scholarly journals EMPOWERING OLDER ADULTS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: COMMUNICATION SKILLS TRAINING FOR SURGICAL RESIDENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S298-S298
Author(s):  
Linda Roberts ◽  
Charles Cornell ◽  
Mathias Bostrom ◽  
Sandra Goldsmith ◽  
Titilayo Ologhobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Surgical Residents ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Attitudes

Abstract Older adults often perceive themselves as stigmatized and powerless in healthcare settings. Communication with them is complicated by age-related issues and negative stereotypes about older adults and aging. It is therefore vital for physicians and surgeons, who encounter the most vulnerable elderly, to communicate successfully with this population, who wish to maintain quality and dignity in their lives. Successful patient communication leads to better recall of information, compliance, adherence to medications, satisfaction, and overall better outcomes. We developed a two-part training program comprised of small group interactive didactic sessions on aging issues with third year surgical residents, and workshop demonstrations given by the residents to a group of older adults, followed by a question and answer session. Residents were assessed using a 22-item pre–post questionnaire covering medical knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, and personal anxiety about aging. Since its inception, the program has reached 88 residents and 711 older adults. For residents, knowledge scores (p ≤ 0.001), six of nine attitude items (p ≤ 0.01) and one of four anxiety items (p ≤ 0.001) improved significantly. This is notable as well since attitudes and anxiety levels are attributes that are deep-seated and hard to change. For older adults, post surveys showed that 96% strongly agreed/agreed that residents had demonstrated sensitivity toward them and 96% were very satisfied/satisfied with the program. Our replicable, low-cost program enables residents to learn and realistically practice universal underlying communication skills in order to maintain effective and sensitive communication with this vulnerable population.

Communication Skills Training for Surgical Residents: Learning to Relate to the Needs of Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 1180-1187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Roberts ◽  
Charles Cornell ◽  
Mathias Bostrom ◽  
Sandra Goldsmith ◽  
Titilayo Ologhobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
Surgical Residents

Aging of Competitive Athletes

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 488-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirofumi Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Competitive Athletes ◽  
Vascular Stiffening ◽  
High Motivation ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Demographics of human aging are rapidly changing. As illustrated in the biomedicalization of aging, an ever increasing number of older adults is affected by a variety of clinical conditions and diseases, including vascular stiffening, sarcopenia, physical disability, and poor quality of life. One population that is situated in the opposite end of the health and functional spectrum to the sedentary frail elderly is Masters athletes. These older competitive athletes are endowed with substantial functional capacity, overall long-term health, high motivation, and psychosocial outlook. Masters athletes are combating the dogma and negative stereotypes of older adults and aging. From the scientific standpoint, examining Masters athletes can provide insight into preventive gerontology, primary prevention of age-related diseases and dysfunctions, and exercise-based medical practices. Moreover, the study on Masters athletes is simply joyous and entertaining as they often remind us what can be possible in aging.

scholarly journals AGE-BASED STEREOTYPE THREAT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PRIMING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR EFFECTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S455-S456
Author(s):  
Francesco Vailati Riboni ◽  
Francesco Pagnini
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Age-based stereotype threat (ABST) occurs when older adults are influenced by negative stereotypes about age-related decline and functional losses and ironically behave in disengaging and self-defeating ways that confirm the stereotype (Steele & Aronson, 1995). Aging stereotypes are found to be strong predictors of health and illness outcomes in later life, and are associated with performance in specific areas, mainly in cognitive and physical domains. The current study reviewed the experimental methods and their reported effects previously published in the literature to determine if there were different ABST methods were associated with different types of age-related outcomes. We conducted a systematic review, screening the scientific literature for papers that included experimental manipulation of age-related stereotypes as an independent variable, focusing on samples of older adults (1113 articles, most published after 2003). Through a classification of the common and distinctive characteristics of the different stereotype manipulation techniques, we were able to identify three specific types of experimental methods: by instruction, tests, and interpersonal exposure. Although the mechanism by which stereotypes are associated with functional outcomes in older adults remains unclear, our review suggests it is possible to experimentally control the activation of the stereotype by manipulating its specific characteristics and the way older participants are exposed to it. Findings also highlight the possibility that specific experimental methods used to induce ABST in older individuals may lead to unique and different consequences on functional performance variation.

scholarly journals Cognitive Interference in the Context of Daily Stressors, Daily Awareness of Age-Related Change, and General Aging Attitudes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica L O’Brien ◽  
Genesis E Torres ◽  
Shevaun D Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Cognitive Interference ◽  
Stress Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Aging Attitudes ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

Abstract Objectives Previous diary work indicates that older people experience more intrusive and unwanted thoughts (i.e., cognitive interference) on days with stressors. We examined additional predictors of daily cognitive interference to enhance understanding of the psychological context surrounding this link. We specifically focused on factors related to subjective experiences of aging based on studies that have related higher stress and impairments in cognition such as executive control processes (working memory) to negative age stereotypes. Consistent with these findings, we generally expected stronger stress effects on cognitive interference when daily self-perceptions of aging (i.e., within-person fluctuations in awareness of age-related losses [AARC losses]) and general aging attitudes (i.e., individual differences in attitudes toward own aging [ATOA]) were more negative. Methods Participants (n = 91; aged 60–80) on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk completed surveys on 9 consecutive days, reporting on their ATOA (Day 1) as well as their stressors, AARC losses, and cognitive interference (Days 2–9). Results Multilevel models showed that people reported more cognitive interference on days with more AARC losses. Individuals with positive ATOA also experienced less cognitive interference on days with more stressors, whereas those with negative ATOA experienced more. Discussion Both individual differences and fluctuating daily perceptions of aging appear to be important for older adults’ cognitive interference. Consistent with other work, positive ATOA protected against daily stressor effects. Further elucidating these relationships can increase understanding of and facilitate efforts to improve (daily) cognitive experiences in older adults.

scholarly journals CANCER, COGNITION, AND COMMUNICATION: A 2-DAY INTERPROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY SYMPOSIUM

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S640-S640
Author(s):  
Natalie Gangai ◽  
Ruth Manna ◽  
Smita Banerjee ◽  
Rosario Costas Muniz ◽  
Christian Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Cognitive Changes

Abstract Background: Most cancer deaths are in patients older than 65 years. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for older adults with cancer must be equipped with skills to manage cognitive related changes and the nuances of communication with patients and caregivers. Methods: A two-day interprofessional symposium was developed to increase knowledge regarding 1) chemotherapy-related cognitive changes; 2) distress, delirium, dementia and depression in older cancer patients; 3) communication with patients with cognitive deficits and their caregivers; 4) decision making capacity. Presenters include geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, occupational therapy and legal, ethics and communication experts. Day one centered on didactics with a complex case interprofessional discussion. Day two comprised of a communication skills training consisting of three modules: Geriatrics 101, Communication and Cognitive Deficits and Shared Decision Making. Participants role-played with simulated older adult patients and caregivers. Knowledge, self-efficacy and satisfaction were assessed. Results: A total of 75 people attended day one and 33 people attended day two. Most attendees were white (74.4%) and female (85.4%). Nurses (36.6%), social workers (29.3%), physicians (14.6%), others (19.5%) were represented. Mean knowledge increased (t=-3.23, df (13), p<0.05) from pre (M=0.83) to post (M=0.96). Mean self-efficacy in communication skills increased significantly across the three modules from 3.33 to 4.51 on a 5-point Likert scale (t=-6.40, df=23, p<0.001). Discussion: This two-day symposium shows an increase of knowledge and self-efficacy among HCPs caring for older adults. Skills related to cognitive changes and communication are essential to providing patient-centered care and making shared decisions with older adults and their caregivers.

scholarly journals Deep learning approach to estimate foot pressure distribution in walking with application for a cost-effective insole system

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Mun ◽  
Ahnryul Choi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Foot Pressure ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Pathological Gait

Abstract Background Foot pressure distribution can be used as a quantitative parameter for evaluating anatomical deformity of the foot and for diagnosing and treating pathological gait, falling, and pressure sores in diabetes. The objective of this study was to propose a deep learning model that could predict pressure distribution of the whole foot based on information obtained from a small number of pressure sensors in an insole. Methods Twenty young and twenty older adults walked a straight pathway at a preferred speed with a Pedar-X system in anti-skid socks. A long short-term memory (LSTM) model was used to predict foot pressure distribution. Pressure values of nine major sensors and the remaining 90 sensors in a Pedar-X system were used as input and output for the model, respectively. The performance of the proposed LSTM structure was compared with that of a traditionally used adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS). A low-cost insole system consisting of a small number of pressure sensors was fabricated. A gait experiment was additionally performed with five young and five older adults, excluding subjects who were used to construct models. The Pedar-X system placed parallelly on top of the insole prototype developed in this study was in anti-skid socks. Sensor values from a low-cost insole prototype were used as input of the LSTM model. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by applying a leave-one-out cross-validation. Results Correlation coefficient and relative root mean square error (RMSE) of the LSTM model were 0.98 (0.92 ~ 0.99) and 7.9 ± 2.3%, respectively, higher than those of the ANFIS model. Additionally, the usefulness of the proposed LSTM model for fabricating a low-cost insole prototype with a small number of sensors was confirmed, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.63 to 0.97 and a relative RMSE of 12.7 ± 7.4%. Conclusions This model can be used as an algorithm to develop a low-cost portable smart insole system to monitor age-related physiological and anatomical alterations in foot. This model has the potential to evaluate clinical rehabilitation status of patients with pathological gait, falling, and various foot pathologies when more data of patients with various diseases are accumulated for training.

scholarly journals A New Brief Measure of Executive Function: Adapting the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Task to Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. e258-e267
Author(s):  
Eric S Cerino ◽  
Karen Hooker ◽  
Robert S Stawski ◽  
Megan McClelland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Behavioral Measure ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background and Objectives Executive function (EF) abilities are recognized as components of cognition most likely to show age-related declines. Measurement of EF in older adults is often computer-based, takes place in a laboratory setting, and thus lacks ecological validity. We sought to investigate a new way of measuring EF in older adults by adapting a brief, behavioral measure of EF in children, the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task (HTKS). Research Design and Methods A sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults (Mean age = 68.55, SD = 6.34) completed the HTKS, NIH Toolbox: Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Results The HTKS showed adequate internal consistency, α = .84. Significant associations between HTKS variables and measures of attention and inhibitory control were robust to the influences of age, processing speed, and subjective health ratings. HTKS completion time exhibited the strongest associations to NIHTB-CB measures, suggesting that the time it takes older adults to complete the HTKS may be a better measure of EF than the total score. Nonsignificant associations between HTKS variables and positive and negative affect demonstrated discriminant validity. Discussion and Implications These results provide initial evidence for use of the HTKS as a brief, low-cost, easy to administer measure of EF in older adults. Further research is needed to determine its potential to identify individuals at risk for poor cognitive outcomes. A brief, valid measure may allow for wider screenings aimed at early intervention, when cognitive interventions are most effective.

scholarly journals PREDICTING FUNCTIONAL DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS: MORE ACTIVITY NOW EQUALS LESS DECLINE LATER

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S519-S519
Author(s):  
Brenda Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Conditioning ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Social Clubs ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Attitudes ◽  
And Function

Abstract According to the Function Spiral Model (Whitehead, 2017), aging attitudes influence activity engagement, which impacts functional ability via physical conditioning (or deconditioning). This study tests the activity ♢ conditioning ♢ function segment of the model using 59 older adults aged 61-92 (Mage = 76 at Time 1) who participated in 2 in-person assessments of physical health, gait, and function, spaced 3 years apart. Participants also completed mail-in questionnaires, reporting engagement in activities (walking, gardening, household chores, social clubs, etc.) at each time point. Hypotheses were 1) a lower activity level at Time 1 would predict greater decline in physical function across the 3-year span, and 2) that this effect would be mediated by changes in physical conditioning. Dependent t-tests revealed that both physical function—as indicated by the timed Get Up and Go test—and physical conditioning—as indicated by peak respiratory flow—declined during the period. The regression model testing the effect of activity engagement at Time 1 on decline in physical function (controlling for age, baseline function, and activity change) supported hypothesis 1 (-0.43, p = .003): more activity at Time 1 predicted less decline in physical function over time. Instead of supporting the mediation hypothesis, the model including both activity and conditioning demonstrated the strength of the activity at Time 1 effect, which actually increased in magnitude (-0.48, p = .001). Although the hypothesized mediation was not supported, the findings highlight current activity engagement as an important mechanism for slowing the progression of future age-related functional decline.

scholarly journals Addressing the quality of communication with older cancer patients with cognitive deficits: Development of a communication skills training module

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-424
Author(s):  
Beatriz Korc-Grodzicki ◽  
Yesne Alici ◽  
Christian Nelson ◽  
Koshy Alexander ◽  
Ruth Manna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Communication Skill ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
Training Module

AbstractObjectiveEffective communication is an essential part of patient-centered care. The complexity of cancer care in older adults makes communication challenging, particularly when older patients have cognitive deficits and lose their autonomy. This paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a communication skills training module for health care providers (HCPs) who work with older adults with cancer, with or at risk of developing cognitive deficits.MethodUsing a pre-post single arm study design, 99 HCPs from a comprehensive cancer center in North-East USA, who worked primarily with geriatric patients, participated in the study. Participants included Advance Practice Providers (including Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants; n = 24, 24.2%); nurses (n = 23, 23.2%), social workers (n = 14, 14.1%), physicians (n = 13, 13.1%), and “other” HCPs (including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists; n = 20, 20.2%). The HCPs participated in a one-day geriatric communication skills training program in groups of 12–15 over a 2-year period. Participants complete pre-post surveys on module evaluation and perception of self-efficacy as well as pre-post video-recorded Standardized Patient Assessment (SPA) to evaluate communication skill uptake.ResultsMost participants evaluated the module positively; over 90% indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed with five of the six module evaluation items. HCPs’ self-efficacy in communicating with cancer patients with cognitive deficits significantly increased from pre- to post-module training. There was a significant increase in the following communication skill use from pre- to post-training: checking patient preferences, declaring agenda, and inviting agenda.Significance of resultsResults demonstrated a successful implementation of the program as evidenced through favorable program evaluation, significant gains in self-efficacy, as well as significant improvement in several communication skills.

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