Independent living

About: Independent living is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3776 publications have been published within this topic receiving 71929 citations.

Older Adults' Reasons for Using Technology while Aging in Place

Abstract: Background: Most older adults prefer to age in place, and supporting older adults to remain in their own homes and communities is also favored by policy makers. Technology can play a role in staying independent, active and healthy. However, the use of technology varies considerably among older adults. Previous research indicates that current models of technology acceptance are missing essential predictors specific to community-dwelling older adults. Furthermore, in situ research within the specific context of aging in place is scarce, while this type of research is needed to better understand how and why community-dwelling older adults are using technology. Objective: To explore which factors influence the level of use of various types of technology by older adults who are aging in place and to describe these factors in a comprehensive model. Methods: A qualitative explorative field study was set up, involving home visits to 53 community-dwelling older adults, aged 68-95, living in the Netherlands. Purposive sampling was used to include participants with different health statuses, living arrangements, and levels of technology experience. During each home visit: (1) background information on the participants' chronic conditions, major life events, frailty, cognitive functioning, subjective health, ownership and use of technology was gathered, and (2) a semistructured interview was conducted regarding reasons for the level of use of technology. The study was designed to include various types of technology that could support activities of daily living, personal health or safety, mobility, communication, physical activity, personal development, and leisure activities. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview transcripts. Results: The level of technology use in the context of aging in place is influenced by six major themes: challenges in the domain of independent living; behavioral options; personal thoughts on technology use; influence of the social network; influence of organizations, and the role of the physical environment. Conclusion: Older adults' perceptions and use of technology are embedded in their personal, social, and physical context. Awareness of these psychological and contextual factors is needed in order to facilitate aging in place through the use of technology. A conceptual model covering these factors is presented.

An epidemiology of disability among adults in the United States.

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an epidemiological analysis of disability among adults in the noninstitutionalized continental United States population. Data were collected through interviews with a probability sample of persons 18 and over, yielding 6,493 completed schedules comprising 80.3 percent of the sample. Distinctions were made among concepts and indicators of pathology, impairment, individual performance, and social performance. Central to the analysis were two dimensions of individual performance (physical and emotional) and two dimensions of disability in social performance (work and independent living). A number of socio-demographic characteristics were included in the analysis. The results show the relative contributions of pathology and impairment to performance on the individual level, and the relative contributions of all of these factors on social performance, that is, the two dimensions of disability. Through pathology, impairment, performance at the individual level, and the socio-demographic characteristics, it was possible to account for 38 percent of the variance in work disability and 74 percent of dependence-independence in community living. Further explanations are given for variance in work disability. Estimates of the size of populations reporting varying types and severities of disability are also presented.

A Survey on Ambient-Assisted Living Tools for Older Adults

Abstract: In recent years, we have witnessed a rapid surge in assisted living technologies due to a rapidly aging society. The aging population, the increasing cost of formal health care, the caregiver burden, and the importance that the individuals place on living independently, all motivate development of innovative-assisted living technologies for safe and independent aging. In this survey, we will summarize the emergence of `ambient-assisted living” (AAL) tools for older adults based on ambient intelligence paradigm. We will summarize the state-of-the-art AAL technologies, tools, and techniques, and we will look at current and future challenges.

Longitudinal Postschool Outcomes of Youth with Disabilities: Findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study:

Abstract: This article describes findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) of Special Education Students regarding trends in the employment, wages, postsecondary education, and residential independence of youth with disabilities in their first 5 years after high school. Data from the NLTS indicated strong gains in all four outcome areas over time. In all areas, however, youth with disabilities continued to lag behind their peers in the general population. Several differences between youth in certain disability categories were found regarding employment, postsecondary education, and movement toward independence over time. Longitudinal outcomes also differed widely by gender, ethnicity, and high school completion status.

Social Work with Disabled People

Abstract: Preface.- Introduction: Setting the Scene.- Social Work and Disability: Old and New Directions.- Impairment, Disability and Research.- Relationships and Families.- Independent Living and Personal Assistance.- Independent Living: The Wider Social Policy and Legal Context.- Independent Living: Vulnerability and Safeguarding.- Conclusion - Future Directions.