Abstracts Track 2025

Area 1 - Ageing Well – Social and Human Sciences Perspective
Area 2 - Telemedicine and Independent Living

Area 1 - Ageing Well – Social and Human Sciences Perspective

Nr: 47
Title:

Enhancing Life Satisfaction in Aging: Insights from Housing, Healthcare, and Technology
Authors:

Kristina Barczik and Belkais Kebir
Abstract: Multiple interrelated factors, including housing, social support, healthcare, and technological integration, influence life satisfaction among elderly people, particularly those living in rural areas. This study examines these aspects via a representative survey of adults aged 60+ in Germany's Upper Lusatia region. The objective is to determine the primary factors that improve quality of life in later years. The study includes essential elements such as housing adaptation, social engagement, access to public resources, and the function of gerontechnologies – understood as technologies that promote independent living in old age. The survey technique utilized structured questionnaires distributed to (n=736) participants, gathering data on living conditions, social networks, service accessibility, and receptiveness to assistive technologies. The investigation utilized correlation and regression methods to assess the impact of these variables on life satisfaction among rural seniors. The findings highlight the significance of health condition, satisfaction with the living place and opportunities for participation at that place in determining life satisfaction. Access to local services, including medical facilities, and cultural venues, showed a positive link with life satisfaction, while the availability of green areas enhanced this value. Analysing the satisfaction with housing conditions (like size, quality of housing like brightness, thermal and noise isolation) it is shown that factors like age-appropriate living, the size of the apartment (house) and the relationships with the neighbor contribute a high level of explanation. In this context, it should be noted that the mean assessment of the respondents' health status of the respondents was 2.82 on a scale of 0 to 6, indicating that their health is only of an average quality. Furthermore, the implementation of age-appropriate solutions within the apartment is insufficient. The presence of a stair lift is 2.7%, while the availability of a lift is 5.1%. Additionally, the scope for participation opportunities requires improvement, with a mean score of 2.52-3.33. Social integration has been proven to be a crucial predictor of well-being, with 65% of seniors identifying neighborhood connections and frequent social interactions as fundamental to their quality of life. Individuals residing in cohesive communities indicated enhanced security and satisfaction, underscoring the need for strong social infrastructure. The accessibility of healthcare and support services, particularly community-based alternatives such as volunteer networks, was essential, with more than 60% respondents expressing dependence on these resources. The use of diverse smart home technologies is remarkably low, with a range of 0.3% to 11.5%. Despite 40% of participants expressed a willingness to utilize gerontechnologies due to apprehensions over data security and usability, adopters of these technologies indicated improved everyday functioning and an increase in confidence. The findings of this research indicate that a comprehensive strategy involving age-friendly housing, social cohesiveness, accessible healthcare, and assistive technology markedly improves life satisfaction for older adults in remote regions. These findings provide essential insights for policymakers seeking to cultivate conditions that enhance independence, security, and quality of life for aging population.
Nr: 70
Title:

Social Inclusion of Older Adults and Digital Transformation: A Qualitative Analysis of EU Policy Documents
Authors:

Merve Ergüney
Abstract: This study aims to explore the European Union’s (EU) efforts to promote the social inclusion of older adults through digital transformation. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it analyzes key EU policy documents such as the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the European Social Fund (ESF+), and the Digital Decade Strategy. The research focuses on examining the objectives, strategies, and frameworks outlined in these documents to understand their potential for enhancing the digital participation and social inclusion of older adults. The analysis highlights how EU policies emphasize lifelong learning, accessibility, and inclusivity as critical elements in bridging the digital divide. By reviewing policy frameworks and implementation strategies, the study seeks to assess how these policies address challenges related to digital skills, accessibility barriers, and age-related stereotypes. The inclusion of examples from member states, such as Finland’s comprehensive lifelong learning programs, Germany’s public-private collaboration through the "Digital Kompass" initiative, and Latvia’s focus on rural digital education, further contextualizes the analysis. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers to create more effective and inclusive policies for older adults in the digital age. This publication is based upon work from COST Action Work inequalities in later life redefined by digitalization (DIGI-net)-CA21107, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
Nr: 63
Title:

The Role of Videoconferencing in Enhancing Well-Being for Cognitively Impaired Residents in Long-Term Care: Benefits and Costs
Authors:

Marie-Soleil Hardy
Abstract: Introduction: Residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. Researchers are suggesting the use of communication technologies to preserve social contacts and thus promote actions that protect the mental and physical state. Purpose: Based on the Fundamentals of Care Framework, the purpose of this presentation is to share the results of a pilot study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary effects of the use of the videoconferencing as a means of stimulation and communication between elderly people with major neurocognitive disorders in long-term care and their family caregivers. Methods: A mixed-methods convergent design was used to collect data in four LTC homes in the province of Québec, Canada. Semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary staff members, family caregivers and residents with neurocognitive disorders were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data on acceptability were collected from all participants. Measurement tools have been used to evaluate the level of engagement and pleasure of the elderly. Cost estimation was done using the Top-down allocation and Gross costing approaches. Results: 17 caregivers, 4 managers, 27 family members and 27 residents were recruited. The results suggest a favorable acceptability and a positive attitude of managers, staff members and family caregivers toward the use of videoconferencing in LTC to preserve and promote contact between residents and their family caregivers. However, staff members reported some challenges related to the burden and the costs regarding the invested time and staff shortage. The results also revealed short-term effects on the residents. There was no significant effect of time on levels of engagement and pleasure. The cost analysis showed that videoconferencing was more expensive than a face-to-face meeting. Conclusions: This research has demonstrated the importance of the need to communicate for elderly residents with neurocognitive disorders. This mode of communication provides additional opportunities for exchanges that elicit reactions, depending on the person's symbolic interpretation. Care staff can encourage communication with relatives and promote the effects of exchanges between them, for the well-being of residents. However, the impact on the organization remains to be seen.
Nr: 65
Title:

Connected by Necessity: Older Adults and Technology in Times of Isolation
Authors:

Maria Fernanda Cerda
Abstract: Technology adoption is a multifaceted process shaped by psychological, sociocultural, and contextual factors. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of technology, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older adults, who depended on digital tools to maintain social connections and access essential services during periods of social isolation. This research aimed to explore the adoption of technology among older adults, focusing on their experiences with connectivity, technological competence, and isolation during confinement due to health restrictions. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study employed grounded theory to delve deeply into the participants' experiences and perceptions. Data were gathered through interviews with 44 participants from both urban and rural areas of Chile. The findings reveal significant variability in older adults' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with technology, which influenced their willingness to adopt or reject it. A strong correlation emerged between prior familiarity or affinity with technology and the sense of obligation to use it during the pandemic. Additionally, the enforced social distancing measures heightened the perceived usefulness of technology for many participants, leading to a more favorable attitude towards its adoption. However, these attitudinal shifts did not consistently translate into a perceived increase in ease of use or a sustained rise in technology utilization. The results suggest that while the pandemic context fostered a greater appreciation for technology's role, barriers to adoption, such as limited competence or accessibility, persisted for many older adults.

Area 2 - Telemedicine and Independent Living

Nr: 64
Title:

Digital Interfaces for All: AI-Driven Accessible User Interface (UI) Designs
Authors:

Bilal Maqbool
Abstract: The increasing reliance on digital health services necessitates accessible and inclusive user interfaces (UIs) to meet the needs of diverse populations, including the elderly and individuals with motor impairments such as hand tremors. Traditional usability testing often encounters challenges in recruiting Hard-to-Get Participants (HTGP) due to privacy, ethical concerns, and health-related constraints. This study proposes the idea of an AI-Driven Design Evaluation System (A-DES), a novel framework aimed at improving accessibility by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the usability evaluation process. A-DES framework has a four-phase methodology: (1) collecting and analyzing user interaction data, (2) generating synthetic interaction datasets to supplement real-world data scarcity, (3) training AI models for simulating user UI interactions through imitation learning, and (4) providing real-time predictive feedback to guide UI design improvements. We conducted preliminary consultations with 16 professionals in the domains of technology innovation, healthcare, and user experience (UX) to review the framework proposal. These interviews revealed that AI offers significant potential to accelerate design cycles and identify usability and accessibility issues, particularly when traditional usability evaluations are challenging. Participants also highlighted the potential of simulating diverse user scenarios, designed to mimic real user interactions, to expand testing opportunities, particularly when recruiting participants from specific groups, such as individuals with Parkinson’s disease, is difficult. However, risks of over-generalizing user needs and excluding individuals with unique impairments were identified, underscoring the importance of diverse data and personalized approaches. While the promise of AI is evident, its success depends on ensuring transparency, reliability, and alignment with the diverse needs of user groups in digital health innovation. Our findings suggest that A-DES can address gaps in traditional usability testing, particularly for hard-to-get participants, by leveraging AI for scalable, data-driven design evaluations. This can assist in designing better digital solutions by promoting a user-centric approach and aligning with global objectives for sustainable and inclusive healthcare transformation.