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Miola L, Carbone E, Toffalini E, Pazzaglia F. Navigability of Residential Care Homes From Residents', Family Members', and Staff's Points of View: The Residential Care Home Navigability Scale. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1419-1427. [PMID: 36913365 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Navigational skills display clear signs of decline with increasing age, especially in pathological aging. Therefore, navigability-the extent to which destinations can be reached with reasonable effort and time-should be considered in residential care home design. We aimed to develop a scale assessing environmental features (i.e., indoor visual differentiation, signage, and layout) for navigability in residential care homes: the Residential Care Home Navigability (RCHN) scale. To this end, we examined whether navigability and its factors were associated with a sense of direction within the residential care homes to different degrees for older adult residents, caregivers, and staff. The relationship between navigability and residential satisfaction was also considered. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 523 participants (230 residents, 126 family caregivers, and 167 staff members) responded to the RCHN, assessed their sense of orientation and general satisfaction, and performed a pointing task. RESULTS Results confirmed the RCHN scale's 3-level factor structure, good reliability, and validity. A subjective sense of direction, but not pointing task performance, was associated with navigability and its factors. In particular, visual differentiation is positively associated with a sense of direction regardless of group, whereas signage and layout contributed to a better experience of a sense of direction, especially among older residents. Navigability was not related to residents' satisfaction. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Navigability supports perceived orientation in residential care homes, especially for older residents. Moreover, the RCHN is a reliable tool for the assessment of RCHN, with important implications for minimizing spatial disorientation through environmental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miola
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Toffalini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Interuniversity Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Rome, Italy
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Dalirnaghadeh D, Yilmazer S. The effect of sound environment on spatial knowledge acquisition in a virtual outpatient polyclinic. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 100:103672. [PMID: 34971848 PMCID: PMC9747064 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the sound environment on spatial knowledge acquisition in a virtual outpatient polyclinic. Outpatient polyclinics have a salient role in determining early outpatient treatments of COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization or death and reduce the burden on hospitals. However, they have not been widely investigated in the literature. The studies on spatial knowledge have identified environmental elements mainly related to vision with no focus on sound. Currently, there is limited research on the effect of sound environment on spatial knowledge acquisition in virtual outpatient polyclinics. In this study, a virtual simulated outpatient polyclinic has been created with varying levels of visual and audio cues. Eighty participants were assigned to one of the four groups: a control (no visual signage), a visual (visual signage), an only audio (no landmarks and no visual signage), and an audio-visual group. The virtual environment was presented as a video walkthrough with passive exploration to test spatial knowledge acquisition with tasks based on the landmark-route-survey model. The results showed that a combination of visual signage and sound environment resulted in higher spatial knowledge acquisition. No significant difference was found between the performance of the visual group and the control group that shows that signage alone cannot aid spatial knowledge in virtual outpatient polyclinics. Data from the only audio group suggests that landmarks associated with sound can compensate for the lack of visual landmarks that may help design a wayfinding system for users with visual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donya Dalirnaghadeh
- Bilkent University, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
| | - Semiha Yilmazer
- Bilkent University, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
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Muffato V, Miola L, Pazzaglia F, Meneghetti C. Map Learning in Aging Individuals: The Role of Cognitive Functioning and Visuospatial Factors. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081033. [PMID: 34439652 PMCID: PMC8394523 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging coincides with a decline in map learning ability, but it is unclear to what extent different aspects of the mental representation are susceptible. The present study aimed to investigate knowledge about landmarks, their positions and distances (categorical and distance relations, respectively) in relation to aging as well as cognitive functioning (measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]), visuospatial abilities, and self-reported wayfinding inclinations. Thirty young adults and 60 older adults (30 aged 63–74 and 30 aged 75–86) learned a map, freely recalled the landmarks and performed a map drawing task (considering the number of landmarks missing, position accuracy and distance accuracy). Before that, older participants were also assessed regarding their general cognitive functioning (MoCA) and a series of visuospatial measures. The results show age-related differences among adults in recalling landmarks and in both categorical and distance relations, with a worsening of performance of old-olds only in the former. Older adults’ MoCA score related to accuracy in the three measures, and an additional role of spatial anxiety was found for distance accuracy. Above and beyond the age-related decline, the quality of older people’s spatial mental representation is related to higher general cognitive level and lower spatial anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Muffato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.P.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-6941
| | - Laura Miola
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.P.); (C.M.)
- Interuniversity Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.P.); (C.M.)
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Carbone E, Meneghetti C, Mammarella IC, Borella E. Using the Walking Corsi test to explain age-related differences between young and older adults' rotation performance. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2020; 31:1028-1047. [PMID: 32419608 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2020.1760110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study newly assessed visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) in young and older adults with an extended version of the backward Corsi Blocks Task (CBT): the backward Walking Corsi Test (WalCT). It involves recalling sequences of spatial locations while moving in an indoor space (2.5 × 3m) in which the CBT layout is recreated on the floor. The specific contribution of the backward WalCT (beyond that of the backward CBT) to explaining age-related effects on spatial rotation abilities was explored. Seventy young adults and 56 older adults performed the backward WalCT, classic VSWM tasks, self-assessments on pleasure in exploring and spatial anxiety, and mental rotation and perspective-taking tasks. Mediation models for the mental rotation and perspective-taking measures showed a direct age-related effect on both the backward WalCT and backward CBT, and an indirect one on the two spatial rotation abilities, mediated by the backward WalCT and - partly - the backward CBT. In particular, age-related effects on mental rotation were explained by the backward WalCT, while those on perspective-taking were explained by both the backward WalCT and backward CBT. The backward WalCT can be considered a measure suitable for assessing VSWM in older adults, which also explains age-related effects on mental rotation and perspective-taking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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A Systematic Review into Factors Influencing Sketch Map Quality. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi9040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spatial perception is formed throughout our entire lives. Its quality depends on our individual differences and the characteristics of the environment. A sketch map is one way of visualising an individual’s spatial perception. It can be evaluated like a real map, in terms of its positional accuracy, content frequency and choice of cartographic methods. Moreover, the factors influencing the sketch map and/or its individual parameters can be identified. These factors should be of interest to geographers, cartographers and/or (geography) educators. The aim of this paper is to identify and describe the factors that clearly affect sketch map quality, by conducting a systematic review of 90 empirical studies published since 1960. Results show that most empirical studies focus on individual differences more than on environmental characteristics or information sources, even though the importance of these overlooked factors, especially source map characteristics and geographical education, has been proven in most analysed studies. Therefore, further research is needed in the field of sketch map quality parameters, especially in the use of cartographic methods. This paper could serve as a framework for such research.
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Muffato V, Meneghetti C, Doria S, De Beni R. The orientation of young and older adults' mental representations of their home town with familiar and new landmarks. Br J Psychol 2019; 111:762-781. [PMID: 31737912 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Familiarity with an environment produces refined mental representations in adults of all ages, but it is not clear whether these representations tend to have a north-up orientation and whether familiarity facilitates the learning of new spatial information, especially in ageing. Thirty-two young and 32 older adults studied a map of their home town that included familiar and new fictitious landmarks, then performed pointing tasks, some aligned with the cardinal points south-north (SN), and others counter-aligned, north-south (NS). A measure of visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) and a questionnaire on pleasure in exploring were also administered. The results showed that performance was better when pointing SN than NS (alignment effect), whereas pointing performance for familiar landmarks was similar for SN and NS alignments (no alignment effect). No interaction involving age was found. VSWM emerged as a significant predictor of pointing performance. Spatial mental representations of familiar environments are elaborate and flexible as regards familiar landmarks, in both young and older adults; and a familiar layout does not seem to enhance older adults' spatial memory as regards new landmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Doria
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Rossana De Beni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
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Tung HT, Chen KM, Yao CT, Kuo CC, Hsu HF. Self-evaluation by community older adults on the applicability of the healthy beat acupunch exercise program. Complement Ther Med 2019; 42:59-64. [PMID: 30670283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the applicability of the Healthy Beat Acupunch (HBA) exercise program for older adults at community care centers and to explore their perceived impacts and suggestions for program protocol after six months of HBA exercises. Design & setting This prospective and descriptive study recruited 113 older adults from four community care centers. Intervention The HBA exercises were conducted 3 times a week, 40 min per session, for six months. Main outcome measures The program evaluation focused on four criteria: simplicity, safety, suitability, and helpfulness of the three phases of the HBA program using a 10-point ladder scale. The semi-structured interviews were focused on the participants' exercise experiences, perceived impacts on their health, and suggestions for the HBA program protocol. Results The average scores of the four criteria in each phase of the program ranged between 9.59 and 9.98 points. Participants reported an increase in their limb flexibility (n = 31) and that they were more relaxed (n = 26) and more energetic (n = 26) after engaging in the HBA exercises. Most of the participants suggested that the HBA program should be offered three times a week, 40 min per session, with 30 people in a group, and led by instructors who were professional, hardworking, easygoing, and enthusiastic, regardless of gender and age. Conclusions The HBA program was rated at a high level of simplicity, safety, suitability, and helpfulness by community older adults, which indicated that the program was considered as appropriate and applicable for the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ting Tung
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, 2 Zhongzheng 1st Rd., Lingya District, Kaohsiung, 80284, Taiwan; College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Kuei-Min Chen
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Teng Yao
- Master Program of Long-Term Care in Aging, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Chang-Chih Kuo
- College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Fen Hsu
- Center of Long-Term Care Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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Lokka IE, Çöltekin A, Wiener J, Fabrikant SI, Röcke C. Virtual environments as memory training devices in navigational tasks for older adults. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10809. [PMID: 30018315 PMCID: PMC6050286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive training approaches using virtual environments (VEs) might counter age-related visuospatial memory decline and associated difficulties in wayfinding. However, the effects of the visual design of a VE in route learning are not fully understood. Therefore, we created a custom-designed VE optimized for route learning, with adjusted levels of realism and highlighted landmark locations (MixedVE). Herein we tested participants’ route recall performance in identifying direction of turn at the intersection with this MixedVE against two baseline alternatives (AbstractVE, RealisticVE). An older vs. a younger group solved the tasks in two stages (immediate vs. delayed recall by one week). Our results demonstrate that the MixedVE facilitates better recall accuracy than the other two VEs for both age groups. Importantly, this pattern persists a week later. Additionally, our older participants were mostly overconfident in their route recall performance, but the MixedVE moderated this potentially detrimental overconfidence. Before the experiment, participants clearly preferred the RealisticVE, whereas after the experiment, most of the younger, and many of the older participants, preferred the MixedVE. Taken together, our findings provide insights into the importance of tailoring visualization design in route learning with VEs. Furthermore, we demonstrate the great potential of the MixedVE and by extension, of similar VEs as memory training devices for route learning, especially for older participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismini E Lokka
- University of Zurich, Department of Geography, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Arzu Çöltekin
- University of Zurich, Department of Geography, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland.
| | - Jan Wiener
- Bournemouth University, Department of Psychology, Bournemouth, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Sara I Fabrikant
- University of Zurich, Department of Geography, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Christina Röcke
- University of Zurich, University Research Priority Program (URPP) "Dynamics of Healthy Aging", Zurich, 8050, Switzerland
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Muffato V, Meneghetti C, De Beni R. Spatial mental representations: the influence of age on route learning from maps and navigation. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2018; 83:1836-1850. [PMID: 29846784 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-018-1033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Experiencing an environment by navigating in it or reading a map (route and survey views, respectively) is a typical activity of everyday life. Previous research has demonstrated that aging coincides with a decline in spatial learning, but it is unclear whether this depends to some degree on how the learning conditions relate to the method used to assess the recall. The present study aims to shed light on this issue. Forty-six young, 43 young-old and 38 old-old adults learned outdoor environments from a map and a video, then performed sketch map and route repetition tasks. Participants were assessed on their visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM), and reported their self-assessed visuo-spatial inclinations. The results showed that young adults completed the sketch maps more accurately after learning from a map rather than a video. The same was true of the young-old participants (but not of the old-old), though their performance was not as good as the younger group's. The learning condition had no effect on the route repetition task, however, and only age-related differences emerged, with both older groups performing less well than the young adults. After controlling for learning condition and age group, VSWM and participants' reported propensity to explore places predicted their accuracy in both types of spatial task. The overall results, discussed in the light of spatial cognitive and aging models, show that learning condition (combined with recall tasks) and visuo-spatial factors influence spatial representations, even in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Muffato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossana De Beni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padua, Italy
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