The goals of our research and collaborative projects are to create tools and training techniques to promote cognition and health in older adults. Research Project 1 (Older GOMS Toolbox) will use meta-analytic techniques to generate valid information processing parameters for modeling older adult performance and to create a toolbox that the engineering and design community can use for GOMS modeling when designing technology products. We also aim to improve the reliability of task analysis and modeling with these tools. We also will extend such models to predict error rates in addition to task completion times. These tools will also be deployed to model devices and software in our collaborative projects. Research Project 2 (Cognitive Training Toolbox) will use simple hand-held systems to promote basic cognitive abilities.
The specific aim i s to promote a broad set of abilities -memory, attention, and executive control - with a well-integrated intervention based on experimental evidence of efficacy. Collaborative Project 1 (Effective software training) investigates training techniques to promote efficient use by older novice adults of a simple web-based e-mail client from partner Commino. We will evaluate a combined cognitive and emotional training intervention by incorporating stress reduction techniques developed in CREATE II to aid learners in combination with theoretically-motivated training techniques (spaced retrieval, delayed self-tests). Collaborative Project 2 (Mobile monitoring) assesses the privacy/confidentiality preferences and acceptability/comfort of a wrist-worn wireless monitoring device designed for community-dwelling older adults by partner AFrame Digital. The device registers and transmits continuous vital sign data (e.g., blood pressure, pulse/ox, fall detection). Experimental studies will determine what type of reporting interface enables older adults to make rapid and accurate evaluations of health status. The goals are to improve functionality and acceptability of mobile monitoring devices for older health care recipients. We will also be contributing to theory about cognition and aging through the use of our cross-site cognitive assessment battery and our participation in the crosssite field trial testing a personalized reminder information and social management system (PRISM).
Recent Pew Foundation surveys find that only a third of older Americans (age 65+) report using a computer or the Internet in the past year despite the growing incorporation of such tools into health care systems. Our research should extend our understanding of ways to facilitate better design, training for, and hence use of such technology in order to promote better cognition and health in older populations.
| Evans, Jarrett; Charness, Neil; Dijkstra, Katinka et al. (2018) Is episodic memory performance more vulnerable to depressive affect in older adulthood? Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn :1-20 |
| McGlynn, Sean A; Kemple, Shawn; Mitzner, Tracy L et al. (2017) Understanding the Potential of PARO for Healthy Older Adults. Int J Hum Comput Stud 100:33-47 |
| Souders, Dustin J; Best, Ryan; Charness, Neil (2017) Valuation of active blind spot detection systems by younger and older adults. Accid Anal Prev 106:505-514 |
| Rogers, Wendy A; Mitzner, Tracy L (2017) Envisioning the Future for Older Adults: Autonomy, Health, Well-being, and Social Connectedness with Technology Support. Futures 87:133-139 |
| Stuck, Rachel E; Chong, Amy W; Mitzner, Tracy L et al. (2017) Medication Management Apps: Usable by Older Adults? Proc Hum Factors Ergon Soc Annu Meet 61:1141-1144 |
| Charness, Neil (2017) What Has the Study of Digital Games Contributed to the Science of Expert Behavior? Top Cogn Sci 9:510-521 |
| Preusse, Kimberly C; Mitzner, Tracy L; Fausset, Cara Bailey et al. (2017) Older Adults' Acceptance of Activity Trackers. J Appl Gerontol 36:127-155 |
| Barg-Walkow, Laura H; Rogers, Wendy A (2016) The Effect of Incorrect Reliability Information on Expectations, Perceptions, and Use of Automation. Hum Factors 58:242-60 |
| Souders, Dustin J; Boot, Walter R; Charness, Neil et al. (2016) Older Adult Video Game Preferences in Practice: Investigating the Effects of Competing or Cooperating. Games Cult 11:170-120 |
| Charness, Neil; Best, Ryan; Evans, Jarrett (2016) Supportive home health care technology for older adults: Attitudes and implementation. Gerontechnology 15:233-242 |
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