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BackgroundCurrently, over 300 languages are spoken in Australian homes. People without proficient English from non-English speaking countries may not receive equitable care if their health care workers do not speak their primary language. Use of professional interpreters is considered the gold standard; however, for a variety of reasons, it is often limited to key aspects of care such as diagnosis and consent. With the emergence of mobile technologies, health care workers are increasingly using digital translation tools to fill this gap. However, many of these technologies have not been developed for health care settings and their use has not been evaluated. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate iPad-compatible language translation apps to determine their suitability for enabling everyday conversations in health care settings. MethodsTranslation apps were identified by searching the Apple iTunes Store and published and grey literature. Criteria for inclusion were that the apps were available at no cost, able to translate at least one of the top 10 languages spoken in Australia, and available for use on iPad. Apps that met inclusion criteria were reviewed in 2 stages. Stage 1 was the feature analysis conducted by 2 independent researchers, where apps were evaluated for offline use, input and output methods, and number of languages. Stage 2 was the analysis of suitability for everyday communication in the health care setting, conducted by 2 independent professionals with expertise in translation and cross-cultural communication. Apps that enabled key aspects of care normally within the realm of professional interpreters, such as assessment, treatment and discharge planning, and seeking consent for medical treatments, were considered unsuitable. ResultsIn total, 15 apps were evaluated. Of these, 8 apps contained voice-to-voice and voice-to-text translation options. In addition, 6 apps were restricted to using preset health phrases, whereas 1 app used a combination of free input and preset phrases. However, 5 apps were excluded before stage 2. In addition, 6 of the 10 remaining apps reviewed in stage 2 were specifically designed for health care translation purposes. Of these, 2 apps were rated as suitable for everyday communication in the health care setting—culturally and linguistically diverse Assist and Talk To Me. Both apps contained simple and appropriate preset health phrases and did not contain conversations that are normally within the realm of professional interpreters. ConclusionsAll iPad-compatible translation apps require a degree of caution and consideration when used in health care settings, and none should replace professional interpreters. However, some apps may be suitable for everyday conversations, such as those that enable preset phrases to be translated on subject matters that do not require a professional interpreter. Further research into the use of translation technology for these types of conversations is needed.

Despite the health benefits of parks and outdoor recreational spaces, small numbers of older people visit parks. This study identified older park visitors' perceptions of their local parks, visit motivation, health, and physical activity level in six parks in Victoria, Australia. Characteristics of general community park visitors and their physical activity engagement were also recorded. Fifty-five older people were surveyed onsite; 92.7% lived within a 5-km distance from the park. Walking was the most common reason for visiting (36.4%), followed by walking the dog (36.4%) and exercise (23.6%). Most older visitors (77.8%) were determined as being sufficiently active. Observation of parks visitors over 1 week recorded 3,770 park visitors, with <5% being older people. Half of all park visitors were inactive, and half of older people visitors (50.5%) engaged in walking. This study supports the importance of parks, park features, and their potential in helping older people to achieve levels of physical activity required for good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY (ENJOY) Seniors Exercise Park program uses specialized outdoor equipment and a physical activity program to engage older people in physical activity, with multiple health benefits. We determined the cost-effectiveness of the ENJOY program. Methods: The economic evaluation compared health care utilization costs 6 months prior to and 6 months post ENJOY program participation. Incremental cost-utility analysis for the primary aim (quality of life) and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis for the secondary aim (falls) were used. Analyses took a societal perspective inclusive of Australian government-funded health care and pharmaceuticals in addition to hospitalizations, community-based nursing and allied health, and community services. Productivity costs were also calculated. Results: Fifty participants (average age 72.8 y [SD 7.4] and 78.0% [n = 39/50] women) were included. Participation in the ENJOY program reduced health care costs in the 6 months following the program: preintervention, $9764.49 (SD $26,033.35); postintervention, $5179.30 (SD $3826.64); observed postintervention reduction −$4.585.20 (95% confidence interval, −$12,113.99 to $2943.59; P =.227) without compromising quality of life (mean difference [MD] 0.011; 95% confidence interval, −0.034 to 0.056; P =.631) or increasing the likelihood of a fall (−0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.00 to −0.50; P =.160). The ENJOY intervention is likely cost-effective. Conclusions: Planning for shared community spaces should consider the benefits of a Seniors Exercise Park as part of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) can reduce depressive symptoms but has not been tested amongst depressed older caregivers and their care‐recipients. The aim of this single‐blind randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a 6‐month tailored PA program on depressive symptoms in older caregivers. Method: Caregivers were included if they had scores of ≥5 on the 15‐item geriatric depression scale (GDS‐15). Care‐recipients could have any type of physical, mental or cognitive condition requiring support. The PA intervention group completed an individualized program based on the Otago‐Plus Exercise Program. The primary outcome was improvement in depressive symptoms in caregivers measured at six and 12 months. Results: Two hundred and twelve participants (91 dyads and 30 caregivers only) were randomized using a 3:3:1 ratio to PA intervention, social‐control, and usual‐care control groups. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms of the caregivers between the three groups at 6 months or 12 months. However, more than 50% of caregivers in all three groups no longer had a GDS‐15 score ≥5 at 6 months. Further analysis revealed that caregivers in the PA group caring for someone with a standardised mini‐mental state examination (SMMSE) score ≥24 had significantly less depressive symptoms than those caring for someone with a SMMSE score <24 compared with social‐control (p < 0.02) and usual‐care groups (p < 0.02). Conclusions: A PA intervention may be beneficial for some caregivers in reducing symptoms of depression but may not be as beneficial to caregivers of people living with cognitive impairment. Key points: Physical activity (PA) may help to reduce depression, stress and burden in caregivers.This study investigated the effects of an individually tailored, home‐based PA intervention for both caregivers and care‐recipients, of 6 months' duration, on improving depressive symptoms in older caregivers.A PA intervention may be beneficial for caregivers in reducing symptoms of depression but may not be as beneficial to caregivers of people living with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Posthospital discharge shows increased risk for falls in older people. This pilot study was created to determine feasibility and acceptability of a community-delivered posthospital multifactorial program. Method: This mixed-method study used randomized controlled design (quantitative component) and interviews (qualitative component). People aged ≥65 years, hospitalized for a fall, underwent assessment for quality of life and falls-related outcomes, followed by interviews, randomization into intervention (exercise, medication review, and education) or control group, and follow-up at 6 months. Results: Thirteen people commenced, with 10 people assessed at 6 months. Participants were complex with high degrees of frailty, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and falls risk. Interview data related to intervention, impacts on quality of life, and fall-related outcomes. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest suitability of a multifactorial program for older people posthospital discharge following a fall. A social component would be a useful addition to falls prevention strategies, utilizing existing community nursing organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Falls and fall‐related injuries amongst older people continue to be a long‐term public health issue. Access to specialist services that target fall prevention has been shown to improve outcomes. This project aimed to develop an online directory of public outpatient and ambulatory falls and balance clinics and programs in Victoria. Method: Environmental scan of existing services and survey of service providers between January and August 2020. Results: Forty‐seven community‐based and 53 hospital‐based falls and balance services across metropolitan (46%) and regional (54%) Victoria registered. The majority of services were programs (70%) targeting exercise and/or education, as opposed to clinics (30%), which focus on diagnosis and developing management plans. Survey responses were collated to develop an online service directory: https://www.nari.net.au/victorian‐falls‐directory Conclusions: The Victorian Falls and Balance Service Directory provides a centralised and accessible reference for clinicians and community members regarding available outpatient and ambulatory services that target fall prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]