Study
In line with the main Idea, SMART-AGE endeavors to address various research questions, including:
- • Can the use of different digital assistance systems improve the life of older adults?
- • How can a quality-of-life enriching interplay between self-regulation and co-regulation exerted by digital devices (App use) look like?
- • How could risks and developmental constraints be reduced / avoided?
The methodology involves a complex intervention trial designed to assess various configurations of apps in two communities in Southwestern Germany (Heidelberg and Mannheim).
SMART-AGE App Set-up
Study Arms
Depending on the study arm, the paticipants receive...:
... in arm 1: the tablet and the four SMART-AGE apps smartVERNETZT, smartFEEDBACK, KOKU and smartIMPULS
... in arm 2: the tablet with standard apps and two SMART-AGE apps smartVERNETZT and smartFEEDBACK
... in arm 3: the tablet with standard apps (e.g. email program, calendar, calculator).
Home visits
Depending on the group assignment, the participants receive between three and five home visits spread over the year.
During these home visits, the participants are introduced to the technical operation of the tablet and the apps. On the other hand, they perform different cognitive as well as motor tasks and exercises.
In addition, the participants complete various questionnaires via their study tablet at the beginning of the study and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
Screening criteria
SMART-AGE participants …
- • are at least 67 years old
- • live in Mannheim or Heidelberg in your own home environment (also: assisted living; not: living in a nursing home)
- • have a working internet connection (WiFi) and at least some previous experience in using a PC, notebook, smartphone, or tablet
- • understand the German language
- • are not employed for more than 20 hours per week
- • are not acutely or chronically seriously ill (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's disease, COPD, dementia, vision or hearing impairments)