Megan E O'Connell1, Kristen R Haase2, Karl S Grewal1, Ivan Panyavin1, August Kortzman1, Meghan E Flath1, Allison Cammer3, Theodore D Cosco4,5, Shelley Peacock6. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 2. Faculty of Applied Science, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 3. College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 4. Gerontology Research Center, Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 5. Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. 6. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We describe the evaluation of remote training, an innovative use of technology to maintain older adults' virtual connection with their community and socialization, which were disrupted by the pandemic. Remote training was conducted via telephone using principles of cognitive rehabilitation and delivered by trained clinicians. METHODS: We thematically analyzed trainer reflection notes and interviews with older adult participants. RESULTS: The main facilitators were technology training with exposure, and the main barrier was fear of technology. CONCLUSIONS: We describe how telephone-based training grounded in principles of cognitive rehabilitation can be used to remotely train older adults to use new technology and to help them maintain their community-based connections and engage in socialization. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Fear of technology during the pandemic can cause significant impairment in social functioning for older adults, at least when the only method for socialization is technology mediated such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Empathically delivered remote training in an understanding manner can reduce fear and increase social and community connections in the era of physical distancing.
OBJECTIVES: We describe the evaluation of remote training, an innovative use of technology to maintain older adults' virtual connection with their community and socialization, which were disrupted by the pandemic. Remote training was conducted via telephone using principles of cognitive rehabilitation and delivered by trained clinicians. METHODS: We thematically analyzed trainer reflection notes and interviews with older adult participants. RESULTS: The main facilitators were technology training with exposure, and the main barrier was fear of technology. CONCLUSIONS: We describe how telephone-based training grounded in principles of cognitive rehabilitation can be used to remotely train older adults to use new technology and to help them maintain their community-based connections and engage in socialization. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Fear of technology during the pandemic can cause significant impairment in social functioning for older adults, at least when the only method for socialization is technology mediated such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Empathically delivered remote training in an understanding manner can reduce fear and increase social and community connections in the era of physical distancing.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aging; COVID-19; older adults; pandemic; social isolation; technology
Authors: Clare Wilding; Hilary Davis; Tshepo Rasekaba; Mohammad Hamiduzzaman; Kayla Royals; Jennene Greenhill; Megan E O'Connell; David Perkins; Michael Bauer; Debra Morgan; Irene Blackberry Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-09-20 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Sarah Ryan; Paul Campbell; Zoe Paskins; Samantha Hider; Fay Manning; Katrina Rule; Michael Brooks; Andrew Hassell Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-07-26 Impact factor: 3.006