[Learning interactions with socio-technical systems : A geragogical perspective on the importance of interactions and relationships in learning processes with older people]. / Interaktionen mit soziotechnischen Systemen lernen : Geragogische Perspektive auf die Bedeutsamkeit von Wechselwirkungen und Beziehungen in Lernprozessen mit Älteren.

BACKGROUND: The approach of socio-technical systems (STS) for a successful life in old age focuses on the combination of technical and sociocultural factors in one. Technological systems have long since ceased to be limited to simple functions; instead, they enable customizable applications, interactive use combined with complex communication and action strands. The associated interactions with the technical system suggest a perspective on interactions and relationships. OBJECTIVE: Research results show that individualizable functions of STSs are rated positively in terms of acceptance and use by older people. From a geragogical perspective, questions arise regarding the appropriation of older people and the design of learning processes (socio-technical learning arrangements). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A relational view of learning and educational processes relating to the appropriation and acquisition of competences for designing and using STS in real-world situations is developed based on a formative qualitative research design of the "RUBYDemenz" project. In particular, data/results from interviews with voluntary learning facilitators, professional practice facilitators, focus groups and research workshops are utilized. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Empirical findings can be used to develop starting points for educational and learning processes to expand competences in the context of technology use. Approaches to education, training and further training follow on from this as does the question of whether the research/development process itself must be designed as a learning process in which all participants are involved as learners, with the aim of achieving the best possible fit between the technical solutions and the intended areas of application in real-world situations.

[Strengthening prevention and health promotion in and for old age]. / Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung im und für das Alter stärken.

BACKGROUND: Disease prevention and health promotion in and for old age have become increasingly more important. Nevertheless, more (national) research and implementation in practice is needed, as the international comparison shows. OBJECTIVE: To develop guiding principles for research and practice on prevention and health promotion in and for old age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of an iterative process, members of the German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics came together in workshops and symposia to formulate key guiding principles and fields of action for prevention and health promotion. RESULTS: The following were worked out: 1) prevention and health promotion are useful and possible up to oldest age, 2) prevention and health promotion for advanced age should start early, 3) prevention and health promotion must take into account the diversity and heterogeneity of the life situations of old people, 4) prevention and health promotion promote and demand self-determination and participation, 5) prevention of multiple illnesses must be given greater attention, 6) prevention of the need for long-term care and prevention in long-term care must be treated equally, 7) prevention and health promotion must be thought of in terms of life worlds and across sectors, paying particular attention to aspects of social inequality and a focus on resources, 8) prevention and health promotion and the related research must be interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary and be applied at different levels, from molecular to societal. DISCUSSION: The guiding principles outline the focal points of future-oriented ageing, health and healthcare research and open up fields of action but also show the limits of this approach for political decision-makers, researchers and practitioners.

["Puppet accompaniment"-A geragogically based accompaniment approach]. / "PuppetBegleitung" ­ ein geragogisch fundierter Begleitungsansatz.

BACKGROUND: Home care for older people with dementia (PwD) is associated with special needs and requires appropriate support services as well as learning and developmental impulses from a geragogical perspective. The accompanied use of robotic technology can be a suitable approach. OBJECTIVE: In the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF)-funded research and development (R and D) project "OurPuppet" (2016-2019), an accompaniment profile was to be developed and tested in order to introduce a technical intervention (sensor-based robotic system in form of a puppet) into the home care of PwD. The aim was to stimulate technology learning, to motivate the use of technology and to contribute to the stability of the care situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A partially standardized and qualitative evaluation of the concept in the preparation course for the accompaniment profile and a qualitative in-process evaluation of the accompaniment approach in an explorative practical test over several months within five families took place. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The puppet accompaniment approach, which was developed, tested and evaluated in the R and D project "OurPuppet" is presented. The participatory curriculum development and self-determined learning can be seen as success factors for the appropriation processes. The accompanied introduction of techniques has proven to be profitable. The added value experienced by the users goes far beyond a user-oriented technology design. The feasibility and acceptance of the technology and support approach in the context of home care of PwD has been proven. For further development, sustainable structures have been created with the establishment of the Network Center for Engagement, Support and Accompaniment at the "Hochschule für Gesundheit Bochum" (hsg).

[OurPuppet - Caring support with an interactive puppet for informal caregivers : Opportunities and challenges in the social and technical developmental process]. / OurPuppet ­ Pflegeunterstützung mit einer interaktiven Puppe für pflegende Angehörige : Chancen und Herausforderungen im sozialen und technischen Entwicklungsprozess.

BACKGROUND: The "OurPuppet" project comprises a sensor-based, interactive puppet that will be developed to communicate with people in need of care during a short period of absence of the informal caregiver. Specially qualified puppet guides will support the use of the new technical development. They instruct people with dementia and caregivers on how to use the puppet and supervise the (informal) care relationship through discussions on a regular basis. OBJECTIVES: The article shows the specific components of users' needs for which the concrete technical development should find answers. It also focuses on the opportunities and challenges for the technical and social developmental process accompanied by these demands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of the users' needs is based on a participatory approach. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with informal caregivers, nurses and volunteers in order to identify typical situations in home care settings. The interviews were paraphrased and summarized in order to deduce inductive categories (qualitative data analysis), which describe everyday situations that the technical system should address. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Such analyses provide information about the needs of potential users and indicate how to design such technical systems. Furthermore, opportunities and challenges of the development process as well as important contextual information were identified.