Use of a Smart TV as a Platform for Social Engagement for Senior Citizens

Abstract: The number of studies investigating computer use or other technologies used by senior citizens has progressively increased in the last twenty years. The interest stems from a diverse range of research disciplines including human computer interaction, education, and many others. However, this group of people is less likely to use technology compared to younger groups. Senior citizens generally have a positive attitude towards technology, and they are willing to use the product if they need it. Positive attitudes are also more likely to be expressed towards devices used every day at home, such as the television, microwave etc. Even if those devices are now typically digital, senior citizens are familiar and comfortable with them. A common reason for not wanting to learn different technologies was the feeling that it may be too difficult for them or not having access to a computer or tablet. These characteristics drive us to offer a solution by rethinking the use of some existing technologies and making them more affordable and accessible to older people. It is offered on a TV, something that senior citizens are familiar and comfortable with and which most of them have it at home. As the first step, we identified different requirements and factors that affect senior citizens' daily lives, the things that they do most during the day. Based on these requirements, we had to find services that will fulfill them. The system is constructed from four major services such as video conferencing, news, books and different recreation videos (e.g.: tips about exercise, hunting, cooking or gardening.) Each one of these sections is identified by a review of previous research using a literature survey. These services were chosen, among others, for their effects on senior citizens' quality of life. Thus, our goal was to provide them with an adequate set of required services. The working environment (Smart TV) is based on the different reasons stated below in the research. Some of them are a) a Smart TV is an integrated system which offers features of both a traditional TV and a personal computer, b) it provides a large screen, is easy to use and always ready, and most importantly, c) the TV, the most-user friendly electronic device, is a basic activity of senior citizens in their daily life. Design perspectives and functional requirements are presented. Finally, we describe some scenarios and assessment methods of the proposed system with the target group (senior citizens). Based on the findings, we can conclude that there was great acceptance from senior citizens for the support of daily living and the ability to control their daily activities provided by this service.