News About Aging

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh

Smartphones, computer tablets and even “smart” speakers make it easier than ever to connect “face-to-face” with loved ones across the country and the world. Technology can bring generations together in surprising ways. By learning how to operate tablets and smart devices, seniors can connect with younger people who might intuitively use the technology.

By Linda L. Riley

Lev Saunders is working on becoming everyone’s favorite grandson – the one they can call on when they need help with computers, printers, cell phones or other electronic gadgets.

Generations on Line (GoL), a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors tackle the digital divide, has launched a free application, or “app,” that’s designed to get older adults online more easily by using small, portable computer “tablets.” The app is called Easy Tablet Help for Seniors. It is available both in the Apple App Store and in Google Play. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is collaborating with GoL on behalf of seniors citywide to expand computer tablet training through this new app.

• Personality and Survival in Older Age: The Role of Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Status.  Debora Rizzuto, Enrico Mossello, Laura Fratiglioni, Giola Santoni, Hui-Xin Wang.  American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, December 2017 ,Volume 25, Issue 12, Pages 1363–1372.  Published online: June 8, 2017.  Conclusions: Extroverted people, who are characterized by higher optimism and high self-efficacy, are prone to healthier behaviors and better health, which may result in longer survival.
• Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard – Emerging Innovations in Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for Family Caregivers.  Susan C. Reinhard, Wendy Fox-Grage, Lynn Friss Feinberg (AARP Public Policy Institute), Barbara Coulter Edwards, Jim Downie, Debra Moscardino  (Health Management Associates).  November 2017.

PCA has been selected as the primary partner in Philadelphia for a new Comcast Internet Essentials partnership to educate seniors about internet safety

• Precipitation and Physical Activity in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Functional Mobility and Physical Activity Intentions.  Christiane A Hoppmann, Jessica Chak Man Lee, Jochen P Ziegelmann, Peter Graf, Karim M Khan, Maureen C Ashe.  The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 72, Issue 5, September 1, 2017, Pages 792–800.  Published online:  December 26, 2015.
• Space, the final frontier: outdoor access for people living with dementia.  Elaine Argyle, Tom Dening & Peter Bartlett.  Aging & Mental Health, Volume 21, 2017 – Issue 10, Pages 1005-1006.  Published online: October 19, 2016.

• Technology Access and Use, and Their Associations With Social Engagement Among Older Adults: Do Women and Men Differ?   Jeehoon Kim, Hee Yun Lee, M Candace Christensen, Joseph R Merighi.  The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 72, Issue 5,  September 1, 2017, Pages 836–845.  Published online:  October 9, 2016.
• To stay or to go? Postretirement housing choices of single Baby Boomer women.  Foula Z. Kopanidis, Linda J. Robinson & Mike Reid.   Journal of Women & Aging, Volume 29, 2017 – Issue 5, Pages 417-427.  Published online:  September 14, 2016.

• Homebound patients’ perspectives on technology and telemedicine: A qualitative analysis.
  Kristin T. L. Huang, MD, Tracy J. Lu, BA, Forootan Alizadeh & Arash Mostaghimi, MD, MPA, MPH.  Home Health Care Services Quarterly, Volume 35, 2016 – Issue 3-4, Pages 172-181.  Published online: 29 Nov 2016.
• Evidence-Based Programs for Older Adults: A Disconnect Between U.S. National Strategy and Local Senior Center Implementation.  Julie Bobitt, PhD & Andiara Schwingel, PhD.  Journal of Aging & Social Policy, Volume 29, 2017 – Issue 1, Pages 3-19. Published online: 23 May 2016.

• Online social integration is associated with reduced mortality risk. William R. Hobbsa, Moira Burked, Nicholas A. Christakise, and James H. Fowler. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, November 15, 2016 – vol. 113 no. 46.
• Do State Laws Protecting Older Workers from Discrimination Laws Reduce Age Discrimination in Hiring? Experimental (and Nonexperimental) Evidence. David Neumark, Ian Burn, Patrick Button and Nanneh Chehras. Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan.