Activity Tracker and Elderly

Wearable devices like activity tracker, measuring motion and steps, enable users to monitor their behaviour and might support a healthier lifestyle. These wearables might also motivate elderly to be active and live healthy. Unfortunately they are mostly designed for younger users and it is unclear if they are usable by older adults. In order to answer this research question a four week lasting empirical study was conducted regarding individual motivation and activity trackers´ usability with 15 participants older than 60 years. During the first session, participants put the activity tracker into operation without further instructions while "thinkingaloud" and mental effort was measured. During the whole study participants used the activity tracker according their personal needs. Usability was measured by Post Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) three different times - during introduction session, middle session after two weeks and at the final session after four weeks. The added value as well as the necessity of an app was evaluated in a crossover design. Therefore, participants used the activity tracker two weeks with and two without app. Aspects concerning user requirements identified during interviews were weighted by a pairwise comparison at the final meeting. Results revealed elderlies´ attitude towards usability, requirements, motivation, mental effort and technical affinity of activity tracker under field conditions. All in all activity trackers are accepted and motivating for elderlies as well as they have a suitable usability.