Safety First? Users’ Perception of Wearable Sensor Networks for Aging

Population aging is considered to be one of the most significant social transformations of the twenty-first century. In this paper, we evaluate the acceptability and usability of a system designed to silently monitor the activity and condition of older adults, with a particular focus on the elderly affected by cognitive decline. The system is composed of sensors that can be hidden in various wearable objects to collect data about a user and his/her surrounding environment and transmit them to a server for further elaboration. The aim is to improve safety and independence of older adults. We conducted a survey involving elderly people, their relatives and health practitioners to better assess their needs and provide them with a technology that is as little intrusive and visible as possible. The results of our survey are promising as the majority of the respondents expressed their willingness to use the proposed technology in their everyday lives.