scholarly journals Robotics to Enable Older Adults to Remain Living at Home

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J. Pearce ◽  
Brooke Adair ◽  
Kimberly Miller ◽  
Elizabeth Ozanne ◽  
Catherine Said ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Robotic Devices ◽  
At Home

Given the rapidly ageing population, interest is growing in robots to enable older people to remain living at home. We conducted a systematic review and critical evaluation of the scientific literature, from 1990 to the present, on the use of robots in aged care. The key research questions were as follows: (1) what is the range of robotic devices available to enable older people to remain mobile, independent, and safe? and, (2) what is the evidence demonstrating that robotic devices are effective in enabling independent living in community dwelling older people? Following database searches for relevant literature an initial yield of 161 articles was obtained. Titles and abstracts of articles were then reviewed by 2 independent people to determine suitability for inclusion. Forty-two articles met the criteria for question 1. Of these, 4 articles met the criteria for question 2. Results showed that robotics is currently available to assist older healthy people and people with disabilities to remain independent and to monitor their safety and social connectedness. Most studies were conducted in laboratories and hospital clinics. Currently limited evidence demonstrates that robots can be used to enable people to remain living at home, although this is an emerging smart technology that is rapidly evolving.

Older people’s news dependency and social connectedness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1329878X2110064
Author(s):  
Caroline Fisher ◽  
Sora Park ◽  
Jee Young Lee ◽  
Kate Holland ◽  
Emma John
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
News Media ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Older Citizens

Social isolation has become a growing issue, particularly among older citizens. The ‘digital divide’ has been identified as one of the contributing factors leaving many older citizens behind. While increasing digital literacy among seniors has been identified as one of the remedies, less attention has been paid to the role of news media on the wellbeing and connectedness of older people. Through the lens of the uses and gratifications theory, this article reports on the findings of a survey of 562 news consumers aged 50 years and above who live in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The analysis highlights the important role of news in reducing feelings of social isolation, particularly for those who spend more time alone and older people with cognitive impairment. Older participants who had difficulty concentrating and learning new tasks were also more dependent on news. We suggest this is due to the habitual, predictable and concise nature of news. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of news in the wellbeing of older people and point to the need for policymakers and those in the aged care sector to ensure access to news for older citizens to improve the quality of life.

scholarly journals Supporting community‐dwelling older people with cognitive impairment to stay at home: A modelled cost analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne M. Dyer ◽  
Lachlan B. Standfield ◽  
Nicola Fairhall ◽  
Ian D. Cameron ◽  
Meredith Gresham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Older People ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older People ◽  
At Home

scholarly journals 306Association between polypharmacy and mortality in the community-dwelling older population: a data linkage study

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Van der Heyden ◽  
Finaba Berete ◽  
Brecht Devleesschauwer ◽  
Karin De Ridder ◽  
Olivier Bruyère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Health Interview Survey ◽  
Health Interview ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Literature findings on the association between polypharmacy and mortality in older people are not consistent. Appropriate tools, making use of linkages, are helpful to investigate this further. Methods Data of participants of the Belgian Health Interview Survey 2013 aged ≥ 65 years (n = 1950) were linked with billing data and 5 year’s mortality follow-up information. Polypharmacy was defined as concomitant use of ≥ 5 medicines in the past 24 hours or ≥ 5 recent prescriptions of reimbursed medicines. The impact of polypharmacy on mortality was assessed through mortality rate ratios (MRR) from a Poisson regression model adjusting for gender, age, multimorbidity, functional limitations and health care use, and including interactions. Results The prevalence of polypharmacy was 38,3%. Age and disability status were effect modifiers in the association between polypharmacy and mortality. Whereas polypharmacy was significantly associated with mortality among people aged 65-79 years (MRR 2.52; 95% CI 1.67-3.80), this was not so for the 80 + (MRR 1.46; 95% CI 0.93-2.29). Polypharmacy was a mortality predictor among people with no/moderate functional limitations (MRR 2,29; 95% CI 1.61-3.25), but not for those with severe functional limitations (MRR 1,22; 95% CI 0.67-2.34). Conclusions By linking health interview survey, billing and mortality data further insights can be gained on the association between polypharmacy and mortality. Key messages A critical evaluation of polypharmacy in older people below 80 years and in people without severe functional limitations may reduce mortality in these population groups.

scholarly journals Review on Vocational Training and Employment of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Christine K. Syriopoulou Delli ◽  
Ioanna Papavassiliou Alexiou ◽  
Dimitra Karampilia
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Supported Employment ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Asd

<p>Organizations have developed programs for the vocational training of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some programs reflect trends in the labor market. The interest of policy planning is focused on social perceptions and successful social and vocational inclusion.</p><p>Aim is the review of programs for vocational training and education-to-employment transition for adults with ASD and the provision of a critical evaluation of their results.</p><p>The study entailed a review of the relevant literature, starting from the 1980s, since before that time there had been no systematic state provision of vocational training. The inclusion criteria for the study were: (a) the sample included adults diagnosed with ASD, (b) the programs included interventions for vocational training and inclusion, models for teaching vocational and social skills in the context of supported employment.</p><p>Study revealed interesting findings related to vocational training and the inclusion prospects for adolescents and adults with ASD, which could further influence social protection planning and support measures for them. It showed that educational policy in the last ten years has included the vocational training and inclusion of individuals with ASD and, therefore, more flexible programs and alternative forms of independent living are being developed for them.</p><p>Social mentality plays significant role for the social and vocational inclusion of adults with ASD. Some steps might be opportunities for participation in vocational programs, their enrichment, vocational counseling and guidance, opportunities for continuous development of working skills along with INSET and counseling, financial support to employees and a consistent policy towards vocational inclusion.</p>

scholarly journals HOME AND COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE FOR FRAIL OLDER ADULTS: A PATIENT, CAREGIVER, AND PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S691-S691
Author(s):  
Andrew McDonald ◽  
Rowena Rizzotti ◽  
Joanna Rivera ◽  
Grace Park ◽  
Antonina Garm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Tracking Devices ◽  
At Home

Abstract Frailty and the decline in ability to maintain independent living may be forestalled through discussions with healthcare providers and seniors about managing health at home. In addition, the use of technology in supplementing doctors’ visits to assess frailty progression may be easily adopted by some but not others. We conducted this qualitative study to elucidate the context in which seniors access care at home and current barriers to independent living, from the perspectives of both seniors and practitioners. Pre-approved discussion questions were administered to two audio-recorded focus group sessions of 14 participants. The first group were community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers, while the second consisted of healthcare practitioners. Group members were sampled to include a range of health backgrounds and levels of technological expertise. Thematic analysis with NVivo Software was used to parse out key discussion topics from the audio transcripts. The caregiver/patient group emphasized the stigma of frailty and age-related isolation, desiring transparency and advocacy from care teams. Practitioners/researchers discussed the importance of a holistic biopsychosocial approach to frailty management and the need for standardized frailty measurement. Patients/caregivers used health-tracking devices at home and were more optimistic about telehealth/video-conferencing than practitioners. Awareness of contextual factors surrounding “aging in place” and what aspects of care are valued by patients and practitioners is key to advancing home health and paving the way for new evidence-based services in the home.

Temporal Characteristics of Habitual Physical Activity Periods Among Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Sandra G. Brauer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Temporal Characteristics ◽  
At Home

Background:While physical activity is advocated for the elderly, little is known about the patterns of habitual activity of older people, particularly those in aged care. This study employed a novel approach to analyzing activity data to compare the temporal characteristics of daily activity between 15 older people living at home with 16 living in an aged care facility.Methods:The time spent standing and walking, and the number and duration of upright activity periods (greater than 1 minute) were monitored for 72 hr continuously.Results:Despite variation in all measures across the participants, those living in aged care spent significantly less time upright per day (2.3 hr vs. 7.2 hr), standing (1.6 hr vs. 5 hr), and walking (0.7 hr vs. 2.2 hr) than those living at home. Participants in both groups had a similar number of activity periods; however, the median activity period duration was less for those living in aged care (4 min vs. 8 min).Conclusions:Activity levels of both groups were low compared with recommendations. In particular, aged care residents were rarely upright for 30 min continuously, supporting the need for services to promote physical activity of older people particularly those living in aged care facilities.

scholarly journals Does the shoe really fit? Characterising ill-fitting footwear among community dwelling older adults: an observational cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian O'Rourke ◽  
Mary E Walsh ◽  
Rachael Brophy ◽  
Shanice Vallely ◽  
Niamh Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Day Hospital ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Shoe Size ◽  
Foot Length ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background : Falls in older people are common and can result in loss of confidence, fear of falling, restriction in activity and loss of independence. Causes of falls are multi-factorial. There is a paucity of research assessing the footwear characteristics among older people who are at high risk of falls, internationally and in the Irish setting. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of older adults attending a geriatric day hospital in Ireland who were wearing incorrectly sized shoes. Methods : A consecutive sample of 111 older adults aged 60 years and over attending a geriatric day hospital in a large Irish teaching hospital was recruited. Demographic data including age, mobility, medications, co-habitation status, footwear worn at home and falls history were recorded. Shoe size and foot length were measured in millimetres using an internal shoe gauge and SATRA shoe size stick, respectively. Participants’ self-reported shoe size was recorded. Footwear was assessed using the Footwear Assessment Form (FAF). A Timed Up and Go (TUG) score was recorded. Functional independence was assessed using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale. The primary outcome of interest in this study was selected as having footwear within the suggested range (10 to 15mm) on at least one foot. Participants who met this definition were compared to those with ill-fitting footwear on both feet using Chi-square tests, T-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results : The mean difference between shoe length and foot length was 18.6mm (SD: 9.6mm). Overall, 72% of participants were wearing footwear that did not fit correctly on both feet, 90% had shoes with smooth, partly worn or fully worn sole treading and 67% reported wearing slippers at home. Participant age, TUG score and NEADL score were not associated with ill-fitting footwear. Conclusions : Wearing incorrectly fitting shoes and shoes with unsafe features was common among older adults attending geriatric day services in this study. A large number of participants reported wearing slippers at home.

Perceptions of older people in Ireland and Australia about the use of technology to address falls prevention

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-388
Author(s):  
Lynette Mackenzie ◽  
Amanda Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Use Of Technology

AbstractFalls are common events with serious consequences for older people. With an ageing population and increasing health-care costs, information and communication technologies (ICT) will have a potential role in future health-care delivery. However, research on technology acceptance in health care for older people is limited and its application to falls prevention is unknown. The aims of this study were to explore and describe the perceptions of community-dwelling Australian and Irish older people about their current use of technology, and the potential use of technology for falls prevention. Qualitative data were collected from three focus groups conducted in and around Limerick in Ireland, and three in the Sydney area, Australia. A total of 35 older people participated. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: (a) perceptions of vulnerability to falls, (b) preferences for exercise interventions, (c) participation in and ownership of technology, and (d) perceptions about applications of technology for falls prevention. As the use of technology is an instrumental activity of daily living, health professionals need to assess the capacity of older people to adopt these technologies, and provide falls prevention interventions to accommodate the technology skills of older people. Some participants were reluctant to embrace technology and barriers to the effective use of technology to assist in preventing falls may conflict with future health service trends.

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