Marten Haesner

Comparison of four different mobile devices for measuring heart rate and ECG with respect to aspects of usability and acceptance by older people.

In the area of product design and usability, most products are developed for the mass-market by technically oriented designers and developers for use by persons who themselves are also technically adept by todays standards. The demands of older people are commonly not given sufficient consideration within the early developmental process. In the present study, the usability and acceptability of four different devices meant to be worn for the measurement of heart rate or ECG were analyzed on the basis of qualitative subjective user ratings and structured interviews of twelve older participants. The data suggest that there was a relatively high acceptance concerning these belts by older adults but none of the four harnesses was completely usable. Especially problematic to the point of limiting satisfaction among older subjects were problems encountered while adjusting the length of the belt and/or closing the locking mechanism. The two devices intended for dedicated heart rate recording yielded the highest user ratings for design, and were clearly preferred for extended wearing time. Yet for all the devices participants identified several important deficiencies in their design, as well as suggestions for improvement. We conclude that the creation of an acceptable monitoring device for older persons requires designers and developers to consider the special demands and abilities of the target group.

Requirements of older adults for a daily use of an internet-based cognitive training platform

A decline of cognitive abilities is a part of normal human ageing. However, recent research has demonstrated that an enriched environment can have a beneficial impact on cognitive function in old age. Accordingly, mentally and socially active lifestyles are associated with less cognitive decline in old age. Specific interventions such as computerized cognitive training programs for older adults are also known to have a positive effect on the level of cognitive functioning. Therefore, online platforms combining cognitive training with web 2.0 features may yield multiple benefits for older users. However, to date only little research exists on technological acceptance and media use in this age-group especially for cognitively-impaired seniors. Therefore, in order to assess specific preferences and potential barriers of older adults regarding a web-based platform for cognitive training, we conducted qualitative interviews with 12 older adults. Half of the participants were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Most importantly, our results show that cognitive exercises should incorporate themes and topics older adults are interested in. Additional communication features could serve as ideal methods for increasing user motivation. Furthermore, we derived eight critical requirements of older adults concerning daily use of a web-based cognitive training platform. Implications for future research and development are discussed.

SmartSenior@home: Acceptance of an integrated ambient assisted living system. Results of a clinical field trial in 35 households

ABSTRACT Aims: The primary objective of the SmartSenior@home study was to examine the acceptance of the SmartSenior system by older adults. Methods: Twenty-eight partners from industry and research, including the health care sector, worked collaboratively to implement services aiming to maximize independence in old age. The prospective cohort study was conducted in Potsdam, Germany, with n = 35 older adults between 55 and 88 years of age in their apartments. All participants underwent extensive pre- and post-study visits with in-home interviews, functional assessments for cognition, fine motor skills, and mobility as well as responding to questionnaires on user acceptance and quality of life. Results: The results indicate moderate-to-high user acceptance for the SmartSenior system. In particular, the services for general assistance and health, such as audio/video communication, blood pressure monitoring, and communication with a health professional, were rated as very attractive. Less used and less accepted services were those promoting social interaction and reminder services. Conclusion: Besides reliable functioning of the SmartSenior system, the availability of a confidant seems to be the most significant acceptance factor. As one conclusion of this trial, it is possible to develop, integrate, and test an infrastructure for ambient assisted living services in real life.

Evaluating an Online Cognitive Training Platform for Older Adults: User Experience and Implementation Requirements.

Decline of cognitive function is a part of aging. However, intensive cognitive training can improve important cognitive functions, such as attention and working memory. Because existing systems are not older adult-friendly and are usually not based on scientific evidence, an online platform was developed for cognitive training with information and communication features and evaluated in an 8-week field test. In a randomized clinical trial with 80 older adults, findings from log data analysis and questionnaires revealed a good use of the online platform. Communication or assistive features were not used often. Good usability ratings were given to the cognitive exercises. Subjective improvements of cognitive functions due to the training were reported. The current article presents concrete requirements and recommendations for deploying cognitive training software in older adult residential homes.

Gamification designs in Wearable Enhanced Learning for healthy ageing

Supporting healthy ageing through sustained physical fitness requires interventions that promote healthy levels of physical activity as part of daily life. Wearable devices, such as activity trackers are body-worn and may be seamlessly integrated into daily activities to promote fitness. Although wearables have been used by younger adopters to optimise physical fitness, little is known so far how these emerging technologies may be leveraged to enhance learning and improve well-being and fitness of seniors. In this paper we present a novel approach to designing Wearable Enhanced Learning (WELL) for healthy ageing as part of the R&D project “Fitness MOOC - interaction of seniors with wearable fitness trackers in the MOOC (fMOOC)”. The fMOOC project is a cooperation between Beuth University of Applied Sciences and the Geriatrics Research Group at Charité Berlin and aims at enhancing healthy ageing through an embodied learning experience in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with support of wearable activity trackers. This paper focuses on gamification designs in wearable enhanced learning for senior users and addresses the issue of user engagement.

Activity-tracking devices for older adults: comparison and preferences

Research demonstrates that physical activity beneficially influences brain function, quality of life and reduces cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, many projects and technical developments aim to promote physical activity. As a result of the “quantified self”-movement, a great number of wearable technologies, which are mainly developed for a younger target group, emerged on the market. However, there is a lack of scientific studies to establish which systems are suitable for older adults and there is still little known about seniors’ needs and preferences regarding fitness trackers. In this crossover-designed usability study, 20 older adults aged over 60 took part. In the study, all participants were requested to rate the usability of five of the most widely used fitness trackers (Nike FuelBand, Jawbone Up, Fitbit Flex, Garmin vivofit, Sony SmartBand) and were asked about their preferences. Participants had to rate its ergonomic features such as handling, material and design. Overall, the fitness trackers differ a lot in tracking features, design, usability and acceptance of the seniors. We present an aggregated list of requirements for the “ideal” activity tracker for older adults. The results seem to be of high interest for developers, but also for scientists to choose appropriate sensors for technology-based interventions that may promote physical activity.

Automatic Detection of Visual Search for the Elderly using Eye and Head Tracking Data

With increasing age we often find ourselves in situations where we search for certain items, such as keys or wallets, but cannot remember where we left them before. Since finding these objects usually results in a lengthy and frustrating process, we propose an approach for the automatic detection of visual search for older adults to identify the point in time when the users need assistance. In order to collect the necessary sensor data for the recognition of visual search, we develop a completely mobile eye and head tracking device specifically tailored to the requirements of older adults. Using this device, we conduct a user study with 30 participants aged between 65 and 80 years (

Analyse des Umgangs älterer Internetnutzer mit unerwarteten Situationen

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