Co-design and robots: A case study of a robot dog for aging people

© Springer International Publishing AG 2016. The day-to-day experiences of aging citizens differ significantly from young, technologically savvy engineers. Yet, well-meaning engineers continue to design technologies for aging citizens, informed by skewed stereotypes of aging without deep engagements from these users. This paper describes a co-design project based on the principles of Participatory Design that sought to provide aging people with the capacity to co-design technologies that suit their needs. The project combined the design intuitions of both participants and designers, on equal footing, to produce a companion robot in the form of a networked robotic dog. Besides evaluating a productive approach that empowers aging people in the process of co-designing and evaluating technologies for themselves, this paper presents a viable solution that is playful and meaningful to these elderly people; capable of enhancing their independence, social agency and well-being

CD 663 Older Adult Ministry

REQUIRED TEXTS The Force of Character and the Lasting Life by James Hillman (202 pages) Aging: God’s challenge to church and synagogue by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., and Donald F. Clingan. (153 pages) Designing Older Adult Ministry by Richard H. Gentzler (96 pages) Senior Adult Ministry in the 21st century: Step-by-Step Strategies for Reaching People Over Fifty by David P. Gallagher (147 pages) Loses in Later Life: a new way of walking with God, 2nd edition by R. Scott Sullender ( 186 pages) Aging: The fulfillment of Life by Henri J. M. Nouwen (160 pages) Aging, Spirituality, and Religion, a handbook by editors Melvin A. Kimble and Susan H. McFadden On Reserve in Library (200 pages of reading required) *Several journal articles are also required reading on reserve in library. (70 plus pages)https://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/2288/thumbnail.jp

The Summit on Creativity and Aging in America

This report looks at how the federal government can leverage the arts to foster healthy aging and inclusive design for this growing population. This white paper features recommendations from the May 2015 Summit on Creativity and Aging in America, a convening of more than 70 experts hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Center for Creative Aging. The paper highlights recommendations on healthy aging, lifelong learning in the arts, and age-friendly community design. The summit was a precursor to the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, which addressed four major issues: retirement security, long-term services and supports, healthy aging, and elder abuse

System development guidelines from a review of motion-based technology for people with MCI or dementia

As the population ages and the number of people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) continues to increase, it is critical to identify creative and innovative ways to support and improve their quality of life. Motion-based technology has shown significant potential for people living with dementia or MCI by providing opportunities for cognitive stimulation, physical activity and participation in meaningful leisure activities, while simultaneously functioning as a useful tool for research and development of interventions. However, many of the current systems created using motion-based technology have not been designed specifically for people with dementia or MCI. Additionally, the usability and accessibility of these systems for these populations has not been thoroughly considered. This paper presents a set of system development guidelines derived from a review of the state of the art of motion-based technologies for people with dementia or MCI. These guidelines highlight three overarching domains of consideration for systems targeting people with dementia or MCI: (i) cognitive, (ii) physical, and (iii) social. We present the guidelines in terms of relevant design and use considerations within these domains and the emergent design themes within each domain. Our hope is that these guidelines will aid in designing motion-based software to meet the needs of people with dementia or MCI such that the potential of these technologies can be realized

The design of caring environments and the quality of life of older people

There has been little systematic research into the design of care environments for older people. This article reviews empirical studies from both the architectural and the psychological literature. It outlines the instruments that are currently available for measuring both the environment and the quality of life of older people, and it summarises the evidence on the layout of buildings, the sensory environment and the privacy of residents. The conclusion is drawn that all evidence-based design must be a compromise or dynamic and, as demands on the caring environment change over time, this compromise must be re-visited in the form of post-occupancy evaluation

Etcetera

This section has been added to this Volume Two of Sociology between the Gaps to supplement the articles and essays published in this volume. Individuals, groups, and organizations all over the world are working to improve the lives of others in the communities in which they live and elsewhere. In this column we introduce readers to some of those efforts, noteworthy items related to the theme of liveable communities

Interacting with technology in an ever more complex World: Designing for an all-inclusive society

In a recent study we undertook we analyzed a relatively simple day-to-day technology namely the use of automatic teller machines (ATMs) by older adults. Our results alert to the fact that for an aging population Worldwide, even seemingly simple technological products (such as ATMs) have to be in future more carefully designed to be all-inclusive (e.g. intuitively usable by all) so that individuals do not feel marginalized by financially-oriented [as well as other] technology. This will enable obvious immediate benefits for people, including increased productivity, quality of life and independence. Recent studies have proven that belonging to social groups and networks – in sum, feeling included through one’s relationships in society – can be just as important for one’s health as diet and exercise – social isolation can be a health hazard comparable to that of smoking, high blood pressure and obesity (Jetten et al. 2009). Computers and technology, on the other hand, are to become ever more present in society (Challenger 2009). We thus believe that steps have to be taken to prevent the elderly and other groups with limitations from feeling disconnected in an increasingly technological World. Otherwise we will incur hidden costs at a growing rate (U.S. Census Bureau)

Experiencing mobility in underground transport systems.

A liveable city requires accessible transport systems to serve a diverse range of people; otherwise, citizens may find parts of the city inaccessible. Socio-economic consequences of severance are well known, however the impact of what the author names as ‘vertical severance’ (VS) appears less understood, owing to the relatively recent introduction of step-free underground stations. This paper explains What attitudes and issues caused VS. So What were the implications and actionable insights of VS within the context of liveability within cities, and What Next. To serve a diverse population recommendations include incorporating new design procedures, and new design ideas for existing and new stations. Furthermore, VS could become a measure that describes the how liveable a city is for people of all ages and abilities. In conclusion, a sustainable vision for People Centred Mobility in Liveable Cities requires zero VS within stations and other transport systems