scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. METHODS Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. RESULTS The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. CONCLUSIONS The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/18398 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e18398
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

Background The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. Methods Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. Results The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. Conclusions The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

Health-Related Quality of Life After the 2015 Gorkha Earthquakes, Among Older Adults Living in Lalitpur District of Central Nepal

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Wagle ◽  
Kwanjai Amnatsatsue ◽  
Bipin Adhikari ◽  
Patcharaporn Kerdmongkol ◽  
Marc Van der Putten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: Health-related quality of life (HQL) among older adults is often neglected and underprioritized in developing countries and is further burdened during natural disasters, such as earthquakes. The main objective of this study was to explore the factors affecting HQL among older adults living in Lalitpur District of Nepal. Methods: A total of 362 older adults participated in this study. Questionnaires were used to interview the respondents on various aspects, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, functional ability, and social support. An analysis was made to explore the factors affecting HQL. Results: HQL scores ranged between 3.13 and 90.63. A majority of the respondents (215/362; 59.4%) scored ≤ 50, indicating poorer HQL. The multivariate analysis found the impact of the following factors on HQL: functional status (β = 0.295; P < 0.001), PTSD (β = −0.225; P < 0.001), chronic disease (β = −0.168; P < 0.001), social support (β = 0.120; P = 0.019), injury (β = −0.104; P = 0.024), age (β = −0.116; P < 0.001), and accessibility to resources. Conclusion: Poor HQL of older adults was dependent on various factors. The disaster preparedness program in Nepal needs urgent attention to address the concerns of older adults by incorporating the findings from this study.

scholarly journals Social Isolation in Older Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The impact on Quality of Life and Mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 745-745
Author(s):  
Victoria Marshall ◽  
Robina Sandhu ◽  
Kathryn Kanzler ◽  
Sara Espinoza ◽  
Pamela Keel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide enacted quarantines, particularly for older adults, as mortality from COVID-19 is inequitably distributed among this group. Notably, social isolation in older adults is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). Furthermore, the mental health of women in particular has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Although previous research indicates that social isolation among older adults is a “serious public health concern”, less is known about the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of social isolation on mental health indices and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older women in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants include 77 postmenopausal women (aged 60+) who completed self-report measures online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for education and annual household income in all analyses, we used linear regression models to investigate the effects of social isolation on depression, anxiety, alcohol use, binge eating, and the 8 domains of the SF-36. Results indicate that, when controlling for education and income, social isolation significantly predicted depression, binge eating, and poorer HRQOL in all 8 domains of the SF-36 (all p’s &lt; .01) Social isolation did not predict anxiety and alcohol consumption when controlling for these sociodemographic variables. Enrollment is ongoing; this poster will report updated results. Results indicate the continued need for creative avenues to improve social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life of Older Adults with Hypertension in Tangerang

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Karina Megasari Winahyu ◽  
Susi Wahyuniati ◽  
Rita Sekarsari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
External Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
The Impact

The aging population is a common situation in developing countries caused by the successful health care outcome. However, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as hypertension is the impact of physical deterioration caused by the aging process. Older adults with hypertension require social support as a source of external support to help maintain health, which could affect the quality of life. A cross-sectional study was used by recruiting 71 older adults in primary health care in Tangerang. The standardized questionnaires, including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) -BREF were provided based upon validity and reliability. Statistical analysis was conducted by employing the Pearson Product-Moment coefficient correlation. The result showed that perceived social support was significantly positively correlated with the quality of life of older adults with hypertension. In conclusion, this study suggests that maintaining social support from family, friends, and significant other needs to be considered in achieving a better quality of life for older adults with hypertension. Keywords: Older Adult, Hypertension, Social Support, Quality of Life.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods study evaluating the impact of an excursion-based social group on quality of life of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Siette ◽  
Mikaela Jorgensen ◽  
Amy Nguyen ◽  
Gilbert Knaggs ◽  
Stuart Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Social isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community. Despite some availability of social support programs to address social isolation, their effectiveness is not routinely measured. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative excursion-based program offering unique social experiences to older adults receiving aged care services. Methods This six-month before and after mixed-methods study evaluated the outcomes of an Australian excursion-based program which offered social and physical outings to bring older adults receiving aged care services into the wider community. The study combined two parts: Part 1 was a pre-post survey assessing the quality of life of older adults who received the excursion-based program for 6 months (n = 56; two time-points, analysed using signed rank test) and Part 2 involved qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 24 aged care staff, older adults and carers; analysed using thematic analysis). Results Older adults experienced a significant increase in quality of life scores (p < 0.001) between baseline and 6 months. Interviews confirmed these observations and suggested that benefits of participation included increased opportunities for social participation, psychological wellbeing, physical function, and carer respite. Interviews also revealed being in a group setting, having tailored, convenient and accessible activities, alongside supportive staff were key drivers in improving the wellbeing of participants. Conclusions Participating in an excursion-based community program may improve wellbeing in older adults. Aging policy should focus on prioritizing initiatives that promote social connectivity with the wider community and assist in improving outcomes for older adults.

scholarly journals EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON OLDER ADULTS' WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S193-S194
Author(s):  
Walter R Boot
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Recent research had indicated clear links between social isolation and loneliness, and a host of negative consequences, including poor mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality risk. These consequences make clear that social isolation is a significant and urgent public health concern that requires attention and action. Increasingly, researchers have begun to explore the role technology can play in reducing social isolation and increasing social support. This symposium contains five talks that address this question directly, presenting a nuanced picture of the potential effects of technology on well-being among older adults. The first presentation will highlight the potential positive side of internet use on wellbeing using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study. The next talk explores how the internet can support older adults undergoing significant life transitions. Importantly, the link between internet use and well-being appears to be context-dependent, with internet use being associated with positive or negative effects depending on other contextual factors. This presentation is followed by another, finding that technology use can have varying effects depending on how and what the technology is used for. This is followed by a presentation that directly compares technology-based communication to in-person communication, and the different effects of each on well-being. The session concludes with a presentation on how novel robotic technology might provide emotional and social support. In answer to the question of whether technology can reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve social support: It’s complicated.

scholarly journals The impact of resiliency on mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ratanasiripong ◽  
Nop Ratanasiripong ◽  
Monpanee Khamwong ◽  
Sarinya Jingmark ◽  
Ploenpit Thaniwattananon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Hierarchical Multiple Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of resiliency and associated factors on the mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,800 older adults (M = 69.3, SD = 7.2) from nine provinces across all regions of Thailand. Each participant completed an anonymous paper-based survey that included demographic data, work activities, health behaviors, social support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD).FindingsThrough hierarchical multiple regression, resiliency, social support, exercise and work hours per week were found to be significant predictors of mental health: depression (F (6, 520) = 19.38, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); anxiety (F (6, 520) = 18.64, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); stress (F (6, 521) = 12.91, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.12). Five predictors of quality of life were identified through hierarchical multiple regression: resiliency, social support, exercise, age and family economic status. These predictors explained 35% of the variance, F (5, 1655) = 178.44, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.35.Originality/valueBased on the results of this study, a comprehensive Wellness Program was designed to improve the mental health and quality of life of older adults in Thailand. This Wellness Program included five components: Volunteer Program, Resiliency Building Program, Social Support Program, Exercise Program, and Financial Education Program.

Fear of memory decline predicts lower quality of life and increased memory failures in older adults: Preliminary findings from a novel fear-avoidance of memory decline scale.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Farina ◽  
Marc Patrick Bennett ◽  
James William Griffith ◽  
Bert Lenaert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Fear Avoidance ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
The Impact

Evidence concerning the impact of fear of memory decline on health-related outcomes is limited. To determine the relationship between fear-avoidance of memory decline, quality of life and subjective memory in older adults using a novel scale to measure fear of memory decline. Sixty-seven older adults (59-81 years) completed a 23-item self-report questionnaire designed to capture experiential, cognitive and behavioral components of fear of memory decline, known as the fear and avoidance of memory decline (FAM) scale. Memory performance was assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV) and the Memory Failures Scale (MFS). General anxiety was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Quality of life was assessed using the Older Person’s Quality of Life scale (OPQOL-35). The FAM scale demonstrated good reliability and validity. Three latent factors were observed including: (1) fear-avoidance, (2) problematic beliefs and (3) resilience. After adjusting for age, education, memory performance and general anxiety, higher fear-avoidance predicted lower quality of life (p=.021) and increased memory failures (p=.022). Increased fear of memory decline predicts lower quality of life and subjective memory failures in healthy older adults. Based on these findings, we propose a preliminary fear-avoidance model that explains the development and maintenance of dementia-related functional disability in terms of psychological processes.

scholarly journals Impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of chronic kidney diseases patients: a pre-post analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Um-e-Kalsoom ◽  
Sabiha Khan ◽  
Israr Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hemodialysis may have serious psychological impact upon patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of individuals with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Result A sample consists of (N = 100) CKD patients referred from neurology ward of Leady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Data was collected from both male (50%) and female (50%) in 2017. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of pre-set criteria. In group I, individuals with 4–5 stage of CKD referred first time for dialysis treatment were recruited. Group II comprised of CKD patients with 1–3 stage. Demographic data sheet, Pakistan Anxiety and Depression, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Perceived Social support scale (PSS) were used to test the hypotheses. Paired sample t test was use to see the difference between pre- and post-analysis of depression, anxiety, QOL, and PSS in group I (experimental group). Results suggests significant difference on depression (p > .001), anxiety (p > .001), and QOL (p > .001), while no significant difference was reported on perceived social support (p <.673). Findings also indicate no significant difference between group I and group II on QOL depression, anxiety, and PSS. Conclusion The findings concluded that patients under hemodialysis treatment suffered from depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life.

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