| 1. |
- Iwarsson, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Understanding User Involvement in Research in Aging and Health
- 2019
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In: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine. - : SAGE Publications. - 2333-7214. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- User involvement in research is advocated as an avenue for efficient societal developments. In this article, we identify potentials, problems, and challenges related to research on aging and health, and identify and illustrate research priorities using an evolving research program as an example. Involving user representatives in the development phase, the UserAge program engages researchers at four universities in Sweden. The program builds upon previous and ongoing research with user involvement. The goals are to maximize the impact of user involvement, enhance the execution of high-quality research, increase the knowledge about what difference user involvement can make, and evaluate the impact of research about and with user involvement. Taken together and communicated in the international scientific community as well as in a wide range of public arenas, the empirical results, capacity-building, and modeling efforts of UserAge will have an impact not only on the present situation but also on the future.
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| 2. |
- Fristedt, Sofi, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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"Am I representative (of my age)? No, I'm not"-Attitudes to technologies and technology development differ but unite individuals across rather than within generations
- 2021
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLOS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While a broad spectrum of technologies is integrated in everyday life and routines, most research on ageing, health and technology has focused on attitudes toward and adoption of digital technologies including e-health, or home based monitoring systems. The aim of this study was to explore differences and similarities in attitudes and experiences with different types of technologies and development within and between three generations. We applied a qualitative, descriptive design and recruited a purposeful sample of participants from three generations (30-39, 50-59, 70-79 year old). The 25 participants took part in 3 x 2 focus groups. Forming four categories, the findings show that technologies enable as well as complicate everyday life. Participants expressed trust as well as uncertainty about risks when using technology and stated that use of digital services is required while support is limited. They identified that technology development is inevitable but not always in the service of users. In conclusion, experiences of and attitudes towards technologies and technology development are not limited to generation; perspectives sometimes unite individuals across rather than within generations. Thus future technologies and technology development, as well as services and policies aiming to support the use of said technologies should consider individual user perspectives including needs, desires, beliefs or goals neglected in the existing technology models, and involve users beyond generations defined by chronological age. Such strategies are likely to be more successful in supporting development of technologies usable for all.
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| 3. |
- Offerman, Jens, et al.
(author)
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Self-reported changes in use of and attitudes toward ICT in three generations in Sweden during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2024
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In: Gerontology and geriatric medicine. - : Sage Publications. - 2333-7214. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- COVID-19 has affected the daily activities of people worldwide. Recommendations introduced to reduce the spread of the virus led to increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to meet everyday needs. Such rapid digitalization had not been seen previously and not been possible to study before. Hence, this study aimed to identify and describe self-reported changes in usage of and attitudes toward ICT among three generations in Sweden during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to identify whether and how belonging to a specific generation was related to these changes. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 with a final sample of N?=?3,000, stratified into three generations (30?39, 50?59, and 70?79-year-old persons). A majority reported using digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Compared to the youngest generation, the oldest and middle-aged generations reported that they used digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Our results show which technologies were considered essential for different generations during the early phase of the pandemic. This information can be used to guide policy makers based on knowledge concerning the needs and demands for digital technologies in everyday life among people of different ages.
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| 4. |
- Malm, Camilla, et al.
(author)
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What motivates informal carers to be actively involved in research, and what obstacles to involvement do they perceive?
- 2021
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In: Research Involvement and Engagement. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2056-7529. ; 7:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Due to demographic changes and a strained public sector operating in many countries globally, informal care is increasing. Currently, at least 1.3 million adults in Sweden regularly provide help, support and/or care to a family member/significant other. With no sign of an imminent decrease in their caring activities, it is important that informal carers are considered as a key stakeholder group within research that affects them, e.g., the co-design of carer and/or dyadic support interventions. The objective of this descriptive, quantitative study was to investigate informal carers’ perceived motivations and obstacles to become involved in research. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using first-wave data from a panel study. The data, collected in Sweden between September 2019 and March 2020, included survey responses from 147 informal carers who were either aged 60+ years themselves or were caring for someone who was aged 60+ years. Results: Our main results showed that informal carers are, in general, interested in research. Slightly fewer were interested in becoming actively involved themselves, but older age was the only characteristic significantly associated with less interest of being actively involved. Two latent motivational dimensions emerged from the factor analysis: ‘family motivation’ and ‘the greater good motivation’. These, according to our results, almost equally valued dimensions, described the differing reasons for informal carers to become involved in research. The most common perceived obstacle was lack of time and it was reported by more women than men. Conclusion: Our study contributes with new knowledge of informal carers’ perceived motivations and obstacles regarding carer involvement in research. Paying attention to the differing motivational dimensions held by informal carers could help researchers create conditions for more inclusive and systematic participation of informal carers within research. Thereby, increasing the opportunities for research that is deemed to be of higher societal impact. IRRID (International Registered Report Identifier): RR2-10.2196/17759.
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| 5. |
- Reuter, Arlind, et al.
(author)
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Optimising conditions and environments for digital participation in later life: a macro-meso-micro framework of partnership-building
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-1078. ; 14, s. 1-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ongoing digitalisation of societies, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased efforts to ensure the digital inclusion of older adults. Digital inclusion strategies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic predominantly focused on increasing access and basic digital literacy of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for all members of society. Older adults, who are more likely to experience digital exclusion, are amongst the target groups of digital inclusion strategies. We propose that beyond digital inclusion, there is a need to focus on digital participation and optimise opportunities for everyone to participate in communities and society in post-pandemic times. Creative digital skills are the foundation of digital participation and can lead to a variety of contributions. Digital participation offers conditions that support agency and active contributions in a digitalised society. Taking macro-, meso-, and micro-level enablers of digital participation in later life into account, we argue for the establishment and implementation of multi-layered and multisectoral partnerships that address environmental factors (including social and physical dimensions) of digital participation and create opportunities for diverse, meaningful and fulfilling engagement with ICTs in later life. The partnership approach can be used in designing and implementing digital participation programmes and should be further evaluated against the needs and lived experiences of older individuals. Foresighted research is needed to investigate key factors of effective partnerships for optimising environments for digital participation in later life.
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| 6. |
- Zingmark, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Exploring associations of housing, relocation, and active and healthy aging in sweden : Protocol for a prospective longitudinal mixed methods study
- 2021
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In: JMIR Research Protocols. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1929-0748. ; 10:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: While housing and neighborhood features have the potential to impact opportunities for active aging, there is a lack of knowledge related to how older people reason regarding their housing situation and how housing and fulfillment of relocation are associated with active and healthy aging. Objective: The objectives of Prospective RELOC-AGE are to study housing choices and relocation and explore effects on active and healthy aging among men and women aged 55 years and older in Sweden considering relocation. Methods: The estimated sample (2800) will include people aged 55 years and older being listed for relocation at either of two housing companies: a local public housing company in Southern Sweden and a national condominium provider. Prospective RELOC-AGE has a 2-level longitudinal mixed methods design and includes quantitative surveys (implemented by a professional survey company) and a telephone interview for baseline data collection in 2021, with follow-ups with the same procedures in 2022 and 2023. The survey and interviews include questions related to present housing and neighborhood, relocation plans and expectations, a range of perspectives on active and healthy aging, and demographics. Linking to national registers will provide additional data on home help and health care use, objective housing, and neighborhood characteristics. To explore what housing attributes older adults considering relocation find important and to what extent when making their decisions on housing, we will develop a discrete choice experiment to be implemented with a subsample of participants. Further, a grounded theory approach will be applied to collect in-depth interview data from participants who have moved to another dwelling, within 6 months of the move. A follow-up interview 12 months later will focus on participants' deepened experience over time in terms of fulfilled expectations and relocation experiences. Results: As of submission of this protocol (June 2021), recruitment has commenced with approximately 960 respondents to the survey and ongoing telephone interviews. We anticipate recruitment and data collection based on surveys and interviews to continue during 2021. Conclusions: Prospective RELOC-AGE has the capacity to generate new policy-relevant knowledge on associations of housing, relocation, and active and healthy aging. Such knowledge is relevant for the development of proactive approaches to housing in old age on the individual, group, and societal levels.
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| 7. |
- Ekström, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Home and health among different sub-groups of the ageing population : A comparison of two cohorts living in ordinary housing in Sweden
- 2016
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In: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318. ; 16:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: At present a majority of older people remain in their ordinary homes. Research has generated knowledge about home and health dynamics and increased the awareness of the complexity of housing as related to ageing. As this knowledge is based mainly on research on very old, single-living people in ordinary housing there is a need to study other sub-groups of the ageing population. Thus, the aim of the present descriptive study was to compare a younger old cohort with a very old cohort living in ordinary housing in Sweden in order to shed new light on home and health dynamics in different sub-groups of the ageing population. Methods: Cross-sectional study of two population-based cohorts: one aged 67-70 years (n = 371) and one aged 79-89 years (n = 397) drawn from existing Swedish databases. Structured interviews and observations were conducted to collect data about socio-demographics, aspects of home, and symptoms. Besides descriptive statistics we computed tests of differences using the Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Accessibility was significantly lower in the very old cohort compared to the younger old cohort even though the former were objectively assessed to have fewer environmental barriers. Those in the very old cohort perceived aspects of their housing situation as worse and were more dependent on external influences managing their housing situation. Although a larger proportion of the very old cohort had more functional limitations 22% were independent in ADL. In the younger old cohort 17% were dependent in ADL. Conclusions: Keeping in mind that there were cohort differences beyond that of age, despite fewer environmental barriers in their dwellings the very old community-living cohort lived in housing with more accessibility problems compared to those of the younger old cohort, caused by their higher prevalence of functional limitations. Those in the very old cohort perceived themselves in a less favourable situation, but still as satisfied with housing as those in the younger old cohort. This kind of knowledge is indicative for prevention and intervention in health care and social services as well as for housing provision and societal planning. Further studies based on truly comparable cohorts are warranted.
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| 8. |
- Eriksson, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Perceived Housing in Relation to Retirement and Relocation : A Qualitative Interview Study among Older Adults
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As people age the home environment becomes increasingly important. Retirement commonly leads to spending more time in one’s home, and relocating from your own home in older age could be associated with reduced health or wellbeing. The relationship between home and person is complex and perceived aspects of one’s housing such as social, emotional and cognitive ties are considered important factors for health and wellbeing. However, little is known about how perceived aspects of the home change in relation to retirement and relocation. This paper used Situational Analysis to explore, via situational mapping, how community dwelling older adults (aged 60–75) perceived their housing situation in relation to retirement and relocation. The results suggest complex relations between relocation/retirement and perceived housing, and between different aspects of perceived housing. Furthermore, the results suggest that the relationship between life transitions and perceived housing can be seen as bi-directional, where different life transitions affect aspects of perceived housing, and that perceived housing affects (decisions for) relocation. The results suggest complex relations between retirement and relocation, as well as other life transitions, and perceived aspects of one’s housing. It is important to consider these interactions to understand factors that affect health and wellbeing in older adults.
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| 9. |
- Frögren, Joakim, et al.
(author)
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Awareness of and attitudes towards public involvement in research on ageing and health among older people in Sweden
- 2022
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 17:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: While the importance of involving older people in research is increasingly acknowledged, quantitative studies exploring the perspectives of larger samples of older people who take an active role in research on ageing and health are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of and attitudes towards public involvement in research on ageing and health among older people in Sweden.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data derived from a survey (N = 881) of people aged 60 years or older in Sweden. Demographics, self-rated health, and attitudes were analysed using descriptive statistics. Awareness of and previous active involvement in research were analysed using chi-square tests and Mann Whitney tests. Factors associated with willingness to be actively involved in research were determined by logistic regressions.RESULTS: Of the 26% who responded (N = 881), 39% (n = 343) were aware that they could be actively involved in research. Awareness and previous active involvement in research were significantly associated with a higher level of education. Public involvement was believed to enhance research communication and enable valuable contributions related to ageing. The proportion of respondents who were willing to be actively involved in research was significantly higher for respondents with previous experience and a higher level of education.CONCLUSIONS: Engaging older people in Sweden in research targeting active involvement in research presents a challenge. The study shows an over-representation of people with higher education, who tend to be more aware, have previous experience, and are more willing to be involved in research with public involvement. This implies a risk that groups with lower education are not represented, and that knowledge co-produced with mostly highly educated groups will lead to a biased picture. Further studies are needed to understand how an increased awareness of research and willingness to participate can be achieved. IRRID: RR2-10.2196/17759.
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| 10. |
- Gefenaite, Giedre, et al.
(author)
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Associations among housing accessibility, housing-related control beliefs and independence in activities of daily living : a cross-sectional study among younger old in Sweden
- 2020
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In: Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1566-4910 .- 1573-7772. ; 35:3, s. 867-877
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is some evidence that housing accessibility, external housing-related control beliefs (HCB) and activities of daily living (ADL) are associated in complex ways; however, these pathways have not been explored in younger old. The aim was to assess the role of external HCB in the relationship between housing accessibility and ADL by applying moderation and mediation models. This was a cross-sectional study involving 366 community-living 67–70 years old participants from the Skåne part of the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care. We assessed moderation by including an interaction term in a logistic regression analysis (significant if p value < 0.05). We assessed mediation with a series of regression analyses with effect size measures expressed as proportion mediated and its 95% confidence interval (CI). In the absence of statistically significant interaction there was no support for external HCB as a moderator. There was evidence for partial mediation as external HCB was associated with ADL when controlled for housing accessibility, while housing accessibility remained associated with independence in ADL when adjusted for external HCB. The proportion mediated was 6% (95% CI 1; 14). While the results did not support external HCB as a moderator, external HCB mediated the association between housing accessibility and ADL. These results were different from previous findings suggesting that external HCB plays a marginally significant moderating and mediating role among very old. Such differences call for further studies that would allow further exploration and validation of the findings at different stages of the ageing process, preferably utilizing longitudinal study designs.
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| 11. |
- Gefenaite, Giedre, et al.
(author)
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Longitudinal association between housing accessibility and activities of daily living : The role of self-efficacy and control in people ageing with Parkinson's disease
- 2020
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In: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: External housing-related control beliefs (HCB) and general self-efficacy (GSE) influence different health outcomes in the general ageing population, but there is no information of their role in people ageing with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to longitudinally assess the role of external HCB and GSE on the association between housing accessibility and activities of daily living (ADL) among people ageing with PD. Methods: Baseline and 3-year follow-up data on 130 community-living participants from the Swedish project 'Home and Health in People Ageing with PD' were collected. Assessments addressed housing accessibility, external HCB, GSE, generic ADL and ADL specific to PD. The moderating effects of external HCB and GSE were assessed by including an interaction term in multivariable logistic regression. Results: There were statistically significant interactions between housing accessibility and GSE on ADL (p = 0.03), and housing accessibility and external HCB on PD specific ADL (p = 0.03). After stratifying the analyses by GSE, housing accessibility problems led to more dependence and difficulty in ADL in participants with low GSE (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28). After stratifying by external HCB, housing accessibility increased dependence and difficulty in PD specific ADL in participants with low external HCB (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.03-1.76). Discussion: The results suggest that housing accessibility predicts ADL in people with PD with GSE and external HCB playing a moderating role for generic ADL and ADL specific to PD, respectively. Further longitudinal studies should validate these findings and explore their potential application in PD-related care and rehabilitation.
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| 12. |
- Haak, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Cross-National User Priorities for Housing Provision and Accessibility - Findings from the European innovAge Project.
- 2015
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 12:3, s. 2670-2686
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To develop an innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tool intended to help older people in their search for optimal housing solutions, a first step in the development process is to gain knowledge from the intended users. Thus the aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about needs and expectations about housing options as expressed and prioritized by older people, people ageing with disabilities and professionals. A participatory design focus was adopted; 26 people with a range of functional limitations representing the user perspective and 15 professionals with a variety of backgrounds, participated in research circles that were conducted in four European countries. An additional 20 experts were invited as guests to the different research circle meetings. Three themes illustrating cross-national user priorities for housing provision and accessibility were identified: "Information barrier: accessible housing", "Information barrier: housing adaptation benefits", and "Cost barrier: housing adaptations". In conclusion, early user involvement and identification of cross-national differences in priorities and housing options will strengthen the development of a user-friendly ICT tool that can empower older people and people with disabilities to be more active consumers regarding housing provision.
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| 13. |
- Haak, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Relationships between perceived aspects of home and symptoms in a cohort aged 67-70.
- 2015
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In: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-6976 .- 0167-4943. ; 61:3, s. 529-534
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The importance of the home environment increases with age. Perceived aspects of home influence life satisfaction, perceived health, independence in daily activities and well-being among very old people. However, research on health and perceived aspects of home among senior citizens in earlier phases of the aging process is lacking. Therefore, the main aim was to explore whether perceived aspects of home are related to number of and specific domains of symptoms in a cohort of people aged 67-70. Interview and observation data on aspects of home and health, collected with 371 individuals living in ordinary housing in urban as well as rural areas in southern Sweden, were used. Descriptive statistics, correlations, multiple linear and logistic regression models were employed. The results showed that the median number of symptoms was 6.0. Reporting fewer reported symptoms was associated with a higher meaning of home (p=0.003) and lower external housing related control beliefs (p=0.001) but not with usability in the home. High external control beliefs were significantly associated with symptoms from head (p=0.014), gastrointestinal (p=0.014) and tension symptoms (p≤0.001). Low meaning of home was significantly associated with heart-lung symptoms (p=0.007), and low usability was associated with depressive symptoms (p=0.003). In conclusion, showing that perceived aspects of home are important for health in terms of physical and mental symptoms, this study contributes to the knowledge on the complex interplay of health and home in the third age.
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| 14. |
- Iwarsson, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Synthesizing ENABLE-AGE Research Findings to Suggest Evidence-Based Home and Health Interventions
- 2016
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In: Journal of Housing for the Elderly. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0276-3893 .- 1540-353X. ; 30:3, s. 330-343
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the quest for knowledge translation from research to practice and policy contexts is growing stronger, researchers need to develop strategies for synthesizing research findings. Since home environments constitute an important context for the delivery of health care and social services to older adults and people aging with disabilities, research in this field can serve as an example for such endeavors. Using 35 original publications and one unpublished doctoral dissertation based on the European ENABLE-AGE Project, we aimed to demonstrate a systematic approach to synthesize research findings generated by large research projects as the basis for evidence-based interventions. The synthesized findings highlighted the complex interactions between objective and perceived aspects of housing and aspects of health in very old age, impacting on, for example, residential decision making. Independence in daily activity is influenced by the sociocultural care and service context. A familiar and safe neighborhood, a social network, and a good supply of services are important to perceptions of participation. Going further, we suggest housing-related interventions that address problems and challenges related to ongoing demographic changes. This article contributes to the development of strategies for knowledge translation, connecting research and practice and policy contexts struggling to meet the societal challenges that accompany population aging.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Kylén, Maya, et al.
(author)
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Awareness of and attitudes toward user involvement in research on aging and health : Protocol for a quantitative large-scale panel study
- 2020
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In: JMIR Research Protocols. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1929-0748. ; 9:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: User involvement is a requirement of most research funders. There is a growing body of literature exploring the benefits and challenges of user involvement in research, but such studies are scarce in the field of aging and health. Moreover, the majority of such research is qualitative, which limits the generalizability of results. The UserAge panel study will be instrumental in expanding knowledge that will benefit the quality and impact of user involvement in future research. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the awareness and understanding of and attitudes toward user involvement in research among different categories of knowledge users and researchers over time. Methods: A panel study will be implemented with 3 different categories of knowledge users (people aged 60 years and older, informal carers, and professionals in health care and architecture) and researchers in aging and health. A professional survey company will collect data from all samples in parallel. Potential participants will be asked to complete the survey via telephone or online, or participants can request a paper survey to be sent to them in the post. A draft set of questions on attitudes and behavioral patterns related to research utilization and user involvement in research was compiled based on existing literature and input from the research team. Using a participatory approach, we engaged a user forum, where 8 older people and 3 researchers jointly refined the survey for time/length to complete, terminology, readability, and context. Data collected via the internet or telephone will be automatically processed, and data collected on paper forms will be entered in machine-readable forms. The survey company will store all data and deliver the quality-controlled database to the university for further storage. Analyses of frequencies and measures of central tendency will be used for descriptive purposes. To compare groups, state-of-the art statistical analyses will be used. Results: Data collection for the first study wave started in September 2019 and will be completed in spring 2020. Data will be ready for analysis following cleaning and quality control, which started during summer 2020 and will be completed autumn 2020. We anticipate the data collection for the second study wave to start in September 2021. Conclusions: This is the first quantitative large-scale panel study focusing on trends in attitudes toward, awareness of, and knowledge about user involvement in research on aging and health in Sweden. The results will generate new and important knowledge to advance the understanding of user needs and preferences as well as the relevance of user involvement in research on aging and health.
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| 17. |
- Kylén, Maya, et al.
(author)
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Perceived home is associated with psychological well-being in a cohort aged 67–70 years
- 2017
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In: Journal of Environmental Psychology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0272-4944. ; 51, s. 239-247
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Research on very old people has shown that perceived aspects of home are important for health, but research on such associations in younger cohorts of older people is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether perceived aspects of home were associated with psychological well-being among community-living people aged 67–70. Interview data were collected with 371 individuals living in ordinary housing in southern Sweden. Statistical analyses revealed that depression was less common among participants who reported cognitive-emotional and social bonding to the home, and among those who felt that they had control over their housing situation. The behavioral, social and physical aspects of meaning of home as well as external control beliefs were associated with psychological well-being. Showing that perceived aspects of home are relevant for psychological well-being among people aged 67–70, this study adds to the knowledge on home and health dynamics during the ageing process.
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| 18. |
- Kylén, Maya, et al.
(author)
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User involvement in ageing and health research : a survey of researchers' and older adults' perspectives
- 2022
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In: Health Research Policy and Systems. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-4505. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: User involvement in research has rapidly increased and is often a precondition to obtain research funding. Benefits such as effectiveness and increased relevance of research are described in the literature, but the evidence to support this is weak. Little is known about ageing and health researchers' experiences and perspectives towards user involvement in research, and their attitudes towards user involvement compared to the attitudes of the users involved are largely unknown. To examine researchers' experiences and perspectives of user involvement in research on ageing and health, and to compare their attitudes towards user involvement to the attitudes of older adults in the general population. METHODS: A panel study survey was used to elicit responses from researchers in ageing and health as well as from older adults (aged 60 years and older). The researcher sample (N = 64) completed the survey online, while the older adult sample (N = 881) could choose among three different options to complete the survey (online, paper format, telephone). A professional survey company collected the data. Descriptive statistics, exploratory comparisons and descriptive qualitative content analysis were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: More than half (58%) of the researchers had previous experience of involving different categories of users in a wide range of research activities. The most frequent motivation for involving users was to ensure that the research produced is relevant to the target population. A majority (86%) reported benefits, and more than half (59%) described challenges. Differences in attitudes were found between researchers and older adults in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Ageing and health researchers involve users in their research to improve quality and ensure relevance, but there is no consensus among them whether users should be involved in publicly funded research. While several challenges were identified, training, institutional support and resources from funders could alleviate many of these. Findings reveal significant differences in attitudes between older adults in the general population and researchers. Further research with comparable larger samples is needed to confirm and understand the possible consequences such controversy might have and how to solve them. IRRID (International Registered Report Identifier): RR2-10.2196/17759.
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| 19. |
- Maini Gerhardsson, Kiran, et al.
(author)
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Light, activity, and sleep: Design and usability evaluations of a web-based course supporting changes to routines and the home
- 2024
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In: International Journal of Population Studies. - 2424-8150. ; 10:2, s. 27-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While research indicates that indoor lighting, exposure to daylight, physical activity, and sleep interact to influence functioning, mood, and daily rhythm, strategies are needed to support behavioral changes among older adults who often spend more time at home after retirement. The objective was to design a web-based course to encourage behavior change related to light, activity, and sleep. Grounded in the information-motivation-behavioral skills model, the course aims to promote well-being and improve lighting and darkness conditions at home. The technology acceptance model was used as a framework for evaluating usability aspects of the course. Data were collected through video observations, interviews, and questionnaires. Three experts on pedagogy, design for older adults, and/or interaction design were invited to independently assess usability of the course content in a full-scale model of an apartment. Six adults (age 70 – 79) participated in a similar usability evaluation in a second round in the apartment. A two-step usability evaluation by experts in the first round and target users in the second proved valuable. Findings enabled refinement of the course content and significantly reduced the number of identified usability issues in the second round. All six participants in the second round rated the overall user-friendliness as 6 out of 7. Changes to the content after the second round included, e.g., clarifying the different types of text links and considering issues with online enrolment in the course. The web-based course, supplemented with physical meetings, can benefit late-life learners because of the relevant easy-to-use content.
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| 20. |
- Schmidt, Steven M, et al.
(author)
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Homeownership While Aging-How Health and Economic Factors Incentivize or Disincentivize Relocation : Protocol for a Mixed Methods Project
- 2023
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In: JMIR Research Protocols. - 1929-0748. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Many factors influence housing choices among older adults, but far from all have been identified. There is little systematic analysis that has included economic factors and virtually no knowledge about the interplay among perceived costs of moving, health status, and the mobility rate of older homeowners. It is currently unclear whether economic factors influence older adults' willingness to move, and the effects of economic policies on their actual behavior in the housing market are largely unknown.OBJECTIVE: The overarching objective of the AGE-HERE project is to develop knowledge of the relationship between health and economic factors that incentivize or disincentivize relocation during the process of aging.METHODS: This project uses a mixed methods convergent design across 4 studies. The initial quantitative register study and subsequent qualitative focus group study will nurture the evidence base and the development of a national survey. The final study will synthesize and integrate the results of the entire project.RESULTS: Ethical approval for the register study (DNR 2022-04626-01) and focus group study (DNR 2023-01887-01) has been obtained. As of July 2023, data analyses (register study) and data collection (focus group study) are currently being conducted. The first paper based on the register data is expected to be submitted after the summer of 2023. Three meetings have been held with the nonacademic reference group. The qualitative data will be analyzed in the autumn. Based on the results of these studies, a survey questionnaire will be developed and distributed nationally during the spring of 2024, followed by data analyses in the autumn. Finally, the results from all studies will be synthesized in 2025.CONCLUSIONS: Results from AGE-HERE will add to the knowledge base for research on aging, health, and housing and can play a critical role in guiding future policy decisions aiming to balance the housing market. Such developments may lower related social costs and support older adults to maintain active, independent, and healthy lives.INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/47568.
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| 21. |
- Wanka, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Moving in together in later life : Making spaces into places as a joint endeavor
- 2024
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - 0890-4065. ; 68
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and objectives: We focus on the linkages between relocation, new forms of partner cohabitation, and retirement. What are the patterns and trajectories of moving in with a partner in retirement? How do older adults experience different transitions, place attachment, and placemaking when they move in with a partner? Research design and methods: In this qualitative study, 50 persons between 60 and 75 years old were interviewed in Sweden and Germany. For this paper, we focused on nine participants who experienced a relocation with a partner in retirement. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a strategy derived from social constructivist Grounded Theory and thematic analysis. Results: Research participants described experiences of several relocations and cohabitation trajectories. In particular, we identified two patterns of relocating with a partner in retirement: moving into a new place with a partner and moving into a partner's pre-existing home, the latter proving more challenging for forming place attachment and for the couple relationship. Relocation experiences appeared to form a joint process in which relationships and retirement were renegotiated. Discussion and implications: Using cross-cultural data, this novel study shows an unexpected diversity in housing and cohabitation trajectories among older adults. More research is needed to understand what “aging in the right place” with “the right person” really means and the role of life course trajectories and couple negotiations in such processes. Future research should focus on what comes before and after relocation rather than solely studying the decision-making process that leads up to a move.
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