risks for social isolation, however, older adults’ adoption of such strategies remains unknown. This study involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 older adults (ages 68-94) regarding adaptations to the call for social distancing and use of technology. From a socioemotional selectivity theory lens, findings demonstrate respondents’ positive views of technology, expressing value in the context of supporting emotionally important relationships and goals, e.g. social connection and entertainment, rather than knowledge acquisition. Surprisingly, most respondents were uninterested in technology training. This may be consistent with diminished future time perspectives; several participants referenced their advanced age to explain disinterest in learning new technology and most seemed to have developed a level of technology use that met their needs. Technology resistance was consistent with a focus on emotionally meaningful goals; several respondents conveyed disinterest in social media due to perceived intrusiveness and others indicated a lack of interest in telemedicine and health portals due to the perceived loss in valuable human contact. Personal challenges with social distancing generally reflected limitations in safe human interactions, e.g. a desire for hugs or missing the spontaneity of social get-togethers, which remained emotionally meaningful but outside the scope of how technology could support wellbeing. These results suggest that focusing on older adults’ emotional goals, and highlighting how technology can support their achievement, may support meaningful use to promote health and connection.

scholarly journals Social connectedness and dementia prevention: Pilot of the APPLE-Tree video-call intervention during the Covid-19 pandemic

Dementia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 147130122110143
Author(s):  
Claudia Cooper ◽  
Hassan Mansour ◽  
Christine Carter ◽  
Penny Rapaport ◽  
Sarah Morgan-Trimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Dementia Prevention ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Memory Concerns ◽  
Video Calling

Background and Objectives The Covid-19 pandemic reduced access to social activities and routine health care that are central to dementia prevention. We developed a group-based, video-call, cognitive well-being intervention; and investigated its acceptability and feasibility; exploring through participants’ accounts how the intervention was experienced and used in the pandemic context. Research Design and Method We recruited adults aged 60+ years with memory concerns (without dementia). Participants completed baseline assessments and qualitative interviews/focus groups before and after the 10-week intervention. Qualitative interview data and facilitator notes were integrated in a thematic analysis. Results 12/17 participants approached completed baseline assessments, attended 100/120 (83.3%) intervention sessions and met 140/170 (82.4%) of goals set. Most had not used video calling before. In the thematic analysis, our overarching theme was social connectedness. Three sub-themes were as follows: Retaining independence and social connectedness: social connectedness could not be at the expense of independence; Adapting social connectedness in the pandemic: participants strived to compensate for previous social connectedness as the pandemic reduced support networks; Managing social connections within and through the intervention: although there were tensions, for example, between sharing of achievements feeling supportive and competitive, participants engaged with various lifestyle changes; social connections supported group attendance and implementation of lifestyle changes. Discussion and Implications Our intervention was acceptable and feasible to deliver by group video-call. We argue that dementia prevention is both an individual and societal concern. For more vulnerable populations, messages that lifestyle change can help memory should be communicated alongside supportive, relational approaches to enabling lifestyle changes.

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