2. Barbara A. Thomas, RN, MA, MS, FNP Westchester Community College, NY Division of Natural and Health Science, Nursing 914-606-7852 barbara.thomas@sunywcc.edu Building Digital Bridges via Intergenerational Gerontechnology Jean F. Coppola, BS, MS, MS, PhD. Pace University, NY Seidenberg School of Computer Science & Information Systems, Technology Systems 914-773-3755 jcoppola@pace.edu Information Systems, Technology Systems 914-773-3755 jcoppola@pace.edu Jean F. Coppola, BS, MS, MS, PhD. Pace University, NY Seidenberg School of Computer Science & Information Systems, Technology Systems 914-773-3755 jcoppola@pace.edu Information Systems, Technology Systems 914-773-3755 jcoppola@pace.edu

3.  Terminology: => Gerontechnology or Gerotechnology  Study of technology for the improvement of daily functions of the elderly  Coined by Jan Graafmans of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands in 1989  First book devoted to the new field was published in 1992Gerontechnology 2

4. Course that:  Engages Students in Service-Learning  Develops Appreciation & Understanding the Process of Aging & its Limitations  Entices Older Adults with Technology to Ultimately Improve their Quality of Life  Gerontechnology Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 3

5. Intergenerational Computing: A Work in Progress… Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 4

6. The literature says: Comunicación y Gerencia Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 5

7. Older Adults who use technology Older Adults who use technology More positive outlook on life More positive outlook on life Greater Sense of Emotional Well Being & Self Worth Greater Sense of Emotional Well Being & Self Worth Increased Cognitive Functioning Increased Cognitive Functioning Decreased Levels of Depression Reduced Isolation by Offering a Means of Social Interaction and Mental Stimulation Reduced Isolation by Offering a Means of Social Interaction and Mental Stimulation Comunicación y Gerencia The literature says: David C. Burdick & Sunkyo Kwon, Gerotechnology, Springer 2004 6

8. 1)As you have aged, list the physical changes that are beginning to hinder your use of technology, i.e., computer, PDAs, digital media devices, etc. 2)Be honest - just write your age down! 3)What do you fear the most about the aging process?

9. Background:  My Second Home, Intergenerational Adult Day Care Center - March 2005  TV Clip – March 6, 2006  “Take Your Grandparents to Work Day – in Reverse” Partnered with IBM & Local County Government Office of Senior Programs & Services  Kept in touch with Reps Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 8

10. IntergenerationalComputing! 9

11. IntergenerationalComputing! 10

12. Beginning Collaborations : Contact Government Office of Aging Westchester County Department of Senior Programs & Services Medicare Part D Pre-White House Conference on Aging By 2020, persons aged 60+ are expected to comprise 22% of the population Solicited Potential Research Partners United Hebrew Geriatric Center (UHGC), New Rochelle, NY Network, Network, Network in your community! 11

13. Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development Facts: Presently aging content is often diffuse in most curricula Presently aging content is often diffuse in most curricula Gerontological and geriatric careers are ranked lowest and chosen least in comparison to other specializations Gerontological and geriatric careers are ranked lowest and chosen least in comparison to other specializations Careers in aging are best kept secrets Careers in aging are best kept secrets Careers in aging =>perceived as boring & non-stimulating Careers in aging =>perceived as boring & non-stimulating Presently services for the elderly are not a national priority AND Presently services for the elderly are not a national priority AND A trained and qualified workforce is needed to meet the anticipated needs of our nation’s older population (NASW- Listening session for the WHCoA) A trained and qualified workforce is needed to meet the anticipated needs of our nation’s older population (NASW- Listening session for the WHCoA) 12

14. Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development Demographic Imperatives: Educational institutions must strategically plan to expand educational offerings in aging Educational institutions must strategically plan to expand educational offerings in aging It is the responsibility of educational institutions to prepare students for the needs of a rapidly growing aging society It is the responsibility of educational institutions to prepare students for the needs of a rapidly growing aging society Matters of social policy on aging issues must be urgently addressed Matters of social policy on aging issues must be urgently addressed A wide range of options exists to incorporate aging content into curricula A wide range of options exists to incorporate aging content into curricula 13

15. Westchester County Pre- White House Conferences on Aging 2004-2005 Mini-Series Speak-Up S tudent P articipants E mbrace A ging Issues of K ey Concern S peak- U p Civic Goals for Higher Education Colleges and Universities prepare thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates Cultural diversity of the aging population become an educational priority which will then foster civic knowledge Higher Education continue to serve the larger public good, focusing on how colleges and universities assess and account for their service to society Higher Education’s civic contributions acknowledge public policy Higher Education maintain a commitment to public purposes and democratic ideals The Wingspread Declaration drafted for the Wingspread Meeting on the Civic Responsibility of research universities addresses the importance of developing student citizenship skills, faculty engagement through professional service, pedagogy, and community-based or applied research; and institutional leadership in and with the community 14

16. Westchester County Pre- White House Conferences on Aging 2004-2005 Mini-Series S peak- U p S tudent P articipants E mbrace A ging Issues of K ey Concern S PEAK -U P An investment in the future SPEAK –UP offers an opportunity for research, debate and discussion SPEAK –UP places talented young people on the road to social responsibility SPEAK – UP cultivates critical thinkers 15

17. Initial Partnership : United Hebrew Geriatric Center (UHGC), New Rochelle, NY Initial Meeting October 2005 Consortium Formed Planning Sessions Milestones Set Service-Learning / Civic Engagement Course Developed & Approved 16 Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas

18. United Hebrew Geriatric Center Gerontechnology Program A Continuum of Care on the UHGC Campus 3 Computer Labs Independent Living Senior Apartments Independent Living Senior Apartments Willow Towers Assisted Living Willow Towers Assisted Living UHGC Skilled Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center UHGC Skilled Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas17

19. Team Assets & Resources : UHGC Space for Computers Internet Access Staff / Nurse Participation & Supervision Enthusiastic Residents Westchester Community College Nursing Faculty Computer Club Support Pace University Faculty Curriculum Development Service-Learning Students Student Supervision Lab Setups & Donation Assistance Westchester.gov Sr. Progs Alliance for Aging SPEAKUP Contacts! Network! Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 18

20. Support, Budget & Donations All constituents had Top Level Administration Support Support by entire health care team Project Budget was $ 0 !! Solicited Community for Computer Donations Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 19

21. Equipment Donations …. 20

23. Donations: Solicited Computer Donations –Surprises & Networking Met with Apple Podcasting Seminar Civic Association – Consulting Firms Pace University, NY Westchester PC User Group Alumni, Students & Parents & Faculty Donations Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 22

24. Grants : IBM Adaptation Technology $35K Fuji Film (10 cameras) Pace Internal School Grant Support –Eugene M. Lang Student-Faculty Research Fellowship –Kenan Scholarly Research Grant Isabel Brabazon Award for Intergenerational Evaluation and Research $5K Westchester Community Foundation $10K Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 23

25. Westchester Community College & Pace University: Collaborative Hardware Team Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 24

26. Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas CIS102T Intergenerational Computing Interdisciplinary Course Pilot S06 (23 students)Interdisciplinary Course Pilot S06 (23 students) Students Taught Process of Aging / Social Gerontology, Technology in Action & Values of Service-LearningStudents Taught Process of Aging / Social Gerontology, Technology in Action & Values of Service-Learning Intense 5 weeks of training nowIntense 5 weeks of training now 7 weeks w 1+hr 1-1 Training 7 weeks w 1+hr 1-1 Training Team Assignments & Role PlayingTeam Assignments & Role Playing OrientationOrientation Team Leaders & TroubleshooterTeam Leaders & Troubleshooter Unexpected bondsUnexpected bonds 25

27. Student Orientation at UHGC Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas26

28. Role Playing :  Visually Impaired  Glaucoma (Squares)  Cataracts (Vaseline)  Macular Degeneration (dots)  Hearing Impaired  Motor Skills  Arthritis (tape)  Poor Muscle Tone Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 27

29. Orientation & Student Preparation : Students Self-Selected to Enroll in CIS102T Intergenerational Computing Course Students Self-Selected to one of 3 Facilities for Duration of Semester Students / Seniors completed different Pre- & Post-surveys Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 28

30. Student Coursework : Team Leaders Chief Troubleshooter Manuals 5 Weeks of Introduction & Didactic Geriatric Content Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas =

31. Older Adult Survey  15 Question Likert Scale Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 30

32. Student Instruments: Search for Validated Instruments Student Pre and Post Surveys Self- Perception Attitude Towards Older Adults Student Pre and Post Surveys Self- Perception Advocacy For Older Adults Student Self-Perception Knowledge of Technology Survey Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 31

33. Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 32

34. Instruments: Older Adult MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) http://www.mocatest.org/ http://www.mocatest.org/pdf_files/MO CA-Test-English.pdf http://www.mocatest.org/ http://www.mocatest.org/pdf_files/MO CA-Test-English.pdf Experiences & Attitudes to Ageing Questionaire (EAAQ) - Laidlaw Older Adult Pre and Post Self- Perception Computer Anxiety & Assistive Technology Survey Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 33

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39. 38 Methods  One-group pretest/posttest design (N=91)  Measures Attitudes towards older persons Coursework in aging Personal experiences with older adults Interest in advocating for aging issues Stimulating students to be involved in aging issues

40. 39 Students’ Coursework and Volunteer Experience Coursework No previous coursework93.4% Previous coursework 6.6% Previous volunteer experience with older adults Previous volunteer experience 30.8% No Previous volunteer experience 69.2%

41. 40 Students’ Interest in Advocating for Older Persons * ActionPretest MeanPosttest Mean Discuss aging issues with classmates 3.173.21 Encourage others to become involved in aging issues 3.083.26 Work with other college students to form an aging committee. 2.442.64 Meet with local congress representative about aging issues 2.282.44 Go to Albany and discuss aging issues in NYS 1.942.09 * Higher scores indicate more positive interest. Mean scores increased between pre and posttest, but not statistically significant

42. 41 Profile of Student Participants (N=91) * NumberPercent Age at enrollment Mean Standard Deviation 21.41 years 4.60 Gender Female Male 42 49 46.2% 53.8% Ethnicity Hispanic African American Caucasian Other 13 10 56 12 14.3% 11.0% 61.5% 13.1% Year Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior 12 21 26 32 13.2% 23.1% 28.6% 35.2%

43. 42 Students’ Attitudes towards Older Persons Attitude scores could range from 0 to 27 MeanSD Attitude Scores at Pretest19.223.0 Attitude Scores at Posttest19.613.2 Scores were slightly higher at posttest, but not statistically significant (t=-1.37, p>.05)

44. Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 43 Student Blogs & Reflections “A very important observation I made was, the older adults valued their email communication more than anything else on the Internet. This could prove that as people age their values change, or they become more family oriented.… the smile on her face was worth every second of the time spent showing her how to sent the original message.” “Over the seven weeks at assistant living, Lowell taught me as much as I taught him.”

45. Older Adults & Technology 44

46. Older Adult Antidotes  “Everyone [all senior citizens] Should Learn How to Use the Computer So They Won’t Be Left Behind”  Some of the older adult women were sitting in the common area when the students were toured past them. One said loudly to the other, "Look those must be our teachers! I guess they will be teaching these old ladies some new tricks!"  “One [student] is just nicer than the other” Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 45

47.  Senior “diplomas”  Students certificates  The Ceremony!! “Graduation” : Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas46

48. Facets of the Project Copyright 2009 © 47 Wii

49. Prof. Shelley Garnet, Human Services, Westchester Community College Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 48

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52. United Hebrew Geriatric Center Gerontechnology Program Lessons Learned There is better participation and learning success when seniors have their own computer and own space. One on one instruction imperative. Social bonds and trust lead to success. Prepared student teachers work best. Seniors want to learn if the environment is right. Graduation Ceremony something to work towards Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 51

53. United Hebrew Geriatric Center, NY Gerontechnology Program Benefits – Physical Benefits – Physical –Small motor skills appeared to improve –Practice of eye-hand coordination improved mouse skills –Those with profound hearing loss were able to enjoy use. Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 52

54. United Hebrew Geriatric Center, NY Gerontechnology Program Benefits – Social and Psychological Benefits – Social and Psychological –Seniors felt purposeful –Gave confidence – felt capable of learning –Developed new relationships with students –Avenue for connecting with family –Connect seniors to the forward moving world at large Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 53

55. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. Kehlog Albran RESOURCES:  Gerontechnology: Growing Old in a Technological Society, by Lesnoff-Caravaglia 2007  Gerotechnology: Research and Practice in Technology & Aging by D. Burdick & S. Kwon 2004  Service-Learning http://www.servicelearn.com/  Service-Learning Clearing House  http://www.servicelearning.org/  SPRY (Setting Priorities for Retirement Years http://www.spry.org/ 54 Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas

56. Resources Gerontological Society of America http://www.gsa-tag.org/ Campus Compact http://www.compact.org/ Project Pericles http://www.projectpericles.org/ CAST (Center for Aging Services Technologies) http://www.agingtech.org/grants_main.aspx Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas 55

57. Acknowledgements:  IBM, Accessibility Research  Fuji Film Inc.  Dalton School, NY, NY  Eugene M. Lang Student-Faculty Research Fellowship  Pace University Scholarly Research Grant  Pace University Presidential Civic Competency Grant  Pace University Sponsored Research and Economic Development  Project Pericles Grant  Westchester Public / Private Partnership for Aging Services (PPPA)  Student Participants Embrace Aging Issues of Key Concern (SPEAK-UP)  Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development  Westchester PC User Group, White Plains, NY  Nancy Hale, Chairperson, Technology Systems, Pace University 56 Copyright 2009 (c) J. Coppola & B. Thomas

58. Barbara A. Thomas, RN, MA, MS, FNP Westchester Community College, NY Division of Natural and Health Science, Nursing barbara.thomas@sunywcc.edu 914-606-7852 Intergenerational Gerontechnology Jean F. Coppola, BS, MS, MS, PhD Pace University, NY Seidenberg School of Computer Science & Information Systems, Technology Systems jcoppola@pace.edu 914-773-3755 Information Systems, Technology Systems jcoppola@pace.edu 914-773-3755 Jean F. Coppola, BS, MS, MS, PhD Pace University, NY Seidenberg School of Computer Science & Information Systems, Technology Systems jcoppola@pace.edu 914-773-3755 Information Systems, Technology Systems jcoppola@pace.edu 914-773-3755 THANK YOU! Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information or collaboration ! Slides@ https://wfs.pace.edu/WFSRoot/jcoppola/Gerotechnology