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Research on smart home monitoring for older adults has predominantly focused on systems whose data and alerts are directed towards family members, caregivers, or healthcare providers. Older adults have expressed interest in engaging with these systems by seeing and using their data, but they are often limited to a passive role as subjects of monitoring. This paper presents qualitative results of a longitudinal smart home project with older adults living independently in the community. Based on interviews conducted throughout the 2.5-year study with 12 participants, we report on their lived experiences of having the monitoring system in their homes and on how they reflected on the data collected by the system. The results show how participants were able to extract meaningful information from the monitoring data without finding the system invasive or intrusive. Specifically, older adults exhibited interest in data that they found indicative of living an active lifestyle, such as time spent outside the home. Drawing from critical literature on active aging, we discuss implications for incorporating peer comparisons to support reflection on personal health data without reinforcing a deficit narrative of aging.
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Exploring Attitudes Towards Smart Home Technology Through Focus Groups: Comparing Older Adults With and Without Health Conditions
General age-related declines in sensory perception, cognition, and physical abilities may impact older adults’ abilities to maintain independence. The development of smart home technologies can compensate for these declines and assist older adults in their daily lives. This study aims to understand the key challenges and opportunities in designing effective smart home products for older adults. We conducted a virtual focus group with 10 participants (five healthy and five with health conditions) aged 65 to 80 to explore their perspectives on smart home technology. These discussions revealed five key themes: concerns, barriers, perceived benefits, adoption motivators, and future outlook. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences that both groups proposed regarding various aspects influenced by their different health situations. Findings will inform future smart home design decisions and the development of more inclusive smart home solutions that support and empower senior citizens to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2153504
- PAR ID:
- 10538133
- Publisher / Repository:
- SAGE Publications
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
- Volume:
- 68
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1071-1813
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: p. 3-8
- Size(s):
- p. 3-8
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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