Developing a pragmatic evaluation of ICTs for older adults with cognitive impairment at scale : the IN LIFE experience

Implementing information and communications technology (ICT) at scale requires evaluation processes to capture the impact on users as well as the infrastructure into which it is being introduced. For older adults living with cognitive impairment, this requires evaluation that can accommodate different levels of cognitive impairment, alongside input from family and formal caregivers, plus stakeholder organisations. The European Horizon 2020 project INdependent LIving support Functions for the Elderly (IN LIFE) set out to integrate 17 technologies into a single digital platform for older people living with cognitive impairment plus their families, care providers and stakeholders. The IN LIFE evaluation took place across six national pilot sites to examine a number of variables including impact on the users, user acceptance of the individual services and the overall platform, plus the economic case for the IN LIFE platform. The results confirmed the interest and need among older adults, family caregivers, formal caregivers and stakeholders, for information and communications technology (ICT). Relative to the baseline, quality of life improved and cognition stabilised; however, there was an overall reluctance to pay for the platform. The findings provide insights into existing barriers and challenges for adoption of ICT for older people living with cognitive impairment

Personalized e-health for elderly self-care and empowerment

This paper describes the OASIS Health monitoring system, a personalized e-health solution specifically designed for the elderly population in the context of OASIS EU funded project, with the objective to empower the elderly so that they meet their social, emotional and psychological needs, take care for their long-term condition, and prevent further illnesses or accidents. The system integrates four main areas that cover the main aspects of interest related to the health management of the users at their own homes: electronic health record personalization, remote health monitoring, education & coaching, and alerting & assistance