A COMPUTER‐BASED INTERVENTION FOR THE EDUCATION AND THERAPY OF INSTITUTIONALIZED OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Institutionalization often presents an unstimulating environment, in addition to requiring a surrender of autonomy. Research has shown that people quickly come to respond to the world in a limited and rigid fashion when their choices and activities are limited. This decline is frequently associated with a corresponding decline in psychological health and, consequently, an increase in depression. According to Seligman (1981), changing depressed individuals’ environment for the better and enhancing their sense of control should serve as an antidepressive. Thus the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a psychoeducational model making use of computer interaction for the therapy, education, and recreation of a group of institutionalized older adults. The results indicated that the computer interaction was an effective tool for increasing these older adults’ cognitive abilities and daily living skills and decreasing their levels of depression.