An Age-Friendly University (AFU) Assists with Technology Learning and Social Engagement among Older Adults and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.

An Age-Friendly University (AFU) Assists with Technology Learning and Social Engagement among Older Adults and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2019 Feb 01;:1-15 Authors: Stanley JT, Morrison LB, Webster BA, Turner JR, Richards CJ Abstract As an Age-Friendly University (AFU), University of Akron is striving to support lifelong learning. A collaborative research effort developed between aging researchers at the university and a government-sponsored pilot program aimed to provide learning opportunities for older adults (OA) and engagement for individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD). The present study assessed the success of a pilot program to increase comfort with technology and community engagement. OA and IDD participants met twice a month for 9 months to discuss how to use technology (e.g., an IPad). We assessed satisfaction, perceived changes in comfort with technology, perceived changes in connection with others, and motivations for participating with questionnaires and a structured interview. On average, participants reported very high satisfaction with the group, and moderate increases in comfort with technology and how connected they feel to others as a result of participating in the group. The most common motivations for participation were related to values, strengthening social ties, seeking to learn, and bringing joy to others. These findings suggest that the pilot was successful...
Source: Gerontology and Geriatrics Education - Category: Geriatrics Tags: Gerontol Geriatr Educ Source Type: research