Older Adults’ Perceptions of a Neckwear Health Technology

Abstract

Many gerotechnology devices are intended to help older adults improve health self-management and maintain independence. By including older adults throughout the design process, health technologies can be designed to meet their unique needs and preferences. This study investigated older adults’ perceptions of prototypes for a Wireless Event detection and Adherence Monitoring System (WEAMS). The WEAMS is a neckwear technology that would have the capability to assist with managing medication, tracking activity levels, and detecting falls. Twelve older adults (Mage = 77.7; SD = 7.13; 9 female, 3 male) completed in-home interviews on wearable health technologies and evaluated three non-functioning WEAMS prototypes on various aspects of ease of use, comfort, and desirability. Participants preferred prototypes with discrete design features and that were easy to put on and take off. Open-ended participant comments revealed a strong preference for the system to blend in with the user’s attire and not draw unwanted attention. Moreover, this study found perceived need to be an important factor in older adults’ acceptance of the WEAMS. Findings from this study will guide the design of the WEAMS neckwear and future wearable health technologies.