scholarly journals Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara A. Freed ◽  
Briana N. Sprague ◽  
Abigail T. Stephan ◽  
Cassidy E. Doyle ◽  
Junyan Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Healthy Community ◽  
Future Work

Introduction: Several interventions have been developed to enhance social connectedness among older adults. However, little research has demonstrated their performance in a social distancing environment. Exergames are not only beneficial to older adults' physical and cognitive health, but they also allow players to interact with each other at a distance, which can reduce loneliness and increase social connection. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate older adults' perceptions of two commercially available exergames.Methods: Twenty healthy community-dwelling older adults (M age = 73.30, SD = 5.95, range = 65–84 years, 80% women) were recruited in this pilot study between July 2019 and February 2020. They were asked to play two exergames for 10 min each on the Xbox One with Kinect console: Just Dance and Kinect Sports Rivals. After gameplay, they provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback on these games.Results: Participants reported an average rating for exergame enjoyment. Greater enjoyment was significantly related with younger age and greater extraversion but not gender. Participants were highly motivated to do well on the games but reported lower scores for likelihood of playing these games in the future. Greater likelihood of future play was associated with younger age but not gender or extraversion. “Not aerobic or strengthen enough; not enough exertion,” and “slower movements, repetition, clear purpose of doing the exercise” were some factors that would influence their decision to buy and play these games.Discussion: The preliminary results of this pilot study suggest that exergames may help address social isolation and loneliness—particularly during times of social distancing. Before applying exergames as a social isolation or loneliness intervention for older adults, study replication in larger representative studies and future work that examines important design issues related to older adults' experiences with these games is needed.

scholarly journals Frailty as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Social Isolation and Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Mehrabi ◽  
François Béland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This research investigated the effects of social isolation on frailty and health outcomes and tested whether these associations varied across different levels of frailty. We performed a multivariate analysis of data from the first wave of the FRéLE study among 1,643 Canadian older adults aged 65 years and over. We assessed social isolation using social participation, social networks, and support from various social ties, namely, friends, children, extended family, and partner. Frailty predicted disability, comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Less social participation was associated with IADLs, depression, and cognitive decline. The absence of friends was associated with depression and cognitive impairment. Less social support from children and partner was related to comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Overall, social isolation is linked to mental health, rather than physical health. The associations of having no siblings, receiving less support from friends, and participating less in social activities with ADL limitations, depression, and cognitive decline were higher among frail than pre-frail and robust older adults. This study corroborates the pivotal role of social connectedness, particularly the quality of relationships, on the mental health of older adults. Public health policies on social relationships are paramount to ameliorate the health status of frail older adults.

scholarly journals Frailty as a Moderator of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1675
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Mehrabi ◽  
François Béland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This research investigated the effects of social isolation on frailty and health outcomes and tested whether these associations varied across different levels of frailty. We performed a multivariate analysis of the first wave of Frailty: A longitudinal study of its expressions (FRéLE) among 1643 Canadian older adults aged 65 years and over. We assessed social isolation using social participation, social networks, and support from various social ties, namely, friends, children, extended family, and partner. Frailty was associated with disability, comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Less social participation was associated with limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), depression, and cognitive decline. The absence of friends was associated with depression and cognitive impairment. Less social support from children and partner was related to comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Overall, social isolation is linked to mental health rather than physical health. The associations of having no siblings, receiving less support from friends, and participating less in social activities with ADL limitations, depression, and cognitive decline were higher among frail than prefrail and robust older adults. This study corroborates the pivotal role of social connectedness, particularly the quality of relationships, on the mental health of older adults. Public health policies on social relationships are paramount to ameliorate the health status of frail older adults.

Short-Term Impact of Social Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cognitive Function and Health Perception of Brazilian Older Adults: A Pre-Post Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110154
Author(s):  
Pedro H. T.Q. Almeida ◽  
Lilian D. Bernardo ◽  
Tatiana B. Pontes ◽  
Jane A. Davis ◽  
Tainá M. S. Deodoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Critical Measure ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Social distancing, a critical measure to manage COVID-19 transmission, is consistently associated with social isolation, a major health issue. Social isolation negatively impacts mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. A pre-post comparison study examined changes in cognitive function and perceived health among 36 community-dwelling Brazilian older adults, assessed pre and post social distancing measures enacted due to COVID-19. A significant increase in cognitive function was found 1 month into social distancing ( M = 16.3, p = .002, power = 0.88), with declining scores for vitality ( M = −29.3, p < .001, power = 0.99) and mental health ( M = −38.1, p < .001, power = 0.99), particularly among participants who lived alone ( t = −3.8, p = .001). Older adults exhibit rapid changes in perceived health when excluded from participation in social activities. Health care professionals should consider holistic approaches when addressing the impacts of social isolation on this population.

scholarly journals COVID-19, Social Isolation, and Loneliness in Older Adults: Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 940-940
Author(s):  
Meghan Reddy ◽  
Celina Shirazipour ◽  
Allison Mays
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are associated with morbidity and mortality and highly prevalent in older adults. Older adults, a high-risk group for developing serious complications from COVID-19, are asked to shelter-in-place limiting physical interactions. We aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults previously enrolled in in-person exercise classes in the Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place (LEAP) study before March 19th, 2020 when California started shelter-in-place. We conducted a pre-post analysis of cognitively intact participants (n=59) &gt;50 years, who had social connectedness, loneliness, and demographic data collected pre- and post-COVID shelter-in-place. Participants’ social connectedness was measured via the 11-question Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) and loneliness via the 3-question UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA 3). Participants had an average (±SD) baseline DSSI of 27.2 (± 3.5) and UCLA 3 of 4.8 (± 1.7) and were an average of 76.6 ± 9.2 years, 81% female, 63% white, 29% widowed, 42% living alone, 27% acting as caregivers, and 44% were diagnosed with 3 or more chronic health conditions. We completed post-assessments on average 61 ± 29 days after the start of shelter-in-place. Results of the paired t-tests indicated no statistically significant difference in social connectedness and loneliness pre- and post-shelter-in-place. Reasons for lack of observed change include: limitations of a small sample size, possible protective factors from enrollment in the LEAP program, or insufficient time at post-assessment to develop changes in loneliness and social isolation. Repeated assessments are needed throughout the pandemic.

scholarly journals Impacts of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 950-950
Author(s):  
Stephanie MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Early Research ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Virus Exposure ◽  
Key Terms

Abstract The risk of COVID-19 exposure and likelihood of severe illness have been critical concerns among older adults during the pandemic. Meanwhile, social distancing has worsened social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. Effects of the pandemic may lead to an extended crisis, with impacts on health outcomes. Our primary purpose was to summarize emerging research describing impacts of the pandemic on social isolation and related health outcomes among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this review, with key terms determined to identify relevant publications. Common research databases and mainstream resources were utilized. We focused on research published or released since the start of 2020, primarily rapidly reviewed studies, to align with the timing of the pandemic. Early research suggests that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation is now more urgent, as many seniors lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While these measures help to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. Thus, a “COVID-19 paradox” has emerged: safety protocols protect older adults but concurrently place them at risk of social isolation. Adapted approaches are urgently needed to safely address the consequences of a potential long-term social recession.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Era Social Isolation among Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Stephanie MacLeod ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
Sandra Kraemer ◽  
Annette Fellows ◽  
Michael McGinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Virus Exposure

Risk of COVID-19 exposure and more severe illness are serious concerns for older adults. Social distancing has worsened existing social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. The pandemic is threatening to cause an extended health crisis, with impacts including serious health consequences. Our primary purpose is to summarize emerging research describing the impacts of the pandemic on social isolation among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this literature review. Common research databases and mainstream resources and websites were utilized to identify research published or released in 2020 to align with the pandemic. Early research indicates that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation has become urgent, as seniors have lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While safety measures are critical to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. The pandemic highlights the importance of social connections, with significant impacts on both community-living older adults and those in nursing facilities. Safety protocols have created a paradox of reduced risk along with greater harm. Consequently, adapted approaches are urgently needed to address the consequences of a long-term social recession.

scholarly journals Correlates of Social Isolation Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omolola E. Adepoju ◽  
Minji Chae ◽  
LeChauncy Woodard ◽  
Kendra L. Smith ◽  
Luz Herrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: The past year has severely curtailed social interactions among older adults given their high rates of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This study examined social, behavioral, and medical correlates of social isolation among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and stratified findings to explore unique differences in two typically neglected populations, African American and Hispanic older adults.Methods: Working with community-based organizations and senior living centers, the research team administered a survey to older adults 55 years of age and older (n = 575). The survey assessed COVID-19 prevention behaviors, medical conditions, and lived experiences, including feelings of social isolation, in the target population. Responses to a previously validated social isolation question informed a dichotomous social isolation dependent variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for sociodemographic characteristics, medical conditions, unmet caregiving needs, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Results from the regression model were stratified by race/ethnicity to examine correlates of social isolation in African American and Hispanic older adults, separately.Results: Overall, female sex and a higher level of education were also positively associated with social isolation (OR = 2.46, p = 0.04; OR = 5.49, p = 0.02) while having insurance exhibited an inverse relationship (OR = 0.25, p = 0.03). Unmet caregiving needs were strongly associated with social isolation (OR = 6.41, p &lt; 0.001) as was having any chronic conditions (OR = 2.99, p = 0.02). Diabetes was the single strongest chronic condition predictor of social isolation. Among minority older adults, a different pattern emerged. For Hispanic older adults, language, unmet caregiving needs, and social distancing were strongly associated with social isolation; while unmet caregiving needs, having 1+ chronic conditions and adhering to social distancing guidelines were significant predictors in African American older adults.Conclusion: These findings suggest that social isolation affects older adults in a myriad of ways and support the need for culturally sensitive initiatives to mitigate the effect of social isolation in these vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Technology Used to Recognize Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Nicola Camp ◽  
Martin Lewis ◽  
Kirsty Hunter ◽  
Julie Johnston ◽  
Massimiliano Zecca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Environmental Technologies ◽  
Current Monitoring ◽  
Future Work

The use of technology has been suggested as a means of allowing continued autonomous living for older adults, while reducing the burden on caregivers and aiding decision-making relating to healthcare. However, more clarity is needed relating to the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) recognised, and the types of technology included within current monitoring approaches. This review aims to identify these differences and highlight the current gaps in these systems. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR, drawing on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles and commercially available systems were selected if they focused on ADL recognition of older adults within their home environment. Thirty-nine ADL recognition systems were identified, nine of which were commercially available. One system incorporated environmental and wearable technology, two used only wearable technology, and 34 used only environmental technologies. Overall, 14 ADL were identified but there was variation in the specific ADL recognised by each system. Although the use of technology to monitor ADL of older adults is becoming more prevalent, there is a large variation in the ADL recognised, how ADL are defined, and the types of technology used within monitoring systems. Key stakeholders, such as older adults and healthcare workers, should be consulted in future work to ensure that future developments are functional and useable.

scholarly journals COVID-19 lockdown has altered the dynamics between affective symptoms and social isolation among older adults: results from a longitudinal network analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhong Yu ◽  
Rathi Mahendran
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Correlation Networks ◽  
Affective Symptoms ◽  
Tightly Coupled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

AbstractThe COVID-19 lockdown has drastically limited social interactions and brought about a climate of fear and uncertainty. These circumstances not only increased affective symptoms and social isolation among community dwelling older adults but also alter the dynamics between them. Using network analyses, we study the changes in these dynamics before and during the lockdown. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 419) completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, and social isolation, before the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a cohort study, and during the lockdown period. The total scores of these questionnaires were compared across time. For the network analyses, partial correlation networks were constructed using items in the questionnaires as nodes, separately at both timepoints. Changes in edges, as well as nodal and bridge centrality were examined across time. Depression and anxiety symptoms, and social isolation had significantly increased during the lockdown. Significant changes were observed across time on several edges. Greater connectivity between the affective and social isolation nodes at lockdown was observed. Depression symptoms have become more tightly coupled across individuals, and so were the anxiety symptoms. Depression symptoms have also become slightly decoupled from those of anxiety. These changing network dynamics reflect the greater influence of social isolation on affective symptoms across individuals and an increased vulnerability to affective disorders. These findings provide novel perspectives and translational implications on the changing mental health context amidst a COVID-19 pandemic situation.

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