A focus group study for the design of a web-based tool for improving problem-solving in older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Aging impacts quality of life, necessitating interventions to maintain functional abilities and independence.
• Problem-solving skills are crucial for daily living, making problem-solving interventions a potential tool for aging adults.
• Web-based cognitive training offers a scalable solution for enhancing cognitive function in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore older adults' perceptions of daily living challenges and IT use.
• To understand motivations and expectations for participating in web-based problem-solving training.
• To inform the design of an effective and user-centered cognitive enhancement training program for older adults.

Main Methods:

• Conducted four focus groups with 27 older adults (aged 65-84) in Italy and the Netherlands.
• Utilized thematic analysis with Atlas.ti 8 software to analyze qualitative data.
• Incorporated user feedback directly into the development of a training prototype.

Main Results:

• Identified five key thematic areas: interests, difficulties, motivations, resources, and design suggestions.
• Highlighted older adults' specific needs, challenges, and expectations regarding digital cognitive training.
• Gathered crucial insights for tailoring a web-based problem-solving intervention.

Conclusions:

• User involvement is critical for developing effective and engaging cognitive enhancement tools for older adults.
• The findings directly informed the prototype of the Shared, Web-based, Intelligent Flexible Thinking Training (SWIFT).
• This user-centered approach is essential for promoting adherence and maximizing the benefits of digital health interventions for aging populations.