Balancing user needs and technology adoption for healthy ageing

Summary

A range of health impairments is more common in the ageing population, which imbalances their health and well-being. As a result, strategies that promote better brain health and well-being in older age are an urgent public health priority. Assistive technologies have been identified as a potential solution for the provision of elderly care. The stay of these older adults at home can be prolonged and made comfortable with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based assistive technologies and remote monitoring. Such technologies, in general, can enhance the quality of life and fill in the gap between caregiving and healthy ageing. However, the potential of these technologies is yet to be utilised by the ageing population due to a lack of acceptance, usability, and trust.

Technophobia is a barrier to adoption. Most of the earlier studies have described people’s behaviour in general towards technology. However, the reasons for adoption failure in older adults have not been looked at in detail. In this context, building trust in older adults for ATs requires looking into factors that affect their continued engagement. Older adults can be enthusiastically involved in utilising and co-creating ATs that incorporate their actual requirements and needs.

The proposed project aims to build trust towards AI-based assistive technologies and provide healthy living for the ageing population. The objective is to integrate assistive technologies, data analysis and modelling, remote monitoring, data security, and ethics to deliver a trusted application aimed towards healthy ageing. The project will also investigate how securely the data is retrieved and stored over the cloud from each of these devices. The devices will be analysed for reliability in providing the desired information, the kind of security concern with each type of monitoring and how it can be addressed.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.