Articles
The Journal on Active Aging brings articles of value to professionals dedicated to older-adult quality of life. Content sweeps across the active-aging landscape to focus on education and practice. Find articles of interest by searching the article archives in three ways: Enter a keyword in the articles search bar; click on search by topic; or type a keyword or phrase in the general search bar at the top of the page.
Topic- Management
Disaster preparedness: Impact of the pandemic by Marilynn Larkin, MA
The COVID-19 pandemic blindsided the world in 2020 with a disaster of unparalleled proportions. No nation was prepared for the devastating illness and the losses of life and income. In North America, skilled nursing centers and long-term care residences such as nursing homes were particularly hard hit, prompting health officials to decide early on that COVID-19 mainly affected “old” people. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said in April what was already becoming known based on new infections rates among young people, namely that this statement is “factually wrong.” Even though age remains an important risk factor, the virus is affecting everyone. Certainly, the pandemic warrants special precautions in terms of disaster preparedness and management. Nonetheless, other disasters--earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, for example--continue to occur and are happening at the same time. ... [O]rganizations need to be prepared for any additional disaster that may strike while still maintaining precautions against COVID-19, and for any pandemic “surges” in infection rates that may require additional protective strategies.
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Technology: Sharon Towers’ biggest ally in resident well-being during a pandemic by Jessica Bourque, LRT/CTRS
On March 12, life at Sharon Towers changed for our families, employees and residents. Like all life-plan communities, we were forced to make some significant changes to the way we operate to keep our residents and staff as safe as possible. Changes like mandatory masks for staff and residents, screening stations before management and staff enter the building to work, discontinuing communal dining and all group activities, no longer allowing visitors on campus, and encouraging our residents not to leave our campus for any reason. To say it was a challenge would be an understatement--in fact, it continues to be a challenge even as some restrictions relax. However, it has been inspiring to see the innovation, creativity, flexibility and resiliency abound. ... In this changing COVID-19 climate, every department has had to reevaluate how we could best serve our mission. The question for our programming department--called the Vitality and Well-being Department--was how were we possibly going to meet the wellness needs of our 300+ residents without in-person groups/sessions, without a pool and without a fitness center? The biggest positive of COVID has been that it forced us to take a new approach and reevaluate everything.
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Virtual reality: What to know when considering this technology by Ginna Baik, BA
Engaging residents and older adults in this new era of lockdowns and social distancing has really challenged senior living communities, seniors centers and other organizations that serve this population across the world. It is well documented that lack of social engagement, or loneliness, has a real impact on the physical and mental health of older individuals. Advances in virtual reality (VR) are compelling reasons for organizations to take a serious look at this solution.
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Personal robots help reduce isolation, boost engagement during the pandemic and beyond by Marilynn Larkin, MA
On February 25, 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic became a global phenomenon, Irish consultancy Research and Markets produced a report, "Social Robots: Emotional Connection and Task Engagements," which covers the potential of this emerging market. Personal services, social companionship, medical support and entertainment are all part of this market, according to the report. Many active-aging organizations have moved quickly to take advantage of the social connection and functionality of social robots for older adults and staff. For Maplewood Senior Living, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, the pandemic accelerated their introduction of "temi–The Personal Robot"--and expanded their use in some unexpected ways.
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Active-aging communities leverage rapid communications technologies to combat the pandemic
When the pandemic struck, active-aging organizations recognized that prompt, accurate communication to all stakeholders was key to ensuring compliance with directives from the government and health authorities, and managing expectations for all concerned. Two organizations in different locations and with different constituents responded by implementing different emergency-messaging technologies. Each had similar goals: to optimize community operations, ensure safety, and enable wellness programming and other activities to continue as much as possible, albeit in transformative ways. Marilynn Larkin, contributing editor to the Journal on Active Aging, recently talked with leaders at these organizations about how their use of communications technology is facilitating their response to pandemic requirements.
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Connect and communicate: Americare’s aggressive approach to technology by Jason Baxter, BBA
In early March 2020, when signs that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a much greater impact on our lives--including day-to-day activities--than anyone might have imagined, Americare decided to take action. Even while trying to deal with the impact on our own lives and livelihood, we made investments that have enabled our residents to stay connected with family and friends, staff and each other, once quarantine procedures were required. We started by making an extensive investment in equipment, training and learning for staff, residents and families. We also invested in tracking protocols. Our goal was to optimize operations, communication and engagement while staying ahead of potential pandemic-related issues across our communities.
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