Perceived usefulness among elderly people: Experiences and lessons learned during the evaluation of a wrist device

In this paper, we present and discuss the evaluation of end user acceptance of a wrist device, designed to monitor vital signs and to detect adverse situations, such as falls, unconsciousness etc. and, if necessary, to alert emergency services to the wearers need. The goals of all concerned must be taken into account if the technological advances are to be of benefit to those for whom they are being designed. After the technical assessment was made, a further study of the end users views was aimed to show the acceptance levels of elderly end users to the idea of personal monitoring, its perceived usefulness in their every day lives, and their judgment of the design. This was made in the form of a questionnaire divided into five main areas: usefulness, attractiveness, usability, comfort and acceptance, and each end user was interviewed regarding their goals. Each of the interviewees regarded their own continuing independence as a primary goal; however their views as to the possibility of achieving this goal by the use of advanced technology differed. This work was completed as part of the EMERGE project, aimed at the support of elderly people in everyday life using innovative monitoring and assistance systems, with the use of ambient and unobtrusive sensors in order to increase their safety, thereby promoting a longer period of independence, a step made necessary by the demographic increase in the elderly population in Europe.