Le nombre croissant de cas de démence chez les personnes âgées attire l’attention de nombreux chercheurs de différentes disciplines. Diverses solutions non médicamenteuses ont été proposées dans lesquelles la stimulation cognitive prend place parmi les choix possibles. D’ailleurs, les jeux vidéo ont été impliqués dans de nombreux projets de santé comme soutien privilégié pour étendre et résoudre les limites des traitements non médicamenteux. Cependant, l’utilisation du jeu vidéo pour les personnes âgées avec la démence pendant une longue période est considérée comme une activité difficile. Ils n’ont pas les mêmes expériences de jeu que la jeune génération et ne peuvent pas utiliser activement et indépendamment cet outil en raison des troubles cognitifs et de la mémoire causés par la maladie. Dans cette thèse, une approche est proposée avec le but de maintenir l’engagement des personnes âgées avec la démence en interagissant avec les jeux vidéo. Cette approche vise à fournir dynamiquement les interactions appropriées aux utilisateurs en fonction de la situation courante définie par leurs activités physiques et leurs activités de jeu. Un système de support est développé pour valider l’approche à travers 3 expériences réalisées avec des participants recrutés via le centre de mémoire. Les résultats montrent que: 1) les personnes âgées atteintes de démence peuvent interagir successivement avec le système proposé 2) leur performance du jeu est maintenue, 3) l’efficacité du système de support est similaire à celle d’un thérapeute. Les futurs travaux visent à tester le système de support à domicile pendant de longues périodes avec des personnes âgées souffrant démence. / Recently, the world witnesses an increasing number of the dementia cases in the older population, which causes an important impact in the society. This phenomenon attracts the attention of many researchers in multi-disciplines. Various socio-medical non-drug solutions have been proposed in which cognitive stimulation takes a place among the possible choices. In parallel, video games have been involved in many healthcare projects as privileged support for both extending and solving the limits of non-drug treatments. However, using video game for older adults with dementia in long period of time is considered as a difficult activity. They do not have the same gaming experiences as the young generation and cannot use actively and independently this tool because of memory and cognitive troubles caused by the disease. In this thesis, an approach with the purpose of maintaining the engagement of older adults with dementia while playing video game is proposed. This approach aims to provide dynamically the appropriate interactions to the users based on the current situation encompassing their physical activities and game activities. A support system is developed for validating the approach throughout 3 experiments with participants recruited from the memory center. The results show that : 1) older adults with dementia can interact successfully with the support system, 2) their game performance (playing time, accuracy rate, learning effect) is maintained, 3) the effectiveness of the support system is similar to the one of a therapist. Future work aims at testing the support system at home for long periods of time with older adults with dementia.

Research has shown that the older population’s drinking habits are expanding. With this, alcohol-related diseases and injuries are prone to increase. This places demands on an elder care that has resources and knowledge on how to provide equitable welfare. The aim of this study was to examine social workers experience of working with older adults with an ongoing or suspected alcohol addiction. Interviews with 6 social workers were conducted. The interviews were based on a semi-structured model with open questions, where the main focus was on the informant’s own experience on the subject. The result shows that there is a lack of knowledge of how to deal with and identify alcohol addiction among the elderly population. There is also a lack of services that targets substance abuse among elderly. Social workers therefore must invent their own strategy to find suitable care alternatives within a bureaucratic system.

As the Canadian population continues to age efforts have been focussed on finding innovative strategies to promote active aging throughout the aging process and well into long-term care (LTC). The increased use of innovative technologies has been identified as a leading strategy to promote participation in health activities among older adults in LTC. However, technology use by older adults remains a challenge and participatory design (PD) frameworks must be used to design user-centered technologies with favourable acceptance and uptake. Hence, this thesis aimed to identify design requirements for an augmented reality health activity gaming platform for use in LTC. A participatory design framework was used with the objectives of (1) exploring the current attitudes, usage, benefits and challenges regarding the use of technology, (2) gathering preliminary data on the attitudes of older adults and staff in LTC regarding the inclusion of an augmented reality health activity platform and (3) reflecting on the process of employing a PD approach with older adults and other stakeholders in the context of LTC. Focus group data was used to perform qualitative inductive thematic analysis on older adult and staff discussions. The findings of the research included a current understanding of technological needs and uses within LTC, facilitators and barriers to technology uptake as well as the integration process of technology in LTC. In addition, findings included pragmatic design requirements for the augmented reality health activity platform at the selected LTC facility. This thesis research addresses the need to engage in PD activities to create a platform anchored in person-driven design rather than technology-driven design. This research ultimately builds the foundation for which future technology design teams should involve relevant stakeholders in the ideation, prototyping and evaluation of novel technologies for LTC.

To investigate whether multilingualism can be used to predict working memory in older adults this study has used a categorical variable as well as a continuous variable to measure multilingualism. This was done while also accounting for possible confounding variables such as intelligence. Furthermore, subjective memory was investigated regarding how it can be affected by multilingualism and if subjective memory is an accurate measure of objective memory. A positive correlation between the Ospan score and composite language score was found while correlations could not be found for subjective memory. However, according to the hierarchical multiple regressions that were done, composite language score was not a significant predictor of Ospan score when demographics and intelligence were accounted for, only intelligence could predict both Span and Ospan scores. In regards to subjective memory, it was found that composite language scores could predict subjective memory and that those who spoke four languages rated themselves worse than monolinguals. Working memory tasks could not, however, predict subjective memory. The conclusions that were made were that multilingualism does not have an effect on working memory capacity but that composite language score and quadrilingualism have an effect on subjective memory.

Mobility is an essential part of older people’s quality of life and the opportunity to maintain their inclusion in society. Accessing public transport is inextricably linked to older people’s ability to live an independent life and engage in various activities. The global population is aging, and more people live in cities, which creates challenges for transport planning to provide a transport system for everyone that also encourages sustainable mobility. This thesis investigates older peoples’ experiences traveling by public transport in Stockholm and how their experiences relate to social sustainability. Drawing on material collected through go-along interviews, this thesis examines the bodily and emotional dimensions of traveling and the meanings and values they ascribe to being mobile with public transport. The research illustrates the importance of understanding older peoples’ public transportation experiences in situ by traveling with the participants.

Magister Chirurgiae Dentium (MChD) / Objectives: Previous studies have indicated that most of the older adult population has poor oral health but only a few of them demand care for their problems. The reason for this discrepancy has never been explained adequately. The obj ectives of the study were, first, to assess the perceived oral health needs (with regards to social, functional and psychological impacts of oral diseases) of older adults aged 55 years and above, second, to assess the oral health status (periodontal disease, dental caries and oral mucosal lesions ) in an adult population aged 55 years and above.Third, compare the relationship between normative and perceived need. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive study and consisted of 100 older adults who were randomly selected from three areas in Guguletu. These areas included the home for the aged Ekumphumleni, NYl and NY2 clinics. Participants aged 55 years and above were interviewed using a structured questionnaire consisting of 32 questions and a clinical examination done. Frequency tables were computed and analysed. The relationship between variables like oral health status, perceived need and a variety of socio-demographic variables and measures of psycho-social impact of oral diseases were analysed by using the chi square test and odds ratio. Results: The ability to perceive that they had a problem and the recency of the last visit to the dentist was associated with perceived need for dental care. There was a significant relationship between the presence of symptoms which were painful and perceived need for dental care (mouth, p value=0.015; gums, pvalue=O.OOl; teeth, p value=0.0006) The positive attitude towards dental care and regular dental hygiene was an indicator of positive attitudes towards oral health care. In this study a substantial difference between perceived and normative need was also observed. 88% of the respondents perceived a need for dental care and 99% were assessed as needing treatment (normative need) but only 29% demanded the care. 63% were dissatisfied with their functional ability to chew and expressed a need for dentures. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and perceived oral health needs among older adults in Guguletu. The oral health status was poor in most of the participants and the demand for care was low even though perceived need was high. The study has shown that social, functional and psychological factors influence the demand for care in this adult population. The cost for dental care and access to these services are major barriers to the demand of care.Perceived oral health needs and the impact of oral diseases are important influences in the assessment of oral health needs in the elderly. The assessment of oral health needs as perceived by the elderly facilitates the planning and implementation of dental services with special consideration on the cost and accessibility of oral health care.

Background: During covid-19, restrictions were introduced that restricted public gatherings. This particularly affected the age group 70 years and older, and the elderly's ability to perform physical activity in groups.  Aim: The purpose was to investigate how the return to physical exercise in groups after covid-19, affects the health of the elderly from a biopsychosocial perspective.  Method: A qualitative interview study with five participants. The inclusion criteria were people over the age of 70 who participated in group training for a period of at least one year before the closure of Meeting Points in Uppsala and refrained from training in groups due to pandemic. Spoke and understood the Swedish language. Qualitative content analysis was used in the data processing. Results: The return affected the informants both physically, socially and mentally. Responses about the physical return were improved mobility, less pain and increased muscle strength, but also the impact of physical return was experienced. Due to the social aspect, the informants answered that the return gave belonging with reduced loneliness and more social behavior. The psychological factors in respect to the return were increased joy, hope and the ability to think. For some, however, no effect was felt on the ability to think when returning. Conclusion: Biopsychosocial health expressed the participants were physical capacity, social well-being and mental well-being and an important reason why they participate in the Meeting Points group-training. All the biopsychosocial aspects of group-training were absent at the social constraints during covid-19 and were more clearly experienced at the return.Physical activity in groups is therefore important for the elderly's biopsychosocial health, especially in times when social interaction is subject to restrictions. / Bakgrund: Under covid-19 infördes restriktioner som begränsade allmänna sammankomster. Detta påverkade särskilt åldersgruppen 70 år och äldres möjlighet att utföra fysisk aktivitet i grupp. Syfte: Undersöka hur återgång efter covid-19, till fysisk träning i grupp påverkar äldres hälsa ur ett biopsykosocialt perspektiv. Metod: En kvalitativ intervjustudie med fem deltagare. Inklusionskriterierna var personer över 70 år som deltagit i gruppträning under en period av minst ett år innan nedstängningen på Träffpunkter i Uppsala och avstått från att träna i grupp p.g.a. pandemin. Talade och förstod svenska språket. Vid databearbetningen användes kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatsammanfattning: Återgången påverkade informanterna både fysiskt, socialt och psykiskt. Svar om den fysiska återgången var förbättrad rörelseförmåga, mindre smärta och ökad muskelstyrka, men också opåverkan av fysisk återgång upplevdes. Till den sociala aspekten i det biopsykologiska perspektivet svarade informanterna att återgången gav tillhörighet med minskad ensamhet och mer socialt beteende. De psykologiska faktorerna vid återgången var ökad glädje, hopp och tankeförmåga. För vissa upplevdes dock ingen påverkan av tankeförmågan vid återgången. Slutsats: Biopsykosocial hälsa uttryckte deltagarna var fysiska kapacitet, sociala välbefinnande och psykiska välmående och en viktig anledning till att de medverkar i Träffpunkternas gruppträning. Alla de biopsykosociala aspekterna av gruppträningen saknades vid de sociala begränsningarna under covid-19 och upplevdes tydligare vid återgången. Anpassade aktiviteter för att fortsätta fysisk aktivitet i grupp är därför viktigt för de äldres biopsykosociala hälsa speciellt i tider då det sociala umgänget beläggs med restriktioner.

La percezione soggettiva dell’invecchiamento, o invecchiamento soggettivo, intesa come il modo in cui le persone anziane interpretano e costruiscono aspettative nei confronti del processo di invecchiamento stesso, rappresenta un argomento di enorme interesse clinico. L’ invecchiamento soggettivo è ad oggi considerato un fattore chiave in grado di influire direttamente sulle nostre aspettative di vita. Numerose ricerche hanno studiato la relazione esistente tra invecchiamento soggettivo, o altre concettualizzazioni teoriche comunemente usate, e la salute individuale. Gli individui con una visione negativa dell'invecchiamento corrono maggiori rischi di sviluppare malattie croniche, presentano tassi di ospedalizzazione più elevati, funzionamento cognitivo e fisico compromesso, maggiore incidenza di malattie neurodegenerative e una sostanziale diminuzione della longevità. L'invecchiamento soggettivo appare anche connesso alla salute psicologica e alla qualità della vita degli individui over 65. Inoltre, questo costrutto psicologico appare potenzialmente mutevole e come tale di estrema importanza per tutti quegli interventi che mirano a migliorare la salute psicofisica di una popolazione sempre più longeva. Nonostante il forte legame evidenziato in letteratura tra diversi indicatori di salute e l'invecchiamento soggettivo, il numero di strumenti psicometrici statisticamente validi e teoricamente affidabili è ancora modesto. Questa tesi si concentra sul processo di sviluppo di un nuovo questionario psicologico per la valutazione dell'invecchiamento soggettivo; uno strumento psicometrico che potrebbe essere utilizzato per aumentare la nostra conoscenza sulle diverse componenti specifiche dell'invecchiamento soggettivo in grado di influenzare la salute e il benessere individuale in età avanzata. Il lavoro di tesi trae fondamento da basi teoriche ampiamente consolidate in letteratura nello studio dell'invecchiamento soggettivo, con un focus principale alla teoria dello stereotipo internalizzato sviluppata dalla Dottoressa Becca Levy. Nei diversi capitoli costituenti il lavoro di tesi verranno affrontate diverse domande di ricerca riguardanti la valutazione e le implicazioni sulla salute dell'invecchiamento soggettivo, ampliando potenzialmente la nostra conoscenza psicologica e psicometrica su questo costrutto. / Great emphasis has been given by clinicians to the way older adults experience and view the aging process itself, a research field broadly known as “subjective aging.” Subjective aging or perception of aging in the on-topic literature is now considered a key factor directly affecting the aging trajectory. Several studies have explored the existing relationship between subjective aging, or other commonly used theoretical conceptualizations of it, and health-related outcomes. Individuals holding negative views of aging have been empirically linked to higher risks of developing chronic conditions, higher hospitalization rates, lower cognitive and physical functioning, neurodegenerative diseases, and decreased longevity. Subjective aging has also been connected with psychological outcomes, like depression, anxiety, or older adults’ quality of life. Moreover, this psychological construct seems susceptible to change, and as such of extreme importance for interventions enhancing the psychological and physical health of an aging population. Despite the strong longitudinal relationships highlighted between different health outcomes and subjective aging, the amount of statistically valid and theoretically reliable self-report measures of it is still modest. This dissertation will focus on the development of a new questionnaire assessing subjective aging, a psychometric tool that could be used to increase our knowledge about different specific dimensions of subjective age influencing health and well-being in later life. The current dissertation manuscript will build upon widely established theoretical foundations for the construct of subjective aging, with the main focus being on Becca Levy’s stereotype embodiment theory. In the different chapters comprising this manuscript, different research questions regarding the assessment and health implications of subjective aging will be answered, potentially expanding our psychological and psychometrical knowledge about this fundamental construct.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / In this article, we propose a technological architecture that supports the remote medical care service for elderly people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Peru. The problem is based on the limitations that elderly people have with compliance with medical controls, which leads to increased complications of the disease and the patient's quality of life. The design of the technological architecture is based on 6 layers: 1) devices, 2) software, 3) channels, 4) data storage, 5) data processing and 6) information visualization. Through the solution, patients are able to autonomously manage their disease through periodic glucose control and the execution of an updated treatment in real time. In the same way, the specialist doctor periodically analyzes the glucose level and it is notified in real time about the out-of-range indicators, which allows him to make treatment decisions as the anomaly occurs. The focus of the solution is to reduce the complications generated by the disease through efficient glucose control and periodic medical advice. The solution was validated in a nursing home with adults over 60 and an endocrinologist from a medical office in Lima, Peru. For the study, we measured the constancy of the glucose record, the average response time of the doctor in case of emergencies or indicators out of range, the percentage of reduction of complications and the level of satisfaction of the Telehomecare solution in older adults. The results show that patients interact more frequently as they adapt the solution as part of their daily routine. On the other hand, the response time was approximately 4.13 minutes from the anomaly record. The percentage of complication reduction was 14% and the level of satisfaction of the solution was reflected in the dimensions of the response time and understanding of the user's need. / Revisión por pares

In recent years, interest in satisfaction with love life (SWLL) has increased. Empirical evidence demonstrated that SWLL favors subjective well-being, physical and mental health, marital quality and stability. In this regard, the study aimed to examine evidence based on the internal structure validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Peruvian version of the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS). The participants were 323 older adults recruited from the region of San Martin (Peru) with an average age of 68.73 years (SD = 7.17). The sample comprised of 49.5% women and 50.5% men. The results supported the one-dimensional model and adequate reliability of the SWLLS. A multi-group analysis provided evidence of configural, metric, and scale invariance across genders. The findings verified the validity and reliability of the Peruvian version of the SWLLS, which can be used to measure SWLL. / Universidad del Norte