scholarly journals Older Adults’ Experiences Using Wearable Devices: Meta-synthesis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Moore ◽  
Emma O'Shea ◽  
Lorna Kenny ◽  
John Barton ◽  
Salvatore Tedesco ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Older adults (OA) can use wearable devices (WD) to monitor clinically relevant health metrics, improve physical activity, and monitor for falls. Little is known about how this population engages with WDs and no qualitative synthesis exists to describe their shared experiences with long term use of WD. OBJECTIVE This study attempts to understand the shared experience of OAs who took part in WD trials and the factors that contribute to the acceptance and sustained use of WDs. We aimed to synthesize qualitative studies that analysed the user experience after a multi-day trial with a WD. METHODS A systematic search was conducted of CINAHL, APA Psych Info, PubMed, and EMBASE (2015-2020, English) with fixed search terms relating to ‘older adults’ and ‘wearable devices,’ following PRISMA guidelines. An inductive meta-synthesis methodology was employed. Themes were extracted from primary studies, key concepts were identified, and reciprocal and refutational translation techniques were applied; findings were synthesised into third order interpretations and finally, a ‘line-of-argument’ was developed. RESULTS In total, 20 papers were reviewed; two evaluated fall detection devices, one tested an ankle worn step counter, and the remaining 17 tested activity trackers. Duration of wearing ranged from 3 days to 24 months. The views of 349 OAs (age range 51-94), were synthesised. Four key concepts were identified and outlined, namely: 1) motivation for device use, 2) user characteristics (openness to engage and functional ability), 3) integration into daily life, and 4) device features. Our ‘line-of-argument’ model describes how motivation, ease of use, and device purpose determine if a device is perceived to add value to the user’s life, which subsequently predicts if the device will be integrated into the user’s life. CONCLUSIONS In order to overcome usability barriers (e.g. limited technical ability), a support structure should be placed around the user that fosters motivation, encourages engagement with peers, and adapts to the user’s preferences. Future research should evaluate our model by conducting long term WD trials that use qualitative methods to comprehensively address the multiple stages of device use and the many factors that contribute to adherence.

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (20) ◽  
pp. 4565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabián Riquelme ◽  
Cristina Espinoza ◽  
Tomás Rodenas ◽  
Jean-Gabriel Minonzio ◽  
Carla Taramasco

Automatic fall detection is a very active research area, which has grown explosively since the 2010s, especially focused on elderly care. Rapid detection of falls favors early awareness from the injured person, reducing a series of negative consequences in the health of the elderly. Currently, there are several fall detection systems (FDSs), mostly based on predictive and machine-learning approaches. These algorithms are based on different data sources, such as wearable devices, ambient-based sensors, or vision/camera-based approaches. While wearable devices like inertial measurement units (IMUs) and smartphones entail a dependence on their use, most image-based devices like Kinect sensors generate video recordings, which may affect the privacy of the user. Regardless of the device used, most of these FDSs have been tested only in controlled laboratory environments, and there are still no mass commercial FDS. The latter is partly due to the impossibility of counting, for ethical reasons, with datasets generated by falls of real older adults. All public datasets generated in laboratory are performed by young people, without considering the differences in acceleration and falling features of older adults. Given the above, this article presents the eHomeSeniors dataset, a new public dataset which is innovative in at least three aspects: first, it collects data from two different privacy-friendly infrared thermal sensors; second, it is constructed by two types of volunteers: normal young people (as usual) and performing artists, with the latter group assisted by a physiotherapist to emulate the real fall conditions of older adults; and third, the types of falls selected are the result of a thorough literature review.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Briony Jain ◽  
Viktoryia Kalesnikava ◽  
Joseph E. Ibrahim ◽  
Briana Mezuk

Abstract This commentary addresses the increasing public health problem of suicide in later life and presents the case for preventing suicide in residential long-term care settings. We do so by examining this issue from the perspective of three levels of stakeholders – societal, organisational and individual – considering the relevant context, barriers and implications of each. We begin by discussing contemporary societal perspectives of ageing; the potential impact of ageism on prevention of late-life suicide; and the roles of gender and masculinity. This is followed by a historical analysis of the origin of residential long-term care; current organisational challenges; and person-centred care as a suicide prevention strategy. Finally, we consider suicide in long-term care from the perspective of individuals, including the experience of older adults living in residential care settings; the impact of suicide on residential care health professionals and other staff; and the impact of suicide bereavement on family, friends and other residents. We conclude with recommendations for policy reform and future research. This commentary aims to confront the often unspoken bias associated with preventing suicide among older adults, particularly those living with complex medical conditions, and invoke an open dialogue about suicide prevention in this population and setting.


Gerontology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Ong ◽  
Bert N. Uchino ◽  
Elaine Wethington

Increasing evidence suggests that perceived social isolation or loneliness is a major risk factor for physical and mental illness in later life. This review assesses the status of research on loneliness and health in older adults. Key concepts and definitions of loneliness are identified, and the prevalence, correlates, and health effects of loneliness in older individuals are reviewed. Theoretical mechanisms that underlie the association between loneliness and health are also described, and illustrative studies examining these mechanisms are summarized. Intervention approaches to reduce loneliness in old age are highlighted, and priority recommendations for future research are presented.


10.28945/4746 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 173-211
Author(s):  
Ahmad A. Rabaa'i ◽  
Xiaodi Zhu

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the variables which affect the intention to use Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled smart wearables (e.g., smartwatches, rings, wristbands) payments. Background: Despite the enormous potential of wearable payments, studies investigating the adoption of this technology are scarce. Methodology: This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with four additional variables (Perceived Security, Trust, Perceived Cost, and Attractiveness of Alternatives) to investigate behavioral intentions to adopt wearable payments. The moderating role of gender was also examined. Data collected from 311 Kuwaiti respondents were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA). Contribution: The research model provided in this study may be useful for academics and scholars conducting further research into m-payments adoption, specifically in the case of wearable payments where studies are scarce and still in the nascent stage; hence, addressing the gap in existing literature. Further, this study is the first to have specifically investigated wearable payments in the State of Kuwait; therefore, enriching Kuwaiti context literature. Findings: This study empirically demonstrated that behavioral intention to adopt wearable payments is mainly predicted by attractiveness of alternatives, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and trust, while the role of perceived cost was found to be insignificant. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study draws attention to the importance of cognitive factors, such as perceived usefulness and ease of use, in inducing users’ behavioral intention to adopt wearable payments. As such, in the case of perceived usefulness, smart wearable devices manufacturers and banks enhance the functionalities and features of these devices, expand on the financial services provided through them, and maintain the availability, performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of these tools. In relation to ease of use, smart wearable devices should be designed with an easy to use, high quality and customizable user interface. The findings of this study demonstrated the influence of trust and perceived security in motivating users to adopt wearable payments, Hence, banks are advised to focus on a relationship based on trust, especially during the early stages of acceptance and adoption of wearable payments. Recommendation for Researchers: The current study validated the role of attractiveness of alternatives, which was never examined in the context of wearable payments. This, in turn, provides a new dimension about a determinant factor considered by customers in predicting their behavioral intention to adopt wearable payments. Impact on Society: This study could be used in other countries to compare and verify the results. Additionally, the research model of this study could also be used to investigate other m-payments methods, such as m-wallets and P2P payments. Future Research: Future studies should investigate the proposed model in a cross-country and cross-cultural perspective with additional economic, environmental, and technological factors. Also, future research may conduct a longitudinal study to explain how temporal changes and usage experience affect users’ behavioral intentions to adopt wearable payments. Finally, while this study included both influencing factors and inhibiting factors, other factors such as social influence, perceived compatibility, personal innovativeness, mobility, and customization could be considered in future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 249-250
Author(s):  
Shiyang Zhang

Abstract Personality reflects the influence of older adults’ past experiences on their tendencies to engage in certain behaviors and generate emotions. An increasing number of studies have focused on the expression of personality in older adults’ everyday life. Specifically, personality features have been associated with daily activities, affect reactivity, and mood. This symposium draws on Ecological Momentary Assessments and longitudinal analysis to understand how personality is manifested in daily life, and how daily emotional experiences accumulate over time to influence physical health. Lee and colleagues examine how personality is associated with daily activities and find that extraversion is positively associated with activity diversity in two adult samples. Pasquini and colleagues consider the within-person fluctuations in personality traits and demonstrate the possibility of using daily behaviors and affect as markers of extraversion and neuroticism. Zhang and Fingerman assess how positive and negative moods concurrently change in reaction to daily social contacts and confirm that narcissism moderates such associations. Finally, this symposium also focuses on the cumulative effect of daily emotions on physical health. Leger and colleagues address the long-term association between personality (e.g., neuroticism, conscientiousness) and physical health and identify the mediating role of negative reactivity to daily stressors. Collectively, the presentations provide an in-depth analysis of personality’s impact on concrete daily behaviors and emotions, as well as their profound long-term effect on physical health. Our discussion outlines future research directions and highlights how inter-individual differences, simultaneous life events, and social interactions intertwine to influence individuals’ behaviors that occur in natural settings.


Author(s):  
Katherine Chen ◽  
Mary Zdorova ◽  
Dan Nathan-Roberts

Self-quantifying fitness tracking services and wearable devices have become more ubiquitous but still suffer from high abandonment rates. Wearable devices can monitor the physiological changes of the body and alert patients and physicians of immediate needed actions and facilitate in the research process of disease prevention and treatment, especially in areas that have less access to healthcare. This proceeding discusses how to bridge the gap between novice and expert users by implementing gamification techniques and social communities within fitness tracking services to increase the enjoyment, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and long-term engagement of fitness tracking services. Additionally, retention of wearable technology can be improved by applying human factors principles to make products more user-centered and friendly.


2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-Ana D. Chase

Physical activity (PA) is important in the management of chronic illness among older adults worldwide. Researchers have conducted several intervention studies to increase PA behavior in this population. This review of the past 12 years of relevant PA intervention research among adults aged 60 years and older systematically summarized research findings, identified characteristics of successful interventions, and proposed areas of future research. There were 20 studies reviewed for this article, most employing a combination of cognitive-behavioral intervention design. Cognitive-based only and combination interventions were more successful in changing PA behavior; however, behavioral-based interventions demonstrated more long-term changes in PA behavior. Among theory-based interventions, self-efficacy was the most commonly operationalized construct. Findings from this review may inform future primary research to promote PA behavior among older adults, as well as gerontological clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
pp. 147332502110276
Author(s):  
David Camacho ◽  
César V Rodriguez ◽  
Kiara L Moore ◽  
Ellen P Lukens

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) and maltreatment have long-term negative impacts on survivors, including older adults. Yet, limited qualitative examinations of how these experiences impact the lives of older adults exists and even fewer among older Latino gay men. We drew data from life-history narratives the first author conducted with five Spanish speaking older Latino gay men in New York City. Our analyses were guided by an Ecological Model, a Suffering lens, and our clinical social work experience with older adults, sexual minorities and people of color. All participants reported sexual experiences prior to the age of 15 and possible emotional and physical maltreatment. Yet, not all participants perceived these experiences as abuse. Our findings indicate how cultural, linguistic and contextual factors may affect disclosure and coping. Despite the fact that CSA and maltreatment occurred decades ago, these early experiences affected long-term psychosocial functioning. Our findings support a need for future research and clinical practice that considers the subjective perceptions of childhood sexual experiences and maltreatment and how these relate to psychosocial functioning in Latino gay men during older adulthood.


Author(s):  
Jacobi Elliott ◽  
Alexandra Whate ◽  
Heather McNeil ◽  
Alison Kernoghan ◽  
Paul Stolee ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19 has disproportionally impacted older adults, and has highlighted many issues, including extreme deficiencies in Canadian long-term care homes and gaps in home and community care services for older adults. In recent years, there has been a push towards better patient and family engagement in health system research, and with the onset of the pandemic, engaging older adults in research and policy planning is more important than ever. In this article, we describe the Seniors Helping as Research Partners (SHARP) approach to engagement with older adults as an example of how partnerships that engage older adults in the development of research aims and processes can help to ensure that future research meets the needs of older adults. SHARP members highlighted a number of areas for future COVID-19 research such as improvements to long-term care, enhancing access to home and community care, and a focus on aging and social isolation.


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