Technological Innovations for Social Interaction and Well-Being 

Digital Access as a Super Determinant of Health Among Older Adults

Presenters: 

• Yosselin Turcios, MPH (Public Health Advisor for SAMHSA’s Office of Behavioral Health Equity) 
• Erin E. Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP (Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Geriatric Medicine; Director, Geropsychology; Co-Director: Rush Center for Excellence in Aging; CATCH-ON Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program; E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, Rush University Medical Center)

Summary:

This presentation will provide a broad overview of the nation’s digital divide, describe how internet access is a “super determinant” of health among older adults, and discuss how digital access is an equity and access issue for older adults and especially older adults from minoritized groups. The presenters will also share some of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) resources and initiatives for older adult populations, including the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the digital divide as it relates to the behavioral health of older adults.
• Explain the intersection of older adults’ behavioral health and internet access.
• Learn about SAMHSA’s behavioral health resources for older adults.

Connecting Through Technology – Using Technology to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness

Presenter: 

• Laurie Brooks (President, Access Technologies, Inc.) 

Summary:

Older adults face a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness due to various factors associated with aging, and this issue is growing rapidly as the population ages. These feelings of isolation and loneliness are linked to numerous health risks and increased admissions to hospitals and nursing facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. Innovative projects like Oregon's "Connecting through Technology" have shown promising results in addressing this challenge. By utilizing technology to bridge social gaps, these initiatives have significantly reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness among participants.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize best practices and critical components that contribute to the success of technology-driven initiatives.
• Devise practical strategies for implementing technology-driven projects in diverse communities and settings.
• Identify potential challenges and barriers to the implementation of technology projects and discuss effective ways to overcome them.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Presenters:

• Chelsea Bakewell, BA (Senior Director of Customer Success at GrandPad, Inc.) 
• Jada Brunsvold, LSW (Social Worker and Member Experience Manager at GrandPad, Inc.)

Summary:

This presentation will share solutions to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults through meaningful virtual connections and technology designed for, and by, older adults. This presentation will also highlight the effects of digital inequities and strategies for addressing them along with the benefits of virtual connection programs. 

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of the impact of digital inequity for older adults and the critical importance of closing the digital divide to enhance quality of life, emotional and mental wellbeing for older adults.
• Participants will learn about the design and impact of older adult-friendly technologies, including AI-driven features, that help reduce loneliness and empower older adults. 
• Participants will gain insight on the impact of virtual connection programs through the use of intuitive and accessible technology that enhance connections and create positive experiences for older adult participants and volunteers.

Continuing Education Credits

Each session has been approved for 2 CE credits (NASW Oregon Chapter and AFH training credits) - that's a total of 8 CE credits if you attend the entire series. There will be a $10 fee per session for NASW credits. Regular Certificates of Attendance can also be issued.

To receive a certificate, attendees must attend the session(s) for their entire length and complete a post-session evaluation survey.

This is the fourth of four sessions of OGA's 2024 virtual conference. You can register for individual sessions or, at a discount, for the entire conference series. For an overview of all sessions, please visit the conference page.

Register here!

Yosselin Turcios, MPH, is a Public Health Advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE). Her portfolios of work include developing SAMHSA’s Language Access Plan, supporting the Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Cooperative Agreement, reenvisioning the behavioral health workforce, and codifying equity efforts in SAMHSA practices and investments. She also has extensive community engagement experience with Latino-serving organizations focused on breast cancer, child abuse and neglect prevention, adolescent sexual health, and behavioral health. Yosselin holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Psychology from the College of William & Mary and obtained her Master of Public Health from Drexel University.

Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Geriatric Medicine and Director of Geropsychology at Rush University Medical Center, and co-director of the SAMHSA-funded E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging. She is past-Chair of the American Psychological Association Committee on Aging and past-President of the Society for Clinical Geropsychology. Dr. Emery-Tiburcio was recently awarded the 2024 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Independent Practice and a Fulbright Scholar Award.

Laurie Brooks is a dedicated professional with a passion for accessibility and inclusivity. She earned her degree from George Fox University and furthered her expertise by obtaining her ADA Coordinator Certification through the University of Missouri/Great Plains ADA Center. Laurie’s journey with Access Technologies, Inc. began in 1991, where her commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities led her to serve as an Assistive Technology Specialist for 18 years. In her current role as President of Access Technologies, Inc., Laurie continues to champion accessibility initiatives, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

Chelsea Bakewell, BA, has played a pivotal role in the company’s evolution since joining GrandPad in 2015. As the Sr. Director of Customer Success, she leads a global team committed to optimizing customer success and enhancing senior experiences with technology across the U.S. and Europe. Chelsea has led initiatives aimed at fostering social engagement and connectivity among senior adults. Her strategic partnerships and understanding of senior needs have been crucial in creating a more inclusive and connected environment for aging populations. Chelsea’s work consistently emphasizes the vital role of social engagement in improving the health and well-being of older adults.

Jada Brunsvold, LSW, is the Social Worker and a Member Experience Manager for GrandPad, Inc., with a certificate in grief support specialty. She has 10 years of experience working with older adults and persons with disabilities in long-term care facilities and non-profit organizations with a comprehensive approach to enhancing the lives of seniors and ensuring their well-being. For GrandPad, she focuses on initiatives that support senior well-being, including providing counseling and coaching, testing and implementing proactive programs, coordinating community-building programs, and consolidating local resources for members to improve their quality of life and combat social isolation and loneliness for senior members.

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