The inclusion of elderly persons from the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS) in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, in the digital age: physio-gerontological contributions

Abstract

ResumoIntroduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.

Qualidade de viva de idosos atendidos em Centro de Lazer: Estudo transversal.

“…O envelhecimento não deve ser percebido como fase da vida em que as pessoas não mais estão aptas ao aprendizado, ao contrário, cabe enfatizar que anos adicionais de vida oferecem a oportunidade aos idosos de desenvolverem novas atividades, tais como a educação, uma nova carreira ou buscar desenvolver algo que tenha sido negligenciado ao longo da vida (23) . Algo percebido entre importante contingente de participantes deste estudo, considerando que 53,62% prefere se dedicar às atividades intelectuais no centro de lazer, pelo que elas representam na ampliação do conhecimento sobre a vida, a saúde e o próprio processo de envelhecimento.…”

“…Apesar das dificuldades e da própria resistência para aprender as novas tecnologias de comunicação, os idosos têm frequentado aulas de informática com a finalidade de se tornarem usuários de computador, mostrando-se mais predispostos a se divertir, além de se relacionarem com os colegas e parentes através dos meios de socialização digitais mais comuns (23) . No caso deste estudo, o atípico nível de escolaridade dos seus participantes constitui fator decisivo para que predomine habilidade de fazer uso desses recursos para melhor interação com o universo de informações disponíveis em seus computadores domésticos e equipamentos móveis de comunicação.…”

Depressive symptoms among healthcare undergraduate students

“…Of these, 10 were indexed in the Medical Literature Analysis Index on Health Sciences). Of these studies, six did not involve healthcare students (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16) , six had another topic as their study focus (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) and two analyzed only one healthcare course (23)(24) . Only one study evaluated four healthcare courses, but was conducted in Saudi Arabia (25) .…”

Utilização de Dispositivos Móveis por Idosos de um Programa de Extensão Universitária

“…Porém, apesar dos benefícios apontados, esses recursos tecnológicos carecem de maiores estudos e investigações, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento de interfaces que atendam às necessidades específicas dos idosos (Amorim et al, 2018). Sugere-se adaptar a interface às suas características, considerando o tamanho e o tipo de fonte, o tamanho dos ícones, o contraste nas cores, assim como o design de interação, que deve ser mais intuitivo (Carvalho et al, 2016). Um material educativo digital voltado para idosos deve oferecer segurança, ser atrativo, promover participação e interação e incluir temas que contribuam para a melhoria da qualidade de vida, criando novas formas de ensino e aprendizagem (Barbosa et al, 2017).…”