Can personal digital assistants (PDA) become a useful memory tool to help older adults remember medications, appointments and addresses? A new study shows that PDAs (small, hand-held computers that include a calendar, address book, appointment reminder and calculator) can function successfully as adaptive devices when older adults are properly trained in how to use them.
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The study author noted that PDAs present challenges for older adults because of small and low-contrast screens, the need to learn the Graffiti symbol language and navigate menus, and the use of the stylus input device. Advanced models allow for telephony, web-browsing and e-mail, which requires knowledge of how to use these functions.
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A group of 44 people (65% female) ages 56 to 89 years completed the training. Most (76%) had previously used computers for e-mail or Internet access and 53% had cell phones. About 25% had never used computers or cell phones.
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Participants attended three, 3-hour sessions on consecutive days in small groups of 5. Day one oriented participants to the PDA and taught them the Graffiti language. During day 2 they practiced the Graffiti language and learned some features (addresses, memos, to-do list). On the third day, additional functions (date book and e-mail) were taught. Each lesson was supported with a short
written handout.
After the training, 25% demonstrated mastery of the PDA and over half were able to use the standard programs. Seventeen people kept the PDAs used in class while others indicated they were getting new PDAs without cell phones. Over half continued to use PDAs for medication reminding using a customized software program written for the training.
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« Training success was not related to age with our population, » lead author Anthony Sterns, PhD, told ICAA Research Review. « Each element of the training was organized so that barriers were eliminated and global concepts were taught first. Every aspect of training was delivered with highly relevant activities and extensive monitored practice. »
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SOURCE: The Gerontologist, 45:828 (December 2005) ;& SOURCE: http://www.icaa.cc
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