When is a fish not a fish? An App for a Pet

For something completely different you can look after a pet fish!  The app "iquarium" is an aquarium with all sorts of options.  As you look after the fish, new features can be unlocked and used to enhance or decorate the aquarium.  There are different types of tank set ups, tank accessories, plants and fish.  Regular cleaning is required which involves swiping the screen to remove algae....not too taxing!  If you forget to feed the fish they become colourless.  There is nothing more satisfying then watching them have a good feed and turn back to gold.  This is quite relaxing and fun to do by yourself, but can also be something to do with a grandchild.  It can be used on a large screen such as a TV or computer monitor as a calming background.  As of way of having a pet without the cost or hassles, it's priceless (it really is.....the app is free!)

Let it Flow-Relaxation App

"Fluidity"

This is a really beautiful app.  It is an interactive fluid dynamics simulator.  The fluid floats across the screen and when the screen is touched it swirls and flows.  It is possible to change the colour, speed, and viscosity, as well as the ability to make the bubbles sparkle.

I have used this app a lot for relaxation in individuals with anxiety, or with behaviours of concern due to dementia.   I have been known to use it myself to help me to unwind!

It would be appropriate to use on a TV screen to create a calm environment.  Music can also be added.

I would rate this as a lower stimulation visual app.

App for an Artistic Glow

Some apps only purpose is to generate visually stimulating shapes and colours.  These can create an opportunity for being creative, without actually having to be artistic!

"Art of Glow" (free)

This app allows you to create glow artworks.  There are choices in shapes, speed and colours, which layer themselves on top of each other and whizz around the screen.  There is built in success as there is no right or wrong way to do it.  When you have had enough, just clear and start again.  It is also possible to use this app with your own choice of music. The new version adds its own musical sounds, although they can have a "tinny" tone at the higher pitches.  I would rate this app as a high visual stimulation app.

One App - Two Reactions in the Older Person

One app- two reactions

To demonstrate the differing effects the same app can have, lets 

Look at Henry and Lily.  The app used was "Ant Smasher" which I have mentioned before.

Ant Smasher

Ant Smasher is an arcade game where the goal is to squash ants as they cross the screen.  If the sound is turned on, there is a very realistic squishing sound as each ant is crushed.  Bees also pass by and the player should try and avoid these.  My family finds the game hilarious, while my sister thinks it is revolting.  And here in lies a potential problem.  It is important not to insist on your own personal likes and dislikes.  We are all individuals!

Henry was a gentleman in his seventies with a history of visual  and auditory hallucinations  as a symptom of a mental illness.His sister came in to visit him in the residential care facility (nursing home) and thought she would try "Ant Smasher".  Unfortunately Henry called out that their were ants crawling all over his table and became very distressed.  The iPad was immediately removed and he required an extensive explanation to convince him that they were not real. This app was clearly not suitable for him and demonstrates why an assessment of his interests and dislikes are very important.

At another time I was attempting to encourage Lily, who was a very refined, proper lady in her nineties, to participate in some iPad activities.  I tried apps involving arts, crafts, music and all the areas she was usually interested in, With no luck.  In desperation I asked her if she might like to squash some ants.  Her face lit up and she attacked the game with relish!  From then on, every time I saw her she insisted on a few rounds of "Ant Smasher" to start her day.  

So when what you try doesn't work, try something unexpected, but remember to allow for people's personal dislikes and issues.

Real Life Examples

Real life examples

Real life stories often are the best way to demonstrate benefits and disadvantages of different apps.  To do this I have created two fictional characters named Henry and Lily who will help to tell my stories.  

VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS

There are some conditions that have symptoms of visual hallucinations.  These include mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and some personality disorders, as well as some types of dementia including Lewy Body Dementia.  When using a variety of apps it is important to be careful about visual content.  Apps that include faces on different bodies ( such as PhotoFunia), visually highly stimulating apps or distorting images can be confusing and upsetting to these individuals.  Start with low visually stimulating apps and progress slowly.

LARGE TYPE KEYS

There are a variety of phones available now that have large types keys to make it easier to see the letters and numbers.  Often older people prefer key pad phones rather than touch screen phones.  Smart phones with multiple functions can be confusing and the touchscreen can be overly sensitive when they are using them.

My Mother the Mermaid!

My Daughter and Mother had fun with the PhotoFunia app!

THE OLDER PERSON AND THE 5 SENSES

As a person ages, their senses can be affected.  This has implications for participation in a whole range of activities including technology.  We will explore each of the 5 senses and how we might assist a person in adapting and compensating for any loss in each area.

Vision

This can be affected either locally in the eye structures, or when visual information is sent to the brain.  
There can be changes in the brains ability to process visual information, such as some types of strokes and some types of dementia.

After the age of  60 the sharpness of our vision tends to decline and it can be difficult to focus on close objects.  There can be reduced peripheral vision, sometimes even to the point that a person doesn't realise there is someone standing next to them.  The ability to cope with glare can also be diminished.

Strategies for assisting with Vision when Using Technology

Glasses
Have regular eye checks.
If a person requires glasses for reading or activities make sure they are wearing them.
Ensure the glasses are clean.  I can't tell you the number of times I have had my clients with their glasses on and they can't see a thing because they are so grubby!

Screen Covers
There are a range of clear screen covers that have anti-glare properties and the added benefit of helping to protect the screen.
When using a device, avoid sitting where sunlight can shine on the screen.

Screen Size
iPods and smart phones have small screens.  This can make it difficult to view what is on the screen.  It also limits the choice of apps and activities you might choose to use.  iPads and tablets may be a better choice.  They are mobile, but have the larger screen.

Zoom in feature
iPads and tablets have the feature where the screen can be zoomed in and out to make subject matter easier to view.  Use it!

My daughter and her Grandmother have great fun with an app called PhotoFunia.  It has over 300 options for creating a whole range of photo collages using your own faces.  From celebrities to billboards, mermaids to Cupid.  Here's an example of my mother and daughter. Surprisingly, we discovered they look alike!

Digital technology doesn't  have to be all or nothing!

My Mum's friends complain that when they have their grandchildren visit, all they seem to do is stare at screens.  When offered the choice of owning their own device, they declare they have no interest.  So the stalemate continues, where the older person feels left out and the younger person feels as if their enjoyment in technology has no value to that generation.

How do you reach common ground?

With the wealth of apps available, there is bound to be something that can be of shared interest.  My youngest son grows veggies with his granny using " My Veg Plot".  He demonstrates how to grow yummy stuff and she explains what compost is.  This has led to such and interest in growing things, that we now have our own real to life garden bed with tomatoes and herbs!

My middle son prefers action apps.  He has had many competitions with his grandmother trying to squash ants using "Ant Smasher".  The squelching sound effects leave them in fits of giggles.

My daughter prefers to show her blog.  It includes school activities, interests, comments from readers and lets Granny have a window into her world.

 New experiences can often be daunting, so give some thought to what apps you might try.  Sometimes these shared activities encourage an older person to get their own device, but often they will be happy, just joining in the fun at the time. Get to it and have fun! 

Older People and Digital Technology

Older people, like everyone else, love to have fun and enjoy life.  They want to feel included and relevant in family and social circles.  At the same time, we are all encouraged that digital technology has opened up a new world of information and connectivity which can help up us share and learn. Touch screen technology is now available on a whole range of devices, which potentially increases ease of use and the devices have become more portable.  However for some older people it can be a source of confusion and create a sense of isolation and disconnection from their family and friends.  How can older people have fun with digital technology?

This blog will look at the physical and psychological effects of ageing and how we might accommodate for and manage these issues to increase the ability for older people to take part in the digital world.  I will use my experiences as a Senior Physiotherapist who has worked in aged care for over 12 years, to give examples of how many ways we can assist older persons to access these amazing tools, irrespective of physical or cognitive ability!