Impact of an intergenerational training program in the use of Information and Communication Technologies for older adults who receive cognitive intervention in the context of a Covid-19 pandemic: preliminary results

FELDBERG, C.; TARTAGLINI, M.F.; CRIVELLI, L.; MARTÍN, M.E.; GARCÍA MOYA, L.; HERMIDA, P.D.; IRRAZABAL, N.C.; SOMALE, M.V.; PIPERNO, L.; SVEVLER, G.; MOSCOVITCH, A.; RANZONI, M.; MISCHENER, D.

Denver

Conferencia; Alzheimer´s Association International Conference; 2021

Alzheimer?s Association

Background: Worldwide, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted on professionals and patients receiving cognitive rehabilitation, forcing to implement assistance programs through tele-neuropsychology. Many of who receive this type of treatment are older adults who do not possess the necessary technology knowledge to carry out these treatments. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of a training program on technological tools, carried out by adolescents from a secondary school, for older adults who received cognitive rehabilitation.Method: Design: Pre-post, longitudinal intervention study. Older adults (n = 12) (M = 75.25 years old; ds = 8.61 years) Students (n = 22) (M = 15.86 years old; ds = .94 years) participants were assed at the begging and at the end of the program. Instruments: Older adults were assed with: Questionnaire of Social Demographic Data and use of technology (built ad hoc), Functional Assessment Questionnaire. MOS scale of social support, Try your memory test (TYM). Students were assed with: Basic data questionnaire and Negative stereotypes questionnaire towards old age (CENVE)Results: Results reveal that when comparing pre post tests results, statistically significant differences were found in some of the worked aspects. In older adults it was found a difference in the use of zoom platform (z= -2.44, p= .048) and in the time spend on line (z= -2.13, p= .050). In the students, statistically significant differences were found in the total score of the beliefs about aging questionnaire (z=-2,51 p= .050).Discussion The obtained results, add empirical evidence regarding the importance of implementing technology training programs for older adults. Intergenerational programs are a possible alternative where both parties can benefit, older adults through the incorporation of meaningful technological tools for health treatments and daily lives,and for young people is an opportunity to perform an act in the community and deconstruct negative prejudices and beliefs towards old age and its consequences.