Pennsylvania Aging Connect (PAAC)
Pennsylvania Aging Connect (PAAC) is a software program, in the form of a mobile app, tailored specifically for older adults. The program includes accessible, easy-to-use links to connectivity tools (email, videoconferencing), resource guides, learning opportunities, games, and memory support.
The overall goal of PAAC is to improve access to available programs and resources, reduce social isolation, and provide opportunities for new learning (especially technology skills) among aging adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). The PAAC system will be based on the evidence-based systems developed by the Center for Research on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) and the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research (CABR), such as PRISM-CI.
I learned a lot… I know how to get my balance from banking. I don’t have to wait for my statement to come in to get my balance. I had to call customer service, they are all busy, they put you to wait… it saved me a lot of time. I don’t have to write as many letters by hand now. It used to take me at least an hour to write a letter, and I’m not comfortable when I’m writing. Now I can send emails to my friends and family. It made my life a lot easier, saves me a lot of leg work… and it’s also entertaining. Last night I played Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
PRISM was designed to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults, improve access to resources, and enhance technology skills among older adults. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with detrimental outcomes, including declines in emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, physical health, and an increased risk of mortality. Findings from the PRISM trials (Czaja et al., 2018, 2024; Falzarano et al., 2024) provided compelling evidence that well-designed technology solutions can significantly enhance the lives of diverse older adults living in diverse contexts. In a large study, those who used PRISM on a tablet felt less lonely, were more socially connected, and became more comfortable using technology than those who did not. Follow-up studies have confirmed these benefits, particularly for older adults living independently in rural and retirement communities.
CREATE and CABR created PRISM in 2010. Since then, they have conducted two large-scale clinical trials including more than 500 older adults ages 65+. This team will create PAAC specifically for NEPA adults and includes the following individuals:
- Dr. Sara Czaja, an internationally recognized researcher in the areas of aging and cognition, aging and healthcare informatics, caregiving, human-computer interaction, training, and functional assessment
- Dr. Wally Boot, a renowned researcher interested in how existing and emerging technologies can support the health, wellbeing, quality of life, and social connectivity of older adults with and without cognitive impairments
- Adrienne Jaret, who handles all administrative organization and documentation for the tablet-based programs
This research team is assisted by a robust team of WCM research assistants, software developers, and designers who ensure each program runs smoothly.
Sara is the Director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research (CABR). She has extensive experience in aging research and coordination and leadership of multi-site collaborations. She is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the NIA-funded multi-site Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) and the Co-Director of ENHANCE (Enhancing Neurocognitive Health, Abilities, Networks, & Community Engagement), with a focus on how technology can support older adults living with cognitive impairment. A Buffalo, NY native, Sara is an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Rolling Stones!
Wally is Associate Director of CABR. He is one of five principal investigators at CREATE. He is also Co-Director of the ENHANCE Center, with a focus on how technology can support older adults living with cognitive impairment. His research interests include how existing and emerging technologies can support the health, wellbeing, quality of life, and social connectivity of older adults with and without cognitive impairments. Wally’s interest in virtual reality grew out of his own experiences using it to stay in touch with friends during the pandemic. That personal connection helped inspire his research on how virtual reality can be used to support social connection among older adults. His favorite VR games are Beat Saber and VRChat.
Adrienne is the Assistant Director of CREATE and works with the Director and the Executive Working Group in managing all administrative aspects of the Center and in expanding the scope and breadth of CREATE nationally and internationally. Additionally, she is the Administrative Director of CABR.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Enhancing Aging and Community Engagement (PEACE) initiative