Library Services to Older Adults

7/31/2019 Library Services to Older Adults

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Created by Jeanne Kliewer- for LI 802, Fall 2010-Emporia State University

Library

Servicesfor

OlderAdults

Cognitive development and learningin the 4th age


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Who are older

adults?

Popular Theories of

Cognitive Development

Keep in

mind!

Aging is a

highly

individual

experience

that takes

place at

differentrates for

different

people.

ALA-55 and over commonly referred to as

the 4thage

Baby Boomers

born between 1946 -1964 turned 60 in 2006. 7,918 turning

60 every day

population=approximately78 million

The Greatest Generation

born in 30s- early 40s grew up during WWII, many

served in war

currently in their 70s-80s

The Silent Generation

born around WWI currently in their 80s-100s


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Older Adults in Popular Cognitive

Development Theories

Prominent theories of cognitive development in the

past few decades have only briefly addressed, if at all,

stages in life after 50.

Examples of where older adults fit into these models:

Formal Operations Stage

begins at age 12 and lastsinto adulthood

develop the ability to thinkabout abstract concepts

formal thinking peaks atadolescence and youngadulthood

Piaget

- knowledge growthis a progressiveconstruction ofstructures

- less powerfullogical means inchildhood to morecomplex structures inadulthood

9th stage= Maturity (65 to

death) Ego Integrity vs.

Despair

reflection on life needed to

feel a sense of fulfillment

success at this stage leads to

feelings of wisdom

failure results in bitterness

and despair

Ercikson

-conflict serves as aturning point in

development.potential

-either grow or fail


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Cohens Theory of Developmental

Intelligence

-Four developmental stages for the second half of life

Phase 1

mid 30's-mid60's

Reevaluation, exploration, andtransition

confronting mortality, plans and actionsshaped by a sense of quest or crisis

brain changes spur developmental intelligence

Phase 2

mid 50's-mid70's

Liberation experimentation andinnovation

speak ones minddesire for novelty

experiment w/new experiences

Phase 3

late 60's -mid90's

Recaptulation, resolution andcontribution

share wisdom find meaning

autobiographical expression

attend to unfinished buisiness

Phase 4

late 70's -endof life

Continuation, reflection, andcelebration

restate and reaffirm major themes in lifepositive emotion and moral

positive impact on family and community


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Physical Changes tothe Brain

Brain Mass- shrinks due to the

enlarging of the cavities whichcerebrospinal fluid flows.

Cortical density- cortex

undergoes thinning with age due to

declining density of synaptic

connections.

White Matter- tracts shorten, and

the myelin surrounding some axons

shrinks - linked to decreased

speed of processing.

Neurotransmitter Systems-

decreased availability of

neurotransmitters play a role in

declining memory.

Synapse Density-thread-like fibers

that send and receive nerve signalsbecome less elaborate - may

underlie cognitive slowing.

Important fact!

Contrary to

popular belief

humans do not

lose brain

cells with age.

With continued

exercise, both

physical and

mental, one can

stimulate the

production of

new brain cells

throughout life.


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Changes in Cognitive

Functioning

Longer to learn- brain processes information at aslower speed

Multitasking- slowed processing speed difficulty shifting from one set of skills to another.

Random facts and sources- remembering names andnumbers becomes more difficult

have to work harder to learn something toremember later.

Forgetting to remember- information such as anappointments or the birthday of a loved one are easily

forgotten

difficulty accessing at time of need due to beingstored improperly.


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Tips on Teaching to Older Adults

-assist- patrons in finding the right class

according to skill level

-repeat concepts and tasks- reinforces

memory and retention of new skills. Give

homework!

-minimizedistraction and loud noise

-work in small groups or one on one

-allow time for socialization

-avoid technical jargon

-hold classes in early morning hours-

optimal time of day for older learners

-modify handouts-simple instructions in

large print/ easy to read font

-keep it short-brief learning sessions help to

avoid information overload

-create a supportive learning environment-

studies have shown that, knowing that

someone cares may be as important as any

information they may share

Topics of Most

Interest to OlderAdults :

1. Health2. Finances3. Recreation


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Library Programs and Services for

Older Adults

Computer Training-Facebook class Health Literacy-finding reputable health

information resources

Book Clubs-social, stimulating Gaming-social/intergenerational/active-board,

card and video games

Blogging/Memoir writing Financial-nest egg management, working after

retirement, tax preparation

Dont forget!-Learning how to remember-tricks forstrengthening memory Outreach-bookmobiles, book groups at senior

living facilities etc.


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Physical changes that affect

cognitive functioning

Vision-first to be affected by agepupil becomes smaller which causes field

of vision to shrinklens and cornea become less transparent

which makes it difficult to shift focus from

near to far.

Hearing-begins to decrease at age 20loss of ability to hear high frequencies.more susceptible to distraction from

background noise.

Mobility, flexibility bones shrink in size and density-become

weaker and more susceptible to fracture. muscles lose strength and flexibility-can

lead to loss of coordination and trouble

balancing.


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Library Accessibility for Older

Adults

Below are a few suggestions adapted from the

Reference and User Associations, Guidelines for

Library and Information Services to Older Adults:

-place materials frequently used by older

adults on easily accessible shelves

-place paperbacks in areas that are well lit,

(older adults prefer paperbacks over heavier

hardback books)

-make space between shelving to

accommodate users in wheelchairs

-consider providing at least one wheelchair

for public use

-ensure that signage is clear and readily

visible- brochures should be in at least 14-

point font type

-provide at least one computer installed with

large type software for older adults with low-

vision

-acquire other assistive technology such as

low-tech magnification and other devices

-provide TTY access, closed-captioned

videotapes, and assistive listening systems to

older adults with hearing disabilities

-acquire and make available books andperiodicals in large print


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References

Butches, W. & Street, P.A. (2009, June). Lifelong Learning with Older

Adults.Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services.

22(2). Retrieved from

http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/Journals/getIssues.jhtml?sid

=HWW:OMNIS&id=04919

Cohen, G.D. (2005). The Mature Mind. New York, NY. Basic Books.

The Dana Foundation. (2004). Staying sharp: Learning throughout life

[Brochure]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.dana.org

Dahms-Stinson, N. (ed.). (2002). Serving seniors: A resource manual for

Missouri libraries. Retrieved from

http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manu

al/

Library Services to an Aging Population Committee, Reference Services

Section. Reference and User Services Association. (2008).

Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults.Retrieved from

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/resources/guidelines/librar

yservices.cfm

The Mayo Clinic. (2010, August, 7). Aging: What to expect as you get

older. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging/HA00040

Roberts, A., and Smith, R.J. (2010). Library Services to People with

Disabilities. Santa Barbara, CA. Libraries Unlimited.

Williamson. K., & Asla, T. (2009). Information behavior of people in the

fourth age: Implications for the conceptualization of information

literacy. Library and Information Science Research. 31(2), 76-83.

doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2009.01.002
http://www.dana.org/http://www.dana.org/http://www.dana.org/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.dana.org/


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Library Services to Older Adults

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