Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Aging and Interaction: Designing for Active Living Experiences

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Internet of Things for Human-Centered Design

Part of the book series: Studies in Computational Intelligence ((SCI,volume 1011))

Abstract

Over the last century, the life expectancy of the worldwide population has been increasing due to significant improvements in housing and healthcare. As a result, the number of older people in the worldwide population will continue to grow rapidly. Considering this, the concept of active living is an important strategy that can enhance healthy lifestyles by staying mentally, socially and physically active during aging. In this concept, digital technology can be a great tool that can help people to pursue those benefits. However, it seems that older people are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of technology directly caused by poorly designed products and user interfaces. For these reasons, this paper wants to discuss age-related changes and characteristics that usually impact the user experience, in order to delineate background information of those problems and then propose design methods and practices that can help designers to develop accessible and age-friendly products and interfaces. We use the concept of active living to verify if and how the existing products on the market are fostering the values of an active lifestyle, promoting independence, empowerment, self-esteem and self-efficacy. We conclude by exploring new conceptual and methodological design guidelines through scenario-based design for inspiring future research in this field.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. 1.

    For more information see: Pillo Health https://pillohealth.com/; ElliQ https://elliq.com/; Lumin https://mylumin.org; Compaan https://www.uwcompaan.nl/; GrandCare https://www.grandcare.com/; Claris Continuum https://www.clarishealthcare.com/; Cutii https://www.cutii.io/en/ (accessed August 3th 2021).

References

  1. World Health Organization: WHO Methods and Data Sources for Life Tables 1990–2019. WHO Press, Geneve (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Johnson, J., Finn, K.: Designing User Interfaces for an Aging Population: Towards Universal Design. Morgan Kaufmann, Cambridge (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Nielsen, J.: Usability Engineering. Morgan Kaufmann, Amsterdam (1994)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  4. Nielsen, J.: 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/. Last accessed 16 June 2021

  5. Fisk, A.D., Rogers, W.A., Charness, N., Czaja, S.J., Sharit, J. (eds.): Designing for Older Adults: Principles and Creative Human Factors Approaches. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Kline, D.W.: Aging effects on Vision: Impairment, Variability, Self-Report and Compensatory Change. In: Schaie, K.W., Charness, N. (eds.) Impact of Technology on Successful Aging, pp. 85–99. Springer, New York (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Morrell, R.W., Holt, B.J., Dailey, S.R., Feldman, C., Mayhorn, C.B., Echt, K.V., Podany, K.I.: Older Adults and Information Technology: A Compendium of Scientific Research and Web Site Accessibility Guidelines. National Institute on Aging, Washington (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Hawthorn, D.: Possible implications of aging for interface designers. Interact. Comput. 12, 507–528 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0953-5438(99)00021-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Schieber, F.: Human factors and aging: Identifying and compensating for age-related deficits in sensory and cognitive function. In: Schaie, K.W., Charness, N. (eds.) Influences of Technological Change on Individual Aging, pp. 42–84. Springer (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Giaccardia, E., Kuijerb, L., Nevenc, L.: Design for resourceful ageing: intervening in the ethics of gerontechnology. Presented at the Future Focused Thinking - DRS International Conference 2016, 27–30 June, Brighton, United Kingdom June 25 (2016). https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2016.258

  11. Antonietti, A., Balconi, M., Catellani, P., Marchetti, A.: Empowering skills for an active ageing and healthy living. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 203, 157–171 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sellen, A., Rogers, Y., Harper, R., Rodden, T.: Reflecting human values in the digital age. Assoc. Comput. Mach. 52, 58–66 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1145/1467247.1467265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Haddon, L.: Social exclusion and information and communication technologies: lessons from studies of single parents and the young elderly. New Media Soc. 2, 387–406 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444800002004001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Czaja, S.J., Charness, N., Fisk, A.D., Hertzog, C., Nair, S.N., Rogers, W.A., Sharit, J.: Factors predicting the use of technology: Findings from the center for research and education on aging and technology enhancement (create). Psychol. Aging 21, 333–352 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.21.2.333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Hernández-Encuentra, E., Pousada, M., Gómez-Zúñiga, B.: ICT and older people: beyond usability. Educ. Gerontol. 35, 226–245 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1080/03601270802466934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Mitzner, T.L., Boron, J.B., Fausset, C.B., Adams, A.E., Charness, N., Czaja, S.J., Dijkstra, K., Fisk, A.D., Rogers, W.A., Sharit, J.: Older adults talk technology: technology usage and attitudes. Comput. Hum. Behav. 26, 1710–1721 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.06.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. O’Brien, M.A., Olson, K.E., Charness, N., Czaja, S.J., Fisk, A.D., Rogers, W.A., Sharit, J.: Understanding technology usage in older adults. In: Proceedings of the 6th International Society for Gerontechnology, pp. 1–5. Pisa (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Olson, K.E., O’Brien, M.A., Rogers, W.A., Charness, N.: Diffusion of technology: frequency of use for younger and older adults. Ageing Int. 36, 123–145 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-010-9077-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Reddy, G.R., Blackler, A., Popovic, V.: Adaptable interface framework for intuitively learnable product interfaces for people with diverse capabilities. In: Blackler, A. (ed.) Intuitive Interaction, pp. 113–127. CRC Press (2018). https://doi.org/10.1201/b22191-6

  20. Hawthorn, D.: Designing effective interfaces for older users. https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/2538 (2006)

  21. Zajicek, M.: Interface design for older adults. In: WUAUC’01: proceedings of the 2001 EC/NSF workshop on Universal accessibility of ubiquitous computing: providing for the elderly, pp. 60–65. Association for Computer Machinery, New York (2001). https://doi.org/10.1145/564526.564543

  22. Gudur, R.: A framework to understanding factors that influence designing for older people. In: International Association of Societies of Design Research Conference 2019: Design Revolutions, pp. 1–15 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Czaja, S.J., Boot, W.R., Charness, N., Rogers, W.A.: Designing for Older Adults: Principles and Creative Human Factors Approaches. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2019)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  24. Kolko, J.: Thoughts on Interaction Design: A Collection of Reflections. Morgan Kaufmann, Burlington (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Carroll, J.M. (ed.): Scenario-Based Design: Envisioning Work and Technology in System Development. Wiley, New York (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Carroll, J.M.: Making Use: Scenario-Based Design of Human-Computer Interactions. The MIT Press, Cambridge (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  27. World Health Organization: Active Ageing: A Policy Framework. WHO Press (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Halaweh, H., Dahlin-Ivanoff, S., Svantesson, U., Willén, C.: Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study. J. Aging Res. 2018, 1–9 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9858252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Bowling, A.: Aspirations for Older Age in the 21st Century: What is Successful Aging? Int. J. Aging Human Dev. 64, 263–297 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2190/L0K1-87W4-9R01-7127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Foster, L., Walker, A.: Active and successful aging: a European policy perspective. Gerontologist 55, 83–90 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Lawton, M.P., Brody, E.M.: Assessment of older people: self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist 9, 179–186 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/9.3_Part_1.179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Lawton, M.P.: A multidimensional view of quality of life in frail elders. In: The concept and measurement of quality of life in the frail elderly, pp. 3–27. Elsevier, New York (1991). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-101275-5.50005-3

  33. Sloane, P.D., Zimmerman, S., Williams, C.S., Reed, P.S., Gill, K.S., Preisser, J.S.: Evaluating the quality of life of long-term care residents with dementia. Gerontologist 45, 37–49 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/45.suppl_1.37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Lawton, M.P., Weisman, G.D., Sloane, P., Calkins, M.: Assessing environments for older people with chronic illness. J. Ment Health Aging. 3, 83–100 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Lawton, M.P.: Emotion in later life. Curr. Dir. Psychol. Sci. 10, 120–123 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.00130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Kunzmann, U., Little, T.D., Smith, J.: Is age-related stability of subjective well-being a paradox? Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from the Berlin aging study. Psychol. Aging 15, 511–526 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.15.3.511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. McNulty, J.K., Fincham, F.D.: Beyond positive psychology? Toward a contextual view of psychological processes and well-being. Am. Psychol. 67, 101–110 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024572

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Bourassa, K.J., Memel, M., Woolverton, C., Sbarra, D.A.: Social participation predicts cognitive functioning in aging adults over time: comparisons with physical health, depression, and physical activity. Aging Ment. Health 21, 133–146 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2015.1081152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Bouma, H., Fozard, J.L., Bronswijk, J.E.M.H.V.: Gerontechnology as a field of endeavour. Gerontechnology 8, 68–75 (2009). https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2009.08.02.004.00

  40. Kitazaki, M., Nicenboim, I., Giaccardi, E., Kuijer, L., Neven, L., Lopez, B.: Connected resources: a research through design approach to designing for older people’s resourcefulness. Presented at the Proceedings of the 4th Biennal Research Through Design Conference 2019 (2019). https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.7855868.V2

  41. Perkins, D.D., Zimmerman, M.A.: Empowerment theory, research, and application. Am. J. Community Psychol. 23, 569–579 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02506982

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Giaccardi, E., Nicenboim, I.: Resourceful ageing: Empowering older people to age resourcefully with the Internet of Things. Newnorth Print, Bedfordshire (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  43. Bandura, A.: Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. Am. Psychol. 37, 122–147 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.37.2.122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Eccola: Esteban Ortiz-Ospina and Max Roser (2020)—Loneliness and social connections. Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: https://ourworldindata.org/social-connections-and-loneliness

  45. Norman, D.A.: Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. Basic Books, New York (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Cila, N., Smit, I., Giaccardi, E., Kröse, B.: Products as agents: metaphors for designing the products of the IoT age. In: Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 448–459. ACM, Denver (2017). https://doi.org/10.1145/3025453.3025797

  47. Marenko, B.: Neo-animism and design: a new paradigm in object theory. Des. Cult. 6, 219–241 (2014). https://doi.org/10.2752/175470814X14031924627185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Rosson, M.B., Carroll, J.M.: Usability Engineering: Scenario-Based Development of Human-Computer Interaction. Academic Press, San Francisco (2002)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  49. Selwyn, N., Gorard, S., Furlong, J., Madden, L.: Older adults’ use of information and communications technology in everyday life. Ageing Soc. 23, 561–582 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X03001302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Sackmann, R., Winkler, O.: Technology generations revisited: The internet generation. Gerontechnology. 11, 493–503 (2013). https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2013.11.4.002.00

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Wang, G., Marradi, C., Albayrak, A., van der Cammen, T.J.M.: Co-designing with people with dementia: a scoping review of involving people with dementia in design research. Maturitas 127, 55–63 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.06.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. BSD Design, Via Lazzaretto 19, 20124, Milano, Italy

    Alessandro Pollini

  2. Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Via Quartieri 8, 44121, Ferrara, Italy

    Gian Andrea Giacobone

  3. Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136, Bologna, Italy

    Michele Zannoni

Authors
  1. Alessandro Pollini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gian Andrea Giacobone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michele Zannoni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alessandro Pollini .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    Sofia Scataglini

  2. Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Silvia Imbesi

  3. Polytechnic of Coimbra, ESTGOH, Rua General Santos Costa, Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal

    Gonçalo Marques

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Pollini, A., Giacobone, G.A., Zannoni, M. (2022). Aging and Interaction: Designing for Active Living Experiences. In: Scataglini, S., Imbesi, S., Marques, G. (eds) Internet of Things for Human-Centered Design. Studies in Computational Intelligence, vol 1011. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8488-3_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8488-3_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-8487-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-8488-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation