Perceived Benefit and Satisfaction With a Tablet Computer and an Emergency Smartwatch by Older Adults and Their...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Assistive technologies (ATs) can enhance older adults' quality of life and independence.
• Technological advancements have increased AT availability, but real-world evidence on benefits and satisfaction is limited.
• Caregiver burden can potentially be reduced by effective AT implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perceived benefits and user satisfaction with ATs in a real-world setting.
• To compare the effectiveness of a tablet computer and a smartwatch for older adults.
• To identify everyday challenges and improvements related to AT use.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, real-world pilot study involving community-dwelling adults aged 65+ and their relatives.
• Participants used either a simplified-interface tablet or a smartwatch with emergency contacts for 8 weeks.
• Outcomes included technology acceptance, user satisfaction, and performance using validated assessment tools.

Main Results:

• Older adults using smartwatches reported higher technology acceptance and satisfaction than tablet users, though not statistically significant.
• Relatives using the tablet computer showed a significantly higher intention to use compared to older adults.
• Smartwatch use led to significant improvements in performance and satisfaction related to safety and emergency situations.

Conclusions:

• Widespread AT adoption faces obstacles, indicating a need for further research and development.
• ATs show potential benefits in safety for older adults, but communication benefits were not evident.
• Future AT development must integrate the needs and goals of older adults, relatives, and caregivers for improved acceptance and effectiveness.