Technology-Mediated Enrichment in Aged Care: Survey and Interview Study

Social Robots for Meaningful Seated Activities: Acceptance & Use by Older Adults

Healthy aging requires the maintenance of good physical and cognitive activity. However, as they age, older adults often experience a decline in physical and cognitive activity, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Some older adults may not have a choice but to become increasingly sedentary as they age due to injury or deteriorated physicality. As such, they require assistive technologies to aid in their daily lives and activities to maintain healthy cognitive function. Social Robots are a newer form of assistive technology, specifically designed for social interactions and gameplay. As with other assistive technologies, compliance barriers to their acceptance and use for meaningful, seated activities among older adults are expected. To better explore this phenomenon, improve quality of life and understand what drives older adults to accept and use newer forms of technology like social robots, this conceptual paper conjoins two theoretical frameworks: The Activity Theory of Aging (ATA) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). As social robots hold great promise for improving the quality of life for older adults, exploring what driving factors could enable their greater acceptance and use is essential to furthering this field of study within Australia.

Technology in aged care: a qualitative survey of academic, research, and technology industry professionals

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The study's aim was two-fold: (1) to explore the experiences and perceptions of industry, academic, and research professionals concerning technologies used within aged care; and (2) to identify needs-led priorities for the future development and application of technologies within aged care.

BACKGROUND

Global population ageing requires a recalibration of aged care policies, systems, and services to promote and support healthy ageing. It is expected that technology will play an important role in this regard. This study qualitatively assessed the landscape of technology use in aged care from the perspective of industry, academic, and research professionals.

DESIGN

A purposefully designed cross-sectional survey collecting experiences, perspectives, and barriers about technology through open responses.

METHODS

Using convenience sampling, thirty-five participants completed an online survey between April and October 2020. A descriptive qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyse the written responses. Reporting of findings followed the EQUATOR's Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified that characterised the use of technologies within aged care: (1) User Perceptions and Attitudes: wariness and reluctance to technology; (2) Systemic Issues within Aged Care: Under-resourced with opportunities for innovation; (3) Technology-Related Barriers: Equity, costs, privacy, integration, and interoperability and (4) Research Priorities: Co-design and integration of technology.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing technology does not meet the needs of older people, aged care personnel and the system in general, which prevents its successful implementation and uptake.

Implementing Technology Literacy Programs in Retirement Homes and Residential Care Facilities: Conceptual Framework

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread societal disruption, with governmental stay-at-home orders resulting in people connecting more via technology rather than in person. This shift had major impacts on older adult residents staying in retirement homes and residential care facilities, where they may lack the technology literacy needed to stay connected. The enTECH Computer Club from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada created a knowledge translation toolkit to support organizations interested in starting technology literacy programs (TLPs) by providing guidance and practical tips.

Objective

This paper aimed to present a framework for implementing TLPs in retirement homes and residential care facilities through expanding on the knowledge translation toolkit and the framework for person-centered care.

Methods

Major concepts relating to the creation of a TLP in retirement homes and residential care facilities were extracted from the enTECH knowledge translation toolkit. The domains from the framework for person-centered care were modified to fit a TLP context. The concepts identified from the toolkit were sorted into the three framework categories: “structure,” “process,” and “outcome.” Information from the knowledge translation toolkit were extracted into the three categories and synthesized to form foundational principles and potential actions.

Results

All 13 domains from the framework for person-centered care were redefined to shift the focus on TLP implementation, with 7 domains under “structure,” 4 domains under “process,” and 2 domains under “outcome.” Domains in the “structure” category focus on developing an organizational infrastructure to deliver a successful TLP; 10 foundational principles and 25 potential actions were identified for this category. Domains in the “process” category focus on outlining procedures taken by stakeholders involved to ensure a smooth transition from conceptualization into action; 12 foundational principles and 9 potential actions were identified for this category. Domains in the “outcome” category focus on evaluating the TLP to consider making any improvements to better serve the needs of older adults and staff; 6 foundational principles and 6 potential actions were identified for this category.

Conclusions

Several domains and their foundational principles and potential actions from the TLP framework were found to be consistent with existing literatures that encourage taking active steps to increase technology literacy in older adults. Although there may be some limitations to the components of the framework with the current state of the pandemic, starting TLPs in the community can yield positive outcomes that will be beneficial to both older adult participants and the organization in the long term.

Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric: Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place

The wellbeing of older adults is positively impacted by ease of access to social networks and opportunities. In urban fringe communities, longer geographical distances, combined with mobility and health issues, can lead to decreased access to community life. Technology can facilitate socialisation opportunities for older adults living in more geographically isolated locations, but we need to work with communities to better understand how technology can fit into their existing social tapestry and community infrastructure. We conducted an explorative, qualitative study consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of an urban fringe community (n = 2), and a community mapping focus group (n = 14). Transcripts and mapping materials were analysed thematically, and also the method’s suitability explored. The community mapping proved suitable to uncover the complexity of technology use to support social connectivity. We found that while technology was perceived as valuable by our participants, there were also significant fears and concerns surrounding its use related to the abstract concept of online friendship and the steep learning curve required to master some platforms. Inclusive communities connected by technology require tailored and customised community-led technology initiatives in order to accommodate for the unique social and geographical contexts in which they live. We outline the next steps for future research on technology-supported social connectivity within urban fringe communities.