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A tablet for healthy ageing: the effect of a tablet computer training intervention on cognitive abilities in older adults
Vaportzis, Ria Martin, M. Gow, A.J.
Vaportzis, Ria
Martin, M.
Gow, A.J.
Publication Date
2017-08
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Rights
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
2016-11-23
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Abstract
Objective: To test the efficacy of a tablet computer training intervention to improve
cognitive abilities of older adults. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial.
Setting: Community-based aging intervention study, Edinburgh, UK. Participants:
Forty-eight healthy older adults aged 65 to 76 years were recruited at baseline with
no or minimal tablet experience;43 completed follow-up testing. Intervention: Twentytwo
participants attended a weekly 2-hour class for 10 weeks during which they learned
how to use a tablet and various applications on it. Measurements: A battery of cognitive
tests from theWAIS-IV measuring the domains ofVerbal Comprehension, Perceptual
Processing,Working Memory, and Processing Speed, as well as health, psychological,
and well-being measures. Results: A 2× 2 mixed model ANOVA suggested that the tablet
intervention group (N = 22) showed greater improvements in Processing Speed (η2 = 0.10)
compared with controls (N = 21), but did not differ in Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual
Processing, or Working Memory (η2 ranged from −0.03 to 0.04). Conclusions:
Engagement in a new mentally challenging activity (tablet training) was associated
with improved processing speed.Acquiring skills in later life, including those related
to adopting new technologies, may therefore have the potential to reduce or delay cognitive
changes associated with ageing.It is important to understand how the development
of these skills might further facilitate everyday activities, and also improve older adults’
quality of life.
Version
Published version
Citation
Vaportzis E, Martin M and Gow AJ (2017) A tablet for healthy ageing: the effect of a tablet computer training intervention on cognitive abilities in older adults. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 25(8): 841-851.
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Article