Project: Confidence in every step 1.0

Facts about the project

Project title
Confidence in every step 1.0 – using interactive technology to enhance functional mobility and balance in daily living among older adults
Project manager
Sofia Backåberg
Other project members
Mirjam Ekstedt, Cecilia Fagerström, Susanna Strandberg, Stefan Andersson
Participating organizations
Linnaeus University, University of Calgary, Kalmar Kommun, Region Kalmar County
Financier
Forte, STINT, Kampradstiftelsen
Timetable
1 dec 2020 – 1 dec 2021
Subject
eHealth (Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)
Research group
The ReAction group – Resilient healthcare and patient activation

More about the project

Today, physical inactivity is the fourth-highest risk factor for mortality worldwide and a major contributor to disability among older adults. With a growing population of older people, promotion of healthy and independent living in older age is critical. Mobility-related concerns impose an important challenge to tackle for social and healthcare systems worldwide. Knowledge regarding methods and interventions to support older adults to maintain and improve functional mobility in physical activity of daily living is scarce and needs to be addressed with innovative solutions. This proposed project is based on the Self-Determination Theory and the hypothesis that older adults can improve and strengthen their functional mobility if they get adequate support and motivation. Previous research is showing that Peer-to-peer learning (PPL) and structured video feedback may provide such a motivational support. We draw on an existing tablet-based PPL platform (available on iPad, iPhone and Android in Swedish and English), and together with older adults, will co-design a tailored tool to address their preferences.

By using co-design, we engage a group of older adults (+65) in the development process, who will, together with the research group and technical development, create activities within the platform. The activities will be tested and by older adults in pairs in their home-environment and evaluated with interviews.

This project will add valuable knowledge regarding older adults’ experiences and needs of support in daily living, individually and in pairs, and the development of an interactive tool aiming to enhance health, functional mobility, balance and confidence in physical activities of daily living.

The project is part of the research in the research group The ReAction group - Resilient healthcare and patient activation and in Linnaeus University Centre for Data Intensive Sciences and Applications (DISA)