Co-Designing a Digital Solution for Decreasing Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older People in Sweden:...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Older adults face significant risks of loneliness and social isolation due to age-related changes.
• Maintaining social connections is crucial for healthy aging, well-being, and overall health.
• Existing digital solutions often lack user-centered design and fail to address the specific needs of isolated older individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a prototype health and welfare technology intervention aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation in older populations.
• To create a user-centered digital solution based on the expressed needs of older adults experiencing social isolation.

Main Methods:

• An iterative, three-phase participatory design process involving older adults, social service staff, and IT experts.
• Phase I: Workshops with social service staff to explore technology's role in reducing isolation.
• Phase II: Interviews and workshops with older adults to identify needs and technology applications.
• Phase III: Co-design workshops to generate and refine intervention ideas.

Main Results:

• Development of a paper prototype for the Fik@ room, a digital intervention supporting social interaction.
• Identified key user needs: accessible connection opportunities, flexible communication, and a safe environment.
• The Fik@ room prototype features a digital break room for interaction (video, audio, chat), a bulletin board, and user profiles.

Conclusions:

• The iterative co-design process resulted in a user-centered solution (Fik@ room) potentially enhancing usability and acceptability.
• The Fik@ room shows promise for reducing loneliness and social isolation among older adults.
• Further research is recommended to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in real-world settings.