Acceptance and Usage of an Online-based Cognitive Group Training for Older Adults

Abstract

Age-related decline in cognitive capacity can lead to functional restriction in everyday life. Therefore, interventions that aim to maintain and facilitate the individual cognitive capacity are becoming increasingly important. Computer-based cognitive learning is a promising approach to combat age-related loss of functional capabilities. The publicly funded project LeVer was developed especially for older adults and consisted of an online virtual cognitive training platform that enabled older adults to train on their own and in groups. Apart from investigating how older adults interacted with the platform, acceptance towards computer-based group training and audio-video communication was also analyzed. During the 20 to 30 minutes long sessions of the group training, learning units that included memory strategies as well as everyday exercises to intensify those strategies were taught. The group training was divided into four modules. The content of each session was structured using evidence-based cognitive training methods and manuals. Of the 40 older adults who used the individual online cognitive training (IOCT), half of the participants (11♀, 9♂) took part in all of the four sessions of group training. 14 participants (9♀, 5♂) aged 62–77 years ( = 69.56; S = 3.99) answered a proprietary evaluation questionnaire after all of the group sessions. The opinion of the participants about the content and design of the group training was rated on a 4 point Likert-scale with 43 items. Group training was generally rated as a positive experience. The online video communication was new for the majority of participants and was rated as enjoyable. The answers to the open questions in the evaluation questionnaire revealed that group size, topics covered during training and the exercises were seen mostly positive. Criticism was focused almost solely on technical problems, which occurred before or during the training sessions, such as loosing audio or video or an intermittent Internet connection. In this study online-based cognitive group training (OCGT) for older adults via video communication was confirmed by the participants to be a useful and positively received method to facilitate cognitive function. Participants that did not complete the training to the end did so due to time or technical problems. Since this type of training is rather cost effective and easily accessible and can be used at home, it is a favorable alternative to conventional face-to-face training. Training to better use these devices and technical support on hand is necessary to take care of participants during the group training.