AN INTRODUCTION TO EMPOWERING OLDER

ADULTS WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO SHOP,

COOK AND EAT

COACH ProjectFunded by the USDA-CSREES

Grant # 2007 – 04890 awarded to Oklahoma State University

(W. Brosi, J. Johnston, J. Hermann, L. Jaco)

Educator Name, CO. & contact info.

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+.

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

MEET IDA: A GENERAL INTRODUCTION

GUIDING NOTION

Engagement + Informal Support + Formal Support

(older adult) (family) (community)

=

Empowerment

=

Positive outcomes for using AT to shop, cook, & eat for positive health

THE WHOLE PERSON APPROACH TO HEALTHY AGING

WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

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

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

NUTRIENT NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS

WaterCaloriesProteinFatFiberVitamins and Minerals

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

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

SHOPPING, COOKING & EATINGMany 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.

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

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGYDetermine the goalComplete assessmentsChoose a device/systemSelect a vendorSeek fundingDetermine training needsConduct Follow-up

WHY ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Many individuals have needs that go

unmet. This compromises:

SafetyIndependenceFor example…

Results:EmpowermentIncreased quality of lifeAnd many other benefits

EXAMPLES OF AT TOOLS AND GADGETS

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

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

MAKE N TAKE: EZ CARRY HANDLE

LOW VISION 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

DOUBLE SPATULA TURNERDescription:• Nylon coated, joined spatulas• Allows you to firmly grasp food• Dishwasher safe

Assists With:• Strength, dexterity, stamina• Cooking

ROCKING T-KNIFE W/CASEDescription:• Large, wooden handle• Stainless steel, double-edged blade• Makes cutting food easier, requiring less strength & dexterity

Assists With:• Strength, dexterity, stamina• Mobility• Cooking• Eating

NOSEY DRINKING CUPDescription:• Tumbler has a cutout for nose• Allows for proper head/neck positioning when swallowing

Assists With:• Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility• Eating

FOOD BUMPER GUARDDescription:• Practical for people who tend to push food off the plate• Plastic bumpers fit plate diameters 9 to 11 inches.

Assists With:• Strength, dexterity, stamina• Sensory• Mobility• Eating

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUNDING AT Types

Public, private, low-interest loans Factors that are considered when qualifying

AgeDisabilityIncome

Is it for education? Work? A medical need? Information needed before calling Oklahoma

ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 or 888-885-5588

IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT

Individual

Family Communication

Active listening

Shared goals

Decision making

Community Engagement

THANK YOUEducator Name, County, & Contact

Information

Oklahoma ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 OR 888-885-5588

http://okabletech.okstate.edu