Analyzing Older Adults’ Perceived Values of Using Smart Bracelets by Means–End Chain

Abstract

To cope with the demands for medical care in an aging society, smart healthcare wearable devices that can measure physiological signals are being regarded as the primary tools in medical care programs, allowing the users to acquire basic health data. Although the smart healthcare wearable devices could be applied to disease management and prevention that could help older adults control their health, older adults must be willing and able to use and continue to use them. In this research, interviews conducted through means–end chain (MEC) and laddering were used to guide the older adults step-by-step by explaining abstract ideas and emphasizing value in their perceptions of specific attributes. A “hierarchical value map” was further constructed to confirm the perceived value of smart healthcare wearable devices to older adults. The research results showed that, in terms of attribute functions, seniors believed that smart bracelets in mobile health devices should have the attributes of safe use, real-time information feedback, correct data, comfortable wear, and clear screen. In terms of consequent benefits, older adults can use smart bracelets in mobile health devices to gain benefits in learning about smart products, understanding technology applications, increasing health awareness and relaxation, and satisfying curiosity. In terms of value goals, older adults want to achieve the value goals of a sense of social belonging, improved quality of life, and healthier bodies. Health is the most important thing for older adults, but previous research has often focused on the use of equipment for physical examinations; relatively few studies have allowed older adults to experience the equipment personally. The device can provide the ultimate value of long-term health promotion for older adults.

Matching audio/video app features with young user preferences: An integrated approach

“…Therefore, app designers should include the function of ‘add to favourites’ in their app design to satisfy their users. Similar to the MEC‐related literature (e.g., Chakraborty & Sankaran, 2021; Jeng, Yeh, & Pai, 2020; Lin & Fu, 2018), the MEC's hierarchical value map resulting from this study provides users’ inner thoughts and preference information for marketers and designers to develop product and advertising strategies.…”

Heartbeat detector from ECG and PPG signals based on wavelet transform and upper envelopes

“…As mentioned above, the PPG can be recorded on various areas of the body [ 67 ], so in certain situations where subject comfort is sought, and where noise due to movement is minimal, the PPG may be preferred over the ECG. Also, people tend to be more familiar with the idea of wearing a watch-like device [ 16 ], which could be a key factor in selecting which technology to use. On the other hand, the reuse of modules and code across manufacturers reduces the expense of product development [ 68 ].…”

“…However, when determining which technology to use to analyze cardiac activity, one has to consider the purpose of the recording, whether the analysis can be performed with ECG and/or PPG, as well as possible limitations, such as sensitivity to movement of the PPG [ 14 , 15 ], the use of electrodes for the ECG, and the comfort of the individual during data collection. On this last point, the PPG may be more comfortable with respect to the ECG, as it is found in a large number of commercial devices, such as smartwatches, with which subjects are more familiar [ 16 ].…”

A Performance Evaluation Matrix for Measuring the Life Satisfaction of Older Adults Using eHealth Wearables

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