His research project focus on technologies supporting engagement in meaningful activities, in and out of the home while ageing. With the support of the research group Applied Gerontology, the project is conducted in the Movement & Reality Lab (Mo-Re-Lab) at Forum Medicum.
The overall aim of this project is to develop and evaluate strategies to improve quality of life, by enhancing the opportunities for people to engage in meaningful activities as they age. The use of smart home tech often involves cameras and sensors, it can for example be controlling the coffee maker via an app, so that the coffee is ready when coming home.
What have you seen so far?
– There is a mixed attitude among the participants in study 1, towards smart home technologies. Some find it positive and helpful, while others find it intrusive and unnecessary. The desire for a durable and simple smart technology was consistent across generations, while the desire to acquire skills to use such technologies to prepare for technology use as they age exists in older generations. There is a general preference for smart technology that promotes security and safety. Also, technology development should adapt to user needs.
Using simulated home environment
A focus group was utilized in study 1 to explore attitudes, needs, and desires towards smart home technologies among three generations, 30-39, 50-59 and 70-79 year olds. For study 2 a research circle with three sessions was organized to generate innovative solutions that address the needs, desires, and problems identified in the focus group study.
Study 3 focuses on methods development using a simulated home environment (Movement and Reality Lab) and a variety of sensor technologies to assess functioning in everyday activities. Study 4 is a feasibility study for large-scale data collection in the homes of older adults to assess functioning in everyday activities utilizing methods developed in study 3.
What was the most important feedback from this morning?
– That study 3 and 4 are clear to me, but not to the readers. So there is a need to revise and be concrete in concept that I am using, says William Son Galanza.
Now he will analyze data from study 2, while ethical application for study 3 and 4 is ongoing.
William's background is Geriatric Nursing and Global Health. He is affiliated both with the Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE) and National Graduate School on Ageing and Health (SWEAH).
Main supervisor is Steven Schmidt and reviewers Susanne Frennert and Staffan Karlsson.