The role of ICT and networking in healthy ageing

In this paper, we report the results from the psychological assessment conducted using a test battery composed of cognitive and social wellbeing tests and questionnaires performed by users and controls that participated in the AGNES project in Spain, Sweden and Greece at the beginning of the study and after the deployment of the first prototype. The project carries out novel technological interventions in an emerging area in ageing research. The main innovation is the integration of different technological components and social networking to provide a novel solution to the ageing population living at home. The motivation was based on relevant findings on the psychology of ageing and the need for technologies to support the ageing population. End-users have been heavily involved, providing design input, continuum evaluation and feedback. Theproject focuses on improving the mental and physical wellbeing of elderly people living at home, who often suffer the effects of social and physical isolation including cognitive decline, low activity levels and poor mood states. The main results were that the users but not the control participants improved cognitive performance andthe feeling of being treated with respect, being independent, self-realization and greater achievement.