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User Requirements Analysis of an Embodied Conversational Agent for Coaching Older Adults to Choose Active and Healthy Ageing Behaviors during the Transition to Retirement: A Cross-National User Centered Design Study

Author

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  • Sara Santini

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Vera Stara

    (Model of Care and New Technologies, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Flavia Galassi

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Alessandra Merizzi

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Cornelia Schneider

    (Institute of Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria)

  • Sabine Schwammer

    (Nursing Programme, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria)

  • Elske Stolte

    (Gouden Dagen, 3721 Bilthoven, The Netherlands)

  • Johannes Kropf

    (Austrian Institute of Technology, 1210 Wiener Neustadt, Austria)

Abstract

Background: Retirement is recognized as a factor influencing the ageing process. Today, virtual health coaching systems can play a pivotal role in supporting older adults’ active and healthy ageing. This study wants to answer two research questions: (1) What are the user requirements of a virtual coach (VC) based on an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) for motivating older adults in transition to retirement to adopt a healthy lifestyle? (2) How could a VC address the active and healthy ageing dimensions, even during COVID-19 times? Methods: Two-wave focus-groups with 60 end-users aged 55 and over and 27 follow-up telephone interviews were carried out in Austria, Italy and the Netherlands in 2019–2020. Qualitative data were analysed by way of framework analysis. Results: End-users suggest the VC should motivate older workers and retirees to practice physical activity, maintain social contacts and emotional well-being. The ECA should be reactive, customizable, expressive, sympathetic, not directive nor patronizing, with a pleasant and motivating language. The COVID-19 outbreak increased the users’ need for functions boosting community relationships and promoting emotional well-being. Conclusions: the VC can address the active and healthy ageing paradigm by increasing the chances of doing low-cost healthy activities at any time and in any place.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Santini & Vera Stara & Flavia Galassi & Alessandra Merizzi & Cornelia Schneider & Sabine Schwammer & Elske Stolte & Johannes Kropf, 2021. "User Requirements Analysis of an Embodied Conversational Agent for Coaching Older Adults to Choose Active and Healthy Ageing Behaviors during the Transition to Retirement: A Cross-National User Center," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9681-:d:635561
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cornelia Schneider & Hafsa Bousbiat, 2023. "Coaching Robots for Older Seniors: Do They Get What They Expect? Insights from an Austrian Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Urška Smrke & Nejc Plohl & Izidor Mlakar, 2022. "Aging Adults’ Motivation to Use Embodied Conversational Agents in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Results of Latent Profile Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-11, February.

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