Perceived Quality of Online Music Therapy Sessions by Older Adults Aging at Home.

Online delivery is new to the field of music therapy (MT). This research investigated older adults' perceived quality of MT online by certified music therapists. In this feasibility study, applying both process and outcome assessments, nine older adults volunteered to participate. Zoom was used, and a virtual music therapy (VMT) kit was developed as a resource. Surveys and observed technical difficulties revealed that perceived quality varied slightly by level of technical difficulty experienced; however, overall mean perceived quality was 7.2 out of 9. Post-study interviews revealed three main themes: (a) individual experiences with VMT, (b) individuals' suggestions for further development of VMT sessions, and (c) individuals' personal outcomes from VMT sessions. Participants reported overall positive experiences with VMT. Despite a slight decline in perceived quality when more technical difficulties were present, each participant reported a desire for more sessions, and they would recommend it to others.

Usability and Accessibility of the ArtontheBrain™ Virtual Recreation Activity for Older Adults With Low Vision Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Experiencing visual art can inspire, be an overall positive leisure activity, and has been linked to improved cognition, especially in older adults. Access to artwork in a museum environment can comprise a variety of barriers, including difficulties linked to its visual experience for persons that are visually impaired. The present study explored the barriers and facilitators experienced by 15 older adults (age 65 to 93) living with age-related macular degeneration when using an iPad to access ArtontheBrain™, a virtual art museum recreation experience created by members of this team. Using the Concurrent Think Aloud method, participants were asked to continuously comment on their experiences with the application while being audio/video recorded. Indeed, codes were determined by identifying frequently stated and emphasized ideas or behaviors of participants using the ArtontheBrain™ application. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis and indicated that the main access barriers were linked to control of the contrast, magnification, and the tactile interface on the tablet device. The learn and play activities as well as the text-to-speech feature were identified as facilitators for ArtontheBrain™ engagement. The present findings should also be considered in the larger context of application development, as this study provides insight pertaining to the needs of low vision individuals regarding usability and accessibility.

ArtontheBrain: Results of a Pilot Project Among Long-Term Care Residents.

For long-term care (LTC) residents, multiple barriers impede access to formal museum-based participa-tory art programming. Capitalizing on available technologies may circumvent common barriers and improve quality of life for those older adults even in the presence of dementia. Targets: A convenience sample of 31 older adults was recruited from the population of residents in one LTC facility. Intervention: ArtontheBrain, a web-based program, engages participants in activities centered on visual artwork, enabling users to learn about artists through activities, such as puzzles, storytelling, and group discussions. Mechanisms of Action: Researchers hypothesized that engagement with ArtontheBrain would benefit perceived quality of life in the domains of meaningful activity engagement and personal relationships and secondarily, improvements in functional performance, mood state, and cognitive performance may occur. Outcomes: Application of a quality of life survey pre and post ArtontheBrain intervention revealed significant improvements within the individual subsample for two activity options: engagement in enjoyable activities on weekends and evenings and explore new skills and interests. Total scores for the personal relationship scale had significant improvements post-intervention for the individual and group subsamples. The individual subsample demonstrated improvement in cognitive performance, which worsened for the group subsample. Mood and functional ability worsened for the entire sample.[Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(5), 235-243.].

Accessible Virtual Arts Recreation for Wellbeing Promotion in Long-Term Care Residents.

The efficacy of a technology-driven visual arts recreation activity, delivered virtually, was evaluated for its potential to achieve positive impacts, similar to traditional arts-interventions, on wellbeing in long-term care residents. Thirty-one residents (average age 86.8 years; SD = 9.4) engaged with the arts-intervention for 30-minutes, twice weekly, for 6 weeks with either a partner or as part of a group. Wellbeing indicators included self-reported psychological and health-related wellness, and attention capacity. Binomial tests of postintervention change revealed a significant above-chance probability of improvement in one or more wellbeing indicators (p < .05). Postparticipation feedback survey scores were positive (p < .05). Cognitive status did not influence outcome; however, other participant characteristics such as younger age, higher openness-to-experience (personality trait), and lower baseline mood were significantly associated with positive response to the intervention (p < .05). Findings demonstrate technology may be an effective platform for promoting accessibility to beneficial arts-interventions for older adults.