The Lab
The challenge
Develop simple, practical solutions that improve safety and provide quick emergency assistance for elderly individuals living alone, particularly those with limited digital skills. This challenge focuses on elderly residents of remote areas like Lastovo, a Croatian island where many live in isolation. The solution must be extremely easy to use, with minimal complexity, and include basic yet effective technology such as wearable emergency devices, home sensors, and access to telemedicine. The system should ensure that elderly individuals can call for help easily and receive timely assistance, while requiring minimal technical understanding.
Possible solutions
A system or application that prioritizes ease of use, with the following practical features:
- Simple SOS Button:
A wearable device (e.g., a wristband or pendant) with a single, easy-to-press SOS button that elderly individuals can use to call for help instantly. The button should automatically notify emergency services or pre-selected family members without any additional steps required from the user.
- Fall Detection Sensors:
Simple sensors installed in homes that automatically detect falls and notify emergency contacts. The elderly user does not need to interact with the sensor – it works automatically.
- Basic Mobile or Home-based Monitoring:
For elderly individuals more comfortable with basic technology, a simple mobile app or home-based monitoring system could provide a one-tap emergency contact feature. This option should have large, clearly visible buttons and minimal text for easy navigation.
- Telemedicine Access:
Include an option for telemedicine, enabling elderly residents to attend virtual consultations or health lectures from medical specialists. This would provide significant benefits, as it would reduce the need for elderly individuals to travel off the island just to get medical advice.
The context
This challenge is particularly important for remote areas like Lastovo, a Croatian island with limited access to emergency services and where many elderly individuals live alone. In these environments, elderly people often face medical emergencies or accidents like falls, and due to limited mobility or isolation, they are unable to call for help quickly. Additionally, accessing medical specialists often requires travel to the mainland, which is difficult for the elderly. By incorporating telemedicine, the solution could significantly improve their healthcare access.
Prerequisites and boundary conditions
- Low Digital Literacy:
The solution must be designed for elderly individuals with little to no experience with technology. Therefore, it must include a very simple user interface, clear instructions, and require minimal user interaction. Training should be provided, but the system should work with little or no ongoing technical management from the user.
- Hands-free Options:
For those with mobility issues, the solution should include hands-free options such as voice-activated systems or automatic sensors, eliminating the need to physically engage with devices.
- Data Collection and Privacy:
The system should collect minimal necessary data (e.g., location, health alerts) and ensure that this data is handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations. The data should only be shared with relevant emergency services or family members.
- User-friendly Onboarding:
Any wearable or installed technology must come with simple setup instructions and an onboarding process that is easy for caregivers or family members to implement. There should be ongoing technical support to assist with any challenges or questions.
Excluded technologies
Complex or highly technical interfaces, multi-step processes, or technologies requiring regular updates or maintenance by the elderly user are not appropriate for this challenge.
Existing technologies/System integration
The solution should be compatible with existing healthcare or emergency response systems to enable quick integration and a smooth response process. Additionally, the telemedicine feature should be integrated with common video conferencing tools to make medical consultations and health lectures accessible.
What else do we need to know?
The system should be easy to use, reliable, and provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies. It should collect only the necessary information and share it with trusted contacts or emergency services. The telemedicine feature will provide valuable healthcare access to elderly individuals, minimizing the need for travel off the island for medical advice.