Use of Assistive and Interactive Technology and Relation to Quality of Life in Aging Adults

Abstract Background Social isolation among older adults linked to serious health conditions. However, little is known if functional mobility among isolated aging adults impacts quality of life. Objectives: This study will examine the association between levels of functional mobilities and risks for developing depression, poor health status, and physical inactivity by controlling socioeconomic factors. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data 2017. Target population are over age 65 who are living alone (N=50,784). Outcome variables are depression, self-reported health status, and physical inactivity whereas main predictors are activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) controlling for gender, race, marital status, employment status, annual income, and educational level. Weight adjustment analysis and logistic regression were conducted. Results Depression, self-reported poor health status, and physical inactivity are higher among isolated aging adults who have limitations with ADL/IADL. Specifically, those with difficulties concentrating/decision making (OR=3.62; CI=3.35-3.91) have higher chance of developing depression than those who do not have this limitation. Female are at risk for developing depression (OR=1.41-1.61; CI=1.51), yet they are likely to report for better health status (OR=1.54; CI=1.45-1.64) than males. Asian (OR=0.56; CI=0.39-0381), Black or African American (OR=0.54; CI=0.48-0.60) are less likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorder than White. Discussion/Recommendation: Physical and cognitive changes that come with aging can pose challenge, as functional capacity diminishes in home environment. Further research should be explored in longitudinal studies on mobility and improving quality of living among isolated aging population.

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Book Review: Occupational therapy with aging adults: Promoting quality of life through collaborative practice

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417417723120 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 84 (4-5) ◽

pp. 273-273

Author(s):

Lynn Cockburn

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Collaborative Practice ◽

Aging Adults

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Animals Make Music: A Look at Non-Human Musical Expression

Multimodal Technologies and Interaction ◽

10.3390/mti2030051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 51 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Reinhard Gupfinger ◽

Martin Kaltenbrunner

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Music Technology ◽

Interaction Process ◽

Musical Instruments ◽

Interactive Technology ◽

Ethical Principles ◽

Musical Expression ◽

Design Processes ◽

In Captivity

The use of musical instruments and interfaces that involve animals in the interaction process is an emerging, yet not widespread practice. The projects that have been implemented in this unusual field are raising questions concerning ethical principles, animal-centered design processes, and the possible benefits and risks for the animals involved. Animal–Computer Interaction is a novel field of research that offers a framework (ACI manifesto) for implementing interactive technology for animals. Based on this framework, we have examined several projects focusing on the interplay between animals and music technology in order to arrive at a better understanding of animal-based musical projects. Building on this, we will discuss how the implementation of new musical instruments and interfaces could provide new opportunities for improving the quality of life for grey parrots living in captivity.

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A dyadic approach to health, cognition, and quality of life in aging adults.

Psychology and Aging ◽

10.1037/pag0000025 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 449-461 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Kyle J. Bourassa ◽

Molly Memel ◽

Cindy Woolverton ◽

David A. Sbarra

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Aging Adults ◽

Health Cognition

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Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 2097-2108

Author(s):

Robyn L. Croft ◽

Courtney T. Byrd

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

The Self ◽

Future Research ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Adults Who Stutter ◽

And Gender ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

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Misophonia: An Evidence-Based Case Report

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2020_aja-19-00111 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 685-690

Author(s):

C. S. Vanaja ◽

Miriam Soni Abigail

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Case Report ◽

Case History ◽

Pure Tone ◽

Physiological Responses ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Management Option ◽

Pure Tone Audiogram

Purpose Misophonia is a sound tolerance disorder condition in certain sounds that trigger intense emotional or physiological responses. While some persons may experience misophonia, a few patients suffer from misophonia. However, there is a dearth of literature on audiological assessment and management of persons with misophonia. The purpose of this report is to discuss the assessment of misophonia and highlight the management option that helped a patient with misophonia. Method A case study of a 26-year-old woman with the complaint of decreased tolerance to specific sounds affecting quality of life is reported. Audiological assessment differentiated misophonia from hyperacusis. Management included retraining counseling as well as desensitization and habituation therapy based on the principles described by P. J. Jastreboff and Jastreboff (2014). A misophonia questionnaire was administered at regular intervals to monitor the effectiveness of therapy. Results A detailed case history and audiological evaluations including pure-tone audiogram and Johnson Hyperacusis Index revealed the presence of misophonia. The patient benefitted from intervention, and the scores of the misophonia questionnaire indicated a decrease in the severity of the problem. Conclusions It is important to differentially diagnose misophonia and hyperacusis in persons with sound tolerance disorders. Retraining counseling as well as desensitization and habituation therapy can help patients who suffer from misophonia.

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Quality of Life of Youth With Hearing Loss

ASHA Leader ◽

10.1044/leader.ftr3.15152010.5 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (15) ◽

pp. 5-6

Author(s):

Anne Skalicky ◽

Brenda Schick ◽

Donald Patrick

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Hearing Loss

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