Page 5 - Process_book_Carla Ann_Lloren

Chapter 1 Introduction

Research Aims & Objectives

Loneliness is associated with increased risk of Dementia and currently there is Specific research objectives are as follows:
an increase of this condition amongst the older population (Pierse et al., 2019). A
longitudinal study amongst centenarians by author Dan Buettner revealed that 1. Deep dive on older adults' lifestyle, all daily interactions
on top of healthy eating and regular physical movements, a Positive Outlook in (people/product/service) and understand how these interactions contribute
Life which includes Sense of Purpose is a mediator of loneliness and is essential to their well-being
in having longer and good quality life (Buettner, 2023).
2. Understand how purpose is defined and how it is manifested in their daily
There are existing bodies of literature and solutions to strengthen social lives
connectedness and physical health amongst older adults. However, purpose in 3. Briefly explore their current social connectedness/ networks and how this
particular has not yet been fully explored in relation to helping alleviate
INTRODUCTION With the changing times and the current status of this issue in Ireland, this study 4. Unearth current product/ service/community offerings to older people that
contributes to their well-being and sense of purpose
loneliness/social isolation.

encourage more involvement in the society
aims to take a closer look at the topic with particular focus on purpose and how
it is presently exhibited in older adults’ daily lives. This will be explored within
5. Explore need gaps in current offerings
the context of daily interactions so as to propose interaction design solution/s
that may help address the issue.
6. Design interaction solutions associated to dialling up ‘sense of purpose’ to
inspire older adults to be more active and involved in the society.
Hence, the aim of this study is to drive positive change on the well-being of older
adults (make them feel less lonely/socially isolated) by creating interaction
design solution associated with sense of purpose.

The Aim

Drive positive change on the wellbeing of older
adults (make them feel less lonely/socially isolated)
by creating interaction design solution associated
with sense of purpose.