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The efficiency of using everyday technological devices by older adults: the role of cognitive functions
- Authors:
- SLEGERS Karin, VAN BOXTELL Martin P. J., JOLLES Jelle
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 29(2), February 2009, pp.309-325.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
To test the role of cognitive abilities in performing technological tasks, the authors designed the Technological Transfer Test (TTT). This new and ecologically valid test comprises eight technological tasks that are common in modern life (operating a CD player, a telephone, an ATM, a train-ticket vending machine, a microwave-oven, an alarm clock, a smart card charging device and a telephone voice menu). The TTT and a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests were administered to 236 healthy adults aged 64–75 years living in the Netherlands on two separate occasions. The results demonstrated that the performance time for five of the eight tasks was predicted by cognitive abilities. The exact cognitive functions affecting technological performance varied by the technological task. Among several measures and components of cognition, the speed of information processing and cognitive flexibility had the greatest predictive power. The results imply that age-related cognitive decline has a profound effect on the interaction between older adults and technological appliances.
The prevalence of disability in the oldest-old is high and continues to increase with age: findings from The 90+ Study
- Authors:
- BERLAU Daniel J., CORRADA Maria M., KAWAS Claudia
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(11), November 2009, pp.1217-1225.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and type of disability in people aged 90 and older, the fastest-growing age group in the United States. It included functional data on 697 participants from the 90+ study, a population-based wanted to ignore study of ageing and dementia in people aged 90 and older. The prevalence of disability was calculated for two definitions using activities of daily living (ADL) - ADL difficulty, defined as difficulty with one or more ADL, and ADL dependency, defined as needing help on one or more ADL. The ADL most commonly causing difficulty was walking (70%), and the ADL most commonly causing dependency was bathing (51%). Age, gender, and institutionalisation were significantly associated with both ADL difficulty and ADL dependency. The study concluded that the prevalence of disability continues to increase rapidly in people aged 90 and older, and that this has major public health implications.
Depression status as a reliable predictor of functional decline among Japanese community-dwelling older adults: a 12-year population-based prospective cohort study
- Authors:
- IWASA Hajime, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(11), November 2009, pp.1192-1200.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Depression is a common health issue among older adults. This study aimed to examine a longitudinal relationship between depression status and functional decline among Japanese community-dwelling older people. A total of 710 men and women, aged 65 years and over, participated in the study, and took part in face-to-face interviews and medical checkups at the start of the study in 1992 and 12 annual follow-up surveys administered in broadly the same manner with the final survey carried out in 2004. Katz’s Index and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence were used to measure the functional capacities of basic activities of daily living, comprising the basic self-care tasks necessary for an adult to live independently, and higher-level competence, respectively. The study found an independent relationship between depression status and longitudinal change in functional capacity, suggesting that depression status is a reliable predictor of functional decline in older adults.
Home and clinical assessments of instrumental activities of daily living: what could explain the difference between settings in frail older adults, if any?
- Authors:
- PROVENCHER Veronique, DEMERS Louise, GELINAS Isabelle
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(8), August 2009, pp.339-348.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This literature review aimed to examine whether differences exist between home and clinical instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) assessments of frail older adults and identify factors that might explain those differences, if any. The sources of the review data were Medline, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Embase and Current Content from 1988 to 2008. As few relevant studies concerning frail people were found, the search was extended to mixed-age and older adult populations. Ten articles were retained. The results suggest differences in IADL assessment between settings for older adults without dementia. Some factors, such as familiarity with the environment and coping skills, might explain those differences. Based on this review, similar results might be expected with frail older people. Given the dearth of literature on this topic, further research is needed to compare home and clinical assessments and measure relevant factors in a frail population. Helping occupational therapists to identify frail patients, who may show different abilities in unfamiliar settings, could mean more appropriate services after discharge from hospital.
The home environment and disability-related outcomes in ageing individuals: what is the empirical evidence?
- Authors:
- WAHL Hans-Werner, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 49(3), June 2009, pp.355-367.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This review article examines two questions concerning the role of home environments: (a) What is the recent evidence supporting a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes? and (b) What is the recent evidence regarding the effects of home modifications on disability-related outcomes? Using computerized and manual search, relevant peer-reviewed original publications and review articles published between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2006. For Research Question 1, 25 original investigations and for Research Question 2, 29 original investigations and 10 review articles were identified. For Research Question 1, evidence for a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes for older adults exists but is limited by cross-sectional designs and poor research quality. For Research Question 2, evidence based on randomized controlled trials shows that improving home environments enhances functional ability outcomes but not so much falls-related outcomes. Considerable evidence exists that supports the role of home environments in the disablement process, but there are also inconsistencies in findings across studies. Future research should optimize psychometric properties of home environment assessment tools and explore the role of both objective characteristics and perceived attributions of home environments to understand person–environment dynamics and their impact on disability-related outcomes in old age.
Therapeutic interventions in dementia 1: cognitive symptoms and function
- Authors:
- TAYLOR Clare, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 13.1.09, 2009, pp.16-17.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
This is the first of a two part article on therapeutic interventions in dementia which outlines how to maintain function and independence for patients with dementia. It also examines specific interventions - both psychological and pharmacological - for cognitive symptoms. The article draws on recently developed national guidance from NICE and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
Personal care at home: a consultation on proposals for regulations and guidance
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 35p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This document seeks views on the Government’s proposals for requiring councils in England with adult social services responsibilities (CASSRs) to provide personal care free of charge in certain circumstances to people with the highest needs. On 25 November, the Government introduced the Personal Care At Home Bill (“the Bill”) to enable this to happen. The consultation will last until 23rd February 2010, but the Department would welcome earlier responses, by 26th January.
Residential modifications and decline in physical functions among community-dwelling older adults
- Authors:
- LIU Sze Y., LAPANE Kate L.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 49(3), June 2009, pp.344-354.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The purpose of this study is to quantify the effect of residential modification on decreasing risk of physical function decline in 2 years. Cohort study using propensity scores method to control for baseline differences between individuals with residential modifications and those without residential modifications was used. Participants (n= 9,447 ) were from the Second Longitudinal Study on Aging, a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, aged 70 years and older in the United States at the time of baseline interview in 1994–1995. Participants self-reported residential modifications at baseline (e.g., railings, bathroom modifications). Decline in physical functioning was measured by comparing self-reported activities of daily living at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Compared with individuals without baseline modifications, a higher proportion of those with baseline modifications were aged 85 years and older (16% vs. 10%), used special aides (36% vs. 14%), and lived alone (40% vs. 31%). Using a weighted propensity score method, a modest decrease in risk of decline at Wave 2 for those with baseline modifications (risk difference = 3.1%) were found. Respondents with a baseline residential modification were less likely to experience subsequent decline in functional ability after adjusting for quintile of propensity score in a survey-weighted regression model. Baseline modifications may be associated with reduced risk of decline among a nationally representative sample of older community-dwelling adults. Widespread adoption of residential modifications may reduce the overall population estimates of decline.
Intellectual activity and likelihood of subsequently improving or maintaining instrumental activities of daily living functioning in community-dwelling older Japanese: a longitudinal study
- Authors:
- FUJIWARA Yoshinori, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(6), June 2009, pp.547-555.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aimed to test the a priori hypothesis that increase or maintenance of the level of cognitive activity would be independently associated with a subsequent beneficial impact (i.e. improvement or maintenance) on instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) functioning. An observational study was carried out using 4-year longitudinal data from 1477 community-dwelling Japanese who were 66 years and older and living in Yoita town, a rural community located in the northwest along the Sea of Japan. Baseline assessment occurred in November 2000. Intellectual Activity and IADL were evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence. Results showed that an Increase or maintenance of exposure to intellectual activities over a period of 2 years was associated with increased likelihood of better IADL functioning trajectory (i.e. improvement or stability) over the subsequent 2 years, even after adjustment for major confounders. The authors conclude that this study documented a longitudinal, independent association of exposure to intellectual activities with better IADL functioning over time. These findings provide preliminary support for promotion of exposure to intellectual activities among older adults as an opportunity to prevent disability in the older segment of the population. Assessment of public health programs targeting such an opportunity is warranted.
An exploratory qualitative study of equity and the social care needs of visually impaired older people in England
- Authors:
- CHARLES Nigel, MANTHORPE Jill
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Visual Impairment, 27(2), May 2009, pp.97-109.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article describes the findings of a small study of the ways in which social care practitioners describe their assessment practice with visually impaired older people in England. The study interviewed 14 social care staff in three local authorities that had different organizational arrangements for assessments. Using a vignette method, the study explored staff's definitions of social care needs. Possible differences between the practice of specialists in visual impairment and those who were not working or trained specifically in the area of visual impairment are explored, as is the context of policy assessments for social care services. The potential impact of differences and context on equity is discussed.