Digitising the wisdom of our elders: connectedness through digital storytelling

an article by Simone Hausknecht, Michelle Vanchu-Orosco and David Kaufman (Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 12 (December 2019)

Abstract

Digital storytelling provides older adults with an opportunity to become digital producers, connect with others through story and explore their life history. The authors report on the results of a digital storytelling project for older adults.

The study investigated the experiences and perceived benefits of older adults who created digital stories during a ten-week course and explored the reactions of story viewers to the digital stories they viewed during a special sharing event.

Eighty-eight older adult participants in Metro Vancouver who attended one of 13 courses offered were included in the study. Most of the participants were female and over half were immigrants. Results from the focus group interviews demonstrated a rich array of reported social and emotional benefits experienced through the process of creating a digital story within the course.

Three main themes emerged:

• social connectedness through shared experience and story, 
• reminiscence and reflecting on life, and 
• creating a legacy.

Viewers who attended a ‘Sharing Our Stories’ event reported that the stories were meaningful, well constructed and invoked a range of emotions.

The researchers conclude that digital storytelling may help digital storytellers increase connectedness to others and to self. Additionally, this connectedness may extend over time through the process of examining the past to create a digital story that can serve as a legacy to connect to future generations.

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‘I want to keep up with the younger generation’ - older adults and the web: a generational divide or generational collide?

an article by Cristina Costa (Durham University, UK), Gemma Gilliland (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK) and Jennifer McWatt (Bahrain Polytechnic) published in International Journal of Lifelong Education Volume 38 Issue 5 (September/October 2019)

Abstract

This paper considers the social significance of digital technologies in older adults’ lives by exploring the impact the web has on their lived experiences.

The study of digital literacies and digital cultures is mostly focused on youth, thus paying limited attention to older adults’ engagement with the web.

With this paper, we aim to contribute to under-theorised debates of older adults’ digital experiences beyond generalisations of generational and/or digital divides.

Focus groups interviews with older adults enrolled in sessions on digital literacies were used to get insight into this cohort’s online experiences.

The findings revealed that older adults’ key motivation to become digitally literate was driven by a desire of remaining relevant in a contemporary world, in other words, of cultivating their identity as active citizens in a digital society.

We offer considerations and reflections on the findings through the application of the works of Karl Mannheim to the phenomenon investigated.

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Home robotic devices for older adults: Opportunities and concerns

an article by Inbal Deutsch, Hadas Erel, Michal Paz and Oren Zuckerman (Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, Israel) and Guy  Hoffman (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 98 (September 2019)

Highlights

• Older adults' attitudes and emotional reactions toward robotic devices were evaluated.
• Specific robot features related to appearance, behavior and function affect acceptance..
• Older adults' user needs should be addressed in the robot's design.
• Concrete design guidelines for robotic devices targeting older adults are suggested.

Abstract

Robotic devices for older adults are becoming a reality.

New robots are being introduced for the growing subpopulation of healthy older adults, with an emphasis on supporting the positive aspects of aging.

In order to inform the design and implementation of such robots, the relevant needs and concerns of this population should be studied, mapped, and translated into recommendations. We present a qualitative study of thirty cognitively-intact older adults, evaluating their attitudes and emotional reactions towards different types of home robotic devices.

Interview analysis of participants reactions to videos of six devices uncovered four user needs that can be threatened by the introduction of home robots:

• the need for independence,
• the need for control,
• the fear of being replaced, and
• the need for authenticity.

Furthermore, results reveal that cognitively-intact older adults are willing to adopt robotic devices into their homes, contingent upon their preferences and concerns being addressed. We provide recommendations regarding how researchers and designers of home robots can better address the user needs of healthy older adults by leveraging aspects of the robot's function, speech, appearance, size, proactivity, and mobility.

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Understanding differentiated internet use in older adults: A study of informational, social, and instrumental online activities

an article by Barbara Schehl and Joerg Leukel (University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany) and Vijayan Sugumaran (Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 97 (August 2019)

Abstract

Internet use is becoming increasingly important for the daily lives of older adults. Simultaneously, the range of online activities is also broadening. However, previous research in technology adoption mainly focuses on Internet use in general, and only few studies pay attention to various online activities that older adults engage in.

Exploration of factors explaining specific online activities is still limited.

To bridge this gap, we examined the role of socio-demographic characteristics and perceived behavioral control (PBC) in predicting informational, social, and instrumental online activities in a sample of 1222 participants (age 65+). Our results show that those who were younger, with higher education, and with higher PBC were more likely to perform all online activities, while men had higher odds than women of performing informational and instrumental but not social online activities.

Cultural participation was a positive predictor for all online activities except online banking.

For informational online activities, the effect of PBC was moderated such that it was weaker for those with higher education.

Based on our empirical results, we contribute to the literature a nuanced understanding of older adults’ Internet use.

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Typologies of loneliness, living alone and social isolation, and their associations with physical and mental health

an article by Kimberley J. Smith (University of Surrey, Guildford, UK) and Christina Victor (Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 8 (August 2019)

Abstract

The relationship between living alone, loneliness and social isolation, and how they are associated with health remain contentious.

We sought to explore typologies based on shared experiences of loneliness, social isolation and living alone using Latent Class Analysis and determine how these groups may differ in terms of their physical and mental health. We used Wave 7 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N = 7,032; mean age = 67.3) and responses to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale, household composition, participation in social/societal activities plus frequency of contact with friends, family and relatives for the Latent Class Analysis.

The optimal number of groups was identified using model-fit criteria. The socio-demographic characteristics of groups and health outcomes were explored using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

We identified a six-cluster typology:

• Group 1, no loneliness or isolation;
• Group 2, moderate loneliness;
• Group 3, living alone;
• Group 4, moderate isolation;
• Group 5, moderate loneliness, living alone; and
• Group 6, high loneliness, moderate isolation (with high likelihood of living alone).

Groups experiencing loneliness and/or isolation were more likely to report poorer physical and mental health even after adjusting for socio-demographic confounders, this was particularly notable for Group 6. Our results indicate that different typologies of living alone, loneliness and isolation can be identified using data-driven techniques, and can be differentiated by the number and severity of issues they experience.

Full text (PDF 22pp)

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How to Improve the Mental Health of Older Adults

a post by Suzanne Kane for the World of Psychology blog



Older adults should be enjoying their so-called “golden years,” yet too many are beset with mental health issues that, in addition to other medical conditions they may have, contribute to a decline in their mental health. There is hope to help counter this, however, and new research points to innovative, as well as common sense, approaches on how to improve the mental health of older adults.

Continue reading

I am not sure about being improved.

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Household changes and diversity in housing consumption at older ages in Scotland

an article by Francesca Fiori (University of St Andrews, UK), Elspeth Graham (University of St Andrews, UK) and Zhiqiang Feng (University of Edinburgh, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 1 (January 2019)

Abstract

This paper contributes to understanding housing adjustments in later life by investigating the role of four key lifecourse transitions experienced by older individuals and their households, namely changes in health, retirement, union transitions and adult children leaving the household.

Using data from a representative sample of the Scottish population for the decade 2001–2011, the study examines who moves and, for movers, whether they adjust their housing size in response to changes in their personal and household circumstances. In particular, the study explores diversity in housing consumption at older ages by investigating whether the triggers of upsizing or downsizing differ across tenure groups.

The majority of older adults in Scotland do not change their place of residence during the study decade.

For the minority who do move, all four lifecourse transitions are significant triggers for residential relocation but there is considerable diversity across the two major tenure groups in the influence of household changes on their housing consumption adjustments. In both tenure groups, however, the presence of children in the household is associated with upsizing and is a significant impediment to downsizing.

Given the relative rootedness of older parents with co-resident adult children and their propensity to upsize rather than downsize if they move, our findings raise concerns over the interdependencies between younger and older generations in the housing market.

Full text (PDF 33pp)

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Re-thinking social exclusion in later life: a case for a new framework for measurement

an article by Catherine A Macleod and Gill Windle (Bangor University, UK), Andy Ross and Amanda Sacker (ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health (ICLS); University College London, UK) and Gopallakrishnan Netuvel (ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health (ICLS); University College London, UK; University of East London, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 1 (January 2019)

Abstract

Social exclusion is a dynamic multi-dimensional process that is interactive in nature.

The complex interplay between domains, whereby each domain can act as a determinant, indicator and/or outcome of social exclusion, hinders understanding of the process and the mechanisms through which social exclusion exists.

This article highlights the need to disentangle these pathways and move beyond descriptive accounts of social exclusion, presenting a new working framework that allows direct hypothesis testing of these between-domain relationships. Whilst this working framework can be applied to any population, this article focuses on older adults. Life events that can drive social exclusion such as bereavement and changes in health are more likely to occur in later life, and occur more frequently, increasing the risk of social exclusion for this population.

Rooted in the new working framework, this article presents the construction of later life social exclusion measures for use with Understanding Society – the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study. The validity of these measures are considered by examining the characteristics of those aged 65 years and over who score the highest, and therefore experience the greatest level of exclusion.

This new working framework and developed social exclusion measures provide a platform from which to explore the complex relationships between domains of social exclusion and ultimately provide a clearer understanding of this intricate multi-dimensional process.

Full text (PDF 38pp)

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A review of Internet use among older adults

an article by Amanda Hunsaker and Eszter Hargittai (University of Zurich, Switzerland) published in New Media & Society Volume 20 Issue 10 (October 2018)

Abstract

As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population.

This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain.

We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults.

We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.

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A nuanced understanding of Internet use and non-use among the elderly

Alexander JAM van Deursen (University of Twente, The Netherlands) and Ellen J Helsper (London School of Economics and Political Science, UK) published in European Journal of Communication Volume 30 Number 2 (April 2015)

Abstract

This article examines explanations for both Internet use and non-use by older individuals.

Older adults are often considered a homogeneous group with uniform reasons for Internet non-use, or when they are online, practicing a uniform range of activities.

The study gathered data concerning senior non-users through a national telephone survey. Data concerning senior Internet users were obtained through a nationally representative online survey.

The findings suggest that although a substantial part of the senior Internet non-users live in surroundings that enable Internet uptake, they seem to be less eager or unable to do so.

Important differences among senior non-users are based on gender, age, education, household composition and attitude towards the Internet. Differences among users were based on life stage, social environment and psychological characteristics.

This article thus reveals that older citizens are a very diverse group in which some are more likely to be digitally excluded than others.

A Global Examination of Policies and Practices for Lifelong Learning

an article by Phyllis Cummins and Suzanne Kunkel (Miami University, USA) published in New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development Volume 27 Issue 3 (Summer 2015)

Abstract

Continuous learning over the life course is necessary to successfully compete in a knowledge-based global economy. Workers are increasingly encouraged to remain in the labour force at older ages, which for many will require skills upgrading.

While a wide range of individual and community factors play a role in whether older workers receive skills training and remain in the labour force, national policies and practices are also likely to have an influence. This nation-level study used OECD data to identify associations between participation in lifelong learning activities and outcomes such as labor force participation at older ages and income inequality.

Countries with more hours spent in lifelong learning activities over the life course have higher labour force participation rates between the ages of 55 and 64 and have lower rates of income inequality.

Recognising lifelong learning as a shared responsibility among stakeholders is crucial to successful programme implementation.

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The rise of the ‘silver surfer’: Online social networking and social inclusion for older adults

an article by Christina Doyle (Australian Department of Human Services) and Sophie Jennifer Goldingay (Deakin University) published on Journal of Social Inclusion Volume 3 Number 2 (2012)

Abstract

As the proportion of older adults continues to grow in many Western countries, there are increasing concerns about how to meet their needs. Ensuring social connectedness and inclusion is one way to support older adults’ well-being.

Online social networking has become common place amongst younger age groups, suggesting its possible usefulness for older adults, in order to combat isolation and loneliness. Some quantitative studies have already explored the amount and degree of online social networking amongst older adults.

To add further understanding of how older adults experience social inclusion via the internet, the current qualitative study aimed to explore older adults’ subjective experience of online social networking.

Findings demonstrated a number of supports and barriers to social inclusion which reflect barriers to social inclusion of older adults in the non-virtual world. Recommendations to support social inclusion of isolated older adults via online social networking are suggested.

Full text (PDF  15pp)

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Individual differences in response to cognitive training: …

Using a multi-modal, attentionally demanding game-based intervention for older adults

an article by Laura A. Whitlock, Anne Collins McLaughlin and Jason C. Allaire (Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University, USA) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 28 Issue 4 (July 2012)

Abstract

The effectiveness of a game-based cognitive training intervention on multiple abilities was assessed in a sample of 39 older adults aged 60–77.

The intervention task was chosen based on a cognitive task analysis designed to determine the attentional and multi-modal demands of the game. Improvements on a measure of attention were found for the intervention group compared to controls.

Furthermore, for the intervention group only, initial ability scores predicted improvements on both tests of attention and spatial orientation. These results suggest cognitive training may be more effective for those initially lower in ability.

Highlights

► We provided a multi-modal game intervention to older adults of varying abilities.
► We examined changes in several abilities compared to a control group.
► Older adults with initially worse abilities appear to benefit more from cognitive training.
► Future investigations should include study of individual differences in training benefit from cognitive training interventions.

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