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Evaluating an accessible web interface for older adults: the impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Authors:
- HAESNER Marten, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 9(4), 2015, pp.219-232.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Cognitive changes occur with age and cognitive limitations can negatively influence computer use. Human-interaction studies show that especially older adults benefit considerably from using web platforms. The purpose of this paper is to measure the possible impact of cognitive impairment in web usability and to analyse the differences between older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Design/methodology/approach: In the presented pilot study, 50 older adults tested a web-based interface on a PC and tablet computer that was designed based on a styleguide for this specific user group. In two sessions participants had to conduct six tasks. In a third session older adults were left unsupervised in the laboratory where they were confronted with unexpected events triggered by a principal investigator. Findings: The performance results differed significantly between the two groups. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) needed more time and were more likely to make mistakes when using a web platform. After analysing error data, it became apparent that errors made by older adults with MCI occurred due to a lack of orientation in websites. Originality/value: The authors present valid data of this interesting target group and reveal their specific problems when handling a new online platform. The importance of a flat website hierarchy can be essential in developing senior friendly web pages. The authors also highlight methodological issues and illustrate the importance of qualitative information of the usability data, e.g. the different types of problems or errors. (Edited publisher abstract)
Intimate partner violence and its association with physical and mental health symptoms among older women in Germany
- Authors:
- STOCKL Heidi, PENHALE Bridget
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(17), 2015, pp.3089-3111.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Intimate partner violence is a commonly acknowledged health care issue. While numerous studies established the health implications of physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age, the evidence is scarce for older women and for other forms of intimate partner violence. This study, therefore, investigates the prevalence of intimate partner violence in its different forms and its association with physical and mental health symptoms of older women, using women of reproductive age as a reference group. This study is a cross-sectional study, utilising data from a national representative survey of 10,264 German women aged 16 to 86 years. Rates of physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the last year decreased from 8% to 3% and 1% among women aged 16 to 49 years, 50 to 65 years, and 66 to 86 years, respectively. The prevalence of emotional and economic abuse and controlling behaviour by partners remained nearly the same. All forms of intimate partner violence had significant associations with women’s health symptoms, such as gastrointestinal, psychosomatic and psychological symptoms, and pelvic problems. Controlling behaviour was most consistently associated with most health symptoms. Health and care professionals who screen women for intimate partner violence should, therefore, consider incorporating questions about controlling behaviour as well, because this form of violence is not only frequent but also has multiple health outcomes among women across all ages. (Edited publisher abstract)
What prevents old people living alone from feeling lonely? Findings from the KORA-Age-study
- Authors:
- ZEBHAUSER A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 19(9), 2015, pp.773-780.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Living alone in later life is an important risk factor of loneliness for elderly people unless they have resources to compensate for that. The aim of this investigation was to identify these resources. Method: Data were drawn from the population-based KORA-Age-study (KOoperativen Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg) conducted in the Region of Augsburg, Germany in 2008/2009 with 1079 elderly men and women (64–94 years). Loneliness was measured by the short version of the UCLA-Loneliness-Scale in a face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations between loneliness and potential protecting resources. Results: A total of 346 (32%) subjects reported to be living alone, among them 70% (n = 241) expressed no feelings of loneliness. Participants with a stable social network had a fourfold higher chance and with the absence of depression a threefold higher chance of not feeling lonely. Physical or mental resources were not correlated with lower levels of loneliness. Conclusion: Absence of depression and a functioning social network are the most important protecting resources against loneliness for elderly people living alone, while income, level of education and age-related limitations have no impact. These findings should be considered when supporting the elderly in successful ageing. (Edited publisher abstract)