The smart rollator has a range of sensors for measuring the activity of users. Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and OrtonHoping to encourage senior citizens to increase physical activity, researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Orton are investigating whether employing technology will help achieve that goal through the MoveRoll project.

Based on a smart rollator designed by VTT, the idea behind the project is that even slight increases in physical activity can significantly impact the well-being of seniors.

The smart rollator, which is designed to monitor the well-being, health and physical condition of seniors through a variety of sensors and algorithms, is a key component of the project, gathering data such as distance covered by the user.

"The service concept takes into account the viewpoints of care staff, such as physiotherapists, and close relatives, in addition to the special needs of the older people concerned. This enables these people to react at an early stage if, for example, activity is far below target, or if there are changes in the daily rhythm, or the rollator is not used on a certain day," explained Professor Heikki Hurri of Orton.

"Individual, rehabilitative and timely services tailored for seniors help them to lead an unhindered and meaningful everyday life, and increase their sense of safety. Technological applications can also help them to continue leading active and independent lives, prevent hazardous situations and postpone the need for more intensive services," said Principal Scientist Mark van Gils of VTT.

The rollator will be tested in everyday life settings with findings on its use expected to be ready by next fall.