scholarly journals UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY NETWORKS TO SUPPORT SOCIAL NETWORKS FOR PEOPLE AGING WITH DISABILITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S758-S759
Author(s):  
Elena T Remillard ◽  
Wendy Rogers ◽  
Sarah Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Engineering Research

Abstract A growing number of new smart, internet-enabled technologies from smart phone applications, to teleconferencing, to the Internet of Things (IoT), provide great promise and potential to support successful aging-in-place for people with long-term disabilities. This symposium highlights ongoing research at the TechSAge Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center to identify technology needs and develop/adapt new technologies to promote independence, health, and participation of this population. To understand user needs, Harris et al. will present findings from a large-scale interview study with older adults with long-term vision and mobility disabilities (N=120) that explored specific task-based challenges with community activities (e.g., going to entertainment events, volunteering) as well as solutions and strategies to overcome them. Koon et al. will present findings on perceived facilitators and barriers to using digital assistants (e.g., Amazon Alexa) to facilitate a variety of everyday tasks at home, from shopping to communicating with others, among adults aging with mobility disabilities. Levy et al. will discuss findings from research driving the creation of augmented reality tools that can enable individuals to experience how IoT devices, such as smart thermostats and lightbulbs, could be used within the context of one’s own abilities and home. Mitzner et al., will describe the development of a Tele Tai Chi intervention for older adults with long-term mobility disabilities that employs teleconferencing software to translate an in-person, evidence-based class to an online, social experience. TechSAge Program Officer, Sarah Ruiz (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research), will serve as the discussant.

scholarly journals Technology is the New Normal for Individuals Aging-In-Place With Disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 425-425
Author(s):  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Susy Stark
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Interdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Engineering Research ◽  
Solution Strategies

Abstract Technology designers often exclude individuals aging with diverse needs, capabilities, and disabilities from engaging in the design process, which can hinder the usability and usefulness of emerging technologies. In this symposium, investigators report on research and development efforts aimed at understanding the needs of, and developing supportive technologies for, people aging with long-term disabilities. This symposium features projects from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-Term Disabilities (RERC TechSAge), which is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Georgia Tech and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. First, Bayles et al. will discuss findings from the Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies II study, focused on Deaf older adults’ use of technologies as solution strategies for common everyday challenges. Next, Mitzner et al. will highlight the development of an evidence-based group exercise intervention (Tellewellness Tai Chi for Arthritis) aimed at promoting both physical exercise and social interaction for older adults with long-term mobility disabilities. Kadylak et al. will describe how voice-activated digital assistants can support older adults aging with mobility disabilities by reporting on findings from a longitudinal demonstration project with older adults in assisted and independent living communities. Exploring the potential for smartbathroom technology to promote aging in place, Sanford et al. will discuss how smartbathroom sensor data can be analyzed and vizualized to identify ways to communicate insight from sensor data to improve training of occupational therapy practitioners. Susy Stark from Washington University will serve as the discussant for the symposium.

scholarly journals Exploring the Motivators and Barriers of Older Adults Participating in an Interactive Exergame Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 402-402
Author(s):  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Michelle Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Spatial Environment ◽  
Interactive Video Game

Abstract Cognitive and physical activity are important to maintaining daily functioning in older adults. While bidirectional associations between cognitive and physical activity magnify with increasing age, elucidating shared benefits has been difficult as few interventions explicitly train on cognition and mobility simultaneously. We conducted focus groups among 14 older adults residing in an independent-living center who participated in an interactive video game study called Bandit the Dolphin, where participants simultaneously incorporated cognitive exercise and physical activity while navigating within a complex spatial environment to help Bandit jump, eat fish, and stun sharks. Using ‘sneaky exercise’ tactics, participants utilized upper extremities in conjunction with slight lower extremity movement to move Bandit within a 3-D oceanic environment. We conducted 3 semi-structured focus groups and analyzed the data using the “Sort and Sift, Think and Shift” method to assess general likes and dislikes as well as the primary motivators, barriers, and reasons for remaining in the study. Participants enjoyed the immersive nature, challenge, and “fun factor” of the game. Primary motivators for joining were generativity/helping others, self-improvement, from peer referrals, and because the study looked interesting. Key barriers reported in the study were exhaustion from standing, learning how to play in 3-D space, and frustration from lack of level advancement. Reasons for retention were due to the game being fun, a sense of duty, and fulfilling commitments. This information will guide ongoing research efforts to design interactive video game interventions that are enjoyable for older adults and maintain high retention rates.

scholarly journals Using Inclusive Design to Develop a Tele–Tai Chi Intervention for Older Adults With Long-Term Mobility Disability

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 599-600
Author(s):  
Tracy Mitzner ◽  
Elena Remillard ◽  
Kara Cohen ◽  
Jordan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Software Developer ◽  
Master Trainer ◽  
Evidence Based Programs ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Tele-technologies may be able to increase access to evidence-based exercise interventions for adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities. This population experiences substantial barriers in attending such programs in person, including lack of transportation to classes, inaccessible buildings where classes are held, and lack of appropriate modifications offered for this population of older adults. It is critical to overcome such barriers to ensure this population has an opportunity to receive the benefits of evidence-based programs. In this study we are translating an in-person evidence-based tai chi intervention, Tai Chi for Arthritis, to an online platform using videoconferencing software for those aging with long-term mobility disabilities. We will describe our approach of including users from the target population and industry representatives (videoconferencing software developer, Tai Chi for Arthritis program developer as well as local master trainer) in the adaptation of the intervention and present the key findings from doing so.

scholarly journals Individual and Environmental Barriers to Successful Aging

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphne C. Hernandez ◽  
Craig A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Aging Adults

The cornerstone to successful aging is maintaining a consistent physical activity routine and healthy diet. This is particular important for aging adults to preserve their independence. However, for low-income aging adults there are significant individual and environmental barriers that reduce their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding how environmental supports can be found in existing programs geared toward older adults is a way to insure long-term behavioral changes.

How Sedentary Are Older People? A Systematic Review of the Amount of Sedentary Behavior

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet A. Harvey ◽  
Sebastien F.M. Chastin ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Scale Population ◽  
Data Source

Background/objectives:Sedentary behavior (SB), defined as sitting (nonexercising), reclining, and lying down (posture), or by low energy expenditure, is a public health risk independent to physical activity. The objective of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the available evidence on amount of SB reported by and measured in older adults.Data source:Studies published between 1981 and 2014 were identified from electronic databases and manual searching. Large-scale population studies/surveys reporting the amount of SB (objective/subjective) in older adults aged ≥ 60 years of age were included. Appraisal and synthesis was completed using MOOSE guidelines.Results:349,698 adults aged ≥ 60 within 22 studies (10 countries and 1 EU-wide) were included. Objective measurement of SB shows that older adults spend an average of 9.4 hr a day sedentary, equating to 65–80% of their waking day. Self-report of SB is lower, with average weighted self-reports being 5.3 hr daily. Within specific domains of SB, older adults report 3.3 hr in leisure sitting time and 3.3 hr watching TV. There is an association with more time spent in SB as age advances and a trend for older men to spend more time in SB than women.Conclusion/implications:Time spent sedentary ranges from 5.3–9.4 hr per waking day in older adults. With recent studies suggesting a link between SB, health, and well-being, independent of physical activity, this is an area important for successful aging.Limitations:Different methodologies of measurement and different reporting methods of SB made synthesis difficult. Estimated SB time from self-report is half of that measured objectively; suggesting that most self-report surveys of SB will vastly underestimate the actual time spent in SB.

scholarly journals Delivering a Tai Chi Intervention to Adults Aging with Mobility Disabilities Using Zoom

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 425-425
Author(s):  
Elena Remillard ◽  
Kara Cohen ◽  
Lelah Cochran ◽  
Tracy Mitzner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Group ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
Made In

Abstract Many individuals aging with mobility disabilities experience barriers to participating in physical activity, including transportation challenges and the need for specialized instruction. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, these participation barriers have been amplified due to lockdowns and restrictions. Tele-technologies, including videoconferencing platforms like Zoom, can facilitate access to exercise classes from one’s home. Virtual group exercise classes that incorporate social interaction have particular potential to support the physical and mental health of this population. This session will highlight lessons learned from launching the ‘Tele Tai Chi’ study, in which we are delivering an evidence-based Tai Chi program (Tai Chi for Arthritis) via Zoom to small group classes of older adults with long-term mobility disabilities. We will describe adaptations made in translating the in-person program to an interactive, online class, and provide an overview of a ‘Telewellness’ Tool that provides guidelines for using Zoom to deliver exercise classes to older adults.

scholarly journals 522 - Role of Physical Environment on Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities in Canada and Sweden: A Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 70-70
Author(s):  
Sook Young Lee ◽  
Lillian Hung ◽  
Habib Chaudhury
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Term Care

Reduction in competence makes older adults with dementia more sensitive to the influence of the physical environment. The aim of the longitudinal study was to examine whether residents with dementia in long-term facilities with variability in physical environmental characteristics in Vancouver (N=11), Canada and Stockholm (N=13), Sweden had a difference in their quality of life (QoL). QoL was assessed using Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) tool three times over one year for the reliability of data. DCM is a technique and observational framework devised to systematically investigate QoL from the perspective of the older adults with dementia. The results of the study demonstrated that the residents with dementia living in a homelike and positive stimulating setting showed a higher level of potential positive engagement, and less agitated and withdrawn behaviors compared to those in the large-scale institutional setting. Residents living in a large-scale institutional setting in Canada showed so far as five times more agitated/distressed behaviors and twice more withdrawal compared to the ones living in a small-scale homelike setting in Sweden. The study supports that the large-scale institutional environment was considerably associated with levels of lower quality of life among the residents with dementia.

scholarly journals Determining Whether Tai Chi Chuan is Related to the Updating Function in Older Adults: Differences Between Experts and Novices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yang ◽  
Tingting Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Yuan ◽  
Xiaoke Zhong ◽  
Shoufu Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Novice Group ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Back Task

Abstract Background: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is one effective method used to delay cognitive decline in older adults. However, the relationship between the long-term practice of TCC and the crucial working memory updating function of the brain in the elderly has not been comprehensively researched.Objective: This cross-sectional study explores how behavioral performance in a laboratory setting is related to long term practice of TCC on the updating function in older people using reaction times (RTs) of N-back tasks. Methods: 26 healthy elderly people participated in this experiment. According to the length of time TCC was practiced, 13 subjects in the TCC group had more than 5 years’ experience of TCC exercise, and 13 elderly subjects who had not been systematically exposed to mind-body exercise were assigned to the novice group. The N-back task was administered to every participant to evaluate the updating function. Results: The TCC group had faster RTs compared to the novice group (p<0.05); For the 1-back task, the TCC group showed faster RTs than the novice group. For the 2-back task, the novice group exhibited faster RTs than the TCC group. Conclusions: TCC experts exhibit greater updating function as compared to TCC novices. Long-term TCC appears to be positive associated with the updating function of older adults, making it an effective exercise to maintain cognitive function in the elderly.

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