Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population. Healthy and Active Aging

With the development of China’s society, the aging population has become a more serious problem, and old drift family has come to a common phenomenon. These old parents who live in lonely big cities are away from their own home and are cut from the original social support system as they have to take care of their children’s children, thus causing the loneliness of their mental life. And at the same time, they cannot travel conveniently like the young. What is even worse, some old parents are suffering from sugar (urine) disease, hypertension, heart disease and other chronic diseases, as a consequence, the high medical expense as well as their health condition cannot be monitored 24 h a day are causing headaches for them as they have no accessibility to local medical insurance. So, the research on the design of self help medical instrument products aim at the old is of great importance. In this paper, the severe aging population is set as the background. Then first and foremost, this paper studies the mental state, physiological state and the present status of the products aiming at aged people in domestic market, and analyzes the existing problems of the products for aged people, including slack development of the market, simplicity of service and the randomness of industry’s standard; second, based on theoretical knowledge, this paper analyzes the way old people studies, recognize the world and memorize things by referring to literature materials, also this paper analyzes the condition of using scientific and technological products of the old; at last, this paper analyzes the psychological and physical requirement of old people toward self help medical device based on survey and analysis, summarizing a more systematic design method which includes practicability, emotional, accessibility and security.This paper starts from a people-oriented point, targets the seniors as the target group and studies the design orientation of self help medical devices from a variety of aspects, trying to integrate the special requirements of old people with design elements of this kind of product and combining them with the design of the products to optimize the design of our products. These idea aims at reducing the hidden danger caused by wrong operation and makes it danger-free, giving them care, improving their well-being, leading a more comfortable and heather lifestyle and realizing the care for old citizens. Also, this paper also aims at finding a design method of this kind of product, summarizing the principles of design, breaking the original design patterns of self help medical devices and providing an example for designers.

Nowadays elders, often find it difficult to keep track of their cognitive and functional abilities required for remaining independent in their homes. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) are the Ambient Intelligence based technologies for the support of daily activities to elders. Traditional rehabilitation is an example of a common activity elders may require and that usually implies they move to the rehabilitation clinics, which is the main reason for treatment discontinuation. Tele-rehabilitation is a solution that not only may help elders but also their family members and health professionals to monitor elder’s treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present a tele-rehabilitation system that uses the motion-tracking sensor of the Kinect, to allow the elderly users natural interaction, combined with a set of external sensors as a form of input. Data fusion techniques are applied in order to integrate these data for detecting right movements and to monitor elder’s treatment in the rehabilitation process.

This paper describes an empirical study that investigated how interpersonal distance under a cooperative situation varied in accordance with the differences of task, device, orientation of the body, and posture. Twenty young adults participated. The results revealed statistically significant effects of task (p < .01), device (p < .01), and orientation of the body (p < .01) on the transformation of inter-personal distance. In particular, there were statistically significant differences between “no particular task” > “holding a device” > “cooperative tasks”; between “face-to-face” > “side-by-side”; and between “notebook-PC” > “blackboard” or “smartphone”. The results also suggested that not only a single cause but the complex of multiple factors of social interaction influenced the transformation of interpersonal distances. A new model of the measurement was also proposed.

Fortunately, improvements in welfare and medical care will allow life expectancy in Europe’s population to increase by the year 2050. However, it is not always the case that living longer implies a healthier, more active and independent life. In this context, technologies and products that will act as assistive companions to elderly, who are living alone at their home, are attracting a growing interest from both a research and commercial perspective. Literature reports contradictory results on the preferences of elderly towards assistive technologies and more specifically, service robots. In this paper, we are called to present an empirical study, conducted in the scope of an EU – Horizon 2020 project, in order to explore people’s perceptions, attitudes and requirements towards the idea of a future service robot for the home.

Although new monitoring technologies (MT) supporting aging in place are continuously developed and introduced on the market, attempts to implement these technologies as an integrated part of elderly care often fail. According to the literature, the reason for that may be the prevailing technical focus applied during development and implementation of monitoring technologies in real settings. The aim of this paper was to investigate the socio-technical challenges that arise during implementation of monitoring technologies in elderly care. We used a qualitative case study and semi-structured interviews to investigate socio-technical (S/T) challenges in implementation of monitoring technologies generally and social alarms especially. Based on our findings we suggest a framework for classification of S/T challenges arising during implementation of monitoring technologies in elderly care and in this way this paper contributes to a better understanding of these challenges.

This study demonstrates how to integrate 2D and 3D information in the various design stages and provides an effective facility management solution from a life cycle point of view based on building information modeling (BIM) techniques. The research proposed a framework of design information structure by examining practical design projects. With the proposed information structure, the research applied Autodesk Revit Architecture and Solibri Model Viewer, which employs parametric modeling and visual design techniques, to develop a BIM-enabled facility management information system. The developed system provided consistent information service in various design stages. In addition, facility managers could make inquiries to acquire comprehensive information related with design components or installed facilities in the design project. The overall system provided an effective decision support mechanism to maintain the facility performance from a project’s life cycle point of view.

Renovation of historical building not only by the performance of the new usage of space continues it life, but more importantly approaches through the musical performance can be activated. Re-use of buildings as a “Live house” which is performed for the musical show with sound reinforcement system is particularly welcome by young people in Taipei. It is important to foster the promotion of pop music platform since starting to focus on issues of re-use of the interior of historical space in the globe, even domestic and foreign literature on the study slightly is still insufficient, which is concentrated on the main function of music performances. Therefore, this study stationed at Red House Theater “Riverside Message Music Pavilion” to explore the subject through the perspective of redefine their spatial acoustic performance capability, and the issue of noise prevention, reinterpreting the historical space combined with industry existing development of live musical performances. Research method is verified by computer simulation which is to understand the optimization of the performance of room acoustic. The results of preliminary study may offer the on-site users and performers of questionnaire interviews which are corresponding on the future objective field measurement.

Older adults traditionally face major challenges at work when it comes to dealing with new technological tools. A sense of overwhelm and frustration can quickly arise under these circumstances. Continuous negative feelings in the work environment may lead to the increase of the risks for cognitive decline and threaten independence and quality of life. In this work, we focus on the seamless identification of frustration of older adults at work via physiological sensors embedded in an in-house developed computer mouse, denoted as CogniMouse. For the purpose of this research, we have developed a probabilistic classification algorithm that receives real-time signals and physiological measurement streams as input, and accordingly identifies frustration events. Ultimately, such classification can be leveraged to deliver user interventions and personalized solutions to help reduce user frustration.

This paper provides an overview of a multi-sensory cyber-physical therapy system suitable for old age people with physical impairments, which integrates entities in the physical as well as cyber world for therapy sensing, therapeutic data computation, interaction between cyber and physical world, and in-home therapy support through a cloud-based big data architecture. To provide appropriate therapeutic services and environment, the CPS uses a multi-modal multimedia sensory framework to support therapy recording and playback of a therapy session and visualization of effectiveness of an assigned therapy. The physical world interaction with the cyber world is stored as a rich gesture semantics with the help of multiple media streams, which is then uploaded to a tightly synchronized cyber physical cloud environment for deducing real-time and historical whole-body Range of Motion (ROM) kinematic data.

Ambient Intelligence is a new paradigm in information technology that creates environments able to detect and respond to users’ needs, actions, behaviors and feelings. User trust plays an important role in accepting Ambient Intelligence environments. In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a virtual reality based testbed for studying trust in Ambient Intelligence Environments.

To address aging challenges, we examine the concept of smart living and its applications for the elderly. Smart living refers to improving quality of life by transforming environments to become more intelligent and adaptable to users. In this paper, we discuss how smart living applications can help to address the needs of the elderly, as well as the design and human-computer interaction considerations for such applications.

The elderly maintain healthy by exercise and friendships connection which not only can reduce the cost of social care but also can contribute their knowledge and experiences to help the younger generation. This study is aimed to investigate the usability and functionalities of the fitness platform with multi-user virtual situations on smart TV service content, which was developed by the author. The main modules of the platform include limb movements driven by motion sensing interaction with Kinect, contactless graphical user interface, alternative 3D avatars and situational environments, synchronous interaction of distributed multi-users, and interface of unified computing health data. Group interview and a questionnaire were designed to evaluate the feasibility and usability associated with using the virtual fitness platform. A total of 40 elderly users assess this set of content service. The results of this study showed that most of the users are satisfied by the system functionality and usability. Furthermore, the platform also offers the interface for data connecting the wearable devices which assist in increasing the effectiveness of the real time elderly health maintenance.

In this paper, we apply activity theory as a theoretical framework to study conventional home care service practice versus telecare as a means for delivery of home care services. In doing so, we translate home care services into work activities to explore the cooperative nature between the nurses and the elderly care receivers. Findings indicate changes in how the cooperative care work are distributed when moving from conventional home care services to telecare mediated home care services. In our work, we conclude that introduction of new work practice results in increased delegation of responsibility and practical self-care activities to the elderly care receivers. Thus, telecare such as video consultation in the home is not appropriate for all elders. Nevertheless are those who mastery these responsibilities, rewarded with increased flexibility in their daily life activities since the delivery of services is more predictable and timely.

The problem of aging population in the world is increasing. Elderly health, daily life and other aspects of the problem with modern information technology, intelligent service facilities or product do not match the contradiction is increasingly prominent. At the same time, sensory function and action ability of the elderly are in the continuous degradation. Their cognitive and learning level is limited, which leads to experiencing smart home hardily. Therefore, it is imperative to study and improve the interaction design of smart home products for the elderly. In this paper, the contradiction between the design of smart home products and the demands of the elderly in daily life is studied under the mode of medical care and pension, as well as case analysis of smart home products for the elderly. The purpose of the paper is to study the type and interaction design of smart home products for the aged. The main method is through the investigation and user analysis of smart home, finding the principles and characteristics of interaction design from the products. Research shows that intelligent products can be divided into three types under the mode of medical and pension: smart home appliances, smart home management system and call monitoring system. Through the mobile Internet, intelligent terminal and touch screen control, smart home can meet the needs of the elderly users seamless, which will be a trend in the design of smart home products.

The benefits of the introduction of technology in human life may be puzzled with the world evolution. Although the use of technology is limited by geographic, cultural and economic parameters, the benefits for mankind are proved every. However, the movement of globalization promoted by technology also produces new economical and social exclusions. Therefore, an idea of injustice arises. The aim of this paper is to discuss the condition of second-class citizenship of the elderly as a consequence of globalization.

Although social media and mobile technologies are trending topics, only a small amount of elder adults utilizes these Web 2.0 technologies on portable platforms. To gain a better understanding of the current state of elder adults utilizing social media on mobile devices, a literature review regarding mobile interface design guidelines is presented. To further investigate the lack of mobile social media users, a usability study addressing social media interfaces for elders is proposed. The goal of this research is to have elder adults more comfortable using social media on mobile devices so that they can reap the benefits of these types of sites.

The paper focuses on the political and institutional trends that foster digital literacy among seniors, and the forms it takes in both the public discourses and the concrete practices of teaching seniors how to use information technologies (IT). IT often recur as an essential element in the discourses that stress the importance of an active, healthy and independent aging, as well as the need for mechanisms that reduce potential isolation and exclusion of seniors. Nonetheless, the inconsistency of these different discourses makes it hard to represent the older people using IT in a clear, convincing and believable way.

In countries where IT products have been an everyday commodity for some time and mass consumption a major social feature for a long time, very different kind of economic and social players picture elderly as the «new frontier». That is to say that elderly appear as the new generation that have to be converted to IT in order to benefit from these devices and become consumers. The challenge is, from a marketing point of view as expressed by professionals, huge since elderly are supposed to be, by nature, deeply attached to traditions and at least suspicious or at most resistant to change, especially when it comes to technological change. We intend here to question and analyze in which respect advertising discourse should, theoretically, be a huge help and drive regarding the acculturation of elderly to the use of IT products. As a matter of fact, commercials and brand content, being brand discourses, should have a major part to play in this process.

Several authors have suggested that ICTs have the potential to promote healthy ageing by supporting social inclusion, access to products and services and learning. However, older people often do not use ICT and information about patterns of usage is scarce. Data from the Costa Rica Census 2011 and two questionnaires showed that older people between 65 and 74 years old, living in urban areas, with more education and higher socioeconomic status are the most active ICT users. They presented a tendency to mobility and connectivity when using ICTs, reported positive perceptions of technology and were favorably disposed to learning about and using ICT. Based on the analysis of data we conclude that opportunities to promote healthy aging through use of ICT include use of public infrastructure and community-based learning services to increase the number of ICT users and facilitate progression from social networking activities to activities supporting the maximization of functional status such as instrumental activities and learning for personal development.

This paper studies a particular way to categorize people as “grand parents” instead of considering them simply as “seniors”. It describes several communicational approaches and questions the consequences of such a choice on the relation of people with IT, and especially computer mediated communication. The empirical basis of this research is constituted by the observation of several associative, political and economic organizations devoted to the defense and institutionalization of grand parenthood as a social form in France.

The study investigated how Icelanders who are 60 years and older seek and communicate about digital health and lifestyle information of health and lifestyle information. Random samples were used and participants categorized into two groups, 60 to 67 years old and 68 years or older. The development of information seeking on the Internet in the years 2002, 2007 and 2012 was examined, as well as the use of social media in 2012. Data analysis was performed with ANOVA (one-way). The study revealed that the pattern of seeking and communicating about information was very similar for the age groups. The frequency for information seeking on the Internet was low for both groups, although it had increased since 2002. Results about social media revealed that both age groups chose to receive information rather than share it or communicate with others. The results further revealed that the frequency of using social media was low for both groups. The findings of the study indicate that senior citizens have not yet adapted to the digitalization of health and lifestyle information.

Social connection and social support are strong predictors of well-being, but maintaining social relations often becomes more difficult at older ages. Because social media enhance feelings of connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness, they may present accessible and relatively low cost mechanisms to enhance life quality at older ages. Using data gathered from two focus groups of potential older adult social media learners, we explored the physical and cognitive challenges to social media use, perceptions of social media benefits, and conceptual barriers to use. Findings support earlier studies that identify perceived benefit as important to social media adoption at older ages, and extend these by identifying that a lack in conceptual knowledge of these technologies is an additional barrier to use. We then discuss the cognitive implications of gaining this knowledge.

People aged 65+ generally use new media technologies less, in less mobile ways, and for less versatile purposes than younger age groups do. This has raised concerns about older people’s potential exclusion from the digital society. In this paper we present a case study on how older people, who were living in small rural villages in Finnish Lapland, use new media in their everyday lives. According to the participants, how do they use new media in their everyday lives? How do they learn to use new media? Our results point to the diversity in terms of the participants’ self-reported Internet use and related skills. The results also indicate that the participants’ social networks, especially grandchildren, play a more important role in their use of and learning about new media technologies than formal instruction does. Therefore, it is important to recognize that older people who lack social networks are most vulnerable in terms of being excluded from the digital society.

Our work focuses on user engagement and the impact of UI design on older users’ level of engagement when using web-based applications. For the purpose of this research we are using Chumbuggy.com, an online service which allows people over 50 to engage in small group discussions about topics that are important and interesting to them. Due to the nature of the service provided by Chumbuggy and its target audience, we needed to design its UI to meet the high level of usability required to maximize the engagement of older adults. To this end, we created an iterative and incremental process of designing and testing Chumbuggy’s UI components. This paper presents our design and testing process, our findings, and a set of guidelines for increasing the online engagement of older adults through effective UI design.

The aim of this research is to investigate the determinants of Chinese older adults in the use of the social network service (SNS). Qualitative and semi-structure analysis were applied to understand what factors encourage or discourage older adults use WeChat, a most frequently used SNS in China. Our findings show a digital divide: the number of the older people used WeChat is far less than that of teenagers and young generation. Even those who used WeChat, they tend to use a small part of functions within WeChat. The survey demonstrated that psychological motivations such as sociality need, information exchange and entertainment had positive effects on older adults’ attitudes. The level of WeChat usage in the context of aging is influenced by the following major themes: usage purpose and motivation, social influence, physical fitness requirements and self-efficacy. For those users who have experienced WeChat, most have positive attitude toward WeChat. Security concerns and perceived cost are not strong negative factors impeding on the older adult using the WeChat but how they use the functions provided by WeChat.

Information Technology machines as MFPs (Multiple Function Printers) and ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) with complicated functions require better user assistance, particularly for elderly people. It is necessary to reduce psychological loads such as a sense of insecurity or impatience in operation, as well as the cognitive load.This study focuses on enhanced operational rhythm to reduce psychological load on the elderly when using MFPs, which require the user to navigate between quite a few settings. Evaluation was carried out by observing elderly subjects and middle-aged subjects using MFP interfaces whilst hearing an audio rhythm at a Tempo of 40, 60 and 120 bpm (beats per minute).The number of operational errors and overall time taken to complete the task were recorded, along with subjective evaluation via interviews with the subjects. The results showed that elderly subjects tended to operate in accordance with the operational rhythm. On the other hand, middle-aged subjects tended to operate at their own rhythm.

Modern manufacturing processes are based on complex computer-aided planning processes, which are provided by CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)-software systems. Due to increased functional capabilities of CAM software, the complexity of these systems and the demands on CAM users are rising. Facing the demographic change (cognitively aging users, retiring of experienced CAM experts who are succeeded by inexperienced users), not only general learnability issues but also user-specific requirements are becoming increasingly important. An online-survey focusing on the learnability of CAM-software, and existing learning environments and strategies in manufacturing practice was conducted (n = 76) and effects of age and CAM expertise were analyzed. Implications for CAM skill acquisition among users of different age and expertise groups were derived.

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot-test a web-based application that could train a diverse group of aging adults to more successfully use technologies vital to functional tasks and independent, everyday living. The training application simulated the use of automatic teller machines (ATMs) and the use of a mobile phone to call and fill a prescription. Thirty-two adults (age range 28–71, 63 % aged 55+) were assessed at baseline on functional task performance by being given an ATM task and a prescription task assessment to complete. Participants then underwent 2 weeks of training before being given a follow-up assessment; informal evaluation interviews were also administered. Overall, participants found it easy to use the training interface and that the presentation of material was favorable, however some would have preferred less repetition in training tasks. Recommendations on application-development and design as well as training structure are discussed.

The aim of the PRISM trial was to examine the potential benefits of a Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) computer system on the well-being and perceived social support of an older adult sample at risk for social isolation. Participants (N = 300) were randomly assigned to receive the PRISM system, which was designed to support social connections, information gathering, prospective memory, and access to local and national resources, or a binder that contained similar information. The intervention lasted one year, and the computer usage of the PRISM group was monitored. This trial represented a unique opportunity to explore potential barriers to the adoption and continued use of information and communications technologies. Specifically, this paper explored the relationship between computer proficiency and use of the PRISM system over time. Contrary to what one might predict, participants with initially low proficiency used the system more over the course of the trial (r(123) = −.22, p < .05). The fact that even those with the lowest levels or proficiency were able to become among the most active PRISM users may reflect that the system was designed well for older adult computer novices (the intended target of the intervention). Over the course of the trial, participants assigned to the PRISM condition improved substantially in their computer proficiency. Increased computer proficiency from baseline to 12 months was a much strong predictor of system use (r(123) = .53, p < .001), possibly reflecting increased proficiency as a result of greater use over time. Overall, data suggest a complex relationship between computer use, computer proficiency, and changes in computer proficiency over time worthy of additional exploration to further understand the effects of, and barriers to, the use of information and communications technologies.

In recent years, much attention has been drawn to the burgeoning market of older gamers. As such, a greater base of knowledge has been amassed from studies that assess the characteristics of this active gamer population. Yet, not much is known about today’s Middle-Aged Gamers, the next generation of older gamers. Using grounded theory methodology and a life course perspective, the interview responses of 56 gamers – 30 Older Gamers (age 60 to 77) and 26 Middle-Aged Gamers (age 43 to 59) – were coded and examined with an eye for recognizing generational characteristics. This resulted in the identification of three distinct themes: game preferences, platform used, and anticipated future gameplay. The findings demonstrate that it cannot be assuming that the Middle-Aged Gamers will, in time, be like today’s Older Gamers. Rather, they exhibit qualities that will reshape scholars’ and game developers’ notions of gameplay in old age.

This paper sums up the evaluation results of a tablet computer course for older adults. As part of an European research project, the SenApp project, online course modules were developed to teach older adults the first steps on a tablet computer. After the course, a questionnaire was filled in Germany and France (N = 26). The evaluation focused on differences in satisfaction with support and course contents and in learning routines between age groups, education level, countries and pre-experience conditions. Main findings suggest that both courses were rated good, but that some support and content aspects were rated less good in France and by lower educated participants, by participants with less pre-experience in e-learning and by older age groups. This suggests that future course concepts should be created more flexible with different learning amounts for different experience levels and that especially support possibilities can be improved for some groups.

This exploratory qualitative study provides insight into the role that exergames play for seniors. 15 participants (aged 53–78) engaged in playing Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2 on the Xbox 360 Kinect, after which we conducted a semi-structured interview with each participant. We found that in all cases, the innate psychological needs of autonomy and competence (Self Determination Theory) were met. Playing the exergame served not only as a therapeutic instrument with a capability to exert a positive effect on physical and social wellbeing, it also brought entertainment, providing excitement and fun.

Within home telehealth programs, patients often receive devices and applications which they may need to learn how to use. A user feedback study with training materials on a tablet PC and patient application, designed for older chronic patients, was conducted with fifteen USA patients from the Philips Intensive Ambulatory Care home telehealth program. Two themes emerged from the findings, in relation to the training program: (1) Relevance, appreciation and user experience, and (2) patient preferences, which had two sub-themes (a) Manner of communication and (b) designing the interaction. Participants found training materials relevant, preferred materials that allow practicing and provide feedback, especially when worded in a manner that is encouraging but not patronizing. They preferred information in audio as well as text formats due to their abilities. Training materials introducing technologies to patients, appropriate for their abilities and preferences, need to be devised and provided to promote telehealth patient engagement.

Successful aging in Western cultures is associated with remaining independent based on physical and mental health while also remaining engaged with others. Video game play has been found to enhance physical and mental health in older adults, however engagement with others has received less attention from scholars. This study examines the multiple reasons older adults provide for playing video games with family members, focusing on how this process maintains intergenerational relationships. While design issues and negative attitudes may prevent some older adults from playing video games, we offer solutions to overcome these barriers.

Older adults are facing various challenges while using technology. With an ageing society, it is desirable to develop senior-friendly innovations to empower older adults to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives. This study examines ageing issues of older adults in Singapore and their coping strategies through adoption and appropriation of technology in the form of smartphones and wearable devices. Data was collected through in-depth interviews (10 participants) and focus groups (26 participants in 4 groups). Health problems, financial difficulties, loneliness and security concerns were the major ageing –related issues emerged from our analysis. The current status of technology use, adoption barriers and desired functions are discussed.

The aging process is associated with changes to many tasks of daily life for older adults, e.g. driving. This is particularly challenging in rural areas where public transportation is often non-existent. The current study explored how age affects driving ability through use of an immersive virtual reality driving simulator. Participants were required to respond to typical driving events: stopping at an intersection, controlling vehicle speed, and avoiding objects in the road. Results showed that older adult performance was consistently lower than the younger adult group for each driving event, and matched those of real-world accident data. Post-study survey data suggested that all participants were able to easily interact with the driving simulator. Results also demonstrate the efficacy of immersive virtual reality as an effective research tool. Findings from this research will influence the development of compensatory augmentations, or navigational aids, and enrich our understanding of driving and age-related concerns.

As drivers and pedestrians, older adults face greater risk for serious injury and death resulting from a crash. Part of this increased risk can be attributed to increased fragility with age, but increased risk is also due in part to a mismatch between the demands of the driving/pedestrian task and the perceptual, cognitive, and motor abilities of the aging road user. This paper presents a broad overview of the approaches that have been taken to reduce the crash risk of aging road users by either changing the vehicle and roadway environment or changing the road user (i.e., strategy training/cognitive training). A summary of the work conducted by the Aging Driver and Pedestrian Safety Lab (ADAPtS Lab) investigating the efficacy of roadway modifications to reduce crash risk is presented. Further, we provide a brief review of how technologies on the horizon (i.e., autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles) might impact the safety of aging road users. These technologies will likely result in the solution to some problems while introducing new problems that warrant additional human factors studies involving participants of all ages and levels of driving skill. The promises and challenges of roadway modifications, driver education and training, and automation as solutions are compared and contrasted.

In discussing the city suitability to people’s needs, generally a special attention has been given to people with special needs, e.g. the elderly. In this sense, most of the research about accessible cities has focused on the architectural design of public spaces, aiming at ensuring the access to urban places through the removal of architectural barriers. However, as technologies have been diffusing in many different city services, it also should be given attention to the constraints derived from this unavoidable change affecting the elderly life. The focus is on the potential of the technologies for improving the elderly city experience. In this paper the authors, starting from the principles of the transgenerational design, focus on how the technologies applied to the public transportation services could improve citizen experience and promote really inclusive mobility services.

Over the last two decades, the task of providing transportation accessibility for aging people has been a growing concern as that population is rapidly expanding. From this standpoint, serious challenges arise when we consider ensuring aging people’s transportation-based accessibility to critical emergency facilities such as hurricane shelters. An efficient strategy to address this problem involves using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based tools in order to evaluate the available transportation network in conjunction with the spatial distribution of aging people, and critical emergency facilities, plus regional traffic characteristics. This study develops a Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based methodology to measure and assess the transportation accessibility of these critical facilities through a diverse set of case study applications in the State of Florida. Within this evaluation, spatially detailed county-based accessibility scores are calculated with respect to designated hurricane shelters (both regular and special needs shelters) using both static and dynamic travel times between population block groups and critical facilities. Because aging of the Baby Boom generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) is expected to produce a 79 % increase in the number of people over the age of 65 in the next two decades, the proposed methodology and case studies can inform transportation agencies’ efforts to develop efficient aging-focused transportation and accessibility plans.

Given the increased fatality risk of older pedestrians, and the large and growing older adult population in the United States and around the world, many countermeasures to ensure aging pedestrian safety have been explored (e.g., different types of crosswalk markings). The present study sought to investigate the potential of an experimental countermeasure, the flashing pedestrian indicator (FPI). This signal, intended for right-turning drivers, alternates between a yellow arrow and a pedestrian symbol when a pedestrian calls for a walk phase at a signalized intersection. The purpose of this signal is to cue right-turning drivers to the potential presence of a pedestrian, encourage scanning to the right for crossing pedestrians, and promote driver yielding behaviors. We conducted a study to gauge the comprehension of drivers who were naïve to the signal to explore if the FPI’s intended message was understood. Participants were presented with scenarios depicting the FPI and other signal states and were asked the meaning of the observed signal (open-ended and multiple choice questions). Comprehension was tested across a range of age groups: younger (21–35 years), middle-aged (50–64), and older adult (65+) drivers. While in general the signal was understood, some participants were confused regarding the meaning of the FPI in certain situations. Potential positive effects of the FPI need to be weighed against potential confusion before any further recommendations can be made regarding the FPI as a potential countermeasure to assist with pedestrian crashes.

The personal vehicle is increasingly the preferred mode of travel for aging adults. There are greater numbers of older drivers on the roads driving more miles than ever before, and it is important to be aware of declines that might affect them. Existing technology adoption frameworks are reviewed and relevant issues surrounding older adults’ adoption of advanced driver assistance systems and/or autonomous vehicles are discussed. A secondary analysis is performed on recently collected Floridian survey data that over-sampled older adults (age 55+ yr). Exploratory factor scores are calculated based on survey responses and the predictive effects of age, gender, annual household income, ease of new technology use, and providing information relating to the technologies are examined. Results are discussed in terms of how best to increase older adults’ familiarity with and trust of these transportation technologies in order to help ensure their adoption and safe usage.

We may fail to notice things in our environment because our attention is directed somewhere else, a phenomenon called inattentional blindness. Our susceptibility to inattentional blindness increases as we age. We explored three potential moderators of the age and inattentional blindness relationship: (1) the spatial proximity of the unexpected object to our focus of attention; (2) the match between the features of the unexpected object and those we have prioritized—our attention set; and (3) the salience of the unexpected object. Using a large sample of participants, we found no evidence that any of these moderate the effect that age has on inattentional blindness; the effect of age is robust. We discuss the implications for older drivers.