Abstract
This article explores mixed methods data gathered from a pilot of a communication system prototype in the homes of 19 older adults over a period of 10 weeks. The system has been designed to enhance communication among both friends and strangers and has been developed as a possible tool to increase interaction in older adults suffering from social isolation and loneliness. The paper uses remote logging data to inform discussion of how such a technology was received and utilised over time in a home setting. Qualitative data gathered via entry and exit interviews, and weekly checkpoint calls were used to provide deeper insight into patterns and practices identified via the logs.
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Acknowledgments
Thanks are due to our colleagues, especially Brian Lawlor, Ben Arent, James Brennan, Vanessa Buckley, Julie Doyle, Ronan McDonnell, Blaithin O’Dea, Simon Roberts, Cormac Sheehan, David Singleton, Claire Somerville, Zoran Skrba, Susan Squires, Maurice ten Koppel, Flip van den Berg and Ciaran Wynne. This research was completed as part of a wider programme of research within the TRIL Centre (Technology Research for Independent Living). The TRIL Centre is a multi-disciplinary research centre, bringing together researchers from UCD, TCD, NUIG & Intel, funded by Intel, IDA Ireland and GE Healthcare. www.trilcentre.org.
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Garattini, C., Wherton, J. & Prendergast, D. Linking the lonely: an exploration of a communication technology designed to support social interaction among older adults. Univ Access Inf Soc 11, 211–222 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-011-0235-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-011-0235-y