User Centered Virtual Coaching for Older Adults at Home Using SMART Goal Plans and I-Change Model

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Aging populations require innovative solutions for healthy aging and independent living.
• Telemedicine and preventive care are crucial for managing health in older adults.
• Virtual coaching offers a promising avenue for supporting behavior change in seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a user-centered virtual coach designed for older adults living at home.
• To promote active and healthy aging, enhancing independent living through behavior modification.
• To support improvements in cognitive, physical, social, and nutritional health domains.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the I-Change behavioral model with SMART goal plans for personalized interventions.
• Developed an augmented reality home environment using projectors, cameras, and sensors.
• Integrated deterministic algorithms and machine learning for adaptive, non-intrusive intervention delivery.
• Enabled natural interaction via speech and gestures on projected interfaces with common objects.

Main Results:

• Older adults can select and personalize goal plans from an expert-curated catalog.
• The system adapts intervention delivery based on user preferences and minimizes daily life disruption.
• The virtual coach fosters positive behavior change through an augmented reality home environment.
• User interaction is facilitated through natural speech and body gestures.

Conclusions:

• The virtual coach offers a novel approach to support active and independent aging for older adults.
• The system's user-centered design and adaptive technology promote engagement in health behaviors.
• Future work should address the limitations of the current implementation for broader applicability.