BROADBAND BOOT CAMP: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016

Rural Elderly Residents Online: Getting connected , staying independent

Gail M. Huycke, ProfessorCommunity Development Outreach SpecialistUW-Extension Broadband & E-Commerce Education Center

Why Should We Be Concerned If Elderly Are Online?

• The elderly are becoming growing demographic• Utilization of the internet & technology are important to

participating fully in society• Utilization can improve elder health• Utilization can save money• Utilization can enable elderly to remain independent longer

Rural Connected Aging Communities:

An 11 month journey conducted by UW-Extension Broadband & E-Commerce Education Center and funded by Bader Philanthropies to research best practices to encourage elderly adoption of the internet and technology, understand barriers and motivations for elderly adoption and develop the roadmap to create Connected Aging Communities in two pilot communities.

Elements of Phase I

• Creation of an Advisory Committee • Review of Best Practices (Review of literature and

interviews)• Conduct a Series of Seven Focus Groups in North

Central Wisconsin• Determine Framework for Developing Rural

Connected Aging Communities• Select a Framework for Selecting Pilot Communities

for Phase II

Wisconsin Age Group EstimatesU.S. Wisconsin

Total Population - All Ages, All Races 309,138,711 5,687,21960+ 57,596,427 1,098,75165+ 40,671,441 783,66275+ 18,659,380 378,57285+ 5,512,132 116,549% 60+ 18.6% 19.3%% 65+ 13.2% 13.8%% 75+ 6.0% 6.7%% 85+ 1.8% 2.0%

Males age 65+ 17,555,646 340,779 Males as percent of 65+ population 43.2% 43.5%Females age 65+ 23,115,795 442,883 Females as percent of 65+ population 56.8% 56.5%

58% of senior citizens use the internet. Those who live in rural areas are less likely than those in the suburbs and urban areas to use the internet. Still, 78% of rural residents are online.Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2008-12 Five-Year Estimates, Table B01001, 1/2014. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/demographics.htm

American’s Internet Access 2010-2015 (Pew Research) http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/06/26/americans-internet-access-2000-2015/

Broadband2012 Computer and Internet Use

Governing analyzed Oct 2012 microdata for the Census Bureau’s Computer and internet use supplement to the Current Population Survey.

Digital device use by age groups (Pew Internet Research report 2012)

BOOMERS & SENIORS ONLINE• The Internet is an everyday part of their lives• Over half of this population watches online video• Social networking sites are used by the majority • Search is the top online information gathering

source• Most access the Internet via their PCs; growing

portions are using tablets and smart phones• Interested in a variety of social issues around

senior advocacy

https://ssl.gstatic.com/think/docs/reaching-todays-boomers-and-seniors-online_research-studies.pdf

Does the Research Ring True for Rural Wisconsin?

We conducted 7 focus groups in Northcentral Wisconsin with 75 adults (62% were female, 37% were male and 62% identified themselves as seniors) to learn about current usage, motivators and barriers to senior adoption.

Lessons Learned:• The perception on the number of users utilizing the internet varied based

on reporter background. Healthcare and benefit delivery systems report fewer seniors accessing the internet. Those in volunteer capacity rare encountering seniors who are more tech savvy.

• Participation of seniors utilizing technology appears to be higher in women than men.

• Adoption is often connected to age spectrum, those under 65 may have been exposed to technology while employed making them more likely to adopt (with the type of employment having a major influence).

• “Seniors are like bookends, you have extreme users, non-users and everything in-between”

• Social Media as a means of staying connected to family and friends tops the list of uses.

• The use of the internet for entertainment is becoming more popular (movies, games, hobbies)

• Seniors are utilizing the internet for healthcare, research, banking, and shopping but in far fewer numbers.

Obstacles and Barriers for Adoption:

• Lack of knowledge serves as a major barrier for adoption, this includes everything from what is possible to the technology itself.

• Fear of; identity theft, invasion of privacy, scams and learning something new all serve as barriers for adoption.

• Costs of devices and service are a deterrent for many, some simply can’t afford others need to see a cost benefit.

• Keeping up with the technology and maintenance is a major concern.

• Access to internet whether in the home or convenient public sites is a barrier.

• Lack of devices to accommodate physical limitations.• Some simply have no desire.

Motivating Factors for Adoption:• The number one motivator for adoption is keeping in contact with family and friends.• Life changing events such as medical needs can serve as triggers and motivators.• Cost benefit was evident; they could see financial savings.• Increased access to information and education.• Accessing services that would allow seniors to remain independent (healthcare, shopping, benefits access, banking).

Best Way to Reach and Encourage Seniors to Adopt:

• An overall theme echoed by all groups included programs need to be “high touch” as well as “high tech”, they required continual human contact and support.• Utilizing locations where seniors generally congregate is essential (breakfast/coffee sites, churches, libraries, senior centers, grocery stores).• Hands on demonstrations by peers, family members and youth are often less threatening.• Incorporating training as part of healthcare (rehab centers, OT, disease control).• Provide free of low cost options for devices and services.• Community Organizations are a great way to reach seniors as they have existing relationships and trust with members.

Body: Products that support monitoring and management of an older adult’s physiological status andmental health for maintaining wellness and managing the chronic conditionsHome Environment: Products that support monitoring and maintaining the functional status of olderadults in their home environmentsCommunity: Technologies that enable older adults to stay socially connected to their families, friends,and local communitiesCaregiving: Technologies and products that support both informal and formal caregivers in providingtimely and effective care and support to older adults and persons with disabilities in their homesThe final category in particular highlights how many technologies can be used both to empower olderadults in managing their own health and remaining independent while also enabling them to be monitoredby either professional or informal caregivers.

A Framework for Understanding Technologies that Support Older Adults Aging in Place

BodyCommonly Used Technology:• Wearable Activity Monitors• Vital Sign Monitoring• Emergency Response Systems• Smart Medication Dispensers• Emotion Monitors• Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems and Global Position Services• Medication Adherence Systems• Smart Toilets• Mood and Depression Monitors• Sleep Monitors• Medical Records Management

New Innovative Technology:• Smart Clothing• Hydration Tracking and Motivation Devices• Virtual Health Care (Astia Health, Illinois Telehealth Network)• Kinesis Medical Devices (fall predictions)• Virtual Pet Therapy (loneliness & depression)

Home EnvironmentCommonly Used Technology:• Smart Detection Products Sensors (stove, lights, heat, door locks, bath water)• Environment Sensors (fire, carbon monoxide, humidity, air quality0• Video Monitoring • Fall Detection Technologies

New Innovative Technology:• Hologram Communication Robots (Japan)• Intelesant Howz Monitoring (electric monitoring, home sensors analyzed through mobile app with live cell phone reports- Manchester UK)

CommunityCommonly Used Technology:• Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)• Communications (email, Skype etc.) • Gaming • Entertainment• Interest Learning • Tablets• Smart Phones• Desktops• Laptops

New Technologies:• Concierge Services• Connected Living (web platforms)• Holograms• Droids

Caregiver/CaregivingCommonly Used Technologies:• Informal Caregivers Platforms (best practices, provider locators)• Formal Care Coordination Platforms (streamline and monitor care)• Remote Care Apps

New Technologies:• New Platforms being developed daily with mobile and web interfaces • Informal Care technologies becoming more interactive allowing reviews

Technologies & Device Findings• Technologies are increasing and being refined at a rapid pace.• Seniors are most likely to adopt technologies that deal with community and

connecting with family friends. • Body monitoring technologies are increasing rapidly. These technologies are

generally adopted by seniors when a crisis or life changing events necessitates it, not often by choice.

• Innovations in Smart Home technologies are growing at a tremendous pace, although adoption has been greater at group facilities than individual homes.

• Invasion of privacy and fear often prevent seniors from utilizing technology unless there is a definite cost benefit.

• Caregiver technologies are often disease or institution connected. • Constant changing platforms and upgrades in devices makes technology daunting

for seniors. • Senior friendly home devices are rated annually by various organizations. • Brands are not as important as features and ease of use with all technology.

Best Rural Practices to Replicate Wisconsin• Senior Mentoring (RSVP Mentoring)• Community Library Programs (drop in, classes equipment lending)• Intergenerational Programs (School connected)• Educational Course Offerings (online and site based)• Closed Communities (Eldertree)• Telemedicine (Astia Health)• Health Management Systems • Senior Center/Community Center workstations• Equipment Repurpose Programs• Medical Education Websites

National• University of Main Center on Aging (gerontology incubator, smart house)• OATA Adults Technology Services ( digital literacy)• AARP Foundations Connecting to Community (digital literacy)• Illinois Telehealth Network (rural health connection)• Innovation Institute, Hospital Sisters Health Systems (telehealth)• Comcast Internet Essentials (low cost service , digital literacy)• Capital One, Ready, Set, Bank Online (digital literacy)• New York Public Library and Older Adults Technology Systems (digital literacy)• Generations Online, Sip & Swipe Cafes (digital literacy)• Cyber Seniors (digital literacy)• Connected Living (digital literacy)• United Way Utah (digital literacy)• Senior Tech Days (digital literacy)• SF Connected (digital literacy)• Self-help Community Services (digital literacy)• SeniorNet (digital literacy)• Kansas University Health Monitoring (caregiving)• AARP Academy (digital literacy)

International• Go Digi Australia (peer mentors)• Sata CommHealth, Singapore(community health monitoring)• Ages 2.0 United Kingdom (social media to improve cognition)• Niagara West Adult Learning Center, Ontario Canada (computer literacy)• Aging 2.0 (global innovation network)Health at Home, Thailand (real time at home healthcare)• Age Friendly Japan (literacy)• Vinicles project Barcelona Spain ( caregiver connect)

Rural Best Practices to Replicate Findings:

• Digital literacy programs are the most common approach for reaching seniors • Programs with a high degree of human support are the most successful • Seniors need to see a cost benefit to participate • Healthcare programs that are successful are often center around specific health

concerns• Providing incentives encourages participation• Health Care institutions are most engaged in specific telehealth monitoring and

treatment not strategies for self-monitoring and senior engagement • Programs generally have one purpose and not a community holistic approach

Human Networks are Critical for Success Key Rural Human Networks Findings

• Strong human networks are the key to success in any program• Human support needs to be an ongoing component to any successful

program • Most programs are a single pronged approach with single point of entry

limiting audience and volunteers • Volunteers and community backing are important to build sustainability

• Relying and building on trusted human networks bridges trust barriers

BROADBAND ENGAGED

Counties involved with broadband efforts with UWEX Counties with broadband resolutionsCounties hosted e-commerce workshops

Total: 35

SNAPSHOT

KOTTER’S FRAMEWORK FOR CHANGE

1. Increase urgency

2. Build guiding teams

3. Get the vision right

4. Communicate the vision

5. Enable action

6. Create short-term wins

7. Don’t let up

8. Make it stick

Roadmap for Rural Connected Community

Pilots