Virtual coaching for older adults at home using SMART goal supported behavior change

Abstract

This paper presents a virtual coach for older adults at home to support active and healthy aging, and independent living. It aids users in their behavior change process for improving on cognitive, physical, social interaction and nutrition areas using SMART goals. To achieve an effective behavior change of the user, the coach relies on the I-Change behavioral change model. Using a combination of projectors, cameras, microphones and support sensors, the older adult's home becomes an augmented reality environment, where common objects are used for projection and sensed. Older adults interact with this virtual coach in their home in a natural way using speech and body gestures (including touch in certain objects).