The inclusion of elderly persons from the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS) in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, in the digital age: physio-gerontological contributions

abstract Introduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.

引言：信息技术的演进已深度融入日常生活，对老年群体产生直接或间接的影响。移动电话、智能手机、计算机和平板电脑等技术设备在老年群体与家人共同生活的家庭中广泛普及，这表明将老年群体纳入技术应用范畴已具备必要性。
研究目的：本研究旨在阐述老年群体使用此类信息通信技术（Information and Communication Technologies，ICTs）所获得的益处、此类使用对其日常生活活动（Activities of Daily Living，ADLs）的影响，以及哪些生理老年学相关贡献有助于老年群体更好地应用ICTs。
研究方法：本研究采用便利抽样法，选取样本量n=30的60岁以上老年学员作为研究对象，这些学员就读于恩里克·达席尔瓦·塞门特研究所（Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente，IHESS）。研究收集了人口学与社会学数据、老年抑郁量表（Geriatric Depression Scale，GDS）与简易精神状态检查（Mini Mental State Examination，MMSE）的测评结果。数据采集时间为2014年4月至5月。
研究结果：研究对象的平均年龄为67.9岁，女性占比76.7%，为群体多数。受访者中，83.3%会在家中使用计算机；66.6%在使用计算机时存在一定困难；86.6%会在日常生活中使用ICTs。尽管受年龄相关的生理限制，导致设备使用存在障碍，但研究观察到，班级内年龄跨度的均衡性促进了学员与亲友的互动，最终100%的受访者与同班群体建立了优质的人际关系。同时，老年群体展现出强烈的学习意愿与通过技术设备开展互动的热情，女性学员多参与娱乐与教育类活动，且妻子会鼓励丈夫参加计算机课程。不过，研究也发现了设备不当使用的典型风险，例如使用电子设备时姿势不当，或长时间维持不良体位，这提示需要物理治疗与老年医学相关指导，以保障老年群体的健康福祉。
结论：将老年群体纳入IHESS或其他任何教育活动时，应兼顾其日常居住的家庭环境，并提供物理治疗与老年学领域的专业支持，以确保老年群体的健康福祉与生活质量，尤其是在衰老这一人生阶段。