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 US1 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 AGINGHealthy 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 ADULTSWaterCaloriesProteinFatFiberVitamins 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 CARTDescription:• 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 HANDLEDescription:• 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 SUPPORTIndividualFamily Communication

Active listeningShared goalsDecision making

Community Engagement

THANK YOUEducator Name, County, & Contact

Information

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

http://okabletech.okstate.edu