1. Exploring smartphone-related digital divide among South Korean older adultsHyunsun Yoon, Guiohk Lee, Thi Hong Hai Nguyen, Suyun Lee, Tina Šegota, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Purpose: One of the crucial steps towards fully grasping the benefits of smartphone use for all is to explore the existence of a digital divide and its relationship to different outcomes of smartphone use. In so doing, this study explored the smartphone-related digital divide among South Korean older adults in terms of access, use and outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach: In-person interviews using questionnaires were conducted to collect the data from a total number of 372 older adults aged 60 and above in eleven community centers in the Seoul Metropolitan area in Korea, 223 of whom owned a smartphone.
Results: This study found that most participants use smartphones to communicate with personal relationships and support system. There were, however, differences among groups related to gender, age, and ICT training in terms of the extent of smartphone usage and participation in virtual communities. In three age groups of 60+, 70+ and 80+, a younger cohort and those with ICT training had higher smartphone literacy, harnessing the potential of smartphones. Those who used smartphones to stay connected to their social group and for entertainment showed a lower level of loneliness.
Conclusion: This study shows that older adults (i.e., 60+) are not a homogenous group when it comes to using smartphones. There are distinct differences in older smartphone users, especially in the age groups 60+, 70+ and 80+. Older adults should be encouraged to use smartphones for better connectivity with their social groups and entertainment, potentially decreasing their feeling of loneliness.
Ključne besede: older adults, digital divide, smartphone, loneliness, South Korea
Objavljeno v DKUM: 11.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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2. Person-centred care in association with psychological well-being of older adultsMateja Lorber, Nataša Mlinar Reljić, Brendan McCormack, Sergej Kmetec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: As the global population ages, there is an increasing focus on enhancing the psychological well-being of older adults. A key strategy is person-centred care, which emphasises recognising each individual as unique, with their values, needs, and preferences. This study explored older adults’ perceptions of person-centred care and its relationship with their general health and psychological well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 632 participants aged 65 to 96 years (mean age = 73.4 ± 6.7) was conducted, comprising 435 (69%) female and 197 (31%) male participants. Of these, 57% lived in home environments, while 43% resided in retirement homes. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire that included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and the Person-Centred Practice Inventory for Service Users (PCPI-SU). Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 28.0, and non-parametric tests such as the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman’s correlation were used. Results: Older adults who reported more frequent contact with relatives or loved ones (daily or several times per week) and those residing in home environments perceived significantly higher levels of person-centred care compared to those with less frequent contact and those living in retirement homes (p < 0.001 for both variables). General health varied significantly according to gender (p = 0.009), level of education (p < 0.001), and living environment (p = 0.004), while psychological well-being among older adults showed significant differences based solely on their level of education (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that person-centred care (p = 0.017) and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the psychological well-being of older adults, independent of their living environment. Conclusions: The findings suggest that person-centred care and monthly income significantly predict psychological well-being among older adults. Differences in perceived care and health outcomes were also observed based on gender, education level, and living environment. These results underscore the importance of promoting person-centred care practices, particularly in retirement home settings, to enhance psychological well-being in older adult populations.
Ključne besede: older adults, psychological well-being, health, person-centred care
Objavljeno v DKUM: 04.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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3. Acceptance and feasibility of virtual reality for teaching adult basic life support in older populationsAna Belen Ocampo Cervantes, Carmen Amalia Lopez Lopez, Robert Greif, Federico Semeraro, Manuel Pardo Rios, Nino Fijačko, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) is emerging in adult Basic Life Support (BLS) training, but its acceptance among older adults has not been fully studied. This study aimed to develop expert-informed BLS content for both VR and laptop formats, and to evaluate the feasibility, usability, knowledge acquisition, satisfaction, and cybersickness of these platforms among older adult learners. Methods A two-phase mixed-methods study was conducted. Five experts co-developed and validated a VR/laptop-compatible adult BLS scenario based on the 2021 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. This scenario was then tested by older adults who voluntarily participated in either VR- or laptop-based training at a public technology event in Spain. Post-training, we measured knowledge acquisition, usability, satisfaction, user experience, and cybersickness. Comparative statistics and regression analyses were performed to evaluate learning outcomes and predictors. Results Five experts developed a consensus-based adult BLS decision tree with 10 scenes and six questions. A total of 583 adults (mean age 72.3 ± 4.8 years) took part in the BLS training evaluation. Those in the VR group (n = 415) outperformed those in the laptop group (n = 168) in key steps, including initiating CPR (58 % vs 41 %, p < 0.001) and using an AED (49 % vs 23 %, p < 0.001). VR participants rated usability of VR-training as excellent (73.8 ± 4.2), expressed high satisfaction and realism. Cybersickness was low (13.1 %). VR training predicted higher knowledge scores (β = 5.8, p < 0.001), and increased scores by 5.8 points over laptop training. VR participants were 2.3 times more likely to answer BLS questions correctly (OR = 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.6–3.2, p < 0.001) Conclusion VR could improve adult BLS knowledge in older adults, with high levels of acceptance and positive user experience. Future work should enhance accessibility and reduce discomfort.
Ključne besede: Older adults, Training methods, Virtual reality, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Basic Life Support, Knowledge, Usability
Objavljeno v DKUM: 29.10.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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4. Towards inclusive and resilient living environments for older adults: a methodological framework for assessment of social sustainability in nursing homesVanja Skalicky Klemenčič, Vesna Žegarac Leskovar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The quality of living environments for older adults represents a critical component of social sustainability in an ageing society. Among various housing options, nursing homes are the most institutionalised form of elderly care and demand special attention regarding architectural design. This paper explores the impact of architectural and open space features on social sustainability in living environments for older adults. A comparative analysis of three Slovenian nursing homes is presented. The first two, built in the post-war period, were based on elevated architectural criteria inspired by Swedish human-centred housing design. The third was completed in 2021 in the post-COVID-19 era, which revealed the vulnerability of such housing typologies. An integrated methodological framework was developed by applying two complementary assessment tools: the Safe and Connected, developed by the authors to evaluate the spatial, health, and social resilience of nursing home environments, and the Well-being and Integration, addressing the role of open space with a particular emphasis on the identification of older adults with their environment and the facilitation of social resilience. Both tools evaluate indicators linked to the social dimension of quality of life for older adults. The results show a gradual improvement in architectural quality from the 1960s to the 1980s, followed by a partial decline in the contemporary case. The Swedish example scored highest across both tools. In contrast, the newest Slovenian facility scored surprisingly low in social integration, highlighting critical gaps in current nursing home design. This study demonstrates the value of applying interdisciplinary, tool-based evaluations in identifying design strategies that foster resilient and inclusive LTC environments, and the proposed framework may serve as a decision-making aid for architects, planners, and policymakers. This research highlights the importance of reintroducing human-oriented design principles to support socially sustainable nursing home environments.
Ključne besede: assessment tools, living environment, nursing homes, older adults, social sustainability
Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 16
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5. Processed food intake assortativity in the personal networks of older adultsMarian-Gabriel Hâncean, Jürgen Lerner, Matjaž Perc, José Luis Molina González, Marius Geanta, Iulian Oană, Bianca-Elena Mihǎilǎ, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Existing research indicates that dietary habits spread through social networks, yet the impact on populations in Eastern Europe, particularly in rural areas, is less understood. We examine the influence of personal networks on the consumption of high-salt processed foods among individuals in rural Romania, with a specific focus on older adults. Using a personal network analysis, we analyze data from 83 participants of varying ages and their social contacts through multi-level regression models. The inclusion of participants across a wider age range allows us to capture the broader dynamics of social networks, reflecting the intergenerational nature of rural communities. Our findings reveal assortativity in dietary habits, indicating that individuals cluster with others who share similar food consumption patterns. Our results underscore the need for public health interventions that account for the influence of social networks on dietary behavior, as addressing high salt intake and its associated health risks may require considering the broader social context beyond older adults. The study contributes to understanding the social determinants of dietary behaviors and highlights the role of personal networks in shaping food choices in vulnerable populations.
Ključne besede: processed food, older adults, social networks, assortativity, Romania, Eastern Europe
Objavljeno v DKUM: 31.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 11
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6. Analysis of the need for safe houses for victims of elder abuse from the perspective of police officers and social workersTeja Primc, Kaja Prislan Mihelič, Branko Lobnikar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Elder abuse is an increasingly significant public health and human rights issue in aging and long-lived societies. Despite existing intervention strategies, the lack of emergency housing tailored to older victims of abuse remains a critical gap. This study explores professionals’ perceptions of elder abuse, response measures, and challenges in addressing abuse, with a focus on rural regions. A survey was conducted among 100 first responders—social workers and police officers—who intervene in cases of elder abuse. Results indicate significant differences in perceptions of elder abuse severity, with social workers consistently rating all forms of elder abuse as more severe compared to police officers. Both groups highlighted the necessity of multidisciplinary teams, crisis centers, and safe houses as essential responses but recognized a lack of specialized infrastructure and resources as a significant challenge. Respondents emphasized that victims’ reluctance to report abuse due to family dynamics, shame, and isolation further complicates intervention efforts. Good practices identified interinstitutional collaboration, building victim trust, and proactive interventions. The findings underscore the need for age-appropriate safe spaces, improved professional training, and enhanced community awareness to address elder abuse effectively.
Ključne besede: abuse of older adults, intervention, multidisciplinary teams, safe house, rural settings, Slovenia
Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0 |
7. Independence and caregiver preferences among community-dwelling older people in Slovenia : a cross-sectional studyKatarina Galof, Anja Žnidaršič, Zvone Balantič, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Although Slovenia is becoming an aging society, very little is known about the abilities and needs of home-dwelling older people or their preferences regarding assistance. The aim of the study was to explore the need for assistance in daily activities among older Slovenian people living at home. Older adults aged between 65 and 97 years (N = 358) participated in the crosssectional survey study. A questionnaire that assessed independence in daily activities and assistance in the home environment was developed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a nonparametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and the chi-square test. The results showed that older Slovenians were more independent in activities of daily living (ADLs)
than instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Independence was the highest for using the toilet, feeding, and mobility transfers, and the lowest for bathing. With IADLs, assistance was most often required with shopping and housework; this assistance was usually provided by family members. The provider of assistance was generally compatible with older people’s preferences concerning assistance at home. We found no differences in care preferences between urban and rural settings. Assistance in the home environment was predominantly provided by unpaid helpers, which reflects recent developments in health and social services that put an emphasis on a person’s social network. Due to demographic changes and the decrease in the number of adult children, reliance on close relatives might soon become a challenge. These findings can help policy makers understand older people’s choices and preferences better when planning long-term care.
Ključne besede: older adults, activities of daily living, intergenerational support, long-term care, aging in place
Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.07.2023; Ogledov: 518; Prenosov: 48
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8. Making the decision to stay at home : developing a community-based care process model for aging in placeKatarina Galof, Zvone Balantič, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The care of older adults who wish to spend their old age at home should be regulated in every country. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the steps for developing a community-based care process model (CBCPM), applied to a real-world phenomenon, using an inductive, theory-generative research approach to enable aging at home. The contribution to practice is that the collaboration team experts facilitate the application of the process in their own work as non-professional human resources. This means that each older adult is his or her own case study. Different experts and non-experts can engage in the process of meeting needs as required. The empirical work examined the number of levels and steps required and the types of human resources needed. The proposed typology of the CBCPM for older adults can provide insight, offer a useful framework for future policy development, and evaluate pilots at a time when this area of legislation is being implemented.
Ključne besede: independent functioning of older adults, home and community-based providers, healthcare, framework, spiral model
Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.07.2023; Ogledov: 399; Prenosov: 66
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9. Adapted user-centered design : a strategy for the higher user acceptance of innovative e-health servicesEmilija Stojmenova Duh, Bojan Imperl, Tomaž Žohar, Dejan Dinevski, 2012, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Being familiar with all the benefits of e-Health and the strategic plan for the Slovenian health sectors informatization, Telekom Slovenia and the Faculty of Medicine from the University of Maribor, along with other partners, have initiated an e-Health project. The project group is developing various e-Health services that are based on modern ICT (information and communications technology) solutions and will be available on several screens. In order to meet the users needs and expectations and, consequently, achieve the high acceptance of e-Health services, the user-centered design (UCD) approach was employed in the e-Health project. However, during the research it was found that conventional UCD methods are not completely appropriate for older adults: the target population of the e-Health services. That is why the selected UCD methods were modified and adapted for older adults. The modified UCD methods used in the research study are presented in this paper. Using the results of the adapted UCD methods, a prototype for a service named MedReminder was developed. The prototype was evaluated by a group of 12 study participants. The study participants evaluated the MedReminder service as acceptable with a good potential for a high adoption rate among its target population, i.e., older adults.
Ključne besede: ICT, e-Health, MedReminder, user-centered design, modification, adaptation, older adults
Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.06.2017; Ogledov: 1337; Prenosov: 263
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