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Older people's views of falls-prevention interventions in six European countries
- Authors:
- YARDLEY Lucy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(5), October 2006, pp.650-660.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This study conducted semi-structured interviews to assess perceived advantages and barriers to taking part in falls-related interventions were carried out in six European countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and United Kingdom) with 69 people aged 68 to 97 years. The sample was selected to include people with very different experiences of participation or nonparticipation in falls-related interventions, but all individuals were asked about interventions that included strength and balance training. The results found attitudes were similar in all countries and contexts. People were motivated to participate in strength and balance training by a wide range of perceived benefits (interest and enjoyment, improved health, mood, and independence) and not just reduction of falling risk. Participation also was encouraged by a personal invitation from a health practitioner and social approval from family and friends. Barriers to participation included denial of falling risk, the belief that no additional falls-prevention measures were necessary, practical barriers to attendance at groups (e.g., transport, effort, and cost), and a dislike of group activities. Implications: Because many older people reject the idea that they are at risk of falling, the uptake of strength and balance training programs may be promoted more effectively by maximizing and emphasizing their multiple positive benefits for health and well-being. A personal invitation from a health professional to participate is important, and it also may be helpful to provide home-based programs for those who dislike or find it difficult to attend groups.
Older people’s perceptions of assistive technology – an exploratory pan-European study
- Authors:
- WILLIAMS Veronika, MCCRINDLE Rachel, VICTOR Christina
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 18(1), February 2010, pp.38-44.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper describes a survey undertaken to explore how assistive technology in the form of a wrist-worn device is perceived by older people. The survey was part of a larger study funded by EU Framework 6, ENABLE, which involved development of a wrist-worn assistive technology device capable of providing a variety of functions such as an alarm system, falls detection, navigation through GPS and an event reminder, thus enabling older people and their carers to live more independently and with reassurance. The purpose of the survey was to gain insights into the general issues that concern older people if they are required to wear and use assistive technology, and to identify more specifically the views of older people on the potential functionalities of the intended, future wrist-worn device. The questionnaire was sent out to participants in the UK, Czech Republic, Greece, and Belgium, and 158 completed questionnaires were returned. The results demonstrated a number of older people engaging with technology; a large number used a mobile phone, and almost half owned and used a computer and the internet. The device functions relating to emergency alarm systems and fall detections were rated as important. However, despite the potential benefits, it is clear from the results of the survey that privacy and confidentiality are significant concerns which can impede successful implementation.