scholarly journals Feasibility Study of a Tablet-Based Intervention to Enhance the Meaning in Life Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 256-256
Author(s):  
Seok In Nam ◽  
Sangyoon Han
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Acceptance Commitment Therapy ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Recommendations to improve older adults' health and well-being focus on enhancing meaning in life through social interaction. Research studies have suggested that a tablet-based intervention can create opportunities to enhance meaning in life, thus reducing social isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a tablet-based intervention to enhance meaning in life among older adults. Senior Meaning in Life Enhancement (SMiLE) is a tablet-based application developed and implemented based on person-centered counseling, logotherapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Thirty-one participants (adults aged over 65 years) were randomized for intervention (n = 15) or waitlist control (n = 16). The intervention group received a tablet with our embedded app. Participants were invited to participate in the app-based 2-month program for 30-minutes each day with the tablet. We evaluated pre-and post-semi-structured interviews, meaning in life scales, and usability tests. Data were analyzed using thematic analyses, descriptive statistics, and Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Findings confirmed that at two months after the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the gap between pre-and post-meaning in life scores between the two groups (Z = -2.08, p < .05). Furthermore, qualitative findings included positive changes in behavior, relationships, and usability. This pilot study suggests the feasibility of a tablet-based intervention in older adults and demonstrates its potential benefit for meaning in life. These findings are valuable to researchers, practitioners, and designers interested in technological interventions for older adults.

Can Digital Technology Enhance Social Connectedness Among Older Adults? A Feasibility Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barbosa Neves ◽  
Rachel Franz ◽  
Rebecca Judges ◽  
Christian Beermann ◽  
Ron Baecker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychometric Scales ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Technological Interventions

This study examined the feasibility of a novel communication technology to enhance social connectedness among older adults in residential care. Research suggests that technology can create opportunities for social connectedness, helping alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Studies on implementation and feasibility of such technological interventions, particularly among frail and institutionalized older adults, are scant. Data were gathered in a 3-month deployment with 12 older adults, including semistructured interviews with participants and relatives/friends, psychometric scales, field observations, and usability tests. Data were analyzed with qualitative profiling, thematic analysis, and Friedman tests. The technology was a feasible communication tool, although requiring an adaptation period. Use increased perceived social interaction with ties, but increased social connectedness (meaningful social interaction) was only reported by participants with geographically distant relatives. Sense of well-being and confidence with technology was enhanced, but negative effects were also observed. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in technological interventions.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF ART ON THE BRAIN, A HEALTH APP FOR OLDER ADULTS, IN LONG-TERM CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S808-S808
Author(s):  
Elizabeth P Howard ◽  
Tammy Retalic ◽  
Jessica Rogan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract ArtOn the Brain is a mobile application that incorporates art history education, play and socialization for older adults. This pilot project examined its health and social impact among long term care residents. A convenience sample of 48 residents, 60+ years, with borderline intact to moderate cognitive impairment were recruited. Residents with mild or better cognitive status used the app individually on a tablet while the remaining participated in therapist-led group sessions. One-hour intervention occurred twice weekly. Primary outcomes, health and well-being, were measured with 5Q-5D-5L and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being tools at baseline and after 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes were mood, cognition, function and overall satisfaction with activity options and personal relationships. Pre-post paired t-test analyses of data from EQ-5D-5L and Warwick tools did not show a significant difference. There were no notable declines with cognitive performance, functional ability and depression post-intervention. Four activity options and three personal relationship items had statistically significant improvements post-intervention. Activity options addressed engagement in enjoyable activities on weekends and evenings, and opportunity to, spend time with other like-minded residents and explore new skills, interests. Personal relationships items included engagement in activities helpful to others and having people to do things with. ArtOn the Brain is a novel application suitable for long term care residents. While 6 week intervention did not show improvement in overall health and well-being, there were significant improvements with residents’ reported engagement in activity options and improvement of personal relationships. Longitudinal evaluations are needed to examine changes in health status and well-being.

scholarly journals Using the Life Story Book With Mentally Alert Residents of Nursing Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 487-487
Author(s):  
Theresa Chrisman
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wilks Lambda ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Depression and lack of meaning in life (MIL) are common among residents of nursing homes (NHs) and contribute to a reduction in overall health and well-being. Life Story Book (LSB), a reminiscence intervention, is designed to provide a person with the opportunity to review their past and capture their life stories and photographs into a book. LSB has demonstrated positive outcomes for residents of NHs with dementia, yet little is known for residents without dementia. A switching replication design was used to examine the effects of LSB among 21 mentally alert residents from two NHs (NH-A and NH-B) in Houston, Texas. Participants in NH-A received three weeks of the LSB intervention, while NH-B received three weeks of care-as-usual; the intervention was then switched. The GDS-12R and the MIL questionnaire (MLQ) were used to measure depressive symptoms and MIL respectively. Participants from NH-A (n =11) and NH-B (n = 10) had a mean age of 75 years (SD =11.34); 81% female; 52% non-Hispanic white and 33% African American. Results from a one-way MANCOVA found no statistically significant difference on the GDS-12R and MLQ (F(3, 14) = 2.50, p = .102; Wilks’ Lambda = .652; η2 = .35). Further analyses comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention scores for the entire sample (N =21) found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (M = 2.67; SD = 2.52) and (M =1.67, SD = 2.29); (t (20) = 2.21, p = 0.039). The potential benefits of LSB for mentally alert residents of NHs warrants further research.

scholarly journals Self-reported morbidities, nutritional characteristics, and associated factors in institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelhafid Benksim ◽  
Rachid Ait Addi ◽  
Elhassania Khalloufi ◽  
Aziz Habibi ◽  
Mohamed Cherkaoui
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nutritional Characteristics

Abstract Background As the world’s population ages and people live longer, it seems important to ensure that older people have a good quality of life and positive subjective well-being. The objective of this study is to determine socio-economic, health and nutritional characteristics of institutionalized and non-institutionalized elders in the province of Marrakech. Methods This study was conducted among 368 older adults in the province of Marrakech between March 2017 and June 2019. Of all participants, 180 older adults reside in a public institution and 188 of them live in their own homes. Data on health conditions, nutritional status, functional and socio-economic characteristics were collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Institutionalized elders were illiterate (80.0%), had low incomes (95.5%), and unmarried (73.3%), they reported also no children (56.1%) and no health insurance (98.9%). Institutional residents suffered from malnutrition (22.2%), hearing impairments (35.6%) and severe edentulism (43.3%). There was no significant difference between both groups on daily activities and depression. A multivariate analysis identified a model with three significant variables associated with non-institutionalized elders: health insurance (P = 0.001; OR = 107.49), number of children (P = 0.001; OR = 1.74) and nutritional status (p = 0.001; OR = 3.853). Conclusions This study shows that the institutionalization of older adults is considerably induced by various factors such as nutritional problems, lack of health insurance and family structure. To mitigate the effects of this phenomenon, home care strategies and preventive actions should be implemented to delay the institutionalization of older adults and therefore keep them socially active in their own homes.

Lighting and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: Spotlight on sleep and depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 405-422
Author(s):  
MG Figueiro ◽  
HC Kales
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Positive Results

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is the collective term for a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is presently no cure. This paper focuses on two symptoms of the disease, sleep disturbances and depression, and discusses how light can be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate their negative effects. Bright days and dark nights are needed for health and well-being, but the present components of the built environment, especially those places where older adults spend most of their days, are too dimly illuminated during the day and too bright at night. To be effective light needs to be correctly specified, implemented and measured. Yet, without the appropriate specification and measurement of the stimulus, researchers will not be able to successfully demonstrate positive results in the field, nor will lighting designers and specifiers have the confidence to implement lighting solutions for promoting better sleep and mood in this population.

scholarly journals The Health and Well-Being of African-American Older Adults With a History of Incarceration

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Formerly Incarcerated ◽  
Older Prisoners ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
African American Older Adults

Abstract African-Americans are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Longer prison stays and release programs for older prisoners may result in an increased number of community-dwelling older adults with a history of incarceration. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research on health-related outcomes for currently incarcerated older adults; however, there has been little inquiry into outcomes for formerly incarcerated African-American older adults following community re-entry. In this study, we used secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study to describe employment, economic, and health-related outcomes in this population. Twelve percent of the 2238 African-Americans in our sample had been previously incarcerated. Those who had been previously incarcerated had higher rates of lung disease, arthritis, back problems, mobility problems, and mental health issues than their counterparts. They also had higher rates of hospitalization and lower use of dental health services. Further, while they did not experience lower employment rates than those with no criminal history, those who had been incarcerated had more physically demanding jobs and reported greater economic strain. Given the disproportionate incarceration rates among African-Americans, the aging of the prison population, and the increase in community re-entry for older prisoners, research that explores factors that impact the health and well-being of formerly incarcerated individuals has broad impact. Future work should focus on addressing the needs of this vulnerable population of African-American older adults.

“There Was No ‘That’s Not My Job’”: New York Area Agencies on Aging Approaches to Supporting Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199102
Author(s):  
Claire Pendergrast
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New York ◽  
New York State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Contextual Influences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Priority Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many older adults’ traditional sources of formal and informal supports, increasing demand for Area Agency on Aging services (AAAs). This study examines strategies used by AAAs to support older adults’ health and well-being during COVID-19 and identifies contextual influences on AAA pandemic response activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 20 AAAs in New York State. A combined inductive and deductive approach was used to code and thematically analyze the data. AAAs rapidly expanded capacity and dramatically modified program offerings, communications activities, and service delivery protocols to address emergent needs and minimize COVID-19 exposure risk for clients. AAAs’ trusted relationships with older adults and community partners improved their capacity to identify priority needs and coordinate appropriate supports. Policymakers should ensure that AAAs receive sustained financial and technical support to ensure critical community-based services are available for older adults throughout pandemic response and recovery.

scholarly journals Meaning of Life and Well-Being: Preliminary Results of the Successful Aging Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 112-112
Author(s):  
Zvi Gellis ◽  
Kim McClive-Reed ◽  
Bonnie Kenaley ◽  
Eunhae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Presence Of Meaning ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Meaning in life for older persons has become a focal research point, with findings that a greater sense of meaning is associated with better outcomes on a range of health and well-being factors. Our study examined relationships between scores on several personality scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger et al., 2009) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a proxy measure of mood/depression. Community-dwelling members (N=535) of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes aged 50 and up (mean age 71.4, SD = 6.93) at 3 U.S. sites completed surveys. Higher wellness levels were significantly correlated with increased resilience, optimism, life satisfaction, and presence of meaning in life, while lower levels were associated with greater searching for meaning in life. A multivariate linear regression model (F = 55.597, df = 4, p = .000, R = .566, R2 = .320) showed that wellness scores increased with higher scores in optimism (ß = .348, p =.000), resilience (ß = .183, p = .000), and presence of meaning in life (ß = .106, p = .019). However, searching for meaning in life significantly predicted decreases in wellness scores (ß = -.084, p=.019). These results support those of previous studies, suggesting that for older persons, an ongoing search for meaning in life is linked to negative outcomes than a perception of existing meaning in life. A variety of available interventions aimed at increasing meaning and purpose in life (Guerrero-Torelles et al., 2017) may contribute to better health and well-being in older adults.

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