scholarly journals TECHNOLOGY DESIGN TO SUPPORT SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S211-S211
Author(s):  
Wendy Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
And Training

Abstract Evidence that loneliness and isolation are precursors to myriad negative health issues is accumulating. For older adults, social engagement may be particularly important due to life-changing events that can accompany older adulthood, including retirement, disease, or mobility limitations. Individuals vary in their levels of social engagement, and these differences may have consequential effects on quality of life. Technology has the potential to create and enhance social engagement opportunities for older adults at risk for social isolation. For such technology innovations to be effective and widely adopted, designers must consider the unique needs, capabilities, limitations, and preferences of older adults. I will describe technologies that currently exist (e.g., apps, mobile devices, social networking) or are being developed (e.g., robotics, telepresence, virtual reality) to support social engagement, connectedness, and community participation. I will discuss the potential of these technologies as well as the design and training challenges unique to older adults.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Coastal Residents After Multiple Disasters

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie E. Cherry ◽  
Laura Sampson ◽  
Sandro Galea ◽  
Loren D. Marks ◽  
Kayla H. Baudoin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Coastal Residents

AbstractObjectiveExposure to multiple disasters, both natural and technological, is associated with extreme stress and long-term consequences for older adults that are not well understood. In this article, we address age differences in health-related quality of life in older disaster survivors exposed to the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the role played by social engagement in influencing these differences.MethodsParticipants were noncoastal residents, current coastal residents, and current coastal fishers who were economically affected by the BP oil spill. Social engagement was estimated on the basis of disruptions in charitable work and social support after the 2005 hurricanes relative to a typical year before the storms. Criterion measures were participants’ responses to the SF-36 Health Survey which includes composite indexes of physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health.ResultsThe results of logistic regressions indicated that age was inversely associated with SF-36 PCS scores. A reduction in perceived social support after Hurricane Katrina was also inversely associated with SF-36 MCS scores.ConclusionsThese results illuminate risk factors that impact well-being among older adults after multiple disasters. Implications of these data for psychological adjustment after multiple disasters are considered. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:90–96)

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Overview of Mobility and Aging in the Year 2020 (and beyond)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Lunsman O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Crashes ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Comprehensive Overview

Mobility can be defined as the ability to move effectively and purposefully though the environment in order to accomplish goals. Mobility can be conceptualized and measured in four broad ways. First, the speed, success, and quality of specific movements can be measured, such as gait and balance. Second, one can assess a person’s ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that involve movement. Third, the occurrence of adverse events, such as falls and motor vehicle crashes, can be measured. Finally, the range of a person’s movement inside and outside the home can be assessed. Regardless of how it is conceptualized, mobility is one of the most important determinants of quality of life and independence in adulthood. Unfortunately, the prevalence of mobility limitations increases with age. This book chapter will provide a comprehensive overview of mobility among older adults.

scholarly journals The Ties That Bind: How Online and Offline Interactions Affect Social Support and Quality of Life for Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 301-301
Author(s):  
Shelia Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Media Use

Abstract Though a digital divide still exists, older adults are increasingly using a range of information and communication technologies (ICTs) – smartphones, apps, tablets, and computers – to communicate and engage with social ties. This symposium focuses on modalities of interaction – whether online or offline – that older adults use to interact with social ties. The research projects detailed examine the frequency of different interaction modalities, as well as impacts of these interaction modalities on older adults’ perceptions of social support and quality of life. Kadylak and colleagues focus on social robots and how older adults may engage with this evolving technology to improve social engagement and aging in place. Kim and Fingerman investigate whether daily social media use is associated with same-day negative or positive mood in later life. Xie and colleagues examine older adults’ patterns of both online and offline social interaction during COVID-19, and how older adults perceive these interactions. Schuster and Cotten, using a national sample of individuals aged 65 and older, examine whether social media use may be related to a range of quality of life indicators. Each of these studies provides additional insights into the ways through which older adults interact and communicate with social ties, and potential impacts of the different ways through which they interact, which may provide insights into groups seeking to increase social engagement among older adults in general and during times when social isolation may be exacerbated due to societal stressors, such as pandemics.

Quality of Life Trajectories of Older Adults Living in Senior Housing

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 511-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Restorick Roberts ◽  
Kathryn Betts Adams
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Life Trajectories ◽  
The Face ◽  
Over Time

Quality of life (QoL) in the face of declining health, mobility, and social losses is a central issue for older adults. Our study examined changes in QoL over time for older adults residing in independent senior housing within continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and estimated how residents’ social engagement during their first year influenced QoL over the next 4 years. Data were drawn from a 5-year panel study of 267 older adults who moved into senior housing within four CCRCs. Although initial QoL varied between individuals, QoL declined for the group over time. One component of early social engagement—participating in a greater number of formal social activities organized by the CCRC—significantly slowed the rate of decline in QoL. Findings suggest that senior housing residents may benefit from early participation in organized social and leisure activities soon after move-in to forestall declines in QoL over the long term.

scholarly journals Improvisational Movement to Improve Quality of Life in Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia: A Pilot Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepthi Thumuluri ◽  
Robert Lyday ◽  
Phyllis Babcock ◽  
Edward H. Ip ◽  
Robert A. Kraft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Dance Intervention

Alzheimer's disease has profound effects on quality of life, affecting not only cognition, but mobility and opportunities for social engagement. Dance is a form of movement that may be uniquely suited to help maintain quality of life for older adults, including those with dementia, because it inherently incorporates movement, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation. Here, we describe the methods and results of the pilot study for the IMOVE trial (NCT03333837, www.clinicaltrials.gov), a clinical trial designed to use improvisational dance classes to test the effects of movement and social engagement in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia. The pilot study was an 8-week investigation into the feasibility and potential effects of an improvisational dance intervention on people with MCI or early-stage dementia (PWD/MCI) and their caregivers (CG). The pilot aimed to assess changes in quality of life, balance, mood, and functional brain networks in PWD/MCI and their CG. Participants were recruited as dyads (pairs) that included one PWD/MCI and one CG. Ten total dyads were enrolled in the pilot study with five dyads assigned to the usual care control group and five dyads participating in the dance intervention. The intervention arm met twice weekly for 60 min for 8 weeks. Attendance and quality of life assessed with the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's disease (QoL-AD) questionnaire were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included balance, mood and brain network connectivity assessed through graph theory analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Class attendance was 96% and qualitative feedback reflected participants felt socially connected to the group. Increases in quality of life and balance were observed, but not mood. Brain imaging analysis showed increases in multiple brain network characteristics, including global efficiency and modularity. Further investigation into the positive effects of this dance intervention on both imaging and non-imaging metrics will be carried out on the full clinical trial data. Results from the trial are expected in the summer of 2022.

scholarly journals Increasing quality of life for older adults living in collective dwellings using virtual reality: a feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Krieger
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virtual Tourism ◽  
Study Results

The number of older adults living in collective dwellings is increasing. It is important to research effective strategies to maintain and enhance quality of life for older adults living in collective dwellings. Meaningful leisure, such as the ability to travel, is associated with increases in quality of life for older adults. Unfortunately, many older adults, especially those living in collective dwellings, face barriers to travel. Virtual reality (VR) may help older adults living in collective dwellings overcome barriers to travel. The present study examined whether older adults living in collective dwellings tolerated and enjoyed immersive VR, and whether six weeks of virtual tourism affected their quality of life, social engagement, and loneliness. Fourteen older adults living in retirement homes in Toronto participated in this study. Results suggested that participants tolerated immersive VR without experiencing cybersickness, and that they were happier, more excited, and less anxious immediately following VR exposure. Levels of social engagement increased following the six-week virtual tourism program. These quantitative findings were further supported by qualitative interviews. No changes in quality of life or loneliness were found. Limitations include a lack of a control group and small sample size. Addressing these limitations will help to isolate the effects of the virtual tourism program on indices of well-being.

scholarly journals Sleep Health, Depression, Pain and Quality of Life among Older Adults during the First Months of the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 865-865
Author(s):  
Rebecca Lorenz ◽  
Devita Stallings ◽  
Janice Palmer ◽  
Helen Lach
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Health

Abstract To slow the spread of Covid-19, many states instituted restrictions on group size for religious services, exercise, and social engagement. We are beginning to understand the effect of these mandates on older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sleep health, depression, pain, and quality of life (QOL) among older adults during the initial months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Older adults completed an anonymous online survey to collect data including personal characteristics, behaviors, and health conditions during May-September 2020. Sleep Health was assessed with a survey of satisfaction, timing, efficiency, and duration of sleep along with daytime alertness. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between age, education, socioeconomic status, pain, depression, and QOL. Participants (N=509) were primarily female (n=392, 77%), white (n=466; 92%), college educated (n=471, 93%) and with a mean age of 75.6 years (SD=5.0; range 63-93 years). Mean Sleep Health score was 7.4 (SD=2.1; range 0-10). Higher (better) Sleep Health scores were associated with education (r=.15, p<01) and socioeconomic status (r=.17, p<.01) and lower scores with depression (r= -.35, p<.01), pain (r= -.23, p<.01), and QOL (r= -.26, p<.01). Poorer Sleep Health among older adults during the initial months of the pandemic were associated with depression, pain, and reduced QOL. Sleep, depression, and pain have reciprocal relationships that may have lasting consequences on physical and mental health among older adults. These findings suggest that poor sleep health should be identified and treated to improve QOL among older adults.

scholarly journals EXPLORING THE EFFICACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF REMINISCENCE USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTED OBJECTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S308-S308
Author(s):  
Keith A Anderson ◽  
Marla Berg-Weger ◽  
Tom Plocher ◽  
Anne Farina ◽  
Joseph E Gaugler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Object ◽  
3D Objects ◽  
Centered Care

Abstract Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a form of person-centered care that involves the exploration of past activities, events, and experiences with another person or in a small group. Research on RT has found an array of benefits for older adults, including improvements in mood, quality of life, social interaction, cognition, and memory. In this presentation, the researchers report on Phases I and II of an evaluation of a reminiscence using three-dimensional (3D) printed objects from older adults’ pasts. Advances in 3D printing technology now allow researchers to create scale replicas of cherished items from peoples’ pasts, such as toys, bicycles, pets, automobiles, boats, and houses. In Phase I, the researchers evaluated the efficacy of incorporating 3D objects in reminiscence using a parallel convergent mixed methods design. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the 3D object reminiscence was well-received (88.9%), facilitated reminiscence (83.3%), increased engagement and alertness (72.3%). Qualitative data identified additional benefits of the use of 3D objects in reminiscence, including increases in social engagement and interactions with staff and family members. In Phase II, the researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a formal 3D reminiscence intervention using a randomized control trial of 175 older adults. The researchers hypothesize that 3D object reminiscence will be more effective than reminiscence using verbal cues in stimulating memory and enhancing cognition, engagement, mood, and quality of life. Preliminary findings from Phase II will be reported along with the findings from Phase I.

scholarly journals Special Issue “Mental Health Issues and Quality of Life in Older Individuals”

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
Omar Cauli ◽  
Rut Navarro-Martínez ◽  
Julio Fernández-Garrido
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Mental Health Issues

There are numerous biological, psychological, and social factors that have a more or less prominent impact on the mental health of older adults [...]

scholarly journals Increasing quality of life for older adults living in collective dwellings using virtual reality: a feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Krieger
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virtual Tourism ◽  
Study Results

The number of older adults living in collective dwellings is increasing. It is important to research effective strategies to maintain and enhance quality of life for older adults living in collective dwellings. Meaningful leisure, such as the ability to travel, is associated with increases in quality of life for older adults. Unfortunately, many older adults, especially those living in collective dwellings, face barriers to travel. Virtual reality (VR) may help older adults living in collective dwellings overcome barriers to travel. The present study examined whether older adults living in collective dwellings tolerated and enjoyed immersive VR, and whether six weeks of virtual tourism affected their quality of life, social engagement, and loneliness. Fourteen older adults living in retirement homes in Toronto participated in this study. Results suggested that participants tolerated immersive VR without experiencing cybersickness, and that they were happier, more excited, and less anxious immediately following VR exposure. Levels of social engagement increased following the six-week virtual tourism program. These quantitative findings were further supported by qualitative interviews. No changes in quality of life or loneliness were found. Limitations include a lack of a control group and small sample size. Addressing these limitations will help to isolate the effects of the virtual tourism program on indices of well-being.

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