This document discusses introducing iPads to older adults. It provides examples of programs that have loaned or provided iPads to older adults for training and engagement. Benefits of iPad use for older adults include social engagement, mental stimulation, independence, and leisure activities like reading, games, and photos. Considerations for programs include device ownership, instructor age and ratios, accessibility options, and differences between older and younger users. Recommendations include simplifying tasks and exploring student interests.

1. Kate Finn, Ph.D.
Fiona Finn Tiene
Wiser Usability, Inc.
Introducing iPads to
Older Adults

2. "I don't have any formal studies, but I see
residents who don't like large groups now
have something to keep them stimulated,
and I see their smiles and satisfaction
that they can accomplish the task.”
[Director of a Memory Care Assisted Living Residence]
Why an iPad? Why Now?
ASA 2014 2Introducing iPads to Older Adults

3. “The dominant response in residents’
satisfaction surveys was the desire for
more technology and education.”
[Director of Bus Dev at Senior Living Community]
Why an iPad? Why Now?
ASA 2014 3Introducing iPads to Older Adults

4. “The residents were clearly engaged for a
lengthy amount of time and proud of
themselves once they completed a game.”
[Director of Assisted Living Community]
Why an iPad? Why Now?
ASA 2014 4Introducing iPads to Older Adults

5. 1983: Steve Jobs’ Concept
 Great computer in a book you carry
 Learn to use in 20 minutes
 Wireless access to everything
2010: Release of first iPad
2013: 200m tablets sold
Background
ASA 2014 5Introducing iPads to Older Adults

6. Tablets vs. Other Devices
ASA 2014 6Introducing iPads to Older Adults
Image © 2013 Compilr.com

7. +
 Lightweight
 Portable
 Screen, target size
 Easy to maintain
 Direct touch
 Simpler interface
 Security
−
 Expense
 “Accessibility”
 Passwords required
 User Interface
 Hidden functions
 Multi-touch gestures
 Accuracy for selecting
 App inconsistency
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 7
iPad Device Pro’s and Con’s

8.  Staying in touch with
friends and family
 Reducing loneliness
 Keeping up with
current events
Benefits: Social Engagement
ASA 2014 8Introducing iPads to Older Adults

9.  Mental stimulation
 Activity tracking
 Sense of independence,
control
Benefits: Health
ASA 2014 9Introducing iPads to Older Adults

10.  Content Consumption
 Reading
 Film, tv shows
 Reminiscence
 Photo
 Content Creation
 Writing
 Art
 Photography
Benefits: Leisure
ASA 2014 10Introducing iPads to Older Adults

11. “Reasons why iPads are good for memory care
residents” [from aPlaceForMom.com]
 Encourage socialization; some encourage mobility
 Open up ways of communication (music, art)
 Something new, fun, “easy”
Benefits: People with
Memory Impairments
ASA 2014 11Introducing iPads to Older Adults

12. Older Adults’ Main Uses for iPads?
Mostly the Same as Everyone Else’s!
ASA 2014 12Introducing iPads to Older Adults
 Keeping in touch with friends/family
 Reading
 Brain training and other games
 Health research
 Financial transactions
 Shopping
 Taking, organizing photos
 Reminiscing, autobiography
 Listening to music

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 Good question!
 Strong push for “helpful” apps for the 50+
Most Popular Mobile Applications?
“Savvy Seniors”
• Skype
• Story Before Bed
• Find My Phone
• Over 40 Magnifier
• Pillboxie
• VizWiz
• Dragon Dictation
• iDiabetes
• BP Monitor
“Devices & Apps for the Elderly”
• MedWatcher
• Diabetes
• Prime Alert
• MediSave Virtual Pillbox
“Top Apps for Post50s”
• It’s Done
• Eye Reader
• Pandora
• Park’n Find
• iTriage
• Mint.com
• Ambiance
• GasBuddy
• Fandango
• AroundMe

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Example Programs

15.  Goal: to get more engagement between
residents and families
 iPads on long-term loan to residents
 Specific staff conduct drop-in classes,
are available to help between classes
 Several residents bought iPads
 Classes now open to non-residents
(BYOD)
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 15
Sunny View Retirement
Community

16. OATs
 An established non-profit in NYC
 Offers courses at several sites
SeniorNet
 Non-profit with locations at community and senior
centers around the world
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 16
OATs & SeniorNet

17. Contracts to give classes in
senior communities and centers.
Also offers a Train-the-Trainer model.
Trains staff members how to:
Set up iPad
Teach classes
Provide support
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 17
Generation Connect

18.  25 teen volunteers partnered with 35 OAs
 Over 5-mos, held 28 learning events (450)
 “Improved seniors’ technology knowledge and
enriched the lives of both generations”
 One-to-one tutoring available by appt
 BYOD
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 18
City of Palo Alto Library

19.  College students are teamed w 2 OAs
who live in senior residence
 Work with them for 6 months
 OAs have iPads, or borrow from Pace
 Graduation ceremony!
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 19
Pace University: Gerontechnology

20.  Pilot Programs: Participants get iPads, wi-fi, training
for 5-6 mos
 In DC, with OATS and Family Matters of Greater Wash.
 Ended Nov 2013
 Chose people w/o any previous computer experience
 In South Dakota, with OATS (trained volunteers),
USD and Good Samaritan Society
 Ending March 2014
 55 seniors get classes 2x/wk, + lab
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 20
AARP Foundation:
Connecting to Community

21.  Helps low-income, older Americans combat loneliness
and develop social connections through social media
and other online offerings.
 Adoption of technology increases social engagement
among OAs, but many can’t take advantage of it b/c
of lack of instructional opportunities and support.
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 21
AARP Foundation:
Connecting to Community

22. ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 22
AARP TEK Pavilion,
Life@50+
Photo courtesy GypsyNester.com

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AARP TEK Pavilion,
Life@50+

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AARP TEK Pavilion,
Life@50+

25.  Purpose
 Settings
 Population (skill level)
 Device Ownership
 Support
 Configuration
 Instructors (age, ratio)
 Duration, Frequency!!!
Differences among Programs
ASA 2014 25Introducing iPads to Older Adults

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Accessibility Options

27. Vision
 Voiceover
 Speak Selection
 Siri
 Dictation
 Zoom
 Font Adjustment
 Invert Colors
Hearing
 Facetime
 Closed Captions
 Messages with iMessage
 Mono Audio
 Visible and Vibrating
Alerts
 Made-for-iProduct Hearing
Aids
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 27
Accessibility Options

28. Physical and Motor Skills
 AssistiveTouch
 Siri
 Switch Control
 Dictation
 Keyboard Shortcuts
Learning and Literacy
 Guided Access
 Speak Selection
 Dictionary
 Safari Reader
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 28
Accessibility Options

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Accessibility Options

30.  Familiarity with icons and terminology
 Speed and accuracy of motor skill usage
 Recognition of gestures on touchscreen
 Inclination to
explore/experiment
 Amount of use in
spare time
 Memory of past
information
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 30
Differences between
Younger and Older Users
Flickr Photo by Fancy Jantzi

31.  Show students what’s possible, but find out what they're
actually interested in doing/learning
 Provide quiet environment
 Simplify passwords, network access
 Help them set up their accessibility options
 Provide handouts or notebook
 Review at start of each lesson
 Assign homework
 Encourage student sharing
 Encourage student exploration
 Online, face-to-face contact w students between classes
ASA 2014 Introducing iPads to Older Adults 31
Recommendations

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Some Online Learning Resources

33. kfinn@wiserusability.com
408.806.8451
ASA 2014 33Introducing iPads to Older Adults
Questions?
Anything to share?
Kate Finn, Ph.D.
Fiona Tiene
Wiser Usability, Inc.
Usability Testing/
Reviews
Focus Groups
Interaction Design
Workshops/
Tutorials