Supporting Autonomy in the Aging Population by using an Accessible Information System on Comfort Products and Assistive Technology

Objective: The purpose of the developed information system on comfort products and assistive technology called SJOBOKS, is that the system easily can be used by end users. Main Content: A growing percentage of the population belong to the elderly people. Because of the phenomenon of aging these elderly experience limitations in functioning. Ingenious solutions, handy and comfortable products and simple assistive technologies are available to support the independent functioning of these people. The gap between the need and the knowledge requires more information and advice about the existing products. In various European countries databases on assistive technologies are available. Mostly these databases are accessibly by the internet. However, this information is often not easily accessible for people who are not familiar with using a computer or the internet. There is a need for an information system that is easily accessible and inspires users to buy products that give them greater independency and autonomy. Therefore SJOBOKS was developed, which is an easy accessible interface containing information on comfort and handy products and simple assistive technologies. It can be operated by a touch screen or by a computer mouse. It contains 300 product descriptions and 80 short films. Method: Data was gathered by using questionnaires and observing people using SJOBOKS. Participants were independent living elderly of 75 y/o and over, people with physical and visual impairments and people with low Social economic status and professionals in the field of assistive technology. Results: According to the majority of the participants the SJOBOKS did provide in the need for information. The information was found interesting and attractive and the interface easy to use. Half of the participants needed encouragement to use the system. SJOBOKS could assist in living independent for a longer period, according to half of the participants. Suggestions for improvement were about the content, to add information such as availability of the products and more detailed information. Most participants found it obvious to have the SJOBOKS free of charge on the market. Conclusion: According to the participants, SJOBOKS gives relevant information on handy, comfort and simple assistive technologies, provided that encouragement in usage is given.