Television Is Powerful: An iTV Solution as a Motivator of Social Interactions Among Older Adults

Gabriel Faria, Telmo Silva, Jorge Abreu

2025

Abstract

This study explores the development of and evaluation of ProSeniorTV, an interactive television system designed to enhance social participation and cognitive engagement among older adults. Leveraging a familiar medium for older individuals – the television – the system incorporates proactive notifications to inform users about local social events and cognitive stimulation minigames to foster regular interactions. A 30-day field study conducted with 20 participants demonstrated promising results. Participants attended an average of 1.4 events, reflecting a 35% engagement rate with suggested activities. Notably, 95% of users recognised the system’s effectiveness in providing accessible information about local events, reducing reliance on other sources. Additionally, ProSeniorTV contributed to significant decreases in reported loneliness levels, with moderate loneliness dropping from 60% to 30%, and all participants reporting enhanced social connection by the study’s conclusion. The inclusion of gamification elements, such as a leaderboard and participation rewards, proved effective in motivating sustained interaction. While mobility challenges and transportation reliance were identified as barriers, the system’s overall usability and impact align with active ageing principles, supporting its potential for broader implementation. ProSeniorTV underscores the value of innovative technologies in addressing social isolation and promoting healthier ageing.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Faria G., Silva T. and Abreu J. (2025). Television Is Powerful: An iTV Solution as a Motivator of Social Interactions Among Older Adults. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 398-405. DOI: 10.5220/0013493500003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{is4wb_sc25,
author={Gabriel Faria and Telmo Silva and Jorge Abreu},
title={Television Is Powerful: An iTV Solution as a Motivator of Social Interactions Among Older Adults},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC},
year={2025},
pages={398-405},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013493500003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC
TI - Television Is Powerful: An iTV Solution as a Motivator of Social Interactions Among Older Adults
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Faria G.
AU - Silva T.
AU - Abreu J.
PY - 2025
SP - 398
EP - 405
DO - 10.5220/0013493500003938
PB - SciTePress