Age UK London is one of thirteen partners across seven European countries involved in the HOLOBALANCE 3-year EU funded development programme.
Age UK London brings the voice of older people to the project. As a charity, Age UK London campaigns on behalf of over 2million older Londoners that live in the capital and we work closely with over 500 small grassroots older people’s groups and organisations. Our key role in HOLOBALANCE is to consult with older people on the projects development as well as testing out the potential tools and resources with them and feed this valuable information back into the overall projects development.
Age UK London introduced a small group of older people to the 2nd plenary meeting held in London in April 2018. It was agreed at this meeting that a larger focus group would be invaluable and this was held at Age UK London in partnership with the University of Hamburg in June 2018 (M7) informing and gathering feedback on the overall viability of HOLOBALANCE.
Following the 3rd plenary meeting that took place in Venice, Kings College London and Age UK London agreed to hold two small focus groups in order to discuss the study protocol and get direct feedback on the proposed system and also to take a look at some of the potential sensors that would be used and whether it would practically work in the home.
Both of the focus groups took place at Age UK London over two dates, November 23rd and November 29th. Matthew Liston, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences at Kings College London and Sharon Tynan of Age UK London demonstrated and explained the purpose of an array of wearable sensors and gadgets on the day including, insoles, heart rate monitor, augmented reality headsets and accelerometers. The older people had many questions about the kit and how long one would need to wear it as well as how it would work. The older people brought their wealth of knowledge to the focus groups and came up with good practical ideas about HOLOBALANCE and its future development.
In attendance, over the two days were 10 females and 4 males ranging in age from 66 to 84 and covering an ethnic mix reflecting the London population.
Age UK London believes that by ensuring older peoples voices are heard throughout the project, the product will work better for those older people who will eventually be using it.
Author: AGE UK London
