Supporting Social Engagement Through Technology for Older Adults With and Without MCI

ABSTRACT This Phase I SBIR proposal submitted by Potluck LLCPhiladelphiaPArequests funds to develop over the course ofmonths an online social engagement platformPotluckfor adults agedand olderincluding individuals with mild cognitive impairmentMCIThe long term goal is to benefit health outcomessuch as survival and the mitigation of dementiawhich are affected by social engagement or lack thereofOlder adults are at risk of social isolationand thereforenegative health and quality of life outcomesPotluck s existing platform connects people from across the country and world over shared interests in a livesmall group video conversationIn distinct contrast to existing social media and online chatdatingor meet up appsPotluck connects people automatically and virtually for an in depthmeaningful conversation on topics they are passionate aboutNo exchange of private information or physical meeting is requiredUsers of different agesincluding older adultshave reported positive experiences using PotluckOur prior research has shown that older adults with and without MCI are interested in and will use computer technology and the Internet for personal enjoymenthoweverthey have unique socialization needs and technology design requirements that are rarely accommodatedIn collaboration with experts in human factorsagingand cognitive decline at UIUCPotluck proposes to test and optimize its platformand to assess social engagement benefits in seniors with and without MCIIn Aimfacilitators and barriers to the adoption of Potluck in older adults with and without MCIagedwill be identified by interviewing them before and after seeing the existing platform and having them react to core platform featuresStudyNThisplus a heuristic evaluation and cognitive walkthrough by expertswill inform user needs and re design requirements that will be implemented and iteratively tested in AimStudyNEach platform iterationat least three iterationswill be presented to two cognitively intact older adults and two older adults with MCI to identify and minimize use challengesIn Aimthe newoptimized platform will be installed in the homes of older adults with and without MCIStudyNwho will use and experience it for four weeksPre post measurements of social connectednesslonelinessisolationbelongingmatteringand quality of life will explore potential benefitsIn additiontechnology acceptanceusabilityand usage patterns will determine the feasibility of Potluck in the proposed user populationsPotluck s commercial potential will be enhanced by the successful completion of this projectand is already substantial given partnerships with civicacademicand financial institutionsIn Phase IIproduct refinements would be implemented based on Phase I learnings as well as sufficiently powered study protocols with proper controls to address effects on health and quality of life in older adultswith and without MCIIn Phase IIIPotluck would pursue commercialization objectivesas well as perhaps a large randomized controlled trial will need to determine long term clinical health benefits including dementia risk mitigation PROJECT NARRATIVE This research and product development delivers a novel social engagement technology for older adults with and without mild cognitive impairmentMCIthat is tailored to their needsabilitiesand interestsand will connect them to others in an accessible waythereby stimulating social connectedness and a sense of purposewhich has been found beneficial to health and quality of life outcomes for older adults