Making Computers More User Friendly For Seniors: An Innovative Study At UMiami Is Now Recruiting Participants.

As technology rapidly advances and daily life moves forward, many seniors are becoming disconnected. To stop the widening information gap, the University of Miami’s Center of Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) is conducting a study to introduce seniors to the digital age.

UM is partnering with Georgia Institute of Technology and Florida State University to conduct research on how effective PRISM, a Personalized Reminder Information and Social Management System can be for seniors who live alone and are at risk of isolation. PRISM is a system that supports “social connectivity, memory, skill building, and access to community resources.”

Those who agree to participate in the 12-month study will randomly be selected to receive either a desktop computer, simplified and user-friendly with large desktop icons and the pre-installed PRISM program with Internet access, or a booklet and binder detailing the PRISM program at no cost.   Researchers from UM will come to the participant’s home and set up the computer and give tutorials. Three interviews will be conducted throughout the year-long study with compensation to the participant for the time spent.

Researchers at CREATE at University of Miami are looking for 150 participants within Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Those interested must meet the following requirements:

• Over 65 years of age
• Live alone in an independent residence
• Plan to remain in the area for the next 12 months
• Do not work or volunteer for more than 5 hours a week
• Minimal use of the computer/Internet in the last 3 months
• Have a telephone
• Speak English

UM’s CREATE has been involved in research projects detailing the beneficial uses of technology by older adults for 12 years. Since the PRISM study officially began in February 2011, 63 participants have already been enrolled. 

“Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for seniors,” said Chin-Chin Lee (photo left), Senior Project Manager at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. “We want to show how technology can be used as a tool, even in the health care arena.”

Even after the study is completed, participants are allowed to keep their desktop computer or booklet and binder free of charge. CREATE is currently in negotiations to keep funding Internet access and the PRISM program.

Catherine Lawless, 86, lives independently at St. Andrews Tower in Coral Springs. She recently joined the study and received her computer in October. With the help of a neighbor and her son, Lawless spends her days familiarizing herself with E-mail, the Internet and sharing and viewing photos.

“Getting educated about the computer is wonderful but there’s so much I don’t know,” Lawless said. Aside from all the whistles and bells available in the installed PRISM program, Lawless says the program has brought back memories. Through the Internet, she has been able to see pictures of the neighborhood she lived in as a little girl, the house she raised her kids in, and the USS New Jersey, a naval battleship her husband worked on in 1932.

“This program has led me to memories and pictures I thought I’d never see again,” Lawless said. “The program is not only educational, but sentimental. It helps with the lonely hours.”

Anyone interested in participating in the study should call the Chin Chin Lee at the University of Miami’s CREATE at (305) 355-9200 for more information.