07-09-2016, 12:42 PM
Using Assistive Technologies to Improve Lives of
Older Adults and People with Disabilities
1453468359-kowtko2012.pdf (Size: 387.99 KB / Downloads: 4)
Abstract— In recent times, the use of the Internet and the World
Wide Web has significantly impacted our lives and daily
activities. From 2000-2011, the use of the Internet has increased
to 151.7% within North America. As infrastructures in all parts
of the continent continue to improve and advance the
technological capabilities of the Internet and the World Wide
Web, more individuals are its communications potential.
Unfortunately, many individuals do not realize that aging or a
disability can change how they interact with these two
technologies. In the technological society of the United States,
there is a gap between young people and older individuals,
especially when it comes to using the Internet and the World
Wide Web. Older individuals are less inclined to use the
Internet or the World Wide Web; and young people generally
stereotype older individuals as lonely, conservative, and closedminded
to technology. However, younger individuals do not
understand the effects of aging, especially when using mobile or
computer technologies. One aspect of this research paper will
explore, what types of educational tools exist to help younger
people understands the effects of aging?
For older individuals, the experience of loneliness can
lead to mental health conditions including depression. In
addition, older adults who do not stimulate their cognitive
memories can lead to Alzheimer’s Syndrome and other memory
loss conditions. Surprisingly, there is an increase of older adults
using the Internet for communications. However, there are still
some challenges older adults face with technology. Older
individuals may have a fixed income or rely on Social Security or
Disability support; this creates problems as computers can be
expensive to purchase. In addition, older adults may have
difficulties with using the computer, as far as using the hardware
or software components. Software obstacles include: small text
size, complex menus options, and high level of stimulation from
animated software components. This can also include the use of
the Internet and the World Wide Web. This research will study
the interactions between older adults and their use of mainstream
technologies.
Although older individuals and people with disabilities
have increased their use of the Internet they share common
difficulties and complications. In addition, their disabilities often
expand the aging complications that older adults experience. For
people with disabilities, their main struggle is integration within
today’s society, especially using the computer technologies or Internet. This research will also explore what assistive
technology software is available to older individuals and people
with disabilities, the emerging field of open source assistive
technology, and how assistive technology improves the quality of
life of these individuals.
Keywords: Assistive Technology, Older Adults, Sensitive
Training, Aging, Open Source , Senior Citizens, Elderly, Aged
User, Accessibility, Cerebral Palsy, Geriatric
I. YOUNG AND OLDER INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR
INTERACTIONS
A. The Gap Between Young and OlderIindividuals
For many young American individuals, there is a constant
fear of aging. Americans spend billions of dollars a year in
cosmetics, plastic surgery, and other treatment methods to slow
down the aging process. This is further increased by America’s
idolization of celebrities, the media, and stereotypes from
within society. Young people often characterize older
individuals as less intelligent, a burden to society, conservative,
lonely, and close minded to technology. However, young
people fail to realize the physical and emotional effects of
aging. This includes the use of technology. Therefore, there is
a widening gap of lack of understanding between these two
types of individuals.
Can this lack of understanding affect younger individuals
and their interactions with others? An example can be students
who are training to become nurses. According to USA Today,
the number of “Baby Boomers” that reach the age of 65 will
reach up to 79 million in the 2011 within the United States
alone [1]. While research has shown that individuals have
greater access to healthcare, which prolongs life, this does
exclude older individuals from suffering aging complications
or diseases. With this increase, research has also shown that
the Nursing career field will be in higher demand [2]. Students
must comprehend the challenges faced by older adults in order
to perform their jobs effectively. While this example explains
the differences between a student nurse and an older individual,
this difference can also explain the gap between young people
and older adults with the use of information technology.
. Sensitivity training
For younger individuals who come in contact with older
individuals, engaged learning or training can help younger
people understand differences of older adults. Sensitivity
training is defined as experiential based learning. People who
experience this training will analyze their perceptions,
behaviors and other reactions when faced with an
uncomfortable or unknown interaction. People may be
surveyed before the training to examine their initial feelings,
perceptions, or prejudices prior to training. Participants will
then experience the sensitivity training, reflect on their
behaviors and feelings after gaining the experience, and
expectantly change their behaviors [3]. For young adults who
may be required to interact with older adults in the future, this
can be an excellent opportunity. An example of this
sensitivity training involving young adults and aging is taking
a certain course at a college or university. At Pace University,
students who take the course, Intergenerational Computing,
will engage in sensitivity training.
The Intergenerational Computing course focuses on the
study of gerontechnology. Gerontechnology is the study of
aging and the interactions between older adults and technology
[4]. Students will be given a brief introduction the many aging
complications and diseases faced by older individuals.
Students will then experience firsthand the effects of aging.
Simple tools were used to emphasize these complications. An
example is placing popcorn kernels within the shoes or using
special glasses to simulate cataracts. This can simulate the
arthritis experienced by older individuals. Other examples
include using back braces or ankle weights to show the effects
of limited mobility. Students can experience using a
wheelchair or walker as means to move around. Students also
experience the emotional effects of older individuals who are
incontinent. Students can voluntarily wear an adult diaper for
a day and write about their experience [5]. This is one of
many sensitive training sessions that are used throughout the
United States and abroad. In Columbus Ohio, staff members
at the Westminster Thurber Retirement Community
participated in a three-hour training session called XtremeAging.
Participants placed popcorn kernels in their shoes,
wore masking tape around the knuckles, and used distorting
glasses to simulate the effects of aging. Many individuals had
difficulty performing daily tasks, for example, reading an
article or hearing softly spoken people. Even buttoning a shirt
or dialing a cell phone was challenging [6].
C. The Effects of Sensitivity Training and Young Individuals
The purpose of sensitivity training is designed for
individuals to experience the challenges faced by others.
However, what knowledge do younger adults gain from
participating? After completing the sensitivity training at the
Westminster Thurber Retirement Community, staff noted that
they now have experienced the challenges faced by older
adults who suffer from aging complications. Many
participants stated that they were lost or failed themselves
when they attempted to perform simple tasks. One participant
noted they now think twice before complaining about an older individual when waiting in line at the grocery store [7].
Students enrolled in the Intergenerational Computing Course
at Pace University also noted that their prejudices and
perceptions of adults have changed. Students noted that their
experiences have aided them when teaching the residents at
nursing home in New Rochelle how to use computer
applications and the Internet [8].
II. CHALLENGES OF SOCIETY AND OLDER ADULTS
A. Society and Aging
As individuals age or begin to suffer from disabilities, the
challenges in society become more noticeable. Mobility and
accessibility to information can become increasing more
challenging to overcome. Buildings and public infrastructures
may not have the appropriate accessibility. In addition, the
economic budget of an older individual is more likely to be
fixed. Information Technology also brings challenges to older
adults.
B. Challenges within Information Technology
Computers and mobile devices are increasingly become
more expensive over the years. Most wireless carriers around
the nation have sleek smartphones with full touch LCD screens
and few buttons. The average startup interface of these phone
often resemble small computers, however, the dialup interface
is often hidden or compressed within another menu. For older
individuals, there is another issue, Information Technology
(IT). Although, the integration of IT may be beneficial within
the average person’s life, they can often be frustrating and
confusing for people with disabilities. People with disabilities
often struggle to perform day-to-day tasks. With the inclusion
of technology, one may think those tasks are easier, but that is
incorrect. Computers and the Internet today may be simple to
use for the average individual, but they differ for people with
disabilities. Operating systems, Internet web pages, and other
computer components often contain menus and navigations
bars with many icons and other services. People with
disabilities are intimidated by this, they would rather prefer
simple menus, but unfortunately, the World Wide Web is
dominated by difficult page organization and setup. Other
problems within IT today, are the interaction with computer
components. Mice and keyboards are shrinking, screens that
are either large or small, often display text can be unclear, and
buttons with unclear meanings often frustrate individuals.
Currently, people cannot use technology components without
referring to manuals, and yet, these manuals contain page after
page of small print and sophisticated text [9].
C. Challenges within Web Technologies
Today, few websites cater to the needs of older individuals
or people with disabilities. Some businesses or personal
websites might be prejudice to older individuals or people with
disabilities. Some may not know about existing assistive web
technologies. What types of web assistive technologies exist?