library services to older adults
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Created by Jeanne Kliewer- for LI 802, Fall 2010-Emporia State University
Library
Servicesfor
OlderAdults
Cognitive development and learningin the 4th age
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Who are older
adults?
Popular Theories of
Cognitive Development
Keep in
mind!
Aging is a
highly
individual
experience
that takes
place at
differentrates for
different
people.
ALA-55 and over commonly referred to as
the 4thage
Baby Boomers
born between 1946 -1964 turned 60 in 2006. 7,918 turning
60 every day
population=approximately78 million
The Greatest Generation
born in 30s- early 40s grew up during WWII, many
served in war
currently in their 70s-80s
The Silent Generation
born around WWI currently in their 80s-100s
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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:
Formal Operations Stage
begins at age 12 and lastsinto adulthood
develop the ability to thinkabout abstract concepts
formal thinking peaks atadolescence and youngadulthood
Piaget
- knowledge growthis a progressiveconstruction ofstructures
- less powerfullogical means inchildhood to morecomplex structures inadulthood
9th stage= Maturity (65 to
death) Ego Integrity vs.
Despair
reflection on life needed to
feel a sense of fulfillment
success at this stage leads to
feelings of wisdom
failure results in bitterness
and despair
Ercikson
-conflict serves as aturning point in
development.potential
-either grow or fail
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Cohens Theory of Developmental
Intelligence
-Four developmental stages for the second half of life
Phase 1
mid 30's-mid60's
Reevaluation, exploration, andtransition
confronting mortality, plans and actionsshaped by a sense of quest or crisis
brain changes spur developmental intelligence
Phase 2
mid 50's-mid70's
Liberation experimentation andinnovation
speak ones minddesire for novelty
experiment w/new experiences
Phase 3
late 60's -mid90's
Recaptulation, resolution andcontribution
share wisdom find meaning
autobiographical expression
attend to unfinished buisiness
Phase 4
late 70's -endof life
Continuation, reflection, andcelebration
restate and reaffirm major themes in lifepositive emotion and moral
positive impact on family and community
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Physical Changes tothe Brain
Brain Mass- shrinks due to the
enlarging of the cavities whichcerebrospinal 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 Systems-
decreased availability of
neurotransmitters play a role in
declining memory.
Synapse Density-thread-like fibers
that send and receive nerve signalsbecome less elaborate - may
underlie cognitive slowing.
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.
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Changes in Cognitive
Functioning
Longer to learn- brain processes information at aslower speed
Multitasking- slowed processing speed difficulty shifting from one set of skills to another.
Random facts and sources- remembering names andnumbers becomes more difficult
have to work harder to learn something toremember later.
Forgetting to remember- information such as anappointments or the birthday of a loved one are easily
forgotten
difficulty accessing at time of need due to beingstored improperly.
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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!
-minimizedistraction and loud noise
-work in small groups or one on one
-allow time for socialization
-avoid technical jargon
-hold classes in early morning hours-
optimal 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 environment-
studies have shown that, knowing that
someone cares may be as important as any
information they may share
Topics of Most
Interest to OlderAdults :
1. Health2. Finances3. Recreation
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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 forstrengthening memory Outreach-bookmobiles, book groups at senior
living facilities etc.
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Physical changes that affect
cognitive functioning
Vision-first to be affected by agepupil becomes smaller which causes field
of vision to shrinklens and cornea become less transparent
which makes it difficult to shift focus from
near to far.
Hearing-begins to decrease at age 20loss 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.
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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 14-
point font type
-provide at least one computer installed with
large type software for older adults with low-
vision
-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 andperiodicals in large print
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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 fromhttp://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
http://www.dana.org/http://www.dana.org/http://www.dana.org/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/http://www.dana.org/ -
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