%0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 8 %N %P e71777 %T Advancing Emergency Care With Digital Twins %A Li,Haoran %A Zhang,Jingya %A Zhang,Ning %A Zhu,Bin %+ School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518000, China, 86 13530405020, zhub6@sustech.edu.cn %K emergency care %K digital twin %K prehospital emergency care %K in-hospital emergency care %K recovery %D 2025 %7 21.4.2025 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Digital twins—dynamic and real-time simulations of systems or environments—represent a paradigm shift in emergency medicine. We explore their applications across prehospital care, in-hospital management, and recovery. By integrating real-time data, wearable technology, and predictive analytics, digital twins hold the promise of optimizing resource allocation, advancing precision medicine, and tailoring rehabilitation strategies. Moreover, we discuss the challenges associated with their implementation, including data resolution, biological heterogeneity, and ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for actionable frameworks that balance innovation with data governance and public trust. %M 40258270 %R 10.2196/71777 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e71777 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/71777 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40258270 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 8 %N %P e54143 %T A Digitally Capable Aged Care Workforce: Demands and Directions for Workforce Education and Development %A Gray,Kathleen %A Butler-Henderson,Kerryn %A Day,Karen %+ Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, 3010, Australia, 61 390355511, kgray@unimelb.edu.au %K aged care %K digital health %K digital literacy %K education %K older adults %K professional development %K digital transformation %K digital resources %K users %K community %K learning %K support %K safe %K ethical %K satisfaction %D 2025 %7 2.4.2025 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X As the aged care sector undergoes digital transformation, greater attention is needed to development of digital health capability in its workforce. There are many gaps in our understanding of the current and future impacts of technology on those who perform paid and unpaid aged care work. Research is needed to understand how to make optimal use of both digital resources and human resources for better aged care. In this Viewpoint, we reflect on a workshop held during an international conference that identified shared concepts and concerns to shape further research into workforce capability. Digital technologies and digital data can increase quality of care in a system that operates through partnerships among service providers, service users, and community members. To realize this potential, digital health learning and development are needed in the aged care workforce. As digital dimensions of aged care services expand, the sector needs clearer direction to implement approaches to workforce learning and development. These must be appropriate to support the safe and ethical performance of care work and to increase the satisfaction of those who care and those for whom they care. %M 40173435 %R 10.2196/54143 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e54143 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/54143 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40173435 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 7 %N %P e56433 %T The Best of Two Worlds to Promote Healthy Cognitive Aging: Definition and Classification Approach of Hybrid Physical Training Interventions %A Herold,Fabian %A Theobald,Paula %A Gronwald,Thomas %A Kaushal,Navin %A Zou,Liye %A de Bruin,Eling D %A Bherer,Louis %A Müller,Notger G %+ Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 9, Potsdam, 14476, Germany, 49 0331977213858, fabian.herold@uni-potsdam.de %K physical activity %K dementia prevention %K cognitive health %K hybrid: aging in place %K active %K exercises %K exercising %K healthy lifestyle %K dementia %K dementia onset %K dementia care %K preventive %K prevention %K cognitive health %K cognition %K cognitive %K hybrid %K hybrid model %D 2024 %7 31.7.2024 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X A healthy lifestyle can be an important prerequisite to prevent or at least delay the onset of dementia. However, the large number of physically inactive adults underscores the need for developing and evaluating intervention approaches aimed at improving adherence to a physically active lifestyle. In this regard, hybrid physical training, which usually combines center- and home-based physical exercise sessions and has proven successful in rehabilitative settings, could offer a promising approach to preserving cognitive health in the aging population. Despite its potential, research in this area is limited as hybrid physical training interventions have been underused in promoting healthy cognitive aging. Furthermore, the absence of a universally accepted definition or a classification framework for hybrid physical training interventions poses a challenge to future progress in this direction. To address this gap, this article informs the reader about hybrid physical training by providing a definition and classification approach of different types, discussing their specific advantages and disadvantages, and offering recommendations for future research. Specifically, we focus on applying digital technologies to deliver home-based exercises, as their use holds significant potential for reaching underserved and marginalized groups, such as older adults with mobility impairments living in rural areas. %M 39083334 %R 10.2196/56433 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e56433 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/56433 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39083334 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I %V 7 %N %P e47943 %T Increasing Older Adults’ Social Connectedness: Development and Implementation of a Web-Assisted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy–Based Intervention %A Zarling,Amie %A Kim,Joseph %A Russell,Daniel %A Cutrona,Carolyn %K acceptance and commitment therapy %K psychotherapy %K loneliness %K technology %K lonely %K older adults %K older adult %K gerontology %K geriatric %K geriatrics %K emotion regulation %K mental health %K elder %K elderly %K isolation %K aging %K mHealth %K digital health %K digital mental health %K online health %K online support %K eHealth %K internet %K depression %D 2024 %7 22.4.2024 %9 %J JMIR Aging %G English %X In this article, we will provide a rationale for a web-assisted acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach to loneliness among older adults, drawing upon theories from the literature on adult development and aging, emotion regulation, and loneliness. The intervention program was developed using the principles of ACT, which is a cognitive behavioral approach and unified model of human behavior change and psychological growth. The ACT intervention focuses on developing nonjudgmental present-focused awareness of internal experiences (thoughts, emotions, and memories) through strategies such as acceptance and mindfulness rather than directly modifying or removing them per se. The ACT intervention appears well-suited to assist older adults in coping with the challenges of aging, as the focus is on an individual’s willingness to sit with internal experiences out of one’s control (ie, acceptance), stepping back from negative or critical thoughts and developing greater kindness toward oneself (ie, defusion), discerning what is most important to one’s true self (ie, values), and building larger patterns of effective action based on such values (ie, committed action). The ACT intervention was developed as a resource for older adults who are socially isolated or having difficulty with social connectedness. Eight modules comprise the web-assisted ACT intervention program, which includes reading materials, video clips, and activities. Each module is followed by a summary, a homework assignment, a short quiz to assess learning, and a moderated discussion with a coach. The intervention program begins with reconnecting participants with their values. The goal of the ACT intervention program is to foster flexibility in a participant’s behavior so they can behave consistently with their chosen values, rather than becoming locked into a pattern of behavior that is driven by avoiding distress or discomfort. The ACT intervention approach is both novel and innovative, as it is based on ACT and leverages a behavioral health web platform that is flexible and inclusive in its design. The ACT intervention aims to help older adults become more socially connected, less lonely, and more satisfied with their relationships with other people. The emphasis that ACT places on values and living life in accordance with one’s values renders it an approach ideally suited to older adults. Finally, recommendations for future research regarding this approach to addressing loneliness among older adults is addressed. %R 10.2196/47943 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e47943 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/47943 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 6 %N %P e45442 %T Understanding the Connection Among Ikigai, Well-Being, and Home Robot Acceptance in Japanese Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study %A Randall,Natasha %A Kamino,Waki %A Joshi,Swapna %A Chen,Wei-Chu %A Hsu,Long-Jing %A Tsui,Katherine M %A Šabanović,Selma %+ Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, 10th St., Bloomington, IN, 47408, United States, 1 812 856 5754, nprandal@iu.edu %K ikigai %K meaning in life %K purpose %K well-being %K eudaimonic %K hedonic %K happiness %K home robots %K social robots %K human-robot interaction %K Japan %D 2023 %7 4.10.2023 %9 Original Paper %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Background: Ikigai (meaning or purpose in life) is a concept understood by most older adults in Japan. The term has also garnered international attention, with recent academic attempts to map it to concepts in the Western well-being literature. In addition, efforts to use social and home robots to increase well-being have grown; however, they have mostly focused on hedonic well-being (eg, increasing happiness and decreasing loneliness) rather than eudaimonic well-being (eg, fostering meaning or purpose in life). Objective: First, we explored how Japanese older adults experience ikigai and relate these to concepts in the Western well-being literature. Second, we investigated how a home robot meant to promote ikigai is perceived by older adults. Methods: We used a mixed methods research design—including 20 interviews with older adults, a survey of 50 older adults, and 10 interviews with family caregivers. For interviews, we asked questions about older adults’ sources of ikigai, happiness, and social support, along with their perception of the robot (QT). For surveys, a number of well-being scales were used, including 2 ikigai scales—ikigai-9 and K-1—and 6 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales, measuring meaning and purpose, positive affect, satisfaction with participation in social roles, satisfaction with participation in discretionary social activities, companionship, and emotional support. Questions related to the perception and desired adoption of the robot and older adults’ health status were also included. Results: Our results suggest that health is older adults’ most common source of ikigai. Additionally, although self-rated health correlated moderately with ikigai and other well-being measures, reported physical limitation did not. As opposed to social roles (work and family), we found that ikigai is more strongly related to satisfaction with discretionary social activities (leisure, hobbies, and friends) for older adults. Moreover, we found that older adults’ sources of ikigai included the eudaimonic aspects of vitality, positive relations with others, contribution, accomplishment, purpose, and personal growth, with the first 3 being most common, and the hedonic aspects of positive affect, life satisfaction, and lack of negative affect, with the first 2 being most common. However, the concept of ikigai was most related to eudaimonic well-being, specifically meaning in life, along the dimension of significance. Finally, we found that Japanese older adults have high expectations of a home robot for well-being, mentioning that it should support them in a multitude of ways before they would likely adopt it. However, we report that those with the highest levels of meaning, and satisfaction with their leisure life and friendships, may be most likely to adopt it. Conclusions: We outline several ways to improve the robot to increase its acceptance, such as improving its voice, adding functional features, and designing it to support multiple aspects of well-being. %M 37792460 %R 10.2196/45442 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e45442 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/45442 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37792460 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 6 %N %P e44007 %T Developing a Memory and Communication App for Persons Living With Dementia: An 8-Step Process %A Brown,Ellen L %A Ruggiano,Nicole %A Allala,Sai Chaithra %A Clarke,Peter J %A Davis,Debra %A Roberts,Lisa %A Framil,C Victoria %A Muñoz,Maríateresa Teri Hernandez %A Hough,Monica Strauss %A Bourgeois,Michelle S %+ Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Office 226, Miami, FL, 33199, United States, 1 3053481312, ebrown@fiu.edu %K health technology %K interdisiplinary team %K older adults %K dementia %K communication %K communication aids for disabled persons %K communication boards %K app %K Alzheimer disease %K family %K caregiver %K clinical care %K development %K speech %K psychosocial intervention %K software design %D 2023 %7 15.3.2023 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X According to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer disease and related dementias. They are cared for by millions of family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers. Communication deficits are common among persons with Alzheimer disease and related dementias and pose challenges to caregiving and clinical care, which is already complex. An interdisciplinary team developed a mobile app prototype to improve communications between people living with dementia and their caregivers and providers and to promote person-centered care. This viewpoint paper provides a road map for how the interdisciplinary team worked together to develop and plan for the implementation and evaluation of a new evidence-based app. In our paper, we provide an 8-step process used by a team of clinicians, researchers, and software engineers to develop a new app to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their caregiver(s). The planned clinical trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04571502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04571502).International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.3928/19404921-20210825-02 %M 36920462 %R 10.2196/44007 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e44007 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/44007 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36920462 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 6 %N %P e41322 %T Proactive and Ongoing Analysis and Management of Ethical Concerns in the Development, Evaluation, and Implementation of Smart Homes for Older Adults With Frailty %A Wang,Rosalie H %A Tannou,Thomas %A Bier,Nathalie %A Couture,Mélanie %A Aubry,Régis %+ Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada, 1 416 946 8566, rosalie.wang@utoronto.ca %K ethics %K older adults %K frailty %K smart home %K assistive technology %K aging in place %K ethical concerns %K implementation %K bioethics %K technology ethics %K autonomy %K privacy %K security %K informed consent %K support ecosystem %D 2023 %7 9.3.2023 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Successful adoption and sustained use of smart home technology can support the aging in place of older adults with frailty. However, the expansion of this technology has been limited, particularly by a lack of ethical considerations surrounding its application. This can ultimately prevent older adults and members of their support ecosystems from benefiting from the technology. This paper has 2 aims in the effort to facilitate adoption and sustained use: to assert that proactive and ongoing analysis and management of ethical concerns are crucial to the successful development, evaluation, and implementation of smart homes for older adults with frailty and to present recommendations to create a framework, resources, and tools to manage ethical concerns with the collaboration of older adults; members of their support ecosystems; and the research, technical development, clinical, and industry communities. To support our assertion, we reviewed intersecting concepts from bioethics, specifically principlism and ethics of care, and from technology ethics that are salient to smart homes in the management of frailty in older adults. We focused on 6 conceptual domains that can lead to ethical tensions and of which proper analysis is essential: privacy and security, individual and relational autonomy, informed consent and supported decision-making, social inclusion and isolation, stigma and discrimination, and equity of access. To facilitate the proactive and ongoing analysis and management of ethical concerns, we recommended collaboration to develop a framework with 4 proposed elements: a set of conceptual domains as discussed in this paper, along with a tool consisting of reflective questions to guide ethical deliberation throughout the project phases; resources comprising strategies and guidance for the planning and reporting of ethical analysis throughout the project phases; training resources to support leadership, literacy, and competency in project teams for the analysis and management of ethical concerns; and training resources for older adults with frailty, their support ecosystems, and the public to support their awareness and participation in teams and ethical analysis processes. Older adults with frailty require nuanced consideration when incorporating technology into their care because of their complex health and social status and vulnerability. Smart homes may have a greater likelihood of accommodating users and their contexts with committed and comprehensive analysis, anticipation, and management of ethical concerns that reflect the unique circumstances of these users. Smart home technology may then achieve its desired individual, societal, and economic outcomes and serve as a solution to support health; well-being; and responsible, high-quality care. %M 36892912 %R 10.2196/41322 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e41322 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/41322 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36892912 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 6 %N %P e40582 %T Pioneering the Metaverse: The Role of the Metaverse in an Aging Population %A Shu,Sara %A Woo,Benjamin K P %+ Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, CA, 59905, United States, 1 858 761 7863, shus@g.ucla.edu %K metaverse %K older adult %K aging in place %K dementia %K gerontology %K geriatric %K digital health %K digital technology %K computer generated %K artificial intelligence %K virtual reality %K mixed reality %K augmented reality %K aging %K mental health %D 2023 %7 20.1.2023 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Amid a worldwide pandemic in the setting of an era of rapidly developing technologies, we turn now to the novel and exciting endeavor of pioneering the metaverse. Described as the conglomeration of augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, the metaverse has widespread applications in multiple settings, including revolutionizing health care. It also holds the potential to transform geriatric medicine, introducing new dimensions through which we can prevent social isolation, encourage health and well-being, and offer a new dimension through which we manage chronic disease. Although it is still a futuristic and novel technology, the metaverse’s realization may indeed be closer than we think. %M 36662547 %R 10.2196/40582 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e40582 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/40582 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36662547 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 6 %N %P e36325 %T A Perspective on Using Virtual Reality to Incorporate the Affective Context of Everyday Falls Into Fall Prevention %A Raffegeau,Tiphanie E %A Young,William R %A Fino,Peter C %A Williams,A Mark %+ School of Kinesiology, George Mason University, 10890 George Mason Circle, 201G Katherine G Johnson Hall, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States, 1 7039937000, traffege@gmu.edu %K aging %K balance %K perturbation %K locomotion %K cognition %K exergame %K anxiety %D 2023 %7 11.1.2023 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Virtual reality (VR) is a promising and cost-effective tool that has the potential to reduce the prevalence of falls and locomotor impairments in older adults. However, we believe that existing VR-based approaches to prevent falls do not mimic the full breadth of perceptual, cognitive, and motor demands that older adults encounter in daily life. Researchers have not yet fully leveraged VR to address affective factors related to fall risk, and how stressors such as anxiety influence older adult balance and real-world falls. In this perspective paper, we propose developing VR-based tools that replicate the affective demands of real-world falls (eg, crossing the street) to enhance fall prevention diagnostics and interventions by capturing the underlying processes that influence everyday mobility. An effort to replicate realistic scenarios that precipitate falls in VR environments will inform evidence-based diagnostics and individualize interventions in a way that could reduce falls in older adults in daily life. %M 36630173 %R 10.2196/36325 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e36325 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/36325 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36630173 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 5 %N 3 %P e38130 %T Capturing Cognitive Aging in Vivo: Application of a Neuropsychological Framework for Emerging Digital Tools %A Hackett,Katherine %A Giovannetti,Tania %+ Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, 1701 N 13th Street, Weiss Hall 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, United States, 1 215 204 4296, tania.giovannetti@temple.edu %K digital phenotyping %K neuropsychology %K aging %K dementia %K smartphone %K neurological %K psychological %K older adults %K aging %D 2022 %7 7.9.2022 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X As the global burden of dementia continues to plague our healthcare systems, efficient, objective, and sensitive tools to detect neurodegenerative disease and capture meaningful changes in everyday cognition are increasingly needed. Emerging digital tools present a promising option to address many drawbacks of current approaches, with contexts of use that include early detection, risk stratification, prognosis, and outcome measurement. However, conceptual models to guide hypotheses and interpretation of results from digital tools are lacking and are needed to sort and organize the large amount of continuous data from a variety of sensors. In this viewpoint, we propose a neuropsychological framework for use alongside a key emerging approach—digital phenotyping. The Variability in Everyday Behavior (VIBE) model is rooted in established trends from the neuropsychology, neurology, rehabilitation psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and computer science literature and links patterns of intraindividual variability, cognitive abilities, and everyday functioning across clinical stages from healthy to dementia. Based on the VIBE model, we present testable hypotheses to guide the design and interpretation of digital phenotyping studies that capture everyday cognition in vivo. We conclude with methodological considerations and future directions regarding the application of the digital phenotyping approach to improve the efficiency, accessibility, accuracy, and ecological validity of cognitive assessment in older adults. %M 36069747 %R 10.2196/38130 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2022/3/e38130 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/38130 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36069747 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 5 %N 2 %P e34628 %T Shared Access to Patient Portals for Older Adults: Implications for Privacy and Digital Health Equity %A Wolff,Jennifer L %A Dukhanin,Vadim %A Burgdorf,Julia G %A DesRoches,Catherine M %+ Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Room 692, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205-1996, United States, 1 410 502 0458, jwolff2@jhu.edu %K patient portal %K electronic health record %K care partners %K proxy %K health equity %K health informatics %K health services %K elderly %K older adults %K aging %K cognition %K health system %K care delivery %K elderly care %D 2022 %7 4.5.2022 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Growing reliance on the patient portal as a mainstream modality in health system interactions necessitates prioritizing digital health equity through systems-level strategies that acknowledge and support all persons. Older adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities often rely on the involvement of family and friends in managing their health, but the role of these care partners in health information technology is largely undefined and poorly understood. This viewpoint article discusses challenges and opportunities of systematic engagement of care partners through shared access to the patient portal that have been amplified in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak and recent implementation of federal information blocking rules to promote information transparency alongside broader shifts toward care delivery innovation and population aging. We describe implementation considerations and the promise of granular, role-based privacy controls in addressing the nuanced and dynamic nature of individual information sharing preferences and fostering person- and family-centered care delivery. %M 35507405 %R 10.2196/34628 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e34628 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/34628 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35507405 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 5 %N 2 %P e34764 %T Bridging Connectivity Issues in Digital Access and Literacy: Reflections on Empowering Vulnerable Older Adults in Singapore %A Lim,Haikel A %A Lee,Joanne Sze Win %A Lim,Meng Han %A Teo,Lynn Pei Zhen %A Sin,Natalene Siew Wen %A Lim,Rou Wei %A Chua,Si Min %A Yeo,Jia Qi %A Ngiam,Nerice Heng Wen %A Tey,Angeline Jie-Yin %A Tham,Celine Yi Xin %A Ng,Kennedy Yao Yi %A Low,Lian Leng %A Tang,Kai Wen Aaron %+ Population Health and Integrated Care Office, Singapore General Hospital, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856, Singapore, 65 62223322, aaron_kw_tang@nhg.com.sg %K COVID-19 %K digital literacy %K digital literacy training %K digital disparities %K digital divide %K social construction of health technologies %K health technology %K COVID-19 pandemic %K pandemic %K COVID %K social isolation %K elder %K older adult %K Asia %K access %K barrier %K empower %K volunteer %K vulnerable %K digital skill %K low income %D 2022 %7 3.5.2022 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X This article describes a ground-up initiative for a volunteer-run digital literacy program in Singapore targeting vulnerable older adults, focusing on the barriers faced in running this program and training these beneficiaries. It further offers possible solutions to overcome these hurdles, providing insight for individuals or organizations seeking to start similar ground-up initiatives. %M 35503520 %R 10.2196/34764 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e34764 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/34764 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35503520 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 4 %N 4 %P e29744 %T Falls Detection and Prevention Systems in Home Care for Older Adults: Myth or Reality? %A Pech,Marion %A Sauzeon,Helene %A Yebda,Thinhinane %A Benois-Pineau,Jenny %A Amieva,Helene %+ Medical Research Unit 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignant, Bordeaux, 33076 Cedex, France, 33 667455145, marion.pech@u-bordeaux.fr %K elderly people %K new technologies %K fall %K acceptability %K digital divide %K aging %K falls %K fall prevention %K detection %K geriatrics %K barriers %K technology acceptance %K home care %K seniors %D 2021 %7 9.12.2021 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X There is an exponential increase in the range of digital products and devices promoting aging in place, in particular, devices aiming at preventing or detecting falls. However, their deployment is still limited and only few studies have been carried out in population-based settings owing to the technological challenges that remain to be overcome and the barriers that are specific to the users themselves, such as the generational digital divide and acceptability factors specific to the older adult population. To date, scarce studies consider these factors. To capitalize technological progress, the future step should be to better consider these factors and to deploy, in a broader and more ecological way, these technologies designed for older adults receiving home care to assess their effectiveness in real life. %M 34889755 %R 10.2196/29744 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2021/4/e29744 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/29744 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34889755 %0 Journal Article %@ 1929-0748 %I JMIR Publications %V 10 %N 9 %P e25750 %T Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study %A Egan,James E %A Haberlen,Sabina A %A Meanley,Steven %A Ware,Deanna %A Brown,Andre L %A Siconolfi,Daniel %A Brennan-Ing,Mark %A Stall,Ron %A Plankey,Michael W %A Friedman,M Reuel %+ Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PUBHL 6119, 130 Desoto St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, United States, 1 412 624 2255, jee48@pitt.edu %K HIV %K aging %K MSM %K gay and bisexual men %D 2021 %7 23.9.2021 %9 Protocol %J JMIR Res Protoc %G English %X Background: With the graying of sexual and gender minority communities and the growing number of people aged ≥50 years living with HIV, it is increasingly important to understand resilience in the context of the psychosocial aspects of aging and aging well. Objective: This paper aims to describe the methods and sample for the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men study. Methods: This observational cohort study was conducted within the Multisite AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and was designed to explore resiliencies to explain patterns of health and illness among middle-aged and older sexual minority men. To be eligible, a participant had to be an active participant in the MACS, be at least 40 years of age as of April 1, 2016, and report any sex with another man since enrollment in the MACS. Results: Eligible participants (N=1318) completed six biannual surveys between April 2016 and April 2019. The mean age of the sample was 59.6 years (range 40-91 years). The sample was mostly White, educated, gay-identified, and included both HIV-positive (656/1318, 49.77%) and HIV-negative (662/1318, 50.23%) men. Conclusions: Understanding resiliencies in aging is a critical springboard for the development of more holistic public health theories and interventions that support healthy aging among older sexual minority men. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/25750 %M 34554100 %R 10.2196/25750 %U https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/9/e25750 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/25750 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34554100 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 4 %N 3 %P e25327 %T Decreasing COVID-19 Risk Factors for Older Adults by Using Digital Technology to Implement a Plant-Based-Diet: An Opinion %A Benavides,Heidi Lynn %A Meireles,Christiane Lumachi %A Benavente,Viola %A Mays,Mary Helen %A Wang,Jing %+ School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States, 1 2103232289, benavidesh@uthscsa.edu %K COVID-19 %K coronavirus %K older adult %K plant-based diet %K eating patterns %K whole foods %K Mediterranean diet %K obesity %K pandemic %K ethnic minorities %K telehealth %K digital technology %K racial disparities %K aging %D 2021 %7 5.7.2021 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X A disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases affect older, minority populations. Obese older adults are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications and lower survival rates, and minority older adults often experience higher rates of obesity. A plant-based diet intervention may improve COVID-19-related modifiable risk factors for obesity. Encouraging the consumption of plant-based diets comprising vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts by utilizing community outreach strategies and digital technology can contribute to improving COVID-19 risk factors among this population. %M 34081595 %R 10.2196/25327 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2021/3/e25327 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/25327 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34081595 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 4 %N 1 %P e21461 %T Understanding Technology Preferences and Requirements for Health Information Technologies Designed to Improve and Maintain the Mental Health and Well-Being of Older Adults: Participatory Design Study %A LaMonica,Haley M %A Davenport,Tracey A %A Roberts,Anna E %A Hickie,Ian B %+ Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, 2050, Australia, 61 426955658, haley.lamonica@sydney.edu.au %K aging %K mental health %K technology %K mobile phone %K community-based participatory research %K health care reform %K stakeholder participation %D 2021 %7 6.1.2021 %9 Original Paper %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Background: Worldwide, the population is aging rapidly; therefore, there is a growing interest in strategies to support and maintain health and well-being in later life. Although familiarity with technology and digital literacy are increasing among this group, some older adults still lack confidence in their ability to use web-based technologies. In addition, age-related changes in cognition, vision, hearing, and perception may be barriers to adoption and highlight the need for digital tools developed specifically to meet the unique needs of older adults. Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the use of technology by older adults in general and identify the potential barriers to and facilitators of the adoption of health information technologies (HITs) to support the health and well-being of older adults to facilitate implementation and promote user uptake. In addition, this study aims to co-design and configure the InnoWell Platform, a digital tool designed to facilitate better outcomes for people seeking mental health services, to meet the needs of adults 50 years and older and their supportive others (eg, family members, caregivers) to ensure the accessibility, engagement, and appropriateness of the technology. Methods: Participants were adults 50 years and older and those who self-identified as a supportive other (eg, family member, caregiver). Participants were invited to participate in a 3-hour participatory design workshop using a variety of methods, including prompted discussion, creation of descriptive artifacts, and group-based development of user journeys. Results: Four participatory design workshops were conducted, including a total of 21 participants, each attending a single workshop. Technology use was prevalent, with a preference indicated for smartphones and computers. Factors facilitating the adoption of HITs included personalization of content and functionality to meet and be responsive to a consumer’s needs, access to up-to-date information from reputable sources, and integration with standard care practices to support the relationship with health professionals. Concerns regarding data privacy and security were the primary barriers to the use of technology to support mental health and well-being. Conclusions: Although HITs have the potential to improve access to cost-effective and low-intensity interventions at scale for improving and maintaining mental health and well-being, several strategies may improve the uptake and efficacy of technologies by the older adult community, including the use of co-design methodologies to ensure usability, acceptability, and appropriateness of the technology; support in using and understanding the clinical applications of the technology by a digital navigator; and ready availability of education and training materials. %M 33404509 %R 10.2196/21461 %U https://aging.jmir.org/2021/1/e21461 %U https://doi.org/10.2196/21461 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33404509 %0 Journal Article %@ 2561-7605 %I JMIR Publications %V 2 %N 1 %P e13135 %T Design and Development of the Brain Training System for the Digital “Maintain Your Brain” Dementia Prevention Trial %A Walton,Courtney Campbell %A Lampit,Amit %A Boulamatsis,Christos %A Hallock,Harry %A Barr,Polly %A Ginige,Jeewani Anupama %A Brodaty,Henry %A Chau,Tiffany %A Heffernan,Megan %A Sachdev,Perminder Singh %A Fiatarone Singh,Maria A %A Valenzuela,Michael %+ Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, 2050, Australia, 61 2 9114 4135, michael.valenzuela@sydney.edu.au %K computerized cognitive training %K dementia %K clinical trial design %K older adults %D 2019 %7 27.02.2019 %9 Viewpoint %J JMIR Aging %G English %X Background: Dementia is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence and burden of the disease are urgently needed. Maintain Your Brain (MYB) is a randomized controlled trial of a multimodal digital health intervention targeting modifiable dementia risk factors to combat cognitive decline and potentially prevent dementia. In addition to behavioral modules targeting mood, nutrition, and physical exercise, a new Brain Training System (BTS) will deliver computerized cognitive training (CCT) throughout the trial to provide systematic, challenging, and personally adaptive cognitive activity. Objective: This paper aimed to describe the design and development of BTS. Methods: BTS has been designed with a central focus on the end user. Raw training content is provided by our partner NeuroNation and delivered in several innovative ways. A baseline cognitive profile directs selection and sequencing of exercises within and between sessions and is updated during the 10-week 30-session module. Online trainers are available to provide supervision at different levels of engagement, including face-to-face share-screen coaching, a key implementation resource that is triaged by a “red flag” system for automatic tracking of user adherence and engagement, or through user-initiated help requests. Individualized and comparative feedback is provided to aid motivation and, for the first time, establish a social support network for the user based on their real-world circle of friends and family. Results: The MYB pilot was performed from November 2017 to March 2018. We are currently analyzing data from this pilot trial (n=100), which will make up a separate research paper. The main trial was launched in June 2018. Process and implementation data from the first training module (September to November 2018) are expected to be reported in 2019 and final trial outcomes are anticipated in 2022. Conclusions: The BTS implemented in MYB is focused on maximizing adherence and engagement with CCT over the short and long term in the setting of a fully digital trial, which, if successful, could be delivered economically at scale. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000851268; https://www.anzctr.org.au /Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370631&isReview=true %M 31518277 %R 10.2196/13135 %U http://aging.jmir.org/2019/1/e13135/ %U https://doi.org/10.2196/13135 %U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31518277