Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Assembling mass-market technology for the sake of wellbeing: a case study on the adoption of ambient intelligent systems by older adults living at home

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Everyday more and more ubiquitous applications are developed to support aging in place and ambient assisted living. Although these technologies typically adhere to the functional requirements defined by their developers, many of these solutions evidence limitations for being adopted by end-users, i.e., older adults. This paper reports the authors’ experience in the design and deployment of several iterations of the SocialConnector system—a computer-supported family communication mediator—as a case study that helps identify key factors that ease the adoption of ambient intelligent systems encouraging intergenerational family communication at home. The particularity of the followed approach is to assemble widely available mass-market technology—such as commercial Tablet PCs and TV displays—glued together with innovative software, as a way to drive system adoption through economically affordable hardware running over empirically-driven considerations for designing effective software in this study domain. The case study results help researchers and practitioners to conceive technology that has a better chance of being embraced by older adults and their supporting family networks; particularly, when such a technology is going to be deployed in their homes. Therefore, the key design factors identified in this paper can be used to inform the conception and modeling of ambient intelligent systems that help older adults address several aspects of their aging in place process, like health monitoring, personal security, social engagement, support to daily activities, and ultimately, fostering wellbeing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Arnold-Cathalifaud M, Thumala D, Urquiza A, Ojeda A (2008) Young people’s images of old age in Chile: exploratory research. Educ Gerontol 34(2):105–123. doi:10.1080/03601270701700359

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azimi I, Rahmani AM, Liljeberg P, Tenhunen H (2017) Internet of things for remote elderly monitoring: a study from user-centered perspective. J Ambient Intell Humaniz Comput 8(2):273–289. doi:10.1007/s12652-016-0387-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbosa Neves B, Franz RL, Munteanu C, Baecker R, Ngo M (2015) “My hand doesn’t listen to me!”: adoption and evaluation of a communication technology for the ‘oldest old’. Proceedings of the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI’15). ACM Press, pp 1593–1602. doi:10.1145/2702123.2702430

  • Barros C, Fernández MB, Herrera MS (2014) Notions that people over 45 years old have about family and the internal interactions between family members [in Spanish]. Psicoperspectivas 13(1):121–130. doi:10.5027/psicoperspectivas-Vol13-Issue1-fulltext-264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berkhoff C, Ochoa SF, Pino JA, Favela J, Oliveira J, Guerrero LA (2014) Clairvoyance: a framework to integrate shared displays and mobile computing devices. Future Gener Comput Syst 34:190–200. doi:10.1016/j.future.2013.10.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bobeth J, Schrammel J, Deutsch S, Klein M, Drobics M, Hochleitner C, Tscheligi M (2014) Tablet, gestures, remote control? Influence of age on performance and user experience with iTV applications. Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for TV and Online Video. ACM Press, pp 139–146. doi:10.1145/2602299.2602315

  • Boyd K, Nugent C, Donnelly M, Sterritt R, Bond R (2012) A Usability Protocol for Evaluating Online Social Networks. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Smart Homes and Health Telematics (ICOST’12), LNCS, vol 7251, pp 222–225. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-30779-9 $430

  • Brereton M, Soro A, Vaisutis K, Roe P (2015) The messaging kettle: prototyping connection over a distance between adult children and older parents. Proceedings of the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI’15). ACM Press, pp 713–716. doi:10.1145/2702123.2702462

  • Chen K, Chan AHS (2011) A review of technology acceptance by older adults. Gerontechnology 10(1):1–12. doi:10.4017/gt.2011.10.01.006.00

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chuttur MY (2009) Overview of the technology acceptance model: origins, developments and future directions. Sprouts: Working Papers on Information Systems 9(37). http://sprouts.aisnet.org/9-37

  • Cleland I, Nugent CD, McClean SI, Hartin HJ, Sanders C, Donnelly M, Zhang S, Scotney B, Smith K, Norton MC, Tschanz JT (2014) Predicting Technology Adoption in People with Dementia: Initial Results from the TAUT Project. In Proceedings of the 6th International Work-Conference on Ambient Assisted Living (IWAAL’14), LNCS 8868, 266–274. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-13105-4 $439

  • Cloutier-Fisher D, Kobayashi K, Smith A (2011) The subjective dimension of social isolation: a qualitative investigation of older adults’ experiences in small social support networks. J Aging Stud 25(4):407–414. doi:10.1016/j.jaging.2011.03.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cornejo R, Tentori M, Favela J (2013) Ambient awareness to strengthen the family social network of older adults. Comput Support Coop Work 22(2):309–344. doi:10.1007/s10606-012-9166-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Czaja SJ, Charness N, Fisk AD, Hertzog C, Nair SN, Rogers WA, Sharit J (2006) Factors predicting the use of technology: findings from the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology (CREATE). Psychol Aging 21(2):333–352. doi:10.1037/0882-7974.21.2.333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis FD, Bagozzi RP, Warshaw PR (1989) User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Manage Sci 35:982–1003. doi:10.1287/mnsc.35.8.982

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demiris G, Rantz MJ, Aud MA, Marek KD, Tyrer HW, Skubic M, Hussam AA (2004) Older adults’ attitudes towards and perceptions of ‘smart home’ technologies: a pilot study. Med Inform Internet Med 29(2):87–94. doi:10.1080/14639230410001684387

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dickinson A, Hill RL (2007) Keeping in touch: talking to older people about computers and communication. Educ Gerontol 33(8):613–630. doi:10.1080/03601270701363877

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doyle J, Bailey C, Ni Scanaill C, van der Berg F (2014) Lessons learned in deploying independent living technologies to older adults’ homes. Univ Access Inf Soc 13(2):191–204. doi:10.1007/s10209-013-0308-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández B, Herrera MS, Valenzuela E (2014) Chile and its older adults: third national survey on quality of life in elderly people [in Spanish]. Ministry of Social Development, Chile

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisk AD, Rogers WA, Charness N, Czaja SJ, Sharit J (2012) Designing for older adults: principles and creative human factors approaches. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL

    Google Scholar 

  • Forghani A, Neustaedter C (2014) The routines and needs of grandparents and parents for grandparent-grandchildren conversations over distance. Proceedings of the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI’14). ACM Press, pp 4177–4186. doi:10.1145/2556288.2557255

  • Garattini C, Wherton J, Prendergast D (2012) Linking the lonely: an exploration of a communication technology designed to support social interaction among older adults. Univ Access Inf Soc 11(2):211–222. doi:10.1007/s10209-011-0235-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giddens A (1998) Conversations with Anthony Giddens: making sense of modernity. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Guerrero LA, Ochoa SF, Pino JA, Collazos C (2006) Selecting computing devices to support mobile collaboration. Group Decis Negot 15(3):243–271. doi:10.1007/s10726-006-9020-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF (2016) Mom, I do have a family!: attitudes, agreements, and expectations on the interaction with Chilean older adults. Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing (CSCW’16). ACM Press, pp 1400–1409. doi:10.1145/2818048.2820000

  • Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF (2017) It takes at least two to tango: understanding the cooperative nature of elderly caregiving in Latin America. Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing (CSCW’17). ACM Press, pp 1618–1630. doi:10.1145/2998181.2998314

  • Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF, Vassileva J (2017) Mediating intergenerational family communication with computer-supported domestic technology. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Collaboration and Technology (CRIWG'17). Springer, pp. 132–147. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-63874-4_11

  • Harley D, Fitzpatrick G (2009) YouTube and intergenerational communication: the case of Geriatric1927. Univ Access Inf Soc 8(1):5–20. doi:10.1007/s10209-008-0127-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heart T, Kalderon E (2013) Older adults: are they ready to adopt health-related ICT? Int J Med Inf 82(11):209–231. doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holzinger A (2005) Usability engineering methods for software developers. Commun ACM 48(1):71–74. doi:10.1145/1039539.1039541

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • House JS (2001) Social isolation kills, but how and why? Psychosom Med 63(2):273–274. doi:10.1097/00006842-200103000-00011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • House JS, Landis KR, Umberson D (1988) Social relationships and health. Science 241(4865):540–545. doi:10.1126/science.3399889

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IEC-International Electrotechnical Commission (2014) Internet of Things: Wireless Sensor Networks. Wireless Sensor Networks project team. http://www.iec.ch/whitepaper/pdf/iecWP-internetofthings-LR-en.pdf

  • Jaschinski C, Ben Allouch S (2015) An extended view on benefits and barriers of ambient assisted living solutions. Int J Adv Life Sci 7(1–2):40–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Kochera A, Straight A, Guterbock T (2005) Beyond 50.05—a report to the nation on livable communities: creating environments for successful aging. American Association of Retired Persons (AAAP). http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/beyond_50_communities.pdf. Accessed 2 Nov 2016

  • Kurniawan S, Zaphiris P (2005) Research-derived web design guidelines for older people. Proceedings of the International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS’05). ACM Press, pp 129–135. doi:10.1145/1090785.1090810

  • Licoppe C, Smoreda Z (2005) Are social networks technologically embedded?: how networks are changing today with changes in communication technology. Soc Netw 27(4):317–335. doi:10.1016/j.socnet.2004.11.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindley SE, Harper R, Sellen A (2008) Designing for elders: exploring the complexity of relationships in later life. Proceedings of the British HCI Group Annual Conference on HCI (BCS-HCI’08). British Computer Society, pp 77–86

  • Lyytinen K, Yoo Y (2002) Issues and challenges in ubiquitous computing. Commun ACM 45(12):62–65. doi:10.1145/585597.585616

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melenhorst AS, Rogers WA, Caylor EC (2001) The use of communication technologies by older adults: exploring the benefits from the user’s perspective. Proc Human Factors Ergonom Soc Annu Meet 45(3):221–225

  • Morris A, Goodman J, Brading H (2007) Internet use and non-use: views of older users. Univ Access Inf Soc 6(1):43–57. doi:10.1007/s10209-006-0057-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz D, Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF, Baloian N (2013) Enhancing social interaction between older adults and their families. In: Proceedings of the International Work-Conference on Ambient Assisted Living (IWAAL’13). Springer, pp 47–54. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-03092-0_7

  • Muñoz D, Cornejo R, Gutierrez FJ, Favela J, Ochoa SF, Tentori M (2015a) A social cloud-based tool to deal with time and media mismatch of intergenerational family communication. Future Gener Comput Syst 53:140–151. doi:10.1016/j.future.2014.07.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz D, Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF, Baloian N (2015b) SocialConnector: a ubiquitous system to ease the social interaction among family community members. Comput Syst Sci Eng 30(1):57–68

  • Muñoz D, Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF (2015c) Introducing ambient assisted living technology at the home of the elderly: challenges and lessons learned. In: Proceedings of the International Work-Conference on Ambient Assisted Living (IWAAL’15). Springer, pp 125–136. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-26410-3_12

  • Neal AG, Collas SF (2000) Intimacy and alienation: forms of estrangement in female/male relationships. Garland Publishing, New York, NY

    Google Scholar 

  • Nugent C, Cleland I, McClean SI, Behrens S (2016) TAUT: technology adoption and prediction tools for everuday technologies. Alzheimer’s Dementia J Alzheimer’s Assoc 12(7):P273–P274. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patsoule E, Koutsabasis P (2012) Redesigning web sites for older adults. Proceedings of the International Conference on Pervasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments (PETRA’12). ACM Press pp 13:1–13:8. doi:10.1145/2413097.2413114

  • Procter R, Greenhalgh T, Wherton J, Sugarhood P, Rouncefields M, Hinder S (2014) The day-to-day co-production of aging in place. Comput Support Coop Work 23(3):245–267. doi:10.1007/s10606-014-9202-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steele R, Lo A, Secombe C, Wong YK (2009) Elderly persons’ perception and acceptance of using wireless sensor networks to assist healthcare. Int J Med Informatics 78(12):788–801. doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2009.08.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tapia JM, Gutierrez FJ, Ochoa SF (2016) Using Smart TV applications for providing interactive ambient assisted living services to older adults. Proceedings of the International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Ambient Intelligence (UCAmI’16). Springer, pp 514–524. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-48746-5_53

  • Tee K, Brush AJB, Inkpen KM (2009) Exploring communication and sharing between extended families. Int J Hum Comput Stud 67(2):128–138. doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2008.09.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas PA (2011) Trajectories of social engagement and limitations in late life. J Health Soc Behav 52(4):430–443. doi:10.1177/0022146511411922

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thumala D, Arnold-Cathalifaud M, Massad C, Herrera F (2015) Inclusión y Exclusión Social de las Personas Mayores en Chile [Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Older Adults in Chile, in Spanish]. Servicio Nacional del Adulto Mayor, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Universidad de Chile. http://senama.cl/filesapp/interiorSenamaOKFINAL.pdf. Accessed 5 July 2016

  • Tilvis RS, Routasalo P, Karppinen H, Strandberg TE, Kautianen H, Pitkala KH (2012) Social isolation, social activity and loneliness as survival indicators in old age: a nationwide survey with a 7-year follow-up. Eur Geriatr Med 3(1):18–22. doi:10.1016/j.eurger.2011.08.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Umberson D, Montez JK (2010) Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. J Health Soc Behav 51:54–66. doi:10.1177/0022146510383501

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Venkatesh V, Davis F (2000) A theoretical extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: four longitudinal field studies. Manage Sci 46(2):186–204. doi:10.1287/mnsc.46.2.186.11926

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ware P, Bartlett SJ, Paré G, Symeonidis I, Tannenbaum C, Bartlett G, Poissant L, Ahmed S (2017) Using eHealth technologies: interests, preferences, and concerns of older adults. Interact J Med Res 6(1). doi:10.2196/ijmr.4447

  • Yao D, Qiu Y, Huang H, Du Z, Ma J (2011) A survey of technology accessibility problems faced by older users in China. Univ Access Inf Soc 10(4):373–390. doi:10.1007/s10209-011-0222-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaphiris P, Pfeil U, Xhixho D (2009) User evaluation of age-centred web design guidelines. Proceedings of the International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Springer pp 677–686. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-02707-9_77

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work has been partially supported by the Fondecyt Project (Chile), grant: 1150252. The work of Francisco J. Gutierrez has been supported by the Ph.D. Scholarship Program of Conicyt Chile (CONICYT-PCHA/Doctorado Nacional/2013-21130075).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, University of Chile, Beauchef 851, Santiago, Chile

    Francisco J. Gutierrez, Diego Muñoz, Sergio F. Ochoa & José M. Tapia

Authors
  1. Francisco J. Gutierrez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Diego Muñoz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sergio F. Ochoa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. José M. Tapia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francisco J. Gutierrez.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 3.

Table 3 Software and hardware implications on technology adoption across the case study
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Gutierrez, F.J., Muñoz, D., Ochoa, S.F. et al. Assembling mass-market technology for the sake of wellbeing: a case study on the adoption of ambient intelligent systems by older adults living at home. J Ambient Intell Human Comput 10, 2213–2233 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12652-017-0591-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12652-017-0591-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation