Feasibility and Efficacy of Life Logging System Using TouchCare Application for Older Adults Living Alone: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Woon Seok ◽  
Yu-Jin Kwon ◽  
Hyangkyu Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Older People ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Related Behaviors ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND With the number of older people living alone continuously rising, health-monitoring systems using information and communication technology (ICT) have been developed to manage their health issues. Life logging, a type of ICT, has been adapted to manage and monitor health status of the elderly. However, its feasibility and efficacy remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the feasibility of a life logging system combined with human body communication technology and its effect on the physical and psychological status of older adults living alone. METHODS The life logging system, which consisted of a wearable watch, touchpad sensors, TouchCare application, and context-aware artificial intelligence, was developed by DNX Co. Ltd and used by the participants for 5 months. Out of the 111 selected participants, 91 replied to the satisfaction survey, and 22 participated in further investigation regarding their physical and psychological status. Finally, health assessment and sensor data from 14 participants (mean age=77.4; SD=3.8) were analyzed to compare their health status and health-related behaviors before and after use of the system. RESULTS Out of the 91 participants who took the survey, 51.6% were satisfied with the system. Nutritional status (pre-intervention (10.6± 2.0) vs. post-intervention (11.8± 1.9), P=0.04) and fall efficacy (pre-intervention (89.2± 15.3) vs. post-intervention (99.9± 0.5), P=0.001) significantly improved after use of the system. Chronic pain (pre-intervention (4.8± 2.5) vs. post-intervention (4.4± 3.7), P=0.78) and depressive symptoms (pre-intervention (5.7± 3.9) vs. post-intervention (5.4± 3.1), P=0.60) reduced, while cognitive function (pre-intervention (4.1± 1.4) vs. post-intervention (4.6± 1.1), P=0.15) and physical performance related to walking improved (pre-intervention (3.9± 0.2) vs. post-intervention (4.0± 0), P=0.35), but were not significant. Behaviors related to physical activity and gait improved after use of the system; touch counts of refrigerator and microwave also increased with a decrease in night touch counts. CONCLUSIONS The life logging system was acceptable to older people living alone, and it efficiently managed their daily living while promoting their health-related behaviors. Further experimental studies are required to verify the effectiveness of the system, and to develop the system which meet the individualized needs of older people living alone.

scholarly journals The Tabriz Older People Survey (TOPS-2019): A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Araj-Khodaei ◽  
Sarvin Sanaie ◽  
Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi ◽  
Mark J M Sullman ◽  
Sirous Samei Sis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related Behaviors ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background: Population aging and its consequences area substantial global concern. The growth in the numbers of older people is one of the most important factors increasing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on society. The Tabriz Older People Survey (TOPS) aimed to understand the socio-demographics, health-related behaviors, and health profile of older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of 1362 community dwelling older adults in Tabriz, the most populated city in the northwest of Iran. The sampling method was probability proportionate to size (PPS). Data collection was conducted in the households of the participants from summer 2019 to winter 2020. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaire, which measured socio-demographics, anthropometrics, social support, sleep quality, mental health, past medical history, dietary habits, traditional medicine, physical activity, and other health-related behaviors. Results: The sample of 1362 consisted of 56.4% fameless and 54.4% were young older people (60-69 years old). Almost half of the sample were completely illiterate. There was no daily walking in 13.3% of the sample, with women reporting a more sedentary lifestyle than males. Out of the 1362 participants, 135 (9.9%) were current smokers, which was higher in males (20.9% vs. 1.5%) and more than 88% of people who lived alone were women. In terms of sleep quality, anxiety, depression, cognitive status, daily functioning, and social support, men were significantly better than women. Hypertension and stroke were the most and least common underlying diseases (81.0% vs. 6.2%). Conclusions: The findings suggest that older women are significantly worse than older males in terms of social and disability related measures, as well as having a higher burden from some NCDs. The results of this study might help regional health policymakers to identify targets for improving the quality of life among community-housed geriatrics.

scholarly journals Promoting Problem Solving About Health Management: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Evaluation of a Digital Health Intervention for Older Adults With Pre-Frailty and Frailty

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142098568
Author(s):  
Annie T. Chen ◽  
Frances Chu ◽  
Andrew K. Teng ◽  
Soojeong Han ◽  
Shih-Yin Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Health Related

Background: There is a need for interventions to promote health management of older adults with pre-frailty and frailty. Technology poses promising solutions, but questions exist about effective delivery. Objectives: We present the results of a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of Virtual Online Communities for Older Adults (VOCALE), an 8-week intervention conducted in the northwestern United States, in which participants shared health-related experiences and applied problem solving skills in a Facebook group. Methods: We performed a mixed-methods process evaluation, integrating quantitative and qualitative data, to characterize the intervention and its effects. We focus on four areas: health-related measures (health literacy and self-efficacy), participation, problem solving skills enacted, and subjective feedback. Results: Eight older adults with pre-frailty and frailty (age = 82.7 ± 6.6 years) completed the study. There was an upward trend in health literacy and health self-efficacy post-intervention. Participants posted at least two times per week. Content analysis of 210 posts showed participants were able to apply the problem solving skills taught, and exit interviews showed participants’ increased awareness of the need to manage health, and enjoyment in learning about others. Conclusion: This mixed-methods evaluation provides insight into feasibility and design considerations for online interventions to promote health management among vulnerable older adults.

Understanding Exercise Challenges and Barriers for Older Adults with Mobility Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1297-1301
Author(s):  
Qiong Nie ◽  
Lyndsie M. Koon ◽  
Madina Khamzina ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Evaluation ◽  
Exercise Barriers ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Depth Interviews

Interventions to address exercise challenges in older people have been the focus of recent research, given the importance of exercise for health outcomes. However, exercise challenges for older adults with mobility disabilities have received little attention. We investigated participation of exercise among older adults with mobility disabilities to understand exercise barriers and challenges experienced by this population. We conducted a needs assessment using two archival datasets: a quantitative survey with 1,137 respondents and a qualitative in-depth interview with 23 participants. The quantitative evaluation revealed low participation of walking and less engagement of vigorous activities, and significant correlates of health status and lack of energy with vigorous activities. The in-depth interviews showed exercise challenges were attributed to difficulties with physical limitations, accessibility, and environmental limitations. Individuals with mobility disabilities may face unique challenges and barriers, affordable and effective supports to promote exercise engagement for them should be adapted to such needs.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

Aging Alone, Gossiping Together: Older Adults’ Talk as Social Glue

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1474-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy Torres
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New York ◽  
Older People ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Emotional Intimacy ◽  
Public Places ◽  
The Social ◽  
Formal Organizations ◽  
Negative Reputation

AbstractObjectivesWhile older adults living alone face challenges to maintaining social ties, elders in urban areas also have unique opportunities for daily socializing that can buffer against loneliness.MethodDrawing on 5 years of ethnographic fieldwork among elders in New York City, this study presents empirical insights into the development of supplementary neighborhood-based networks of support for older people living alone and vulnerable to isolation.ResultsThis study finds that elders who lived alone, without close kin, engaged in daily gossip about other older people they encountered as regulars in local eateries. Despite its negative reputation, gossip helped them connect and access less conventional social support close to home. The majority resisted formal organizations, such as churches or senior centers, and thus their interactions in public venues served as an important source of social involvement. In line with Gluckman’s argument (1963), gossip betrayed emotional intimacy and caretaking that connected people who could have fallen off the social radar.DiscussionHigher rates of divorce and lifelong singlehood, coupled with increased longevity, will compel greater numbers of older adults to construct alternative support networks. My findings suggest that more will draw these connections from unconventional venues such as neighborhood public places.

scholarly journals Study of the health status of geriatric age group in Chitwan district of Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
L Subedi ◽  
R B Sah
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mental Well Being

Retirement, change in housing, illness or death of spouse greatly affect the physical and mental well-being of the geriatric person. This study aims to find out the health status of geriatric age group in chitwan district of Nepal. A cross sectional study was carried out among 300 geriatric people where 15.7% of the geriatric were living alone, 50.3 % and 39.7% of geriatrics gave history of regular use of tobacco and alcohol respectively. Co-morbidities were found in 63% of geriatrics who suffered from 2 or more diseases. In Total 44% were found to have Ophthalmic problems, 23% were found to have ENT problems, 5.33% were found to mental disorders, 33% were found to have CVS problems, 43% were found to have GI problems, 15.67 % were found to have Metabolic disorder. The study highlighted a high prevalence of morbidity and health related problems in geriatric age groups.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v5i1.12560

The association between Internet use and health outcomes in the population of older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information. Less is known about the impact of Internet access and use on health-related outcomes in the older population, which frequently suffer from a digital divide. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the associations between Internet use and variables reflecting health status, the use of health services and health behaviours in the population at least 50 years old. Methods The analysis was carried out on the data set from the telephone-based survey in a sample of 1000 respondents representative for targeted age strata of Polish society. The effects of Internet use were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for key socioeconomic variables. Results Mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 64.2 (9.6). In the study group, 51.1% respondents were Internet users, 19.4% - persons with disabilities, 21.2% were hospitalised at least once, and 51.0% visited health care facilities at least six times in preceding 12 months. The respondents being Internet users less frequently reported chronic diseases (OR, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.16-0.30), disability status (0.52, 0.37-0.72) and higher self-assessed health status (1.64, 1.24-2.16). They also less often used health services in the preceding 12 months (0.77, 0.60-0.99. Internet use was not associated with hospital admission in the preceding year (1.04, 0.76-1.41) and most of the health behaviours (smoking: 1.06, 0.77-1.45, physical activity: 0.85, 0.63-1.15, the consumption of fruits and vegetables: 0.73, 0.50-1.07). Interestingly, Internet users drunk more alcohol (1.52, 1.14-2.02). Conclusions In the population of older adults, the use of the Internet is associated with variables reflecting health status and the utilisation of health services. Higher health status and lower prevalence of chronic conditions among Internet users were found after adjusting for age and other socioeconomic factors. Key messages It was shown that Internet use may be related with more favourable health outcomes. The reported association should trigger further research on the impact of Internet in elderly persons.

scholarly journals Association between Personal Social Capital and Loneliness among Widowed Older People

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongdong Jiang ◽  
Yitan Hou ◽  
Jinwei Hao ◽  
Jiayi Zhou ◽  
Junfeng Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Older People ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

To explore the association between the personal social capital and loneliness among the widowed older adults in China. Data from 1497 widowed older adults were extracted from China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. The Chinese version of the Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS-16) was used to evaluate the participants’ status of bonding and bridging social capital (BOC and BRC). Loneliness was assessed by the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). Multiple linear regression models were established to examine the relationship between social capital and loneliness. The BOC and BRC of rural widowed older people were significantly lower than those of widowed older people in urban areas, while loneliness of rural widowed older people was higher than that of widowed older people in urban areas. The result of the final model showed that loneliness of rural participants was significantly associated with both BOC (B = 0.141, p = 0.001) and BRC (B = −0.116, p = 0.003). The loneliness of the urban widowed sample had no association with both BOC and BRC (p > 0.05). These findings suggested that more social support and compassionate care should be provided to enrich the personal social capital and thus to reduce loneliness of widowed older adults, especially those in rural areas.

scholarly journals IMMIGRATION, RESILIENCE, AND ORAL-HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CHINESE AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS IN HAWAII

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S590-S590
Author(s):  
Bei Wu ◽  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Very few studies have compared oral health status between the US-born and foreign-born immigrant older adults. Using data collected among 430 Chinese older adults age 55+ residing in Hawai’i, we examined the association between immigrant status and oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) and the moderating role of resilience in linking the association. Controlling for some key covariates, our study results show that US-born Chinese immigrant older adults had better OHQoL than their foreign born counterparts. Factors such as higher level of education (graduate degree or higher), better self-reported health status and no significant tooth loss were related to better OHQoL. The association between immigrant status and OHQoL was moderated by resilience. Specially, resilience was positively and significantly associated with OHQoL among U.S.-born older adults but not among the foreign-born ones. Our findings indicate the importance of immigration and resilience in shaping oral health outcomes among older Chinese Americans.

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