An Introduction To Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology to Shop, Cook and Eat

1. An Introduction To Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology to Shop, Cook and Eat Educator Name, CO. & contact info. COACH Project Funded by the USDA-CSREES Grant # 2007 – 04890 awarded to Oklahoma State University (W. Brosi, J. Johnston, J. Hermann, L. Jaco)

2. 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+.

3. 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

4. Meet Ida: A General Introduction

5. Guiding Notion Engagement + Informal Support + Formal Support (older adult)(family) (community) = Empowerment = Positive outcomes for using AT to shop, cook, & eat for positive health

6. The Whole Person Approach To Healthy Aging

7. Within The Individual, Family and Community

8. 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

9. 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

10. Nutrient Needs of Older Adults • Water • Calories • Protein • Fat • Fiber • Vitamins and Minerals

11. 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

12. 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

13. Shopping, Cooking & Eating • Many 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.

14. 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

15. Guidelines For Selecting Assistive Technology • Determine the goal • Complete assessments • Choose a device/system • Select a vendor • Seek funding • Determine training needs • Conduct Follow-up

16. Why Assistive Technology? • Many individuals have needs that go unmet. • This compromises: • Safety • Independence • For example… • Results: • Empowerment • Increased quality of life • And many other benefits

17. Examples of AT Tools and Gadgets

18. 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

19. 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

20. Make N Take: EZ Carry Handle

21. LowVision 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

22. Double Spatula Turner • Description: • Nylon coated, joined spatulas • Allows you to firmly grasp food • Dishwasher safe • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Cooking

23. Rocking T-Knife w/Case • Description: • Large, wooden handle • Stainless steel, double-edged blade • Makes cutting food easier, requiring less strength & dexterityAssists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • Cooking • Eating

24. Nosey Drinking Cup • Description: • Tumbler has a cutout for nose • Allows for proper head/neck positioning when swallowing • Assists With: • Strength, dexterity, stamina • Mobility • Eating

25. Food Bumper Guard • Description: • 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

26. Considerations For Funding AT • Types • Public, private, low-interest loans • Factors that are considered when qualifying • Age • Disability • Income • Is it for education? Work? A medical need? • Information needed before calling Oklahoma ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 or 888-885-5588

27. Importance Of Support • Individual • Family Communication • Active listening • Shared goals • Decision making • Community Engagement

28. Thank You Educator Name, County, & Contact Information Oklahoma ABLE Tech 800-257-1705 OR 888-885-5588 http://okabletech.okstate.edu