NetwellCASALA at DkIT invites older people and carers to give their opinions on a new panel

The NetwellCASALA team at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have worked for over a decade to make Louth the most age-friendly county in Ireland. Through its Research activities, NetwellCASALA develops new technologies aimed at helping people live independently in their own homes for longer. A new Living Lab Panel is being set up, by NetwellCASALA, to give the people most impacted by services and technologies a direct input in how these are designed and developed.

Older people in the community and those who care for them, are invited to join the new panel. Throughout the year, panel members may be invited to join in activities such as: trying out health or wellbeing technologies such as devices or apps; sharing opinions about design features; completing surveys; or giving suggestions and feedback about new products or ideas.

“It has never been more important for older people to be involved in guiding the new technologies being designed to support their health and wellbeing.” Suzanne Smith, manager of the DkIT based Living Lab

Upcoming projects include developing solutions for people (aged 40 years and over) with heart conditions, exploring the experiences of healthcare assistants with technologies being used by those whom they care for at home, and finding out how older people have been dealing with keeping in touch using technology during the pandemic. If you are interested in getting involved with these or other projects, as a member of the Living Lab Panel, call Breda Connor or Suzanne Smith at 042 9370497, or email breda.connor@dkit.ie