CHAPTER 14
Navigating through the knowledge of education
https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.002-014
Maria Cecilia Ciaccio Vendola1 and Neide Silva Fernandes2
ABSTRACT
The aging process in the world calls for older adults to be more active and inserted in society. Brazil is
currently experiencing this issue of aging in a sudden and accelerated way, requiring education and health
professionals to take a more assertive look at the theme of the elderly, involving health education. Current
technologies advance exponentially, promoting technological education in health, a new design in health
systems, both care and educational, and so that this population can actually benefit from all technological
proposals, education for the elderly as well as the use of technological tools is essential. And this
implementation of digital in the analog world happens through educational technologies such as Virtual
Learning Environments, Internet of Medical Things (IMoT), Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), among
others.
Keywords: Education, Elderly, Technology, Health, Aging.
Geriatric Dentistry
MSc Education and Health from the Department of Internal Medicine FMUSP
Collaborator of the Geriatrics Service HC FMUSP
ORCID:0000 0002 9425 5527
2
Nurse
Stomatherapist Nurse by EEUSP
Collaborator of the Geriatrics Service
HC FMUSP
ORCID: 0009 0003 2100 246X
1
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
INTRODUCTION
THE AGING PROCESS IN BRAZIL AND IN THE WORLD
In reality, today there are no longer conditions to separate mind and body, body and psyche,
because they are inseparable aspects. We could also add the family and social environment as
important aspects to be considered in the disease. The World Health Organization itself defines
health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not just the absence of
disease (De SEGRE, 1997). And it is an undeniable fact that longevity is humanity's greatest
achievement, but the urgency of putting the issue of aging on the public agenda is also indisputable,
especially in countries like Brazil. Thus, we consider elderly individuals aged 60 years or older and
they are currently a rapidly increasing population, demanding this new look from health
professionals (gerontology, geriatric dentistry) on the psychosocial aspects of this population, given
their great vulnerability that comes from physical transformations, through equally differentiated
mental states that together sometimes result in a new social adaptation. (UNA SUS, 2020).
In ten years, the percentage of people aged 60 and over went from 11.3% to 14.7% (9 million
elderly people in Brazil), a result largely due to variations in the fertility rate and more preventive
medical actions, now moving the country in the race to implement adequate infrastructure for the
new demographic profile (Jornal USP, 2023). Due to the increase in life expectancy, the elderly
represent the fastest growing population group in Brazil. Elderly people with low income (lower
schooling) represent the highest proportion of illiterate people in Brazil. Currently, it is estimated that
18% of the elderly aged 60 and over are illiterate, despite the fact that a large part of public policies
in favor of literacy are still focused on young people and adults (IBGE 2018a, IBGE 2018b).
In the context of Brazil, it is essential to replace the traditional model that associates older
people with the past, as a burden, dependence and disability, and to adopt the view that they are
active builders, participants in political practice, combative claimants and aware of their rights. Older
people are demonstrating that they are not citizens without a future, possessing not only life
experience, but also being active agents of change, responding to broader transformations in society
(DIAS, 2001). Human aging has an impact on society as a whole, due to its multifaceted nature, we
can thus mention the valuable life experience of aging in the face of the current challenges of a world
in strong and rapid geophysical and atmospheric transformation, shaping new social models.
A study entitled "The Future of Retirement" was conducted by the Hongkong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation (HSBC) Insurance and the Oxford Institute of Ageing (UK) to understand the
profile of older people. This study covered 21 countries and territories on five continents,
interviewing 21,000 people between the ages of 40 and 79. The study underscores the importance of
older people as active contributors to society. They do volunteer work, actively participate in the
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
community through work, pay taxes, financially support their families, contribute to household
chores, and care for grandchildren and elderly and debilitated people.
Individuals between the ages of 60 and 70 are considered a valuable resource to society rather
than a burden. It is crucial that those in power recognize this and implement policies that allow older
people to remain active as they wish or are able (SILVA, S, 2008). This underscores the importance
of rethinking aging as a phase in which people continue to be able to actively participate in society,
both consciously and critically. Therefore, it is necessary to implement policies that meet the needs
and desires of this age group.
HEALTH AND ADHERENCE TO TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
"The rights of the elderly in Brazil are guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and Law
10.741, of October 1, 2003, known as the Statute of the Elderly." the right to education,
culture, sport and leisure;" (2003, law 10741 – Statute of the Elderly)
IMAGE 1
Source:www.shopify.com/br/stock-photos/computador
Since 2003 with the Statute of the Elderly, the right to health and education of this population
is guaranteed by federal law. Therefore, denying them an education that allows them better care and
access to health would be a denial of the established legality. And, obviously, here comes a key point
to be thought about and even more discussed: how to assimilate the benefits of a digital world having
lived most of your life in a world with only analog tools?
The information processing of the elderly is a little slower, modifying the response to any and
all external stimuli, generating the issue of a singular behavior, not uniform, but which requires
adequate knowledge on the part of the professional. The psychic part of these elderly requires a
knowledge base on the part of health professionals to know how to serve this public, providing them
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
with well-being and developing a relationship of trust, either through the human aspect or through
technological tools that can help their education and also health education. With the advancement of
technology in the educational context and the use of technological resources, man is gaining more
and more power with respect to the individual and the world he wants to know. Digital technologies
in the educational context emerged in the 1970s in Brazil and had the implementation of digital
resources from 1980 onwards. These technologies are part of the daily school life of many
educational institutions in our country. (Gomes et al. (2017).
With advancing age, there is a higher incidence of general health problems, exacerbated by
poor oral conditions, either due to lack of proper hygiene or inefficient basic oral health guidelines
(FERREIRA et al., 2021). To improve oral health conditions and control markers of aging for the
systemic health of older adults, it is crucial to adopt preventive approaches that utilize appropriate
educational materials to promote health and encourage them to preserve their natural teeth for as long
as possible. Therefore, prevention should be incorporated into attitudes and practices throughout life.
The elderly need guidance to perform effective oral hygiene (VILA et al., 2007).
Educational technologies in health are important tools to mediate teaching and learning
processes, seeking to facilitate the construction and reconstruction of knowledge. A variety of
educational technologies are used to promote the health of older adults, including videos, mobile
apps, booklets, and manuals. With the increase in the elderly population, there is a growing
motivation among researchers to develop new technologies to promote health education (SÁ et al.,
2019; NIETSCHE et al., 2005).
Within this context, it is crucial to recognize the importance of educational technologies in
learning and in the oral health education process, which brings many markers of aging in the general
health of the elderly, helping to understand oral hygiene guidelines and facilitating health promotion
(LIMA –Costa, 2018; SOUZA et al., 2021). Digital education and digital health go hand in hand
when we approach the aging process, so it is worth mentioning the current technological advances
that will benefit the health of the elderly or aging, paving the way for digital education. In recent
years, the convergence of digital technology with healthcare has revolutionized the way we approach
health promotion and care for individuals, especially those who are aging after the age of 40. Digital
health, composed of a series of innovative tools and technologies, is becoming increasingly relevant
in the education and care of this population.
A study conducted during the Covid 19 Pandemic in 2020 with older adults from a health
promotion program showed that implementing a Digital Inclusion Program for the Elderly in a
Virtual Learning Environment is possible because the group reached the level of Technological
Appropriation and Fluency, as most of the elderly were able to use the proposed applications (Galetti,
Vendola et al, 2023). Currently, nursing also benefits from video call technologies for initial
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
interviews with older adults who are contracting health plans and even for interfacing with family
members for elderly people hospitalized in hospitals or permanently in Long-Term Care Institutions
(LTCF).
Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful ally in this context. Through advanced
algorithms and machine learning systems, AI can analyze large volumes of healthcare data, identify
patterns, and offer valuable insights to medical and healthcare professionals, as well as the full range
of patients. In the case of aging individuals, AI can help personalize treatment plans, predict health
risks, and offer personalized lifestyle recommendations. Another promising technology is augmented
virtual reality (VR/AR), which provides immersive and interactive experiences. In the context of
health education for the aging public, VR/AR can be used to simulate clinical situations, such as
rehabilitation exercises, cognitive skills training, and fall prevention practices, allowing users to learn
more effectively and safely. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) also plays a key role. Through
connected devices such as health monitoring sensors and wearable devices, aging individuals can
track their vital signs, physical activity levels, and sleep patterns in real-time. This data can be shared
with healthcare providers, allowing for more efficient remote monitoring and early interventions.
Telemedicine, in turn, facilitates access to quality healthcare and education, especially for those
facing mobility challenges or living in remote areas. Virtual consultations conducted by doctors and
nurses, remote patient monitoring, and remote follow-up programs are examples of how telemedicine
is transforming the delivery of care to the elderly, making it more convenient and accessible. Finally,
Big Data analytics plays a crucial role in digital health for the aging public. By analyzing large sets
of health data, such as electronic medical records and information from monitoring devices,
researchers can identify health trends, predict disease patterns, and develop personalized
interventions to improve the quality of life for older adults.
In summary, digital health offers a wide range of possibilities for educating and caring for the
ageing public after the age of 40. With the intelligent use of technologies such as artificial
intelligence, augmented virtual reality, the Internet of Medical Things, telemedicine, and big data
analytics, we can promote a more integrative and personalized approach to health care and education
based on studies, tests, and scientific evidence. At this stage of life, educational technology is
empowering seniors to live healthier, more independently.
TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH
In recent years, we have witnessed a revolution in the way education is conceived, delivered
and absorbed, driven by the advancement of digital technologies. Digital tools have dramatically
transformed the educational landscape, providing new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
personalization. In this text, we will explore some of the most relevant digital tools today, examining
their impact on education and how they are shaping the future of learning.
ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS
One of the most significant changes in education is the rise of online learning platforms. With
the advent of high-speed internet and the proliferation of connected devices, it has become possible
to access a vast array of educational resources anytime and anywhere. Platforms like Coursera, edX,
and Khan Academy offer online courses taught by world-renowned institutions and experts in a
variety of fields. Not only do these platforms democratize access to education, allowing people of all
backgrounds and geographic locations to access high-quality content, but they also provide flexibility
and convenience for students who want to learn at their own pace. (Coursera, 2024), edX, 2024 Khan
Academy, 2024)
VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are another digital tool that is transforming education.
These environments, which include learning management systems such as Moodle and Blackboard,
offer an online platform to facilitate interaction between students and teachers, the sharing of
educational resources, and the delivery of course content. LMS allow educators to create dynamic
virtual classrooms where students can access course materials, participate in online discussions,
submit work, and receive feedback from teachers. Additionally, VLEs can be customized to the
specific needs of each educational institution, providing a learning experience that is tailored to
students' preferences and goals. (Moodle 2024 and Blackboard 2024)
VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging as powerful tools to transform
education. With the use of devices such as VR glasses and AR apps, students can be transported into
immersive virtual environments that simulate real-world experiences. These technologies are
particularly effective in teaching practical subjects such as science, engineering, and medicine, where
students can perform experiments and procedures in a safe and controlled virtual environment.
Additionally, VR and AR can be used to create highly engaging and interactive learning experiences,
increasing student interest and motivation. (JETS, 2022 BRI, 2020)
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics (Big Data) are playing an increasingly
important role in personalizing education. Through advanced algorithms and big data analytics,
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
educational platforms can assess student performance, identify areas of difficulty, and tailor course
content according to each student's individual needs. Additionally, AI can be used to provide instant
feedback to students, helping them monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. Data
analytics also allows educators to identify large-scale learning trends and make curriculum
adjustments to optimize teaching and learning. (Frontiers, 2020)
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Source: www.dreamstime.com
CONCLUSION
Digital tools are revolutionizing education in unprecedented ways, offering new opportunities
for learning, collaboration, and personalization. Online learning platforms, virtual learning
environments, VR and AR technologies, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are shaping the
future of education, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective. And the aging process as an
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
integral part of the life of the human being who acquires longevity is inserted in this context of
futuristic learning that is already present. The digital inclusion of the elderly is now a reality for their
personal education, health education and learning vehicle for health promotion and treatment. As we
continue to move forward into the twenty-first century, it is crucial that educators, educational
institutions, and policymakers recognize the transformative potential of digital tools and work
together to make the most of these innovative technologies for the benefit of all learners.
Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education
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Navigating through the knowledge of education
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Navigating through the knowledge of education
Navigating through the knowledge of education