36th Annual Student Research Conference
Older Adult's Perceptions of Swallowing, Voice, and Exercise
Anna R. Rhein
Dr. Julia D. Edgar, Faculty Mentor
Studies support that swallowing function and voice quality diminish with increased age. Quality of life in the elderly is associated with intact swallowing and reliable voice both of which can be maintained with preventative care. Focus group sessions were conducted using a series of open-ended questions to examine the community dwelling elderly’s attitudes towards changes in swallowing, voice, and exercise, as well as their interest in a preventative voice and swallowing exercise program. At the end of the group discussion individuals completed survey assessments on their perceptions on each of these topics. Analysis revealed community dwelling elderly do notice changes in their voice and swallowing, and value having a healthy voice and swallow. Additionally, some individuals preferred a social format for exercise while others preferred completing exercises independently. Further research is necessary to determine if there is a difference in effectiveness of a social versus an independent preventative exercise program.
Keywords: elderly, swallowing, voice, focus group, preventative care, social exercise program, independent exercise program, quality of life
Topic(s):Communication Disorders
Health Science
Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 204-2
Location: SUB Georgian Room C
Time: 10:30