Tablet technology and occupational performance for older adults
M. Zilberman, S. Benham, P. Kramer
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AbstractBackground For the older adult, there is little evidence supporting the use of specific mobile devices, such as tablets, and the effect on daily occupational performance. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in participation and satisfaction of older adult participants’ self-identified occupational performance problems after an 8-week educational tablet training program. Methods Participants (n=8) were members of an older adult healthcare day center and were at least 60 years of age, had little to no prior exposure to mobile computing technology usage, demonstrated functional motor and visual skills for tablet usage, and scored at least 25 on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). Each participant was issued an iPad Mini® computer tablet, keyboard, case, and stand to use full-time during the educational sessions, open labs, and within their home and community environments. The program consisted of twice weekly participation in both 1 hour educational sessions and 1 hour open laboratory sessions. Results In regards to self-rated performance, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a p=0.0196 (p<0.05), while self-rated satisfaction revealed p=0.0039 (p<0.01). Through structured interviews, participants revealed satisfaction with the program and the personal development of their skills, which was achieved through the encouragement of self-exploration of apps. Conclusion There is moderate evidence of self-perceived performance increase after intervention, and strong evidence of self-perceived satisfaction increase after intervention. Self-identified occupational problem areas gave the participants clear goals for how to implement device usage and applications (apps) to best assist themselves. Participants who are actively engaged in a structured group with one-on-one support may be more likely to carryover skills into their environments and daily routines to promote performance and satisfaction in occupational performance.Keywords: older adult, aging, mobile technology, tablets, occupational performance
M. Zilberman, S. Benham, P. Kramer (2016). Tablet technology and occupational performance for older adults. Gerontechnology, 15(2), 109-115
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2016.15.2.024.00