Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Scenario 10.
Case study: Marie's working day
Marie, aged 60, is informed via an interactive screen as she was about to leave for the office that her elderly
mother has had a fall. The screen also alerts her to the fact that the ambulance has been called and that they
are arriving at her home. The emergency services assure her via interactive mobile that she is OK and has
minor injuries. The doctor advises that her mother should not be left alone for the following 48 hours.
Marie's mother will be monitored with a help of seamless technology and by nurses throughout her
recovery.
Marie is now able to go to work without any concerns. Her boss and the transport services had been alerted
via mobile messaging service that she was running late. Due to her reduced mobility, an accessible public
transport service is now waiting outside to take her to work.
As she walks through her office door, a sensor automatically notes and logs her time of arrival, adjusting
the computer, desk and chair according to her ergonomic needs.
As she sits at her desk, the intelligent computer system/software indicates her top priorities for that day.
Coffee is brought to her by “robo-rob” at the times that she has pre-set.
Marie has arthritis, so voice recognition, touch screen and an automatic typing system have been installed
in her computer to allow her to compose and send email messages. A video-recording and image system is
also available should she wish to make more personalized messages. She can communicate with her co-
workers via accessible networks on her computer screen. Thereby, all audio signals presented are processed
to compensate for her hearing loss and to increase the intelligibility of speech.
The window automatically opens and shuts and room temperature is regulated according to Marie's body
temperature and her preference for warmth.
As it is now time for lunch, she can choose whether to walk to the office canteen, use an intelligent
transport system to take her to the local restaurants or call on the services of “robo-rob” for a sandwich
according to her dietary requirements.
The day has now come to an end and as she leaves the office, all the systems are automatically switched off
in response to her voice. The office automatically locks behind her and her time of departure is registered
by the sensor.
Technological challenges
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Autonomous helper robots.
Adaptive environment control.
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Individualised workload support.
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Seamless connectivity.
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Application migration.
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Adaptive, disabilities compensating user interfaces.
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4.2. Needs of older workers in the workplace
Specific issues that need to be considered with regard to older workers are healthy
ageing and work, combining work with caring responsibilities and quality of life, e.g.
choices regarding free time and working time. Particular areas to be considered include
the provision of flexible working arrangements, the provision of gradual retirement
options and opportunities for downshifting. Ergonomics, health and safety in the
workplace and opportunities for training, including concerning IT, are also key factors
to be taken account of when considering the needs of older workers in the workplace.
AAL is a perfect approach to adopt in order to assure the possibility of working to
every person. AAL solutions can:
facilitate access to working space (Section 4.3);
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assure the right working conditions related to the environment, and the
personal situations and capabilities (Section 4.4) ;
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