Affiliation: OHSU Layton Center
Funding Period: 2010 - 2010
Funding Source: NIA - Roybal
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The overall objective of this pilot is to establish a new cohort for informing how technology may best be used to help facilitate independent aging. The pilot proposes to develop a unique methodology of creating a social network for research among retired engineers and to systematically evaluate the content of these informative interactions. This work will provide insight into the use of technologies for aging coming from the special perspective of retired individuals likely to understand the pros and cons of technology use and its application in everyday life.
Specific aims:
- To establish a cohort of retired senior engineers (e.g., electrical engineers, computer scientists) for research.
- To evaluate their insights, attitudes and beliefs about how current and emerging technologies for facilitating independent living and health may or may not be useful.
Study design: Subjects participate in a social networking blog/online bulletin board that presents information about technology for independent living; complete a survey of opinions about use and anticipated use of specific technologies and value-based concerns related to technology development; engage in discussion about home-based health and technology.
Seeking volunteers: Technically skilled older adults who are retired, and/or have an interest or expertise in the area of in-home health monitoring, and/or have cared for or are currently providing care for an older adult. If you are interested in participating, you can sign up at: http://juno.orcatech.org/EHS.
Contact: Linda Boise, PhD, MPH at boisel@ohsu.edu