Segmentation of older people’s needs and readiness for smart homes by residentially-based lifestyles: A survey study in Spain
ABSTRACT
Background:
Globally, the elderly population is increasing rapidly. In Spain, the population aged 65 years and older reached 18% of the total population in 2020. Smart homes encompass a wide variety of functions, including assistive technologies that may help older people stay healthy and independent. Older people are not a homogeneous group and, as with any assistive technology, the functions must match the real needs of the target users to ensure adoption.
Objective:
In this study, as a step forward towards the adaptability of smart home technology, we present a method to analyze the practical needs of smart home functions for older people. An online survey was conducted on residentially-based lifestyles, health conditions, and smart home function preferences, targeting older adults in Spain.
Methods:
A total of 102 valid responses were analyzed. Then, we classified the elderly group according to their residentially-based lifestyles, and analyzed the preferences and needs of smart home functions for each group.
Results:
Four clusters emerged according to the information provided by the older adults who participated in the survey: 1) High quality of life and independent life; 2) Poor quality of life; 3) Social centered life; 4) Creative and personal-centered hobbies at home. Based on this, each particular group’s needs for smart homes were discovered and we could estimate how prepared each group is to embrace different aspects of technology. As a result of the analysis, the top priority smart home functions for each group were identified.
Conclusions:
This research helps to understand the practical user needs of smart homes as an assistive technology for older people and provides a method to anticipate and prioritize the required functions for a specific user according to the characterization of the cluster it belongs.
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