Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Digital inclusion evidence review
- Authors:
- GREEN Marcus, ROSSALL Phil
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 37
- Place of publication:
- London
A review of the evidence on digital inclusion of older people in the UK, covering key aspects of digital inclusion connected with internet use. The paper suggests that it is possible that a tipping point has now been reached as for the first time the number of people aged 65+ who have used the internet has overtaken those who have never used it. The review examines: the factors associated with digital exclusion; what older people use the internet for; the benefits of internet use for older people, including alleviating loneliness and social isolation, supporting lifelong learning, health and wellbeing and access to public services; reasons for not using the internet; and interventions to reduce digital exclusion in old age. The review concludes with an analysis of trends in use and the future of digital inclusion. (Edited publisher abstract)
Revitalizing roles of older adult citizens: successful stories of project history alive
- Author:
- YANG Pei-Shan
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 38(2), 2013, pp.137-148.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
The speed of population ageing in Taiwan is among the fastest in the world. However, traditional values constrain older adults’ social role within fixed stereotypes like dependence, weakness, stubbornness, and an inability to learn. This study applies life course theory and role theory to investigate whether older adults can successfully play new social roles on stage as well as in their natural life context. Qualitative research methods are used, based on focus group interviews with key informants and organisational documents of the History Alive project. Results show that though the stage roles may be very different from their natural social roles, through repeated rehearsal and guided practice, older adults learned to play the expected new roles. Through interaction with school children and the student theatre crew who invited the older adults to participate, History Alive participants shared their experiences and enjoyed themselves in a natural environment. The experience of older adults and youth getting to know one another through in-person social interaction removed stereotypes on both sides. Existing older adult stereotypes are no longer appropriate and must be replaced with new and real roles. However, in order to do so, older adults need long-term supportive social structures, social networks, study resources, good courses, and professional teachers. Learning stands out as an important core concept from this analysis. With longer average life expectancy, individuals and society have to learn how to develop new and diverse older adult roles. More investment is required to expand the program to non-metropolitan or rural areas. (Publisher abstract)
Insights and principles for supporting social engagement in rural older people
- Authors:
- WALKER J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 33(6), 2013, pp.938-963.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Staying socially engaged is known to improve health and longevity in older people. As the population ages, maintaining levels of social engagement among older people becomes increasingly important. Nevertheless, advancing age brings with it many challenges to social engagement, especially in rural areas. A three-year Australian Research Council Linkage Project sought to improve understandings of age-related triggers to social disengagement in six Tasmanian communities that are representative of rural Australian experience, and thus of wider salience. A collaboration between academics and health and social professionals, the project investigated design solutions for service frameworks that may be useful before ageing individuals become isolated and dependent, and that may support those individuals to actively contribute to and benefit from social life. The purpose of this paper is to report on perspectives about diminishing levels of social engagement held by older rural participants and service providers, and to advance a number of key insights on ways in which to nurture social engagement and improve the experience of ageing. (Publisher abstract)
Wales: a good place to grow old?
- Authors:
- BEVAN FOUNDATION, AGE ALLIANCE WALES
- Publisher:
- Age Alliance Wales
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
In Wales, more than half a million people are aged over 65, nearly one in five of the population; and for the first time, in 2010, there were more older people than children under 16. This report calls for public bodies in Wales to take action to support and promote the independence of older people, through a mixture of appropriate social care services, financial inclusion and ability to travel. It cites key indicators from Welsh Government and other statistcal sources to support its argument. The report includes case studies of individuals who have experienced good quality care or have come into contact with people and organisations that have helped them be less isolated and contributed to their independence, well-being or quality of life. (Original abstract)
Keeping silver surfers on the crest of a wave – older people's ICT learning and support needs
- Authors:
- DAMODARAN Leela, OLPHERT Wendy, PHIPPS Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 17(1), 2013, pp.32-36.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose – There is recognition that digital ICTs have the potential to support older people to live independently, to “age well”, to promote social inclusion and to facilitate access to commercial and government services. Research conducted by the Sus-IT project under the “New Dynamics of Ageing” Programme has focused on how to help older ICT users to remain digitally engaged given the barriers that they can face and which can quickly erode their confidence or capability. Access to appropriate learning and support resources is a key issue for sustaining older ICT users. The aim of this paper is to investigate older people's ICT learning and support needs. Design/methodology/approach – Older people themselves have been central to the research; more than 1,000 older people have participated in this research through open workshops, established formal and informal panels and groups across the UK, and through contacts with a number of organisations working with older people. Key research users (e.g. organisations representing older people and those providing services and products to be used by older people) have also collaborated in the research in a variety of roles. Findings – Findings show that older people value very highly the benefits and independence that computer use gives them, and they are often exceptionally tenacious in trying to remain digitally connected – persisting in the face of many obstacles, and often without awareness or use of existing aids to accessibility. If disengagement begins, it is usually a gradual process, rather than a single event, and likely to result from a combination of factors – changes in physical and cognitive abilities, in support, in technology and in personal circumstances. The availability of help and support emerges as a factor of paramount importance to sustaining digital connection. Practical implications – The conceptual model of the risks of sustaining digital engagement of older people arising from the research has significant implications for both policy and practice – for instance, in relation to “digital by default”. A user-generated strategy for provision of sustainable, community-based ICT learning and support for older people is a key output from Sus-IT. Originality/value – The issues surrounding sustaining digital inclusion in older age are multi-faceted and complex – and addressing these will have significant benefits not only for older people but also for the economy and society. (Publisher abstract)
The relationship between independence, inclusion and wellbeing: the perspective of older citizens living in Coventry, UK
- Authors:
- WOOLHAM John, HUGHES Elizabeth, DALY Guy
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 30(1), 2013, pp.3-21.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Independence, inclusion and wellbeing are commonly seen in a complementary relationship in policy and research literature. This paper examines the meaning of these terms for older citizens living in Coventry and the implications for policy implementation. The data presented, obtained from a large community survey of citizens of 55 years and over living in Coventry, found that although most survey participants were able to function independently, participate in ordinary community life and enjoyed reasonable physical and mental health, many others experienced a series of significant barriers to inclusion and wellbeing. The paper concludes that there is no automatic convergence between independence, inclusion and wellbeing at the level of the individual citizen and that to address this issue, more socially inclusive rather than individualistic forms of independence may be more appropriate goals for local public agencies. (Publisher abstract)
Local authorities + older people + arts = a creative combination
- Author:
- CUTLER David
- Publisher:
- Baring Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 32
This report presents the case for local authority involvement in arts projects for older people. It sets out the benefits of participation in the arts for older people, it also argues that arts projects have additional benefits which can help local authorities deliver their own objectives at a time of increasing financial cuts. The report highlights five roles and interests of local authorities that makes them uniquely well suited to promote arts in the lives of older people. These are: improving the health and well being of older people, including reducing loneliness; arts and cultural services; integrating arts into older people's services and social care; social inclusion and community development; and leadership and coordination. Six case studies are included to illustrate the work that can be led or supported by local authorities. These include using arts to promoting mental and physical well being in St Helens; tackling loneliness in Fife; the provision of arts and social care services in Epping Forest; and leadership and coordination in Manchester. It also highlights relevant organisations and resources. (Edited publisher abstract)
Visual impairment: setting sights on an independent life
- Authors:
- RUSSO Alyssa, BOWEN Dorothy
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 15(1), 2013, pp.38-40.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
Two million people in the UK have some degree of sight loss that affects their ability to perform normal daily tasks in an optimal way. In this article, the authors provide practical tips to help staff recognise eye conditions and play a critical role in supporting residents with visual impairments to lead independent and productive lives. It highlights changes that staff can implement to recognise the first signs of sight deterioration, and suggests ways that custom lighting can be used as a cost-effective solution in individuals rooms. As sight deterioration can also cause feelings of isolation, through the lack of ability to participate, the article also suggests ways in which older people with visual impairments can be included in activities.
Sustaining IT use by older people to promote autonomy and independence (Sus-IT)
- Authors:
- DAMODARAN Leela, et al
- Publisher:
- University of Sheffield. NDA Research Programme
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- Sheffield
Digital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to support older people to live independently, promote social inclusion or facilitate access to commercial or government services. This paper summarises key findings from a collaborative research project exploring the relationship between ageing and digital ICTs, in order to better understand how ICT can support the quality of life and independence of older people as they age. The project looked at the problems and support needs of older ICT users; potential solutions; and what could be done to help older people remain digital. A total of 22 researchers from 8 UK universities were involved in the project. Learning from the project is presented in the following categories: understanding older people's digital engagement; designing ICTs with and for the older person; and learning and support needs of older people. (Edited publisher abstract)
Call-Me: promoting independence and social engagement among older people in disadvantaged communities
- Author:
- MURRAY Michael
- Publisher:
- University of Sheffield. NDA Research Programme
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- Sheffield
This briefing summaries the findings of a study to explore the nature of social engagement and inclusion among older people in disadvantaged communities. The project adopted a community-based participatory design, working with groups of older residents in different neighbourhoods in Manchester to look at the value and impact of a range of local activities such as arts, gardening and physical exercise. Informal meeting were held with local organisations, community leaders and residents. The project found that older residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods were keen to become involved, but identified the need for ongoing support and resources. The project also identified the need to involve residents and local stakeholders in the development of community interventions from the outset. (Original abstract)