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Although fine motor performance declines with increasing age, older adults are able to improve their performance with motor practice. However, existing studies show mixed results regarding an effect of age on the amount of learning. Moreover, less is known about how age- and learning dependent behavioral changes are reflected on a neurophysiological level. Alpha and, especially, beta power assessed using electroencephalography (EEG) represent reliable markers of neurophysiological processes during motor task performance that need more attention in aging literature. Moreover, acute cardiovascular exercise has been shown to improve motor performance and trigger motor learning processes in young adults. However, this promising approach has not been considered in aging literature so far. Furthermore, the physical fitness level seems to be positively associated with motor performance and motor learning processes. But again, less is known about this association in healthy older adults. Both approaches might help to better understand or even counteract age-related changes in fine motor performance and motor learning. To explore these research topics, two empirical studies were conducted within this dissertation project. In both studies, motor performance and motor learning were assessed on a behavioral level using a precision grip force modulation task. The force modulation task required participants to match a visually presented sinusoidal target force by applying isometric force with the thumb and index finger to a force plate. Processes on a neurophysiological level were measured with an EEG and analyzed with a main focus on (alpha and) beta power. Study 1 aimed to further characterize age-related differences in fine motor performance and motor learning on a behavioral and neurophysiological level. Furthermore, key influencing factors that determine fine motor performance and motor learning in older adults on a behavioral level were investigated. Hence, a sample of young adults and older adults performed a short-term motor learning session, conducted a cardiovascular fitness test, motor fitness tests, and strengths tests. Study 2 focused on the effects of a session of acute exercise on fine motor performance and motor learning in a sample of healthy older adults. Participants were assigned to an experimental group (performing a session of acute cardiovascular moderate intensity exercise on a stationary bicycle) or a control group (listening to an audiobook). Both groups performed a motor learning experiment over two consecutive days. Young adults outperformed older adults in terms of performance variability, temporal precision, and force precision in the force modulation task. The lower behavioral performance was accompanied by higher beta activity in parietal and occipital areas. Although results were different with respect to the analyzed parameter, overall, the amount of motor learning in the force modulation task was not diminished in older adults compared to young adults. Beta power during motor performance was not affected by motor practice. However, beta power at rest increased from pre practice to post practice, especially in older adults. Fine motor performance of older adults was increased more directly after an acute cardiovascular exercise session than after rest. Moreover, frontal beta activity was higher directly after exercise, pointing to better cognitive resources to perform the task after exercise than after rest. Third, a high cardiovascular fitness level predicted a good fine motor performance in the force modulation task in older adults. Findings of the current dissertation project enhance the understanding of age-related changes in fine motor performance and motor learning using a precision grip force modulation task. Furthermore, approaches are presented that counteract age-related changes, improve motor functions, and determine good levels of fine motor performance in healthy older adults.

Many older people find it difficult to start using new technology and difficult to get the help when they need it. Society is becoming increasingly digital, therefore there's a risk ending up digitally excluded. Use of digital technology can be difficult due to problematic factors such as insufficient prior knowledge, lacking motivation, insecurity, and the complexity. In order for these factors to be managed, there needs to be support available. Prior research shows that older people have preferences for social support, but when this support is not available appropriate replacement tools need to be available to facilitate the use of digital technology. The purpose of the study was to help reduce digital exclusion among the elderly by studying how different digital support tools can be used to deal with problem factors when using digital technology. A qualitative study was conducted, based on a theory model that highlights four problem factors. Three different digital support tools in an auditory, visual and written format were evaluated. Opinions on the digital support tools as well as the various problem factors were collected from an IT educator and from the elderly at the age of 65 or over through two sub-studies consisting of interviews and thinking aloud tests. The results showed that the factors that were most difficult to counter with the digital support tools were the complexity and insufficient prior knowledge, while the factors lacking motivation and insecurity could be managed with the digital support tools. The results also showed that users of digital support tools should be able to choose whether the support is to be used in an auditory, visual or written format. The written instructions could combat the most problem factors. The visual instructions was the support tool that was most difficult to use because it required some prior digital knowledge. If basic digital knowledge is absent, none of the support tools could be used in an optimal way. Reducing digital exclusion solely with the help of digital support tools is thus difficult because those who are most excluded and have the greatest need for support don't possess the basic knowledge to use the tools. / Många äldre anser att det är svårt att börja använda ny teknik och svårt att få hjälp när de behöver det. I ett samhälle som digitaliseras allt mer riskerar de därför att hamna i ett digitalt utanförskap. Svårigheterna gällande användandet av digital teknik kan bero på olika problemfaktorer som bristande motivation, otrygghet, komplexitet och otillräckliga förkunskaper. För att dessa faktorer ska kunna hanteras behöver de äldre ha tillgång till stöd. Tidigare forskning visar att äldre föredrar sociala stödformer, men om det sociala stödet inte kan erhållas behöver lämpliga ersättande stödverktyg finnas tillgängliga som kan underlätta användandet av digital teknik.  Syftet med denna studie var att bidra till att minska det digitala utanförskapet bland äldre genom att studera hur olika digitala stödverktyg kan användas för att hantera problemfaktorer för digital teknik. En kvalitativ studie, som utgick från en teorimodell baserad på de fyra problemfaktorerna, genomfördes. Tre olika digitala stödverktyg, i form av skriftliga, auditiva och visuella instruktioner, utvärderades. Åsikter kring de digitala stödverktygen samt de olika problemfaktorerna samlades in från en IT-pedagog och från personer som var 65 år eller äldre genom två delstudier bestående av intervjuer och tänka högt-test.  Resultatet visade att faktorerna bristande motivation och otrygghet kunde hanteras med digitala stödverktyg medan faktorerna komplexitet och otillräckliga förkunskaper var svårare att hantera. Resultatet visade också att användaren av digitala stödverktyg bör få välja om stödet ska nyttjas i ett auditivt, visuellt eller skriftligt format. De skriftliga instruktionerna var det stödverktyg som kunde hantera flest problemfaktorer medan de visuella instruktionerna var svårast att använda eftersom verktyget krävde digitala förkunskaper. När förkunskaperna var otillräckliga kunde inget av stödverktygen användas på ett optimalt sätt. Det är därmed svårt att minska det digitala utanförskapet enbart med hjälp av digitala stödverktyg, eftersom de som står längst utanför det digitala samhället och har störst behov av stöd, inte har de grundläggande kunskaperna för att använda verktygen.

En el presente trabajo se desarrolló un proyecto de negocio, el cual lleva por título “Sonrío Contigo”, donde se busca que los estudiantes de primeros ciclos de carreras como psicología, geriatría y enfermería puedan tomar cuidado y pasar tiempo con adultos mayores. La mayoría de ellos son padres de personas que no tienen suficiente tiempo en el día o que por alguna razón no los pueden dejar solos. Es importante mencionar que, se plantearon y desarrollaron diferentes hipótesis, las cuales desencadenaron en los experimentos con el propósito de validar el modelo de negocio. Así, también se desarrolló un plan concierge de varias semanas para conocer la respuesta del público objetivo hacia nuestro servicio. Finalmente, el presente trabajo cuenta con planes financieros para las diferentes áreas de la empresa y para los próximos tres años. De esta manera, se busca que el proyecto pueda ser sostenible y de desarrollo en el mediano y largo plazo. Cabe precisar que, también se tomó en cuenta los diferentes factores que aqueja la realidad hoy en día con el fin de poder determinar si el proyecto genera valor. / In the present work, a business project was developed, which is entitled "Sonrío Contigo", where it is sought that students in the first cycles of careers such as psychology, geriatrics and nursing can take care and spend time with older adults. Most of them are parents of people who don't have enough time in the day or who for some reason can't leave them alone. It is important to mention that different hypotheses were raised and developed, which were triggered in the experiments with the purpose of validating the business model. Thus, a concierge plan for several weeks was also developed to know the response of the target audience to our service. Finally, this work has financial plans for the different areas of the company and for the next three years. In this way, it is sought that the project can be sustainable and developmental in the medium and long term. It should be noted that the different factors that affect reality today were also taken into account to determine if the project generates value. / Trabajo de investigación

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo realizar un estudio bibliométrico de los artículos sobre depresión en adultos mayores encontrados en la base de datos Scielo - Perú desde el 2010 hasta abril del 2020. Para este fin, se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos encontrándose 23 investigaciones, de las cuales fueron seleccionadas 9 estudios relacionados al ámbito psicológico y acorde a los criterios de inclusión establecidos para el presente estudio. Posteriormente, se realizaron los análisis de datos con la información recaudada. En los resultados se destaca la gran cantidad de estudios cuantitativos y uno de carácter cualitativo, los cuales contienen resumen, abstract, palabras claves, introducción y objetivos. Se concluye que la bibliometría es el sistema adecuado para el análisis de distintas investigaciones, ya que brinda una evaluación eficaz al respecto. / The present investigation is a bibliometric study of articles on depression in elderly people found in the Scielo-Peru database from 2010 to April 2020. For this purpose, a search was carried out in the database, finding 23 investigations, of which nine studies related to the field of psychology and according to the inclusion criteria established for this research were selected. Subsequently, data analyzes were performed with the information collected. The results highlight many quantitative studies and one of a qualitative nature. All investigations contain a summary, an abstract, keywords, an introduction and objectives. It is concluded that bibliometrics is the appropriate system for the analysis of different investigations since it provides an effective evaluation in this regard. / Trabajo de investigación

The present study investigated the criterion-based validity of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE), and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) in a sample of older adults with suspected cognitive impairment. As cognitive screening tests, the MMSE, CCSE, and NCSE should predict performance relative to a more thorough testing procedure. In the present study, performance on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery (HRNTB) was employed as the criterion measure. Scores on the General Neuropsychological Deficit Scale (G-NDS), a global performance measure computed from the HRNTB, served as the standard by which to judge the presence of cognitive impairment. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of each screening test, as well as how well each screening test correlated with the G-NDS, were investigated. Results of this investigation found that, although the MMSE, CCSE, and NCSE were all significantly correlated with the G-NDS, only the NCSE demonstrated an appropriate balance between high sensitivity and specificity. When a rigorous neuropsychological evaluation was employed as the criterion standard, the NCSE accurately detected the presence of cognitive impairment: in 82% of the cases. The MMSE and CCSE, however, failed to detect cognitive deficits in approximately 80% of the cases. These findings strongly suggest that the MMSE and CCSE may have limited utility in the identification of cognitive impairment in older adults. The heightened sensitivity of the NCSE appears to be the result of several unigue features of the instrument, including a multidimensional scoring system and a graded series of increasingly difficult items within each ability area. Future studies need to examine the utility of the NCSE in other geriatric settings, as well as with more diverse populations suffering from a variety of organic mental syndromes.

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Human aging is associated with structural and functional brain deteriorations and a corresponding cognitive decline. Exergaming (i.e., physically active video-gaming) has been supposed to attenuate age-related brain deteriorations and may even improve cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Effects of exergaming, however, vary largely across studies. Moreover, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms by which exergaming may affect cognitive and brain function are still poorly understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the effects of exergame interventions on cognitive outcomes and neurophysiological correlates in healthy older adults (>60 years). After screening 2709 studies (Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Scopus), we found 15 eligible studies, four of which comprised neurophysiological measures. Most studies reported within group improvements in exergamers and favorable interaction effects compared to passive controls. Fewer studies found superior effects of exergaming over physically active control groups and, if so, solely for executive functions. Regarding individual cognitive domains, results showed no consistence. Positive effects on neurophysiological outcomes were present in all respective studies. In summary, exergaming seems to be equally or slightly more effective than other physical interventions on cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Tailored interventions using well-considered exergames and intervention designs, however, may result in more distinct effects on cognitive functions.

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo comprender el proceso de duelo que el adulto mayor vivencia en el cambio de la corporalidad y la incidencia que tiene la religión durante el proceso. Este estudio fue de tipo cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico, se utilizó́ la técnica de entrevista semiestructurada. La muestra estuvo comprendida por 10 adultos mayores entre 67 a 87 años. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido para establecer las categorías: cuerpo que envejece, trabajo de duelo en la vejez, melancolía, reflexión vital y reparación, la fe en Dios y el propósito de vida. Los resultados fueron discutidos en base a sus vivencias y experiencias a lo largo del ciclo vital, además, de sus creencias religiosas. Se concluye que los participantes notan el proceso de envejecimiento de sus propios cuerpos a través de una serie de señales (i.e. arrugas, canas, pérdida de fuerza, entre otros). Esta experiencia resulta ser compleja y es trabajada como si fuese un duelo (por la pérdida del cuerpo joven), desde el cual también se experimenta la melancolía a través de momentos en los que los participantes expresan desesperanza o añoranza hacia el futuro. / The objective of this research is to describe the way in which grief is manifested in the face of bodily changes in older adults of one religious community. This was a qualitative study of phenomenological design, using the semi-structured interview technique. The sample consisted of 10 elderly couples between 70 and 85 years of age. Content analysis was used to establish the categories: aging body, grief work in old age, melancholy, vital reflection and repair, faith in God and life purpose. The final results were discussed based on their adventures and experiences throughout the life cycle, in addition to their religious beliefs. It is concluded that the participants notice the aging process of their own bodies through a series of signs (i.e. wrinkles, gray hair, loss of strength, among others). This experience turns out to be complex and is worked out as if it were a mourning (for the loss of the young body), from which melancholy is also experienced through moments in which the participants express hopelessness or longing for the future. / Tesis

Objective: To determine the feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in bereaved older adults. Participants: The study participants include adults aged 55 and older (N = 30) that lost a loved one within the past five years and are currently experiencing symptoms of insomnia. Methods: This study used an experimental design and was guided by the Transitions Theory developed by Meleis. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to measure changes within and between groups. Experimental arm had the CBT-I online treatment and the control arm had attention controlled online tasks. Intervention fidelity was measured. Results: The online CBT-I intervention is a feasible intervention for bereaved older adults with insomnia. High retention rates were shown in both groups, and both groups’ insomnia and mood symptoms improved at post- study measurement. There were no statistically significant differences seen in any measure between groups. Conclusions: Transitions in older adult life includes loss of friends and family as well as development of sleep issues. The Transitions Theory is useful for informing the design of behavioral interventions in this older population. Further research is needed to understand how sleep can be improved by cost effective online interventions that might not include solely CBT-I.