Summary
Objectives
This paper highlights the potential of smart home applications to not only assess
mobility determinants for older adults in the home environment but also provide the
opportunity for tailored interventions.
Methods
We present a theoretical framework for assessing mobility parameters and utilizing
this information to enable behavior change based on the Health Belief Model. We discuss
examples that showcase the potential of smart home systems to not only measure but
also improve mobility for community dwelling older adults.
Results
Mobility is a complex construct that cannot be addressed with a single monitoring
approach or a single intervention. Instead, tailored interventions that address specific
needs and behaviors of individuals and take into consideration preferences of older
adults and potentially their social network are needed to effectively enforce positive
behavior change. Smart home systems have the ability to capture details of one’s daily
living that could otherwise not be easily obtained; however, such data repositories
alone are not sufficient to improve clinical outcomes if appropriate mechanisms for
data mining and analysis, as well as tailored response systems are not in place.
Conclusions
Unleashing the potential of smart home applications to measure and improve mobility
has the potential of transforming elder care and providing potentially cost-effective
tools to support independence for older adults. A technologically driven smart home
application can maximize its clinical relevance by pursuing interactive features that
can lead to behavior change.
Keywords
Aging - mobility - remote sensing technology - self-efficacy