Social Robots: Caregiver-Older Adult Senior Evaluations (Research, Video 2: 54)

Before I begin sharing the wonders of social robots used to support caregiving, allow me to address any concerns you may have about robots replacing people or not being that important. Robots can’t replace people, but they can provide services that allow people more time to be caregivers. They give care recipients more opportunities to be supported and stimulated in daily living activities. They allow technology to accurately assess and evaluate their progress. Robots help older adults with dementia gain a degree of independence that encourages them to complete activities. 

But probably the best evaluators of how successful social robots can be are older adults and caregivers themselves. That’s when research such as this can be valuable. This research review on social robots aims to summarize the effectiveness of social robots on outcomes (psychological, physiological, quality of life, or medications) of older adults from randomized controlled trials. Eight databases were electronically searched including a total of 13 articles from 2,204 articles with these results:

1.    Social robots appeared to have positive impacts on agitation, anxiety, and quality of life for older adults.

2.    Results from a narrative review indicated that social robot interactions could improve engagement, interaction, and stress indicators, as well as reduce loneliness and the use of medications for older adults.

3.    Social robots appeared to have the potential to improve the well-being of older adults, but conclusions are limited due to the lack of more high-quality studies.

What kind of role will robots have in the future of older adults?  In this video, Rudy the robot is designed to be more affordable, to help around the house, be an interactive companion, and generally help older adults stay in their homes so they can be more independent. Here’s Rudy!

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Older Adults/ Seniors and Technology Stereotype (Research, Video 2:58)

What percentage of adults over age 65 use the Internet? If you’re like most people, you may have bought into the stereotype that the percentage is very low. Actually, 42% of adults over age 65 use the Internet. This statistic has increased 11% over the past year and continues to grow.

What are they doing on the Internet? Young people might say they are looking for sales on walkers or Viagra sources. They could be right, but older adults are looking for so much more and finding it. I personally know an older adult who has found love on the Internet twice at a matchmaking website. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology report that older adults’ positive attitudes about technology outnumber their negative attitudes. They believe that positive attitudes support many activities that older adults find convenient and useful.

Is there anything older adults don’t like about the Internet? Like many of all ages, they worry about Internet security. With all the hacking and scamming that target older adults, they should be concerned. They dislike some of the inconvenience and unreliability that holds hands with technology sometimes. But they mostly like the benefits they get from the technology experience such as Internet browsing, learning new information, social networking with family and friends, and even planning trips on their own.

Put the technology stereotype to rest. There’s a big world out there in cyberspace. Education can encourage even more older adults to explore the many wonders technology has to offer. If you're a senior who wants to learn more about traveling in cyberspace, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, a senior center, or your public library for information on where you can attend classes. Have a great trip!

At the age of 91, Naomi Long Madgett, Poet Laureate of Detroit, MI, enjoys using technology. Her good choices with the "new stuff" enhance her quality of life. You can read more about Naomi and iPad research with older adults here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selfie-detroit-poet-laureate-techie-91-ipad-research-parker?trk=mp-reader-card

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Older Adults Make Safe Sex Video (2:22)

You know what’s frightening? Nearly one-third of all people living with HIV/AIDS are aged 50 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 115,000 of the 475,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are 50+. That’s nearly double the number in 2001. The real numbers are likely higher because many people with HIV/AIDS remain undiagnosed.

Undiagnosed and infected people are estimated to cause two-thirds of infections.  Because many senior women are postmenopausal, they may not use condoms with the vigilance they would for preventing pregnancy. More sexual experimentation among seniors, including some increased by drugs like Viagra, also promote the likelihood of unprotected sex. 

You know what’s great? More seniors and others are paying attention to these statistics. They are understanding that rising rates of HIV/AIDS in their population require diligently using condoms, no sharing of needles, testing for HIV, and discussing HIV/AIDS with their doctors and others. They can make good use of resources available such as the National Institute on Aging.

But so much more can and should be done to get the message out about safe sex for seniors. Like any change, people can begin wherever they are to become part of the solution.

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Intergenerational Partnerships Change Negative Stereotypes About Older Adults (Research)

Frances Shani Parker accepts flowers from Yvonne Butler-Woods at the Revelation Lutheran Church Senior Celebration. Keynote speaker, Ms. Parker spoke about intergenerational partnerships and the impact of negative stereotypes about older adults on children.

 
(Note: This is not her speech.)                                 

A former school principal, I encourage intergenerational experiences between students and older adults. I feel so strongly about them that I include a chapter on school-nursing home partnerships in my book "Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”

At my school, we had students complete pre and post surveys as part of their nursing home visits. We asked them what their expectations were about nursing homes and the residents who lived there. Fourth graders told us they thought residents would be boring, slow, and nosy, trying to get into their "business." These were only a few of the negative stereotypes they had already developed about older adults. Students also participated in several classes on aging and eldercare before their visits. They learned how to perform, analyze, record, and disseminate scientific research. The lessons we created were integrated into the regular school curriculum supporting academic standards. This teaching approach is called service-learning.

Of course, students were amazed at how their opinions changed when they took the same surveys after returning to school from their visits. In addition, they witnessed dementia firsthand and developed a healthier understanding of aging, illness, caregiving, and acceptance of others' differences.

A research summary reported in “Medical News Today,” Source: Jamie Hanlon, confirms that negative stereotypes about the elderly can be present in children as young as three. The study reported that children with fewer contacts with seniors had more negative stereotypes about them. While children also learn negative stereotypes from the media and from observing how others treat seniors, they can learn many positive lessons about older adults through their early personal interactions with them.

The negative biases children embrace can impact them through the years in ways that are damaging in how they treat older adults, perceive themselves, and in how they perceive aging. Perhaps you have noticed some young people exhibit a strong lack of tolerance or empathy for seniors. I certainly have. Unfortunately, these youngsters may grow up to become the negative stereotypes they believe. Positive intergenerational experiences involving young people and older adults are wonderful win-win opportunities. 

Frances Shani Parker, Author

"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”

“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

Seniors and Casino Gambling: Who’s Really Winning?

Across the country, the numbers of seniors visiting casinos are growing faster than any other age group. Casinos are estimated to take as much as 65% of their revenue from those aged 65 and older. Detroit, Michigan has three major casinos that get plenty of business from seniors in Michigan and beyond. They love to take field trips to casinos as a social activity, but is it really just social?

Research from the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University in Detroit causes serious concerns about seniors and casino gambling. Including 1,410 randomly selected adults, aged 60 and older, the study concluded that one in five older adults who enter a casino eventually displays problem gambling behaviors. Peter Lichtenberg, Ph.D., director of the Institute of Gerontology and one of two authors of this study published in the “Journal of Aging Studies” said, “Urban elders are especially vulnerable to problems because higher percentages of them have low income, few social supports, and poor mental and physical health.” Symptoms of problem gambling include compulsive gambling and lying about  time and money spent.

Findings from this study should be taken very seriously, particularly when considering serious health and financial problems among older adults in the future. Expected consequences related to seniors’ increasing participation in casino gambling are “financial loss, the erosion of personal relationships, depression, suicide, substance abuse, and personality disorders.” No winners there.

Full Article Citation:  

Zaranek, R. & Lichtenberg, P. (2008).  Urban elders and casino gambling:  Are they at risk of a gambling problem?  "Journal of Aging Studies," 22, 13-23.

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Homophobia in Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Assisted Living, and Home Care (LGBT Video 4:01 mins.)

Life can be horrendous living in a community where you are excluded and harassed. This is the experience of many elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) people living in nursing homes, long-term care, assisted living, and even those receiving home care from healthcare workers. Consider how you would feel being dependent daily on bigoted caregivers who resent your presence. Imagine being isolated socially by fellow residents regularly or only being included because you hide a major part of your identity. Either way, damage to your emotional and physical health can be devastating.

The “Michigan Daily” reports that LGBT elderly increasingly have been “disrespected, shunned, or mistreated in ways that range from hurtful to deadly, even leading some to commit suicide.” Important solutions to this problem include a national drive to train long-term care providers in equitable and compassionate care, and a move for separate, but equal care.

Implementation of culture change in senior institutions requires sensitivity and commitment to the creation of person-centered environments that welcome LGBT residents. As this award-winning LGBT documentary titled  “Gen Silent” explains so well, no one should have to live in fear in order to survive. What kind of quality of life is that?

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Cane-Fu: Martial Arts for the Elderly (Video 1:59 mins.)

Although the U.S. Justice Department states that the elderly are the least likely to be targeted by violent crimes, it doesn’t hurt for them to be prepared and in better physical shape if they are attacked. And a cane is one weapon that can be carried anywhere. Sure, everybody jokes about using the everyday walking cane as a weapon, but at a retirement home in Maryland and at about 100 locations around the country, they aren’t joking. Cane-fu classes have been going on about ten years.

The goal, of course, is confidence building, a trait that can help anyone feel stronger and more in control. Seniors learn specific skills to help defend themselves and incorporate physical exercise during the learning process. Just knowing that the cane can do more than help them walk is empowering. Many of the class participants say they don’t walk the streets alone anyway.

Hopefully, most seniors will never have to defend themselves with canes, and it’s certainly not encouraged for the weak. I have observed how many seniors enjoy exercises using the Wii games and doing Zumba dance aerobics to Latin rhythms. Cane-fu fighting is another sign of the times, particularly in terms of senior exercise.

In this video, seniors participate in a Cane-fu class.

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

Video Poem: “Living Colors” (Nursing Home, Staff Shortage, Poor Vision, Alzheimer’s Disease, Hospice) 2:56 mins.

“Living Colors” is one of sixteen original poems included at the end of each chapter of "Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes.” With poems, stories, and general information, "Becoming Dead Right" explores urban nursing homes, hospice care, caregiving, dementia, death preparations, and bereavement. Strategies for improving eldercare and nursing homes are examined.

This poem was inspired by one of my hospice patients who had Alzheimer’s disease and poor eyesight. More sight problems could be corrected in nursing homes if residents received vision care regularly. My patient needed assistance to eat, but there was a staff shortage that day. Staff shortages in nursing homes negatively impact patients across the country. Using her fingers, she started feeding herself. I arrived to find her with food smeared around her mouth. After wondering what that experience might have been like for her, I wrote this poem:

Living Colors



Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

Video Poem: “Reflections of a Hospice Volunteer” (Hospice, Nursing Homes, Eldercare) 3:25 mins.

“Reflections of a Hospice Volunteer” is one of sixteen original poems included at the end of each chapter of "Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes.” With poems, stories, and general information, "Becoming Dead Right" explores hospice care, urban nursing homes, caregiving, dementia, death preparations, and bereavement. Strategies for improving eldercare and nursing homes are examined.

Dedicated hospice volunteers everywhere enhance quality of life during patients’ final days. This poem expresses the win-win experience of many volunteers.



Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

Service-Learning, Schools, and Nursing Homes: Intergenerational Partnerships (Video 3:30 mins.)

This excerpt is from my book Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes, which includes a chapter titled “School-Nursing Home Partnership:"

“The most effective learning usually does not come from classroom lectures or always translate on standardized tests. I witnessed academic and affective growth by students as a direct result of their interactions with the elderly. Growth occurred when the two groups became involved in meaningful projects such as letter writing, storytelling, biography writing, arts and crafts, and performing arts. This excellent educational approach to teaching and learning that connects classroom learning with meeting community needs is called service-learning. Research shows that students derive many benefits in areas of academic achievement, enthusiasm for learning, caring for others, and greater civic and political engagement through involvement in service learning."

When I was a teacher, I took students on service-learning field trips to nursing homes. Students practiced educational skills, showcased their talents, and provided entertainment and companionship to residents. Residents also benefited from these exchanges. Our trips came about after extensive preparation between the intergenerational partners and included ongoing reflection and evaluation.

I encouraged schoolwide service learning with all staff and students. We became a national model for research-based, schoolwide service-learning. You can read research our fourth graders did in partnership with nursing home residents on ageism stereotypes here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/intergenerational-service-learning-student-nursing-home-parker?trk=mp-author-card

What is service-learning in practice? This Better TV video defines service-learning and explains how it is used by schools and community groups to improve communities and promote positive development in young people.

Note: Winner of the National Service-Learning Partnership Trailblazer Award, Frances Shani Parker, a national consultant and former school principal, has been instrumental in implementing service-learning in school districts across the country. Her book includes a chapter on intergenerational partnerships between schools and nursing homes.

Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog