Talking Pen Audio-Interactive Program for Oral Frailty Delay in Community-Dwelling Elderly

A Study on the Integration of Talking Pen Audio-Interactive Technology With Oral Frailty Delay Care Programs for Enhancing the Physical and Mental Health of Community-Dwelling Elderly: Development, Testing, and Effectiveness Evaluation in Agricultural Counties

This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a talking pen audio-interactive technology integrated with an oral frailty delay care program for community-dwelling older adults in rural agricultural regions of Chiayi County, Taiwan. The intervention is designed to improve oral function, physical health, and mental well-being. Bilingual (Mandarin and Taiwanese) teaching materials on oral frailty care will be developed. Usability and satisfaction testing will be conducted with older adults at local community bases. A quasi-experimental design will be implemented with 10 participants, who will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive the oral frailty care program with talking pen audio-interactive technology, while the control group will continue with regular community activities. Outcomes, including oral function, physical performance, and mental health, will be measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. This study seeks to provide evidence for innovative, accessible, and sustainable approaches to oral frailty prevention in rural elderly populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 65 years or older residing in community settings of Chiayi County.
• Able to perform basic self-care.
• No severe swallowing difficulties and not dependent on nasogastric tube feeding.
• Clear consciousness and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• Willing to provide written informed consent and participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals not residing in Chiayi County communities.
• Individuals unable to perform activities of daily living independently or with impaired consciousness.
• Individuals with cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that prevent cooperation with study procedures.