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1. “Citizens Too”: Safety Setting Collaboration Among Older Adults with Memory Concerns

   https://doi.org/10.1145/3465217  

   Mcdonald, Nora; Mentis, Helena M. (October 2021, ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction)

   null (Ed.)

   Designing technologies that support the cybersecurity of older adults with memory concerns involves wrestling with an uncomfortable paradox between surveillance and independence and the close collaboration of couples. This research captures the interactions between older adult couples where one or both have memory concerns—a primary feature of cognitive decline—as they make decisions on how to safeguard their online activities using a Safety Setting probe we designed, and over the course of several informal interviews and a diary study. Throughout, couples demonstrated a collaborative mentality to which we apply a frame of citizenship in opensource collaboration, specifically (a) histories of participation , (b) lower barriers to participation, and (c) maintaining ongoing contribution. In this metaphor of collaborative enterprise, one partner (or member of the couple) may be the service provider and the other may be the participant, but at varying moments, they may switch roles while still maintaining a collaborative focus on preserving shared assets and freedom on the internet. We conclude with a discussion of what this service provider-contributor mentality means for empowerment through citizenship, and implications for vulnerable populations’ cybersecurity. 

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2. Gait monitoring for older adults during guided walking: An integrated assistive robot and wearable sensor approach

   https://doi.org/10.1017/wtc.2022.23  

   Zhao, Qingya; Chen, Zhuo; Landis, Corey D.; Lytle, Ashley; Rao, Ashwini K.; Zanotto, Damiano; Guo, Yi (January 2022, Wearable Technologies)

   Abstract An active lifestyle can mitigate physical decline and cognitive impairment in older adults. Regular walking exercises for older individuals result in enhanced balance and reduced risk of falling. In this article, we present a study on gait monitoring for older adults during walking using an integrated system encompassing an assistive robot and wearable sensors. The system fuses data from the robot onboard Red Green Blue plus Depth (RGB-D) sensor with inertial and pressure sensors embedded in shoe insoles, and estimates spatiotemporal gait parameters and dynamic margin of stability in real-time. Data collected with 24 participants at a community center reveal associations between gait parameters, physical performance (evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery), and cognitive ability (measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment). The results validate the feasibility of using such a portable system in out-of-the-lab conditions and will be helpful for designing future technology-enhanced exercise interventions to improve balance, mobility, and strength and potentially reduce falls in older adults. 

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3. Perceptions on Financial Exploitation and Technology-Based Solutions among Older Adults

   Martinez, Erin L; Jun, Jung Sim; Rack, Mark; Biehler, Sarah; Guo, Xiaolong; Chang, Shing_I (August 2025, Journal of elder abuse neglect)

   Stein, Karen (Ed.)

   Financial exploitation of older adults is rising significantly, necessitating effective interventions. This qualitative study examined perceptions and experiences of technology use among 40 adults over age 60 through rural and urban focus groups. Three primary themes emerged: technology knowledge gaps, trust and privacy concerns dependent on source credibility, and reactive rather than proactive approaches to combating financial exploitation. Urban participants demonstrated greater technology comfort and more sophisticated protective strategies than their rural counterparts. Findings suggest that effective interventions should provide in-person, step-by-step guidance from trusted institutions, simplify technical terminology, and promote proactive security measures. 

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4. Studying the Formation of an Older Adult-Led Makerspace

   https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445146  

   Lazar, Amanda; Pradhan, Alisha; Jelen, Ben; A. Siek, Katie; Leitch, Alex (May 2021, Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems)

   null (Ed.)

   Makerspaces are being introduced in a wide variety of settings, including community settings such as schools and libraries. Older adults are one group for whom making agendas are being pursued, with envisioned outcomes such as supporting agency and well-being. However, research on making and DIY with older adults typically study individuals who are already engaged in making practices or bring individuals in to a technology environment that has already been created. In this paper, we study the older adult-driven formation of a makerspace in an independent living community. Through an ethnographically-informed approach, we studied the ways that individuals considered appropriate allocation of resources towards a makerspace, scoped activities, evaluated goals, and made trade-offs. Our analysis is centered around describing the way that this makerspace formed as well as three ways that individuals made sense of the makerspace as the planning unfolded: the openness of a space that promises to cater to interests of the population; the promise of a makerspace to involve more residents in technology, but the need to obscure the technology to make it appealing; and a valuation of the return on investment for limited financial and space resources. Our discussion contributes to supporting and studying early adoption of technology by older adults, complicates visions of “making for all,” and presents considerations regarding the often under-specified community of a makerspace. 

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5. Upside and Downside Risk in Online Security for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

   https://doi.org/10.1145/3290605.3300573  

   Mentis, Helena M.; Madjaroff, Galina; Massey, Aaron K. (January 2019, Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems)

   Older adults are rapidly increasing their use of online services such as banking, social media, and email - services that come with subtle and serious security and privacy risks. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are particularly vulnerable to these risks because MCI can reduce their ability to recognize scams such as email phishing, follow recommended password guidelines, and consider the implications of sharing personal information. Older adults with MCI often cope with their impairments with the help of caregivers, including partners, children, and professional health personnel, when using and managing online services. Yet, this too carries security and privacy risks: sharing personal information with caregivers can create issues of agency, autonomy, and even risk embarrassment and information leakage; caregivers also do not always act in their charges' best interest. Through a series of interviews conducted in the US, we identify a spectrum of safeguarding strategies used and consider them through the lens of 'upside and downside risk' where there are tradeoffs between reduced privacy and maintaining older adults' autonomy and access to online services. 

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