scholarly journals Heuristics and Recommendations for the Design of Mobile Serious Games for Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Mônica da Consolação Machado ◽  
Ronan Loschi Rodrigues Ferreira ◽  
Lucila Ishitani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Older People ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Important Goal ◽  
Mobile Games ◽  
Mobile Game ◽  
The Public

As people get older, their physical and cognitive functions decline. Meeting these needs is an important goal to be reached, to propose activities that may contribute to a better quality of life, including leisure and learning. As such, this paper aims to present a set of heuristics and recommendations for the design of mobile serious games for older adults. To elaborate these heuristics and recommendations, we conducted two studies with older people. In the first study, we invited people aged 60 or more to evaluate mobile games, intending to collect data that could help us to adapt the heuristics that were already published to the public of this research. In the period between the two studies, we developed a serious mobile game (Labuta​ Batuta​) that met the set of adapted heuristics. In the second study, we invited another group of older people, aged 45 or over, to qualitatively evaluate Labuta​ Batuta​, in order to develop a Grounded Theory about the desirable characteristics for the design of serious mobile games for older adults. Besides a Grounded Theory, the second study allowed the identification of nine requirements to be considered when designing the mechanics of mobile games for older adults.

Virtual Reality to Help Older People in Nursing Homes: A New Way to Reduce Psychological Symptoms?

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaillant Ciszewicz AJ ◽  
◽  
Guerin O ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older People ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Disorders ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Older Population

Older people living in nursing homes often present with psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and apathy. Numerous studies focused on the effects of Virtual Reality (VR) in the older population. This innovative approach could lead to a significant reduction in psychological disorders in older adults and improve their quality of life.

Improvement for some: poverty and social exclusion among older people and pensioners

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demi Patsios
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Political Participation ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
General Position ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Policy Action

This chapter focuses on several key areas of poverty and social exclusion experienced by older people and pensioners using B-SEM. Analyses by pensioner household type (n=2,296) show differences in older adults’: access to material, economic and social resources; participation in common social activities and civic and political participation; and quality of life. Younger pensioners (particularly couples) are least likely to report lower resources and exclusion from participation, and more likely to report higher quality of life. In contrast, older and single (particularly female) pensioners are most likely to report lower levels of economic and social resources and lower scores on participation and quality of life sub-domains. Although the general position of pensioners has improved over the past decade, the findings conclude that this has not been the case for all pensioners. The policy situation explaining some of these disparities and the implications for further policy action are discussed.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF A PARO INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSION AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S341-S341
Author(s):  
Shu-Chuan Chen ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of a social robot Paro intervention on depression and well-being in older adults with depression living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Methods: This study was adopted a single group and quasi-experimental with repeated measures design. Each participant participated in two stages: observation and Paro intervention stages. Stage 1 was an 8-week observation stage in long-term care facilities where the purpose was to observe the normal mood, behaviour and activities of older adults with depression. In stage 2, each participant was given a Paro by the researcher to keep for 24 hours for 7 days in for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements were obtained 4 times: a week before the intervention (T1), immediately the end of 8-week observation (T2), mid-point of Paro intervention (T3), and immediately the end of 8-week Paro intervention (T4). Instruments included the Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD. Results: There were 20 participants completed the study. The mean age of participants was 81.1years (SD = 8.2). After 8-week Paro intervention, statistically significant differences in changes were found on depression, loneliness, and quality of life from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: This study was found that Paro intervention has beneficial effects on depression and mental well-being for older people with depression in long-term care facilities. Paro Intervention might be a suitable psychosocial intervention for older people with depression and should be considered as a useful tool in clinical practice.

Misunderstandings about older people fuel corona virus complacency

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-272
Author(s):  
Ellery Altshuler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Older People ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Personal Experiences

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore public assumptions underlying the apparent disregard for the lives of older people during the coronavirus outbreak. It attempts to dispel myths about quality of life among older people. Design/methodology/approach This paper integrates the author’s personal experiences as a doctor with data collection, which involved general PubMed searches for articles relating to the public response to the effect of coronavirus on older people; beliefs about the lives of older people; and issues of happiness, contentedness and quality of life in older people. Findings Some people have concluded that the lives of older people – which they believe to be of low quality – are worth risking to lessen the economic impact of coronavirus. This morbid calculation is based in part on the assumption that older people are less happy than younger people. In fact, the evidence shows that as people get older, they become significantly happier. Originality/value This paper asks readers to explore their assumptions about ageing and reaffirms the importance of protecting older people in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

scholarly journals Older People, Sense of Coherence and Community

2022 ◽  
pp. 185-199
Author(s):  
Maria Koelen ◽  
Monica Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Ageing Processes

AbstractIn this chapter, the authors consider the meanings of the concepts of healthy ageing, ageing well, salutogenic ageing and reciprocity between the sense of coherence (SOC) and ageing processes. They discuss how the community can provide resources to strengthen older adults’ SOC, perceived well-being and quality of life. Quoting ‘It’s not how old we are; it’s how we are old’, the authors illuminate critical differences in understanding healthy ageing by professionals, researchers and older people themselves.

scholarly journals SAÚDE DO IDOSO: ABORDAGEM PREVENTIVA EM UM GRUPO DE CAMINHADA

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Mayara Kerly Coelho Ponte ◽  
Roberto Cleber Silva de Oliveira ◽  
Raimunda Hermelinda Maia Macena ◽  
Vasco Pinheiro Diógenes Bastos ◽  
Thiago Brasileiro de Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
The City ◽  
Walking Group

Introdução: O envelhecimento é definido como um processo multidimensional, e este processo de envelhecimento, salvo ocorrências abreviadoras, são inevitáveis e inerentes a todos. A atividade física é o fator que prediz de forma mais consistente um envelhecimento saudável e qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Verificar o possível benefício das atividades físicas desenvolvidas por uma equipe multidisciplinar em um grupo de idosos. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, transversal e descritivo, no qual foram acessados múltiplos casos em campo. Realizado através de entrevistas com idosos participantes de um grupo de caminhada. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado análise de conteúdo. Resultados: A análise de depoimentos dos idosos foi dividida em quatro questionamentos: Mudanças após o inicio no grupo – “melhora dos aspectos físico, social e mental”, Quais foram as mudanças - “diminuição das dores, câimbras e aumento do bem estar”, Qual atividade que mais gosta - “o alongamento e a dança, com alegria em mexer o corpo todo” e Como se sente após a atividade - “maior disposição e diminuição da sensação de cansaço”. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que a prática de atividade física proporciona uma melhor qualidade de vida e bem estar geral. Observou-se também que os idosos tornaram-se mais eficazes e produtivos. OLDER ADULT HEALTH: PREVENTIVE APPROACH IN A WALKING GROUP ABSTRACT Ageing is defined as a multidimensional process and, this ageing process, except abridged occurrences, is inevitable and inherent to all people. Physical activity is a very important factor to a healthy ageing and to quality of life. This study aimed at verifying the possible benefits of physical activities developed by a multidisciplinary team in the perception of a group of older people. It is a qualitative, transversal and descriptive study, in which many cases were accessed. It was carried out through interviews with older adults who participate in a walking group. Content analysis was used for data analysis. For the present study, 10 older adults (2 men and 8 women) were evaluated; they participate in a walking group in the city of Sobral/CE. According to their opinion, regular physical activity designated to older population contributes to the improvement of health conditions in many aspects as physical, social and mental, according to the following statements: “improvement of physical, social and mental aspects”, “decreased pain and cramps and increased well-being”, "Stretching and dancing, with joy in moving the whole body" and "more disposition and decrease of the sensation of fatigue". It is evident that the practice of physical activity affords a better quality of life and well-being. It is also observed that the older people became more efficient and productive according to their own perception.

The incidence, management and consequence of tinnitus in older adults

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Holmes ◽  
Nigel D Padgham
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Psychosocial Function ◽  
Normal Part ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Impaired Individual

Impaired hearing is prevalent amongst older people, adversely affecting physical and psychosocial function and, hence, quality of life. It may also cause depression. Yet evidence suggests that hearing problems are all too often regarded as a ‘normal’ part of ageing and more likely to be ignored than diagnosed and/or treated; many believe that little can be done to improve hearing. Furthermore,‘many of the behaviours of a hearing-impaired individual (e.g. irritability, inattention or inappropriate responses) may be interpreted as evidence of dementia’though they may simply reflect communication difficulties that can, in turn, damage personal relationships.

scholarly journals EMPOWERMENT OF OLDER PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Irena Zemaitaityte
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Roles ◽  
Cultural Activity ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Education And Health

The article examines the empowerment of older adults to participate in educational activities in order to remain active members of the society. Empowerment is defined as the activation of the member to act on the basis of inner and outer resources. The growing number of older people in the society prompt to constantly review and adjust the resources of the society in the area of economy, education and health care to the new needs. Therefore, in order that older people would feel a fulfilling quality of life, it is necessary to promote them to be active, underpin social roles, provide them possibilities to engage in volunteering, educational, cultural activity and learn new things.

scholarly journals A Mobile Game for Patients With Breast Cancer for Chemotherapy Self-Management and Quality-of-Life Improvement: Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. e273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Jun Kim ◽  
Sun Mi Kim ◽  
Heechul Shin ◽  
Joung-Soon Jang ◽  
Young In Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Drug Compliance ◽  
Mobile Games ◽  
Mobile Game

Background The application of game-based learning in clinical practice has shown potential advantages in previous studies. However, there have been little efforts to use smartphone-based mobile games in the management of adult patients with cancer. Objective The objective of our study was to evaluate if patient education using a mobile game may increase drug compliance, decrease physical side effects of chemotherapy, and improve psychological status in breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 76 patients with metastatic breast cancer who were planned to receive cytotoxic chemotherapy were enrolled in this trial. Study participants were randomly assigned to a mobile game play group (game group, n=36) or a conventional education group (control group, n=40) in a ratio of 1:1. The patients were unblinded and followed prospectively for 3 weeks. Outcome measures included time spent for education, compliance to medication, physical side effects, and psychological side effects including quality of life (QoL). Results Overall, 72 out of 76 patients completed the study after 3 weeks (95%). The subjects in the game group showed high levels of satisfaction with the app. The time spent playing the mobile game in the game group was longer than that spent for self-education in the control group (mean 22.2, SD 6.1 vs mean 5.5, SD 4.0 minutes a day; P<.001). The mobile game group showed better drug adherence (Korean version of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale; mean 7.6, SD 0.7 vs mean 6.5, SD 0.5; P<.001). The use of the mobile game was associated with lower rates of chemotherapy-related side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, numbness of hand or foot, and hair loss, than the control group. The game group exhibited better QoL during chemotherapy (mean 74.9, SD 3.5 vs mean 72.2, SD 5.3; P=.01). However, there were no significant differences in terms of depression and anxiety scales. Conclusions This study suggests the feasibility and potentiality of the use of smartphone mobile games for patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Education using a mobile game led to better patient education, improved drug compliance, decreased side effects, and better QoL compared with conventional education. Mobile games can be used as easy, fun, and effective measures for patient education and have the potential to improve treatment outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03205969; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03205969 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71jfSBOq9).

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