Immunity, Disease Processes, and Optimal Aging

Author(s):  
Carolyn M. Aldwin ◽  
Diane F. Gilmer
Keyword(s):  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Susannah Watson ◽  
Kristin Read ◽  
Kelly Graham ◽  
Reza Yousefi Nooraie ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 162242
Author(s):  
Mingze Wang ◽  
Zhiqin Wen ◽  
Bo Ma ◽  
Junxiao Liu ◽  
Zhengguang Zou ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S239-S239
Author(s):  
Jennifer Margrett ◽  
Wally Boot ◽  
Neil Charness ◽  
Christopher Hertzog ◽  
Mack Shelley ◽  
...  

Abstract Technology presents opportunities to optimize whole person wellness and functioning. To understand tech readiness and the potential role of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to support optimal aging, we surveyed 604 participants from the nationally representative RAND American Life Panel. Participant age ranged from 50-90+, 51.5% were female, and 50% reported bachelor’s education or higher. Overall, 8% of the sample identified as Hispanic, with 15% of individuals also identifying as Black, Asian, or Asian Indian or Alaskan Native. Males reported greater optimism and technology innovation and adults aged 50-64 were the most optimistic. Overall, 80% of the sample reported VR familiarity compared to 33% AR. Regarding future needs, 75% of the participants expressed specific concerns about future ADL ability. Almost half of the respondents indicated willingness to use VR and AR to maintain or improve functioning with age and increased personalization of optimal aging emerged as a significant predictor.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S881-S882
Author(s):  
Amy Guan ◽  
Hannah C Dannewitz ◽  
Lauren Stratton ◽  
Jennifer Margrett ◽  
Walter R Boot ◽  
...  

Abstract Optimal aging in place has become a common preference among older adults to maintain identity and independence, thus smart home technologies are increasingly utilized to achieve these goals. However, disconnect may exist between potential technological benefit and perceptions of acceptability and usability (Lee & Coughlin, 2015). We assessed perceptions of adults aged 50+ (range 50-90 years) to analyze their priorities and ultimate acceptability of smart home technology. Data were collected through surveys, focus groups, and case study interviews. Three major themes emerged regarding smart home utilization: benefits, concerns, and expectations. Participants endorsed smart home technologies (e.g., sensors, telehealth devices) and identified benefits, such as the promotion of optimal aging (e.g., maintaining independence, staying active, safety). However, responses also reflected concerns about privacy, ease of use, and amount of control. Expectations regarding smart homes included more mobility, efficiency, and safety within the home. One participant described technology as having “options [that] are exhausting, but also exciting.” Survey responses (n=30) were analyzed to understand participants’ familiarity with smart home technologies, including: nanotechnology (10.7%), smart showers (42.9%), home sensors (70.4%), telehealth (74.1%), smart appliances (71.4%), personal sensors (81.5%), and voice-activated devices (96.4%). Additionally, respondents indicated their willingness to implement these technologies to maintain and/or improve their daily functioning: nanotechnology (53.8%), smart showers (28.6%), home sensors (66.6%), telehealth (81.5%), smart appliances (40.0%), personal sensors (55.5%), voice-activated devices (64.3%). Discussion focuses on the priorities and needs older adults express regarding technology utilization and the implications for person-centered design and implementation of future smart home technologies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141773768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Rawan Farran ◽  
Susannah Watson ◽  
Anthony J. Levinson ◽  
John N. Lavis ◽  
...  

Objectives: The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (the Portal) aims to increase access to evidence-based health information. We would now like to understand who uses the Portal, why, and for what, and elicit feedback and suggestions for future initiatives. Methods: An online survey of users collected data on demographics, eHealth literacy, Internet use, information-seeking behavior, site acceptability and perceived impact on health behaviors, participant satisfaction, and suggestions for improvements using mixed methods. Results: Participants ( n = 163, age 69.8 ± 8.6 years) were predominantly female (76%), married (67%), retired (80%), and well-educated with very good/excellent health (55%). The Portal was easy to use (83%) and relevant (80%), with 68% intending to, and 48% having changed behavior after using the Portal. A number of suggestions for improvement were obtained. Discussion: A better understanding of users’ characteristics, needs, and preferences will allow us to improve content, target groups who are not engaging with the Portal, and plan future directions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 926-926
Author(s):  
R Nath ◽  
C Aldwin ◽  
S Choun ◽  
M Kurth ◽  
A Spiro

1995 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Sara Canetto ◽  
Patricia L. Kaminski ◽  
Diane M. Felicio

Gender stereotypes of typical and optimal, mentally healthy aging were examined with sixty-year-old and seventy-five-year-old women, men and gender-unspecified older people as target persons. Respondents were young adult individuals ( N = 232) and their older adult relatives/acquaintances ( N = 233). Perceptions of typical aging varied depending on the age of the respondent, the target gender and the target age. Gender stereotypes were more pronounced than age stereotypes: respondents described same-gender targets more similarly than same-age targets. Older women were rated higher on dimensions related to nurturance while older men were rated higher on intellectual competence and autonomy. Perceptions of optimal aging were not found to be affected by the gender of the respondent or target. Views of optimal aging, however, were influenced by respondent and target age. These findings suggest a double standard of aging for typical but not for optimal aging.


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