One of the most important lessons from the research was the challenge around awareness and changing habits and behaviors – ideally before but realistically, after the 1st fracture, to adopt habits and behaviors that will help prevent additional fractures that might otherwise occur.
Along for the Journey would fall at point of Alice when she is “reestablishing routines,” and would be an inexpensive, scalable, and low-tech way to support Alice - either in tandem with, or instead of, her case manager and/or volunteer.
It would echo and build on her discussions with her PCP so she can create new habits that stick surrounding her meds, diet and exercise.
Although about 40% of older adults have a smart phone, many do not. The idea is that tailored audio content is delivered through a discoverable, barrier-free low tech device such as a pre-recorded card that arrives in the mail, or small ‘bot’ or other easily playable device.
The device can be set to play at certain times on a daily basis, with content and cadence that build healthy habits.
(The content could be delivered through the podcast app as well, if Alice is comfortable with the technology and/or has a support structure in place to help her adopt.)
Among women age 75+, almost half (47 percent) lived alone in 2010.
Like Alice, they may feel alone on the journey or concerned someone else isn't there to monitor her progress at this point.
What if her family heard the same or complementary daily audio messaging, so they heard what Alice heard, could check in with her and discuss how she’s doing with the advice, recommendations, challenges, tips and recipes, every day?
Experimentation would need to take place to understand the right length, voice, content and approach – some ideas though –
- “Let’s talk about a few easy ways to strengthen your muscles. Today the weather’s fine – how about walking just 15 minutes with a friend or a walker?"
- “There’s an organization that can do a check in your home and make sure obstacles or fall risks are removed. Here’s their number.”
- “You’ve got two medications and two supplements to take today, Alice.”
- “Congratulations Alice – it’s been 90 days since your fracture, and you’re implementing some great new habits that allow you to continue to live independently.”
What if the content was so interesting and helpful that it continued.... always?
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