Helping Older Adults to Move Around in Their Community Where, When, and How They Wish: Protocol for Developing a One-Stop Platform Transportation Planning Service Co-Designed by and for Older Adults (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronique Provencher ◽  
Dany Baillargeon ◽  
Bessam Abdulrazak ◽  
Patrick Boissy ◽  
Mélanie Levasseur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Transportation Planning ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
Planning Service ◽  
One Stop ◽  
The One ◽  
Older Citizens

BACKGROUND Multiple mobility-related challenges frequently appear with aging. As a result, many older adults have difficulty getting around, to go, for example, to doctors’ appointments or leisure activities. Although various means of transportation are currently available, older adults do not necessarily use them, partly because they do not know which ones are adapted to their needs and preferences. To foster older adults’ autonomy and freedom in their decision-making about transportation, it is crucial to help them make informed decisions about the means that suit them best. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to develop MOBILAINÉS, a one-stop platform transportation planning service to help older adults move around in their community where, when, and how they wish. More specifically, the study aims (1) to define older adults’ mobility needs and preferences in order to conceptualize the one-stop platform; (2) to co-create the prototype of the one-stop platform; and (3) to test the prototype with users in a real-life context. METHODS A Living Lab co-design approach is used for this ongoing study. This approach differs from traditional research on aging by facilitating intersectoral knowledge sharing and innovative solutions by and with older adults themselves. A steering committee composed of 8 stakeholders from the public, scientific, and private sectors as well as older citizens meets quarterly throughout the study. The design comprises three phases, each with several iterative subphases. (1) Exploration: through co-design workshops and literature reviews, members of the intersectoral committee define older adults’ mobility needs and preferences to support the conceptualization of the one-stop platform. (2) Experimentation: four personas are produced that reflect the different needs and preferences of typical older adult end-users of the platform. To develop a prototype, scenarios, and mockups (static designs of the web application) are created through co-design sessions with older adults (n=12) embodying these personas. (3) Evaluation: to test the usability of the prototype, changes in mobility, such as the ability to move around and get to activities on time, will be documented by and with older adults (n=30) after using the prototype. The steering committee will identify ways to support the adoption, implementation and scaling up of MOBILAINÉS to ensure that the project is sustainable. Qualitative and quantitative data will be triangulated according to each subphase objective. RESULTS The first phase began in September 2019. The study is scheduled for completion by mid-2023. CONCLUSIONS This innovative one-stop platform transportation planning service will merge existing transportation options in one place. By meeting a wide variety of older adults’ needs and preferences, MOBILAINÉS will help them feel comfortable and safe when moving around, which should increase their participation in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of social isolation.

scholarly journals The relation of close friends to cognitive performance in old age: the mediating role of leisure activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1753-1758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
The One

ABSTRACTBackground:From a conceptual point of view, close friends are an important resource for promoting activity engagement in old age. Leisure activity engagement in turn is a key predictor of cognitive performance. Empirically, it remains unclear so far whether leisure activity engagement mediates between having close friends on the one hand and cognitive performance on the other, which we investigated in a large sample of older adults.Methods:We assessed cognitive performance (Mill Hill vocabulary scale and Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B) in 2,812 older adults. Participants reported information on leisure activity engagement and close friends.Results:A larger number of leisure activities and a larger number of close friends were significantly related to better cognitive performance in the Mill Hill vocabulary scale and TMT parts A and B. A larger number of close friends were significantly related to a larger number of leisure activities. The number of leisure activities mediated more than half of the relation of the number of close friends to performance in all three cognitive measures.Conclusions:Having close friends may be helpful to stimulate and promote activity participation in old age. By enhancing individuals’ cognitive reserve, this may finally preserve their cognitive performance level in old age.

scholarly journals A Framework for Modeling "Real-Life" Airline Networks

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Volodymyr Bilotkach
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Mixed Network ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Point To Point ◽  
The One ◽  
The Cost

This paper develops a new model, which allows for the co-existence of hub-and-spoke and point-to-point networks in the airline industry. Passengers are segmented between the non-stop and one-stop services. In the baseline model, the monopoly airline’s ability to segment the market and effectively set up the mixed network depends on the cost savings due to the through-hub service relative to exogenous quality difference between the one-stop and non-stop flights. Socially inefficient entry with the new non-stop service where an incumbent is operating the hub-and-spoke network is possible.

Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

scholarly journals Older Adults as Citizen Scientists and Policy and Planning Voices in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 547-547
Author(s):  
Lenard Kaye ◽  
Sarah Burby
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Retirement Communities ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
University Policy ◽  
Adult Participation ◽  
Life Education ◽  
Older Citizens

Abstract The University of Maine is embarking on achieving AFU status. In addition to maximizing older adult participation in all facets of campus life (education, recreation, culture, etc.), their presence in nontraditional sectors of university activity will be emphasized. Building on the principles of community-based, participatory research, focal points of UMaine’s AFU strategy will be to ensure that age-specific, engagement mechanisms are created and maintained that ensure older citizens play an influential role in guiding and interpreting academic research and development and curricula innovation across multiple professions and disciplines. Using a state-wide, older adult research registry, and co-design, community test-beds in partnership with continuing care retirement communities, older adults will serve as citizen scientists. Other empowerment strategies for maximizing elder voice include expanding the number of departments that incorporate life span perspectives in their mission statements and expanding the number of older adult advisory bodies that inform university policy and practice.

scholarly journals Mobility in community-dwelling older adults; what are its determinants?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiebren Zijlstra ◽  
Eleftheria Giannouli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Specific Choice ◽  
Mobility Studies ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Potential Mobility ◽  
Present Understanding

Abstract Background Based on a conceptual framework, Kuspinar and colleagues analysed life-space mobility in community-dwelling older adults. However, a number of earlier mobility studies that used the same framework remained undiscussed. This correspondence article addresses similarities and differences between these studies, as well as highlight issues that need to be addressed to improve our understanding of mobility determinants in older adults. Findings Despite differences in methodological approach as well as in detailed results, the studies share one important outcome: regardless of the specific choice of potential mobility determinants, only a low to moderate proportion of mobility could be explained. Conclusions Our present understanding of the determinants of mobility in community-dwelling older adults is limited. A consistent terminology that takes into account the different aspects of mobility; the use of objective methods to assess real-life mobility; and monitoring changes in real-life mobility in response to interventions will contribute to furthering our understanding of mobility determinants.

scholarly journals Estimating Simultaneous Equation Models through an Entropy-Based Incremental Variational Bayes Learning Algorithm

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
Rocío Hernández-Sanjaime ◽  
Martín González ◽  
Antonio Peñalver ◽  
Jose J. López-Espín
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Theory ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Simultaneous Equation ◽  
Variational Bayes ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Step Method ◽  
The One ◽  
Simultaneous Equation Models

The presence of unaccounted heterogeneity in simultaneous equation models (SEMs) is frequently problematic in many real-life applications. Under the usual assumption of homogeneity, the model can be seriously misspecified, and it can potentially induce an important bias in the parameter estimates. This paper focuses on SEMs in which data are heterogeneous and tend to form clustering structures in the endogenous-variable dataset. Because the identification of different clusters is not straightforward, a two-step strategy that first forms groups among the endogenous observations and then uses the standard simultaneous equation scheme is provided. Methodologically, the proposed approach is based on a variational Bayes learning algorithm and does not need to be executed for varying numbers of groups in order to identify the one that adequately fits the data. We describe the statistical theory, evaluate the performance of the suggested algorithm by using simulated data, and apply the two-step method to a macroeconomic problem.

scholarly journals Married Adults Coresiding with Older Parents: Implications for Paid Work and Domestic Workloads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Hertog ◽  
Man-Yee Kan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Seemingly Unrelated Regression ◽  
Intergenerational Solidarity ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Older Parents ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Intergenerational Coresidence

AbstractThe rise of life expectancy throughout the developed world has meant that older adults play an increasingly important role in their grown-up children’s lives. We evaluate whether the intergenerational solidarity theory is useful for understanding the intergenerational transfers of time in Japan given the relatively generous welfare provision for the older adults and the fall in intergenerational coresidence. We apply seemingly unrelated regression models to data of the 2006 Japanese Survey on Time Use and Leisure Activities (Statistics Bureau Japan, 2006) to investigate how coresidence patterns are associated with paid and unpaid work time of adult married children. The sample contains 23,226 married couples where both husband and wife are aged 20 to 59. We find evidence of intergenerational solidarity in coresident households. We also find that “doing gender” is layered through intergenerational exchanges of support between married working-age children and their older parents. Working-age women’s time use patterns are associated with coresidence arrangements and care needs of their older relatives to a much greater extent than working-age men’s. The observed patterns are consistent with healthy older women supporting their daughters’ careers in exchange for care when they need help themselves. For working-age men, the patterns are not very pronounced. Notably, working-age husbands without children appear to be more responsive to their older the parents’ care needs, suggesting that fatherhood may be associated with solidifying gendered role performance within Japanese couples.

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