scholarly journals A Digital Coach Promoting Healthy Aging among Older Adults in Transition to Retirement: Results from a Qualitative Study in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7400
Author(s):  
Sara Santini ◽  
Flavia Galassi ◽  
Johannes Kropf ◽  
Vera Stara
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Health Coach ◽  
Transition To Retirement

Global aging and increasing multimorbidity are questioning the sustainability of healthcare systems. Healthy aging is at the top of the world political agenda, as a possible means for hindering the collapse of care systems. In the aging process, the transition to retirement can lead to an improvement or a deterioration of physical and psychological health. Digital health coaching technology can support older adults at this stage, but what must be the role of such a solution in promoting healthy aging and shaping sustainable care? This qualitative study, carried out in Italy in 2019, involved 15 older workers, retirees, and colleagues. Based on a user-centered design approach, this study aims at gathering older adults’ feelings on a digital health coaching technology for exploring this solution’s potential in promoting healthy aging. Findings highlighted that the digital health coach may help older adults improve several health determinants, e.g., physical activity, cognitive capabilities, and social life, but it can also entail the risk of stigma and break people’s privacy. The latter can be guaranteed by technology customization and codesign. Further research on the digital health coach benefits to boost healthy aging is needed to understand its potential for shaping future sustainable healthcare.

scholarly journals Digital Health Coaching Programs Among Older Employees in Transition to Retirement: Systematic Literature Review

10.2196/17809 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e17809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Stara ◽  
Sara Santini ◽  
Johannes Kropf ◽  
Barbara D'Amen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
User Centered

Background The rapid increase of the aging population is pushing many national governments to reshape retirement legislation in order to extend older adults’ working life. Once retired, older adults can be invaluable resources for the community as family carers, as volunteers, or by returning to work. Healthy aging is one of the main conditions for being able to work longer and being active after retirement. The latter, indeed, represents a very sensitive life transition, which can entail psychological and social difficulties. Interventions for promoting older workers’ health and well-being and supporting the transition to retirement are on the top of the policy agenda of most European countries. Recently, computer-based and digital health interventions have been seen as promising means to reach this purpose. Objective This systematic literature review aimed to explore studies on digital health coaching programs for older workers that followed a user-centered design approach and evaluated their effectiveness in providing older adults with guidance for adopting a healthy lifestyle and being active in the community. Methods The search identified 1931 papers, and 2 relevant articles were selected by applying specific eligibility criteria. Results To our knowledge, only few digital health coaching programs have targeted the population of older workers to date; there is an insufficient number of studies on the efficacy of such programs. The results show the difficulties of assessing the efficacy of digital coaching itself and with respect to older employees. The 2 studies suggest that digital health programs for workplaces can improve various aspects of older employees’ well-being; however, they considered health mainly from a physical perspective and neglected contextual, social, psychological, and cultural factors that can influence older workers’ health and general well-being. Future digital health coaching programs should adopt the healthy aging paradigm as a multidimensional lens for interpreting the impact of eHealth technology on aging and retirement. The literature around this issue remains at an embryonic state, and this gap needs to be filled by further investigations that apply a user-centered approach for designing the technology, test innovative research methodologies, and adopt new technical solutions for high-quality interaction design. Conclusions Further digital health coaching programs aimed at supporting healthy and active living for older workers and retirees are necessary. The user-centered design approach is recommended in order to fully address the users’ health needs and the technological requirements throughout development. Moreover, the healthy aging perspective allows inclusion of physical, social, and psychological factors influencing the transition from work to retirement, as well as the experiences and interactions of individuals with the technology.

scholarly journals Digital Health Coaching Programs Among Older Employees in Transition to Retirement: Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Stara ◽  
Sara Santini ◽  
Johannes Kropf ◽  
Barbara D'Amen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
User Centered

BACKGROUND The rapid increase of the aging population is pushing many national governments to reshape retirement legislation in order to extend older adults’ working life. Once retired, older adults can be invaluable resources for the community as family carers, as volunteers, or by returning to work. Healthy aging is one of the main conditions for being able to work longer and being active after retirement. The latter, indeed, represents a very sensitive life transition, which can entail psychological and social difficulties. Interventions for promoting older workers’ health and well-being and supporting the transition to retirement are on the top of the policy agenda of most European countries. Recently, computer-based and digital health interventions have been seen as promising means to reach this purpose. OBJECTIVE This systematic literature review aimed to explore studies on digital health coaching programs for older workers that followed a user-centered design approach and evaluated their effectiveness in providing older adults with guidance for adopting a healthy lifestyle and being active in the community. METHODS The search identified 1931 papers, and 2 relevant articles were selected by applying specific eligibility criteria. RESULTS To our knowledge, only few digital health coaching programs have targeted the population of older workers to date; there is an insufficient number of studies on the efficacy of such programs. The results show the difficulties of assessing the efficacy of digital coaching itself and with respect to older employees. The 2 studies suggest that digital health programs for workplaces can improve various aspects of older employees’ well-being; however, they considered health mainly from a physical perspective and neglected contextual, social, psychological, and cultural factors that can influence older workers’ health and general well-being. Future digital health coaching programs should adopt the healthy aging paradigm as a multidimensional lens for interpreting the impact of eHealth technology on aging and retirement. The literature around this issue remains at an embryonic state, and this gap needs to be filled by further investigations that apply a user-centered approach for designing the technology, test innovative research methodologies, and adopt new technical solutions for high-quality interaction design. CONCLUSIONS Further digital health coaching programs aimed at supporting healthy and active living for older workers and retirees are necessary. The user-centered design approach is recommended in order to fully address the users’ health needs and the technological requirements throughout development. Moreover, the healthy aging perspective allows inclusion of physical, social, and psychological factors influencing the transition from work to retirement, as well as the experiences and interactions of individuals with the technology.

scholarly journals Correction: Digital Health Coaching Programs Among Older Employees in Transition to Retirement: Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Stara ◽  
Sara Santini ◽  
Johannes Kropf ◽  
Barbara D'Amen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
User Centered

UNSTRUCTURED The rapid increase of the aging population is pushing many national governments to reshape retirement legislation in order to extend older adults’ working life. Once retired, older adults can be invaluable resources for the community as family carers, as volunteers, or by returning to work. Healthy aging is one of the main conditions for being able to work longer and being active after retirement. The latter, indeed, represents a very sensitive life transition, which can entail psychological and social difficulties. Interventions for promoting older workers’ health and well-being and supporting the transition to retirement are on the top of the policy agenda of most European countries. Recently, computer-based and digital health interventions have been seen as promising means to reach this purpose. This systematic literature review aimed to explore studies on digital health coaching programs for older workers that followed a user-centered design approach and evaluated their effectiveness in providing older adults with guidance for adopting a healthy lifestyle and being active in the community. The search identified 1931 papers, and 2 relevant articles were selected by applying specific eligibility criteria. To our knowledge, only few digital health coaching programs have targeted the population of older workers to date; there is an insufficient number of studies on the efficacy of such programs. The results show the difficulties of assessing the efficacy of digital coaching itself and with respect to older employees. The 2 studies suggest that digital health programs for workplaces can improve various aspects of older employees’ well-being; however, they considered health mainly from a physical perspective and neglected contextual, social, psychological, and cultural factors that can influence older workers’ health and general well-being. Future digital health coaching programs should adopt the healthy aging paradigm as a multidimensional lens for interpreting the impact of eHealth technology on aging and retirement. The literature around this issue remains at an embryonic state, and this gap needs to be filled by further investigations that apply a user-centered approach for designing the technology, test innovative research methodologies, and adopt new technical solutions for high-quality interaction design. Further digital health coaching programs aimed at supporting healthy and active living for older workers and retirees are necessary. The user-centered design approach is recommended in order to fully address the users’ health needs and the technological requirements throughout development. Moreover, the healthy aging perspective allows inclusion of physical, social, and psychological factors influencing the transition from work to retirement, as well as the experiences and interactions of individuals with the technology. J Med Internet Res 2020;22(9):e17809

scholarly journals A Qualitative Study toward Technologies for Active and Healthy Aging: A Thematic Analysis of Perspectives among Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary End Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7489
Author(s):  
Margherita Rampioni ◽  
Adrian Alexandru Moșoi ◽  
Lorena Rossi ◽  
Sorin-Aurel Moraru ◽  
Dan Rosenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Sensing Technology ◽  
Care Systems

It is expected that, by 2050, people aged over 60 in 65 nations will constitute 30% of the total population. Healthy aging is at the top of the world political agenda as a possible means for hindering the collapse of care systems. How can ICT/sensing technology meet older people’s needs for active and healthy aging? This qualitative study carried out in Italy and Romania in 2020 involved 30 participants: older adults, caregivers, and stakeholders. Based on a user-centered design approach, this study aimed to understand which requirements of ICT/sensing technologies could match people’s needs of active and healthy aging. Findings highlighted that ICT/sensing technology needs to focus on six major themes: (1) learnability, (2) security, (3) independence, empowerment, and coaching values, (4) social isolation, (5) impact of habit, culture, and education variables, and (6) personalized solutions. These themes are consistent with the Active Aging framework and the factors that influence perceived usefulness and potential benefits among older adults. Consequently, this study shows how well-known, but still unresolved, issues affect the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote active and healthy aging. This suggests that the reinforcement of the public health system, especially considering the pandemic effect, requires a concrete and formidable effort from an interdisciplinary research network.

scholarly journals Digital Health Interventions for Healthy Aging: A Qualitative User Evaluation and Ethical Assessment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Ienca ◽  
Christophe Schneble ◽  
Reto Kressig ◽  
Tenzin Wangmo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract BackgroundDigital health technologies are being increasingly developed with the aim of allowing older adults to maintain functional independence throughout the old age, a process known as healthy ageing. Such digital health technologies for healthy ageing are expected to mitigate the socio-economic effects of population ageing and improve the quality of life of older people. However, little is known regarding the views and needs of older people regarding these technologies. AimThe aim of this study is to explore the views, needs and perceptions of community-dwelling older adults regarding the use of digital health technologies for healthy ageing. MethodFace-to-face, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older adults (median age 79.6 years). The interview process involved both abstract reflections and practical demonstrations. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to inductive content analysis. ResultsThree main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged. The three main themes revolved around the following thematic areas: favorable views and perceptions on technology-assisted living, usability evaluations and ethical considerations. ConclusionsOur study reveals a generally positive attitude towards digital health technologies as participants believed digital tools could positively contribute to improving their overall wellbeing, especially if designed in a patient-centered manner. Safety concerns and ethical issues related to privacy, empowerment and lack of human contact also emerged as key considerations.

scholarly journals User Requirements Analysis of an Embodied Conversational Agent for Coaching Older Adults to Choose Active and Healthy Ageing Behaviors during the Transition to Retirement: A Cross-National User Centered Design Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9681
Author(s):  
Sara Santini ◽  
Vera Stara ◽  
Flavia Galassi ◽  
Alessandra Merizzi ◽  
Cornelia Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
End Users ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
Conversational Agent ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agent ◽  
Active And Healthy Ageing ◽  
Transition To Retirement

Background: Retirement is recognized as a factor influencing the ageing process. Today, virtual health coaching systems can play a pivotal role in supporting older adults’ active and healthy ageing. This study wants to answer two research questions: (1) What are the user requirements of a virtual coach (VC) based on an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) for motivating older adults in transition to retirement to adopt a healthy lifestyle? (2) How could a VC address the active and healthy ageing dimensions, even during COVID-19 times? Methods: Two-wave focus-groups with 60 end-users aged 55 and over and 27 follow-up telephone interviews were carried out in Austria, Italy and the Netherlands in 2019–2020. Qualitative data were analysed by way of framework analysis. Results: End-users suggest the VC should motivate older workers and retirees to practice physical activity, maintain social contacts and emotional well-being. The ECA should be reactive, customizable, expressive, sympathetic, not directive nor patronizing, with a pleasant and motivating language. The COVID-19 outbreak increased the users’ need for functions boosting community relationships and promoting emotional well-being. Conclusions: the VC can address the active and healthy ageing paradigm by increasing the chances of doing low-cost healthy activities at any time and in any place.

scholarly journals Learning From Older Adults to Promote Independent Physical Activity Using Mobile Health (mHealth)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Nebeker ◽  
Zvinka Z. Zlatar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Health Study

Background: Healthy aging is critically important for several reasons, including economic impact and quality of life. As the population of older adults rapidly increases, identifying acceptable ways to promote healthy aging is a priority. Technologies that can facilitate health promotion and risk reduction behaviors may be a solution, but only if these mobile health (mHealth) tools can be used by the older adult population. Within the context of a physical activity intervention, this study gathered participant's opinions about the use of an mHealth device to learn about acceptance and to identify areas for improvement.Methods: The Independent Walking for Brain Health study (NCT03058146) was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a wearable mHealth technology in facilitating adherence to a physical activity prescription among participants in free-living environments. An Exit Survey was conducted following intervention completion to gauge participant's perceptions and solicit feedback regarding the overall study design, including exercise promotion strategies and concerns specific to the technology (e.g., privacy), that could inform more acceptable mHealth interventions in the future. The Digital Health Checklist and Framework was used to guide the analysis focusing on the domains of Privacy, Access and Usability, and Data Management.Results: Participants (n = 41) were in their early 70's (mean = 71.6) and were predominantly female (75.6%) and White (92.7%). Most were college educated (16.9 years) and enjoyed using technology in their everyday life (85.4%). Key challenges included privacy concerns, device accuracy, usability, and data access. Specifically, participants want to know what is being learned about them and want control over how their identifiable data may be used. Overall, participants were able to use the device despite the design challenges.Conclusions: Understanding participant's perceptions of the challenges and concerns introduced by mHealth is important, as acceptance will influence adoption and adherence to the study protocol. While this study learned from participants at studycompletion, we recommend that researchers consider what might influence participant acceptance of the technology (access, data management, privacy, risks) and build these into the mHealth study design process. We provide recommendations for future mHealth studies with older adults.

The influence of work on the transition to retirement: A qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 81 (11) ◽  
pp. 624-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie Eagers ◽  
Richard C Franklin ◽  
Kieran Broome ◽  
Matthew K Yau
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Retirement Transition ◽  
Model Of Human Occupation ◽  
Transition To Retirement ◽  
Transition Stages

Introduction Retirement from work is a complex process, with work influencing this transition. Occupational therapists can facilitate a meaningful occupational transition to retirement for better health and wellbeing in later life. This article explores (1) how work attributes influence and relate to the work-to-retirement transition stages, (2) the relationship of findings to the Model of Human Occupation volitional processes and (3) the potential occupational therapy role. Method Semi-structured interviews were completed with retirees. In this qualitative study, themes were identified in relation to the work-to-retirement transition stages using thematic analysis with findings related to the Model of Human Occupation volitional processes. Findings Eleven Australian participants (five females, six males) were recruited. Themes and sub-themes were identified within each stage of the work-to-retirement transition and collectively encapsulated all volitional processes. Themes were time to move on, taking action, ceasing work, feeling retired, letting go and work-related involvement. Conclusion Work attributes related to personal factors, social factors, meaningful occupational engagement and the nexus of work and retirement influence all work-to-retirement transition stages. Volition assists in explaining the complexity of this transition. Occupational therapists can assist older workers to continue working or identify and implement meaningful occupations to replace work activities in retirement.

scholarly journals 173 A Qualitative Study Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Engagement in Physical Activity Among Older Irish and French Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
Aileen Lynch ◽  
Sean Kilroy ◽  
Monique Epstein ◽  
Ariane Girault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have been well-documented. However, a large proportion of older adults worldwide fail to meet the internationally recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity PA per week. Factors associated with engagement in PA among older adults are complex, interacting and wide-reaching, involving individual, social, physical and environmental factors. Thus, to develop preventive lifestyle interventions it is necessary to carefully explore these factors. Methods This qualitative study (as part of a larger funded study to develop a PA-intervention) sought to identify and explore facilitators and barriers to PA in community dwelling older adults (≥65). Focus groups were conducted in Ireland (one) and France (two) and findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The main facilitators that emerged from focus group participants (n=33) were: availability of resources; tailored classes facilitated by staff knowledgeable of older adults’ needs; activities that facilitated social support and connectedness; perceived physical and psychological health benefits. Similar factors also influence continued participation in PA, as well as feelings of wellbeing and enjoyment, family support and motivation, although it was noted that it did sometimes require considerable effort. Barriers to engagement in PA included: lack of social support and resources; environmental factors, whether built, social, location or weather-related. Barriers of a more personal nature also emerged and included fear, loss of confidence due to functional changes, and lack of opportunity. Conclusion PA guidelines are but the first step. There is a need to develop implementation strategies at all levels: personal; interpersonal; organisational; community; and public policy, specifically for older adults, that will incorporate the above facilitators and address the above barriers to optimize engagement and maintenance in PA among older adults.

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