University of New Brunswick

Published purpose

Mobility disability affects 1 in 10 Canadians and is a major impediment to quality of life. This is particularly true for the growing senior population, increasing risk of social isolation, falls, and loss of independence. In this work, the project team will explore and evaluate emerging solutions to managing mobility disabilities in community-dwelling older adults. The team aims to survey the needs and experiences of older adults related to mobility assessment and planning, and their perceptions and interests in adopting technology-based solutions. After developing a better understanding of the intersectional needs of older adults with varying degrees of mobility and independence, the team will explore and implement potential solutions, drawing from emerging state-of-the-art options such as wearables and computer-vision. These solutions will then be evaluated in a series of mixed-methods pilot studies with end-users to evaluate their benefits, performance, and design tradeoffs. The development of better and more accessible assessment tools could improve engagement and proactive monitoring, enabling seniors with mobility disabilities to better age in place.