Addressing the alerting needs of older adults to age in place

Abstract

Maintaining and managing independent living depends on older adult’s ability to remain safe and healthy. We researched the needs of older adults in co nnected living spaces to address the issue of forgetfulness to aid aging in place. We conducted formative and evaluative user studies, starting with contextual interviews in home, followed by usability testing of prototypes, and participatory design sessions. Here we discuss the findings, and the design guidelines abstracted from the user studies with older adults. We also reflect on adapting traditional forms of the research methods to better understand the needs of this demographic.