An Introduction To Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology to Shop, Cook and Eat

1. An Introduction To Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology to Shop, Cook and Eat Educator Name, CO. & contact info. COACH Project Funded by the USDA-CSREES Grant # 2007 – 04890 awarded to Oklahoma State University (W. Brosi, J. Johnston, J. Hermann, L. Jaco)

2. Aging In The US • 1 in 5 US citizens will be over 65 by 2030. • The largest surge of growth will be among those 85+.

3. Aging In the US

4. Aging In Oklahoma • 17.8 percent of the population is 60+ • 6.1 percent of the population is between 55 – 59 • 1 in 4 Oklahoma households include someone 65+ • Oklahoma’s minority segment within the 60+ age group (2.6%) is significantly higher than the national average (0.6%).

5. Number of Residents 65+ With A Disability

6. Key Issues • Oklahoma ranks 15th in the nation for it’s dependency ratio (# of older adults who rely on younger adults for care) • Oklahoma ranks 6th in the nation for the proportion of grandparents responsible for grandchildren. • The amount of funding allocated to senior programs increased a mere ½ % from 2005 to 2007. • There will be an increasing reliance on informal caregivers and informal local community resources.

7. Aging In Your County

8. Overview Of The Curriculum / Lesson Content • Aging & associated changes • Importance of nutrition in later life • The role of shopping, cooking, and eating on the physical and social well-being of adults • Value of AT and older adult quality of life • Meet Ida

9. Meet Ida: A General Introduction

10. Explanation of Normative and Non-Normative Aging • Typical and Atypical experiences • Normal changes vs. Disease • Physical Changes • Psychological Changes • There are three dimensions that relate to changes that might affect Shopping, Cooking, and Eating • Sensory, dexterity/strength/stamina, mobility, etc.

11. Positive Nutrition and Healthy Aging: The Individual Approach • Physical Fitness • Emotional Well-Being • Mental Awareness • Social Support

12. Guiding Notion Engagement + Informal Support + Formal Support (older adult)(family) (community) = Empowerment = Positive outcomes for using AT to shop, cook, & eat for positive health

13. The Whole Person Approach To Healthy Aging

14. Within The Individual, Family and Community

15. Importance of Nutrition In Aging • Healthy eating and physical activity can improve quality of life • Help keep the body healthy • Lower the risk of some disease conditions

16. Nutrient Needs Of Older Adults • Although the nutritional needs of older adults are about the same as for younger adults, there are a few differences • As a result, older adults need to pay attention to the quality of their diet

17. Nutrient Needs of Older Adults • Water • Calories • Protein • Fat • Fiber • Vitamins and Minerals

18. Water • Older adults need 6-8, 8 oz cups of water daily • Older adults are at increased risk for dehydration • Body water decreases with age • Many medications increase water loss • Thirst mechanism is not as effective with age • Many older adults self limit fluid intake • Fear of incontinence • Decreased mobility to reach fluids

19. Calories • Calorie needs decline with age due to decreased: • Physical activity • Muscle mass • Metabolism • Older adults need to plan meals carefully to get adequate nutrients in fewer calories

20. Protein • Protein needs do not decrease with age, in fact protein needs may slightly increase • Adequate protein is especially important to: • Maintain and repair the body • Sustain the immune system to help fight infections • Prevent muscle wasting

21. Fat • Although fat is important in the diet, many adults eat more fat than they should. • High fat diets are a risk for heart disease, cancer, and becoming overweight. • By increasing the risk of overweight, high fat diets may also increase the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

22. Fiber • Dietary fiber is helpful for many conditions • Constipation • Diarrhea • Diverticulitis • Heart disease • Colon cancer • Diabetes • Foods are the best way to increase fiber intake

23. Vitamins and Minerals • Although most vitamin and mineral needs stay the same, some changes occur with age • Decreased need • Vitamin A • Iron • Increased need • Vitamin D • Calcium • Decreased bioavailability • Vitamin B12

24. Meeting Nutrient Needs • The USDA Daily Food Plan is the best tool to help older adults get the variety and amount of nutrients they need every day

25. USDA Daily Food Plan • The amount of food recommended from each USDA Daily Food Plan food groups is based on calorie needs • Calorie needs for older adults vary widely from 1,600 to 2,600 calories per day based on gender, age and activity level • Personalized nutrition recommendations based on gender, age and activity can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov

26. USDA Daily Food Plan Activity • Think about using IDA as an example….. • Breakfast • Lunch • Snack • Dinner

27. Shopping, Cooking & Eating • Many physical, psychological, sociological, and economic factors may affect older adults’ abilities to shop, cook, and eat. • Older adults who have difficulty with shopping, cooking, and eating are at higher nutritional risk.

28. The Importance Of & Definition of AT • AT is any device or piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capability. • AT tools exist to assist individuals with sensory, dexterity, and mobility, along with other dimensions. • Guidelines for selecting AT

29. Guidelines For Selecting Assistive Technology • Determine the goal • Complete assessments • Choose a device/system • Select a vendor • Seek funding • Determine training needs • Conduct Follow-up

30. Why Assistive Technology? • Many individuals have needs that go unmet. • This compromises: • Safety • Independence • For example… • Results: • Empowerment • Increased quality of life • And many other benefits

31. Ida Vignette for Shopping, Cooking & Eating 1

32. Ida Vignette for Shopping, Cooking, & Eating 2

33. Ivan Vignette for Shopping, Cooking, & Eating

34. Examples of AT Tools and Gadgets

35. Calculator - large button • Description: • Easy to see numbers • Large keys • Tilt-angle displayAssists With: • Sensory • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Pre-shopping • During shopping

36. LowVision kit (writing guides, 20/20 pen, bold paper, bumps) • Description: • Writing tools for adults with vision problems • Assists With: • Sensory • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Pre-shopping • During shopping

37. Leveron Door Opener • Description: • Install over any standard doorknob • Eliminates difficulty twisting a round, small doorknob • Glow in the dark • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Pre-shopping • Post-shopping

38. Reacher EZ 30” Folding • Description: • Circular rubber tips • Secure hand grips • Able to hold objects up to 4 lbs. • Folds for easy storage • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • During Shopping • Pre-shopping & Post-shopping

39. Writing Bird • Description: • Eases hand pain during writing • Hand comfortably rests over it while pen glides over paper • For left or right hand • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Pre-shopping • During shopping

40. Folding Shopping Cart • Description: • Heavy-gauge, water-repellent vinyl cart with smooth rolling wheels • Ideal for toting books, groceries, laundry, beach supplies, etc. • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • During shopping • Post-shopping

41. EZ Carry Handle • Description: • Arthritis friendly handle • Designed to carry grocery bags, shopping bags, etc. • Can hold up to 50 lbs. • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • During shopping • Post-shopping

42. Make N Take: EZ Carry Handle

43. Kitchen Roll-About • Description: • Ideal for those with weakness in hands/fingers or painful wrists/forearms • For one-handed users who find lifting difficultAssists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • Cooking

44. Make N Take: Roll About

45. Rocking T-Knife w/Case • Description: • Large, wooden handle • Stainless steel, double-edged blade • Makes cutting food easier, requiring less strength & dexterityAssists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • Cooking • Eating

46. Digital Program 24-hr. Plug • Description: • Digital timer has two on/off settings • Large LCD display • Easy to programAssists With: • Sensory • Environmental Adaptation • Cooking

47. Safety Wall Plate • Description: • Easily remove plug without touching outlet • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Environmental adaptation • Cooking

48. Considerations For Funding AT • Types • Public, private, low-interest loans • Factors that are considered when qualifying • Age • Disability • Income • Is it for education? Work? A medical need? • Information needed before calling Oklahoma ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 or 888-885-5588

49. Importance Of Support • Individual • Family Communication • Active listening • Shared goals • Decision making • Community Engagement

50. Thank You Educator Name, County, & Contact Information Oklahoma ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 OR 888-885-5588 http://okabletech.okstate.edu