Library Services for Older Adults

Cognitive development and learning in the 4th age

Created by Jeanne Kliewer- for LI 802, Fall 2010-Emporia State University

Who are older adults?

ALA-55 and over commonly referred to as the 4th age

Baby Boomers
born between 1946 -1964 turned 60 in 2006. 7,918 turning 60 every day population=approximately 78 million

Keep in mind! Aging is a highly individual experience that takes place at different rates for different people.

The Greatest Generation

Popular Theories of grew up during WWII, many Cognitive in their 70s-80s currently Development
The Silent Generation
born around WWI currently in their 80s-100s served in war

born in 30s- early 40s

Older Adults in Popular Cognitive Development Theories

Prominent theories of cognitive development in the past few decades have only briefly addressed, if at all, stages in life after 50. Examples of where older adults fit into these models:

Piaget

- knowledge growth begins at age 12 and lasts is a progressive into adulthood construction of develop the ability to think structures about abstract concepts - less powerful formal thinking peaks at logical means in adolescence and young adulthood childhood to more complex structures in adulthood

Formal Operations Stage

9th stage= Maturity (65 to death) Ego Integrity vs. Ercikson Despair -conflict serves as a reflection on life needed to turning point in feel a sense of fulfillment development. success at this stage leads to potential feelings of wisdom -either grow or fail failure results in bitterness and despair

Cohens Theory of Developmental Intelligence

-Four developmental stages for the second half of life

Reevaluation, exploration, and transition

Phase 1 shaped by a sense of quest or crisis brain changes spur developmental intelligence mid 30's-mid 60's
confronting mortality, plans and actions

Liberation experimentation and innovation

speak ones mind desire for novelty Phase 2 mid 50's-mid experiment w/new experiences 70's

Recaptulation, resolution and contribution

share wisdom find meaning Phase 3 autobiographical expression late 60's -mid attend to unfinished buisiness

90's

Continuation, reflection, and celebration

restate and reaffirm major themes in life positive emotion and moral Phase 4 late 70's -end positive impact on family and community of life

Physical Changes to the Brain

Important fact! Contrary to popular belief humans do not lose brain cells with age. With continued exercise, both physical and mental, one can stimulate the production of new brain cells throughout life.

Brain Mass- shrinks due to the enlarging of the cavities which cerebrospinal fluid flows. Cortical density- cortex undergoes thinning with age due to declining density of synaptic connections. White Matter- tracts shorten, and the myelin surrounding some axons shrinks - linked to decreased speed of processing. Neurotransmitter Systemsdecreased availability of neurotransmitters play a role in declining memory. Synapse Density-thread-like fibers that send and receive nerve signals become less elaborate - may underlie cognitive slowing.

Changes in Cognitive Functioning

Longer to learn- brain processes information at a slower speed Multitasking- slowed processing speed difficulty shifting from one set of skills to another. Random facts and sources- remembering names and numbers becomes more difficult have to work harder to learn something to remember later. Forgetting to remember- information such as an appointments or the birthday of a loved one are easily forgotten difficulty accessing at time of need due to being stored improperly.

Tips on Teaching to Older Adults

-assist- patrons in finding the right class according to skill level -repeat concepts and tasks- reinforces memory and retention of new skills. Give homework! -minimize distraction and loud noise -work in small groups or one on one -allow time for socialization -avoid technical jargon -hold classes in early morning hoursoptimal time of day for older learners -modify handouts-simple instructions in large print/ easy to read font -keep it short-brief learning sessions help to avoid information overload -create a supportive learning environmentstudies have shown that, knowing that someone cares may be as important as any information they may share

Topics of Most Interest to Older Adults :

1. Health 2. Finances 3. Recreation

Library Programs and Services for Older Adults

Computer Training-Facebook class Health Literacy-finding reputable health information resources Book Clubs-social, stimulating Gaming-social/intergenerational/active-board, card and video games Blogging/Memoir writing Financial-nest egg management, working after retirement, tax preparation Dont forget!-Learning how to remember-tricks for strengthening memory Outreach-bookmobiles, book groups at senior living facilities etc.

Physical changes that affect cognitive functioning Vision-first to be affected by age pupil becomes smaller which causes field
of vision to shrink

lens and cornea become less transparent

which makes it difficult to shift focus from near to far.

Hearing-begins to decrease at age 20 loss of ability to hear high frequencies. more susceptible to distraction from
background noise.

Mobility, flexibility
bones shrink in size and density-become weaker and more susceptible to fracture. muscles lose strength and flexibility-can lead to loss of coordination and trouble balancing.

Library Accessibility for Older Adults

Below are a few suggestions adapted from the Reference and User Associations, Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults:
-place materials frequently used by older adults on easily accessible shelves -place paperbacks in areas that are well lit, (older adults prefer paperbacks over heavier hardback books) -make space between shelving to accommodate users in wheelchairs -consider providing at least one wheelchair for public use -ensure that signage is clear and readily visible- brochures should be in at least 14point font type -provide at least one computer installed with large type software for older adults with lowvision -acquire other assistive technology such as low-tech magnification and other devices -provide TTY access, closed-captioned videotapes, and assistive listening systems to older adults with hearing disabilities -acquire and make available books and periodicals in large print

10

References Butches, W. & Street, P.A. (2009, June). Lifelong Learning with Older Adults. Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services. 22(2). Retrieved from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/Journals/getIssues.jhtml?sid =HWW:OMNIS&id=04919 Cohen, G.D. (2005). The Mature Mind. New York, NY. Basic Books. The Dana Foundation. (2004). Staying sharp: Learning throughout life [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.dana.org Dahms-Stinson, N. (ed.). (2002). Serving seniors: A resource manual for Missouri libraries. Retrieved from http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manu al/ Library Services to an Aging Population Committee, Reference Services Section. Reference and User Services Association. (2008). Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/resources/guidelines/librar yservices.cfm The Mayo Clinic. (2010, August, 7). Aging: What to expect as you get older. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging/HA00040 Roberts, A., and Smith, R.J. (2010). Library Services to People with Disabilities. Santa Barbara, CA. Libraries Unlimited. Williamson. K., & Asla, T. (2009). Information behavior of people in the fourth age: Implications for the conceptualization of information literacy. Library and Information Science Research. 31(2), 76-83. doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2009.01.002

11