scholarly journals Co-Design as Learning: The Differences of Learning When Involving Older People in Digitalization in Four Countries

Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Björn Fischer ◽  
Britt Östlund ◽  
Nicole K. Dalmer ◽  
Andrea Rosales ◽  
Alexander Peine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Older People ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Core Outcome ◽  
Internal Dynamics ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Design Activities

Involving older people through co-design has become increasingly attractive as an approach to develop technologies for them. However, less attention has been paid to the internal dynamics and localized socio-material arrangements that enact this method in practice. In this paper, we show how the outcomes that can be achieved with user involvement often pertain to learning, but their content can differ significantly based on how the approach is implemented in practice. Combining explorative, qualitative findings from co-design conducted in four countries (Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden), we illustrate how different types of learning occurred as design workshops engaged the experiences and skills of older people in different ways. Our findings make visible how learning can be a core outcome of co-design activities with older adults, while raising awareness of the role of the power relations and socio-material arrangements that structure these design practices in particular ways. To benefit from the full wealth of insights that can be learned by involving older people, deeper knowledge is needed of the implicit features of design, the materials, meanings, and power aspects involved.

scholarly journals AGE DIFFERENCES IN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT: ROLE OF SELF-RELEVANCE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S785-S785
Author(s):  
Tze Kiu Wong ◽  
Helene H Fung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Collective Action ◽  
Older People ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Political Behavior ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Political Engagement ◽  
Political Discussion ◽  
Younger Adults

Abstract Previous studies usually found that older people are less politically engaged than younger adults, especially when considering political behavior other than voting. The current study extends the Selective Engagement hypothesis (Hess, 2014) to political engagement. 81 younger adults and 79 older adults rated 8 issues on self-relevance and their willingness to engage in political discussion, arguments and collective action on each issue. The predicted moderating effect of self-relevance was not found, but older people indeed are more willing to discuss (B = 0.07, p = 0.027) and argue with others on more self-relevant issues (B = 0.06, p = 0.031). Perceived cost of collective action was found to be a moderator, such that self-relevance was less important than other factors for high-cost actions (B = -0.016, p = 0.013). The current research sheds light on potential ways to increase older adults’ engagement in social issues.

scholarly journals Exposure to Indoor Mouldy Odour Increases the Risk of Asthma in Older Adults Living in Social Housing

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loveth Moses ◽  
Karyn Morrissey ◽  
Richard A. Sharpe ◽  
Tim Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Western World ◽  
Mould Growth ◽  
Building Type ◽  
Indoor Mould ◽  
Mould Contamination

Background: Indoor dampness is thought to affect around 16% of European homes. It is generally accepted that increased exposure to indoor dampness and mould contamination (e.g., spores and hyphae) increases the risk of developing and/or exacerbating asthma. Around 30% of people in the Western world have an allergic disease (e.g., allergy, wheeze and asthma). The role of indoor mould contamination in the risk of allergic diseases in older adults is yet to be fully explored. This is of interest because older people spend more time indoors, as well as facing health issues due to the ageing process, and may be at greater risk of developing and/or exacerbating asthma as a result of indoor dampness. Methods: Face-to-face questionnaires were carried out with 302 participants residing in social housing properties located in South West England. Self-reported demographic, mould contamination (i.e., presence of mould growth and mouldy odour) and health information was linked with the asset management records (e.g., building type, age and levels of maintenance). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odd ratios and confidence intervals of developing and/or exacerbating asthma, wheeze and allergy with exposure to reported indoor mould contamination. We adjusted for a range of factors that may affect asthma outcomes, which include age, sex, current smoking, presence of pets, education, and building type and age. To assess the role of mould contamination in older adults, we compared younger adults to those aged over 50 years. Results: Doctor-diagnosed adult asthma was reported by 26% of respondents, 34% had current wheeze while 18% had allergies. Asthma was common among subjects exposed to reported visible mould (32%) and reported mouldy odour (42%). Exposure to visible mould growth and mouldy odour were risk factors for asthma, but not for wheeze or allergy. Exposure to mouldy odour increased the risk of asthma in adults over the age of 50 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–5.34) and the risk was higher for females than for males (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.37–9.08). These associations were modified by a range of built environment characteristics. Conclusions: We found that older adults living in social (public) housing properties, specifically women, may be at higher risk of asthma when exposed to mouldy odour, which has a number of implications for policy makers and practitioners working in the health and housing sector. Additional measures should be put in place to protect older people living in social housing against indoor damp and mould contamination.

Neuropsychological assessment in older people: old principles and new directions

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin G. Morris ◽  
Claire Worsley ◽  
David Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Older People ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Narrow Sense ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Common Clinical Practice

Neuropsychological assessment, in the broader sense, is common clinical practice with older adults because of the widespread use of mental status examinations and dementia rating scales. In the more narrow sense, a neuropsychological assessment conducted by a clinical psychologist or clinical neuropsychologist is used less frequently and for more specific purposes. This paper outlines these uses and provides a brief overview of the different types of test that might be used, with a clinical example to illustrate the type of information gained. This review is designed not to be comprehensive, but to provide a pointer towards the latest trends in test development.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of volunteers in social care for older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailsa Cameron ◽  
Eleanor K. Johnson ◽  
Paul B. Willis ◽  
Liz Lloyd ◽  
Randall Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South West

Purpose This paper aims to report the findings of a study that explores the contribution volunteers make to social care for older adults, identifying lessons for the social care sector and policymakers. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple case study design was used to capture the perspectives and experiences of managers of services, volunteer co-ordinators, volunteers, paid care staff and older people. Seven diverse social care organisations took part in the study drawn from three locations in the South West of England. Findings This study identified three distinct models of volunteer contribution to social care services for older people. Although the contributions made by volunteers to services are valued, the study drew attention to some of the challenges related to their involvement. Research limitations/implications The organisations taking part in this small-scale study were all based in the South West of England, and the findings are therefore not generalisable but contribute to the growing evidence base related to this important field. Practical implications This study demonstrates the importance of the volunteer co-ordinator role and suggests that it is properly funded and resourced. It also confirms the importance of volunteers receiving appropriate training and support. Originality/value Given the increasing involvement of volunteers in the provision of social care, this paper provides lessons to ensure the role of volunteers in social care enhances rather than diminishes the quality of care provided.

Eczema and the older person

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 451-459
Author(s):  
Linda Nazarko
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Skin Condition ◽  
Common Condition ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Poor Physical Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Age Related Changes

Age-related changes lead to an increase in skin problems, and around 70% of older people have a treatable skin condition. However, ageing and poor physical health can make it difficult for older people to care for their skin. Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, where the skin becomes red, inflamed, itchy and scaly, can develop easily in older adults. This can, in turn, become infected and cause discomfort and health problems. This article explains how ageing affects the skin, how eczema can develop and how it can be treated, also touching upon the different types of eczema. It aims to equip community nurses with knowledge about this common condition and how to recognise and manage it.

Pain and symptoms of depression in older adults living in community and in nursing homes: the role of activity restriction as a potential mediator and moderator

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1679-1691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almudena López-Lopez ◽  
José L. González ◽  
Miriam Alonso-Fernández ◽  
Noelia Cuidad ◽  
Borja Matías
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older People ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Restriction

ABSTRACTBackground:Chronic pain is likely to lead to depressive symptoms, but the nature of this relationship is not completely clear. The aim of the present study is to analyze the role of activity restriction in the pain-depression relationship in older people, and to test the hypothesis that this role is more relevant in community-dwelling older people than in nursing home residents.Method:Depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and activity restriction were measured in a sample of 208 older adults with osteoarthritis, 102 living in nursing homes (NH), and 106 in the community. Analyses were carried out using moderation and moderated mediation analyses approach, treating activity restriction as a confounder.Results:Results showed a significant confounding effect of activity restriction, interaction effect between pain intensity and activity restriction on depression, and modifying effect of pain intensity on depression by adding activity restriction into the model. These results suggest a potential mediating and moderating effects of activity restriction. Moreover, analyses suggest that, surprisingly, the strength of the mediation could be higher in nursing homes.Conclusions:Overall, it may be that what is really important to emotional well-being is not so much pain itself, but rather the way in which the pain alters older people's lives. The greater strength of the mediation in NH might be understood within the scope of self-determination theory. Generally speaking, the NH context has been considered as a coercive setting, promoting non-autonomous orientation. In this context, when events are objectively coercive, people may lack perceived autonomy and hence be at greater risk of depression.

The Information, Advice and Guidance Needs of Older Workers

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavinia Mitton ◽  
Cathy Hull
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Guidance Needs

This article reviews the research on Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services for older workers in England. It sets out the arguments for targeting IAG services at older people in the context of extended working lives. It reviews the evidence on how to provide services which meet the specific needs of older workers, whilst recognising the diversity of the 50+ age group, and provides a case study of an age-sensitive IAG project. It concludes that demand for IAG from older workers needs to be stimulated and that the role of IAG in helping older adults to work and learn deserves greater recognition.

scholarly journals Challenges Faced and Support Received: Older Adults’ Perceptions of Hurricane Sandy

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R. Heid ◽  
Seran Schug ◽  
Francine P. Cartwright ◽  
Rachel Pruchno
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
New Jersey ◽  
Older People ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Community Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
The People

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals exposed to natural disasters are at risk for negative physical and psychological outcomes. Older adults may be particularly vulnerable; however, social support can act as a resource to help individuals respond to severe stressors. This study explored the challenges older people faced before, during, and after Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and the people they turned to for support.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults in New Jersey drawn from the ORANJ BOWL (Ongoing Research on Aging in New Jersey – Bettering Opportunities for Wellness in Life) research panel, who experienced high levels of primary home damage during Hurricane Sandy. Content analysis of interview transcripts classified older adults’ perceptions on how they “made it” through—the challenges they faced and the support they received.ResultsThe findings suggested that older adults experienced emotional, instrumental, social, and financial challenges before, during, and after the storm. However, by relying on family and friends, as well as neighbors and community networks, older people were able to respond to stressors.ConclusionsOur findings carry implications for ensuring that older adults are connected to social networks before, during, and after disasters. The role of neighbors is particularly important when disasters strike. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:39–47)

scholarly journals Open Government for all? Co-creating digital public services for older adults through data walks

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Jarke
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Design Work ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
User Test ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Low Threshold

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review interventions/methods for engaging older adults in meaningful digital public service design by enabling them to engage critically and productively with open data and civic tech.Design/methodology/approach – The paper evalutes data walks as a method for engaging non-tech-savvy citizens in co-design work. These were evaluated along a framework considering how such interventions allow for sharing control (e.g. over design decisions), sharing expertise and enabling change.Findings – Within a co-creation project, different types of data walks may be conducted, including ideation walks, data co-creation walks or user test walks. These complement each other with respect to how they facilitate the sharing of control and expertise, and enable change for a variety of older citizens.Practical implications – Data walks are a method with a low-threshold, potentially enabling a variety of citizens to engage in co-design activities relating to open government and civic tech.Social implications – Such methods address the digital divide and further social participation of non-tech-savvy citizens. They value the resources and expertise of older adults as co-designers and partners, and counter stereotypical ideas about age and ageing.Originality/value – This pilot study demonstrates how data walks can be incorporated into larger co-creation projects.

The role of day hospitals in rehabilitation

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-395
Author(s):  
Richard Curless
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Day Hospital ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Rehabilitation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Day Hospitals ◽  
Support Evidence

IntroductionDay hospitals for older people typically provide a multidisciplinary service for a heterogeneous group of patients based largely upon a health care model. The broad objectives of day hospital attendance are now widely accepted (Figure 1). There is wide variation, nationally and locally, in the types of service provision. Little information is available to support evidence-based day hospital practice, partly due to the lack of an established methodology to evaluate current practice and allow comparison of different types of community-based rehabilitation and support. This review will confine itself to day hospitals for older people; day care and day hospitals for psychiatry of old age will not be discussed in any detail.

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