Online Exercises and Training for Elderly People

The global population is aging quickly, and it is predicted that the percentage of elderly individuals will nearly double by 2050. According to the World Health Organization, the global population is rapidly aging in every nation on Earth. The percentage of elderly individuals worldwide is projected to increase from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050, indicating that by 2030, more than one in six individuals on the planet will be 60 years or older.

Technology now plays an effective role in aiding aging in place and improving the well-being of older adults. While older adults still use technology less frequently compared to younger individuals, they are more digitally connected than previous generations of individuals over the age of sixty.

As older adults represent a growing group of technology users with their unique needs and challenges, there are new opportunities for technical solutions that can benefit this user group. Some identified technological needs include health and social connectivity. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online services, including education and training.

The ELEDIA COCOON project effectively utilizes these concepts and technologies, along with learning theories and gamification approaches, to motivate elderly and older adults to engage in training and learning through computers and mobile devices. COCOON is a web-based platform that offers a variety of exercises for older adults and patients to participate in and assess their progress.
One of the key advantages of the COCOON platform is its ability to adapt to the individual needs and abilities of each user. Through personalized training programs, the platform ensures that older adults can engage in exercises that are suited to their cognitive strengths and areas for improvement. The exercises are designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating elements of gamification and learning theories to enhance motivation and enjoyment.

The COCOON platform is compatible with different devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, allowing users to engage in training and learning from the comfort of their own homes.

Additionally, COCOON provides tools for doctors and domain experts to track the progress of users and assess improvements over time. These tools include performance metrics such as accuracy and response times, as well as visual representations of progress to provide feedback and reinforcement.

The COCOON platform is built on a foundation of collaboration and expertise. The partnership with the CeRiN center for Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CiMeC Interdepartmental Mind/Brain Center of the University of Trento) demonstrates the commitment to delivering high-quality exercises and content.
The initial set of exercises available on the COCOON platform consists of more than 70 pen-and-paper exercises that have been digitalized. The “Allenamente” exercises cover various topics, with the most relevant ones focusing on memory, visuo-spatial perception, language, and financial skills.

Check out also other ELEDIA projects about Quality Education.