Using ICTs to Enhance Quality of Life Among Older Adults: An Intervention Study

University Of Alabama At Birmingham, Birmingham AL

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Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT Objective and Aims: The goal of this 60 month multi-method, multi-disciplinary study is to determine whether information and communication technology (ICT) usage can increase social capital and enhance quality of life (QoL) among residents of assisted living facilities (ALFs). The specific aims of this project are to: (1) Implement a multi-component randomized controlled trial intervention in 15 AL facilities In the greater Birmingham, Alabama area; (2) Assess the effect of the interventions on QoL and Social Capital; (3) Assess whether observed intervention effects are due to ICT usage; (4) Investigate whether the effect of ICT usage on QoL is mediated through changes in Social Capital; (5) Assess the persistence of changes in ICT usage over time among the ICT intervention group; and (6) Characterize who benefits most from the ICT intervention. Significance: Depression, physical health decline, loneliness, and social isolation are key issues of concern for older adults. With increasing numbers of older adults going into long term care facilities and declines in QoL as individuals age, we need innovative ways to decrease these negative impacts and to enhance QoL. Contribution: Use of ICTs by AL residents has the potential to meet this need. Studies of older adults are increasingly showing that ICT usage has several benefits, including increased awareness of health information, contact with social networks, and perceived social support, and decreased stress. Methods: A randomized controlled trial experimental design with three groups (n=300 total subjects) will be used. Group 1 receives ICT training and interaction with (a) students (graduate student trainers and middle school students) and (b) a natural leader who is an ALF resident. Group 2 receives interaction with graduate students but no ICT training. The second group controls for enhancement of residents' QoL resulting solely from interaction with young adults, rather than increased ICT usage. Group 3 does not receive the ICT training or the student interaction. Subjects will be recruited in 15 ALFs through the use of general information sessions and will be screened for cognitive intactness using the MMSE. The sample will be stratified so that no more than one third of our subjects have high levels of QoL and social capital at baseline. Surveys, usage logs, and trainer notes will be used to assess the impacts of the technology usage on social capital and QoL. This study will contribute to Objective 11-1 of Healthy People 2010 - to increase Internet access in the home. It will also help to decrease inequalities in access to health information due to age related declines in mobility; ultimately, we hope this intervention will increase independence, social capital, and QoL among ALF residents.