Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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User-centred design of an active computer gaming system for strength and balance exercises for older adults
- Authors:
- HOWES S., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Enabling Technologies, 13(2), 2019, pp.101-111.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Active computer gaming (ACG) is a way for older people to participate in strength and balance exercise. Involving older adults in the development of a bespoke ACG system may optimise its usability and acceptability. The purpose of this paper is to employ user-centred design to develop an ACG system to deliver strength and balance exercises, and to explore its safety, usability and acceptability in older adults. Design/methodology/approach: This paper describes user involvement from an early stage, and its influence on the development of the system to deliver strength and balance exercise suitable for display on a flat screen or using an Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) headset. It describes user testing of this ACG system in older adults. Findings: Service users were involved at two points in the development process. Their feedback was used to modify the ACG system prior to user testing of a prototype of the ACG system by n=9 older adults. Results indicated the safety, usability and acceptability of the system, with a strong preference for the screen display. Research limitations/implications: The sample size for user testing was small; however, it is considered to have provided sufficient information to inform the further development of the system. Practical implications: Findings from user testing were used to modify the ACG system. This paper identified that future research could explore the influence of repeated use on the usability and acceptability of ACG in older adults. Originality/value: There is limited information on the usability and acceptability VR headsets in this population.
Involving older people in research: methodological issues
- Authors:
- ROSS Fiona, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 13(3), May 2005, pp.268-275.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Highlights the key policy literature on user involvement and participatory research methods to establish the context for a partnership research project exploring perceptions of risk in relation to falls from the perspectives of older people, carers, and health and social care professionals. Reports the methods used in developing user involvement in the research at a number of levels, including project management, and a consumer panel working alongside the research team and influencing the dissemination in local falls prevention strategies. The authors draw out the issues related to the context and method of involvement, and discuss the impact on research quality and local service development in health and social care.
Combatting social isolation and increasing social participation of older adults through the use of technology: a systematic review of existing evidence
- Authors:
- BAKER Steven, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Australasian Journal on Ageing, 37(3), 2018,
- Publisher:
- John Wiley and Sons
Objectives: There are growing concerns that social isolation presents risks to older people's health and well‐being. Thus, the objective of the review was to explore how technology is currently being utilised to combat social isolation and increase social participation, hence improving social outcomes for older people. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted across the social science and human‐computer interaction databases. Results: A total of 36 papers met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using a four‐step process. Findings were threefold, suggesting that: (i) technologies principally utilised social network services and touch‐screen technologies; (ii) social outcomes are often ill‐defined or not defined at all; and (iii) methodologies used to evaluate interventions were often limited and small‐scale. Conclusion: Results suggest a need for studies that examine new and innovative forms of technology, evaluated with rigorous methodologies, and drawing on clear definitions about how these technologies address social isolation/participation. Policy Impact: This systematic review explores how technology is currently being utilised to combat social isolation and increase social participation for older people. A unique aspect of this review is that it incorporates smaller design studies and prototypes. These insights will benefit those considering the potential for information and communication technologies to contribute to older adults’ health and well‐being. Practice Impact: This systematic review explores how technology is currently being utilised to combat social isolation and increase social participation for older people. Insights from the review will benefit practitioners seeking to understand the broad range of technologies that are being applied to these issues, and the common benefits and challenges associated with each approach. (Edited publisher abstract)
People with sight loss in later life: RNIB evidence-based review
- Author:
- ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BLIND PEOPLE
- Publisher:
- Royal National Institute of Blind People
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 42
- Place of publication:
- London
This review looks in detail at blind and partially sighted people in later life in the UK and includes quotes from people with sight loss, case studies and personal stories. Sight loss is closely linked to ageing, and as the number of older people is set to rise dramatically, so will the number of blind and partially sighted people. People in later life face unique challenges as, in addition to sight loss, they are also more likely to have additional health problems such as loss of hearing, reduced physical mobility or dementia. The review provides a profile of older people and identifies the major causes of sight loss in later life. It also examines examples of services and support that is available, including support to help people live independently and outlines the current policy context. The review draws from the evidence some key lessons, focusing on: involving older people with sight loss; preventing unnecessary sight loss; improving access to health and care services; and reducing isolation. (Edited publisher abstract)
Modernization and devolution: delivering services for older people in rural areas of England and Wales
- Authors:
- DOHENY Shane, MILBOURNE Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Social Policy and Administration, 47(5), 2013, pp.501-519.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The modernization of public services, with its emphasis on managerialism, choice, co-production and outcome focused service delivery, has been implemented to a certain extent in both England and Wales. This article explores how modernisation affects the way services are provided in rural areas. It looks at the extent that devolution and national discourses drive the development of policy for older people in rural areas and explores the differences and similarities in the provision of services to older people in rural parts of England and Wales. The article uses qualitative data composed of interviews with people involved in forming or implementing policy in six rural areas of England and Wales. It shows that modernization engages both service users and the wider population who may one day become service users. But the emphasis on these groups unfolds in different ways in England and Wales. In England, where there has been a commitment to a customer citizen, policy at the local level has emphasized re-enablement, community development and individual responsibility. In Wales, where modernization has focused on collaboration and citizenship, local policies have focused on service users, and on engagement with the voluntary sector. In effect, the policy environment provides a different context for the experience of ageing in both countries. (Edited publisher abstract)
Whole system working in the promotion of independence and well-being for older people
- Author:
- PIDGEON Joe
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 17(3), June 2009, pp.26-33.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the front-line experience of a two-tier shire county, Nottinghamshire, in using a whole-systems working approach to the promotion of independence and well-being for older people. Nottinghamshire has been one of the eight national pilot sites for LinkAge Plus. The experience of managing a whole-systems approach in practice in implementing LinkAge Plus is explored. The importance of ensuring the systematic engagement of older people in the process is emphasised. The article describes six learning areas which helped the development of preventative and well-being services in the context of whole-system working and older people's engagement.
Transforming community care: a distorted vision?
- Authors:
- GORMAN Helen, POSTLE Karen
- Publisher:
- Venture Press
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 103p.
- Place of publication:
- Birmingham
The authors use their research to show powerfully how a generation of social workers have been disillusioned by care management. They also use their own practice experience with older people to demonstrate the continuing possibilities for social work to empower service users and practitioners to develop care management in the future. The book reveals social workers are increasingly bogged down with bureaucracy, leaving them with less time to spend with elderly people. It also highlights funding difficulties, with local authorities unable to afford to spend cash on preventative work.
Transforming community care: a distorted vision?
- Authors:
- GORMAN Helen, POSTLE Karen
- Publisher:
- Venture Press
- Publication year:
- 2002
- Pagination:
- 103p.,bibliog.
The authors use their research to show powerfully how a generation of social workers have been disillusioned by care management. They also use their own practice experience with older people to demonstrate the continuing possibilities for social work to empower service users and practitioners to develop care management in the future. The book reveals social workers are increasingly bogged down with bureaucracy, leaving them with less time to spend with elderly people. It also highlights funding difficulties, with local authorities unable to afford to spend cash on preventative work.
Low intensity support: preventing dependency
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 1999
- Pagination:
- 6p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Older people and disabled people often don't qualify for full social services assistance. Yet many clearly do need help. Low intensity support can help prevent people reaching crisis point and enable them to sustain their own homes. But it is important to strike the right balance between helping people and controlling their lives. This summary considers how users perceive their services and needs, and highlights some innovative approaches to support. It assesses what users want, discusses what best practice might be and investigates some of the dilemmas for providers and the the implications for policy reform.
Cold remedies
- Authors:
- PASCOE Sue, PRATT Julian
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 10.12.98, 1998, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Explains how, as winter pressures begin, one health authority is better able to cope thanks to multi-agency workshops which also involved local elderly people.