Abstract:

Recently developed tracking technologies may be useful in managing mobility problems among elders with cognitive impairment. For clinical and research purposes it is critical to assess research participants' cooperation with the tracking protocol. The aim of the current study was to assess the ability of older adults with various levels of cognitive impairment to participate in GPS-based studies. Fifty-three participants aged 63+ and their study partners were interviewed. Participants were tracked for four weeks, 24 hours a day, using a location kit combining Global Positioning System with Radio Frequency Identification technology. Participants’ cooperation was associated with positive affect (r = 0.35, p < .01), life satisfaction and study partner’s older age (r =0.37, p<.01). Advanced tracking technologies offer a feasible method of measuring outdoor mobility behavior of older adults. This preliminary study sets the stage for further data collection via innovative technologies and design interventions to manage mobility problems.