Senior Living Lab: An Ecological Approach to Foster Social Innovation in an Ageing Society

Leonardo Angelini, Stefano Carrino, Omar Abou Khaled, Susie Riva-Mossman and Elena Mugellini
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Leonardo Angelini: HumanTech Institute, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1705, Switzerland
Stefano Carrino: HumanTech Institute, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1705, Switzerland
Omar Abou Khaled: HumanTech Institute, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1705, Switzerland
Susie Riva-Mossman: School of Nursing Sciences La Source, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Lausanne 1004, Switzerland
Elena Mugellini: HumanTech Institute, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1705, Switzerland

Future Internet, 2016, vol. 8, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: The Senior Living Lab (SLL) is a transdisciplinary research platform created by four Universities that aims at promoting ageing well at home through the co-creation of innovative products, services and practices with older adults. While most living labs for ageing well are focused on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), this social laboratory adopts a transdisciplinary approach, bringing together designers, economists, engineers and healthcare professionals to develop multiple forms of social innovation using participatory methods. The SLL is based on an ecological approach, connecting professionals and users in a cooperative network and involving all of the stakeholders concerned with ageing well, such as existing associations, business entities and policy-makers. Three main themes for the co-design of products and services were identified at the beginning of the SLL conception, each sustained by a major business partner: healthy nutrition to cope with frailty, improved autonomous mobility to foster independence and social communication to prevent isolation. This article shows the innovative transdisciplinary approach of the SLL and discusses the particular challenges that emerged during the first year of its creation, investigating the role of ICTs when designing products and services for older adults.

Keywords: living labs; older adults; ICTs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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