Optimizing the Workplace of Elderly Laborers

Abstract

Optimizing the Workplace of ELderly Laborers: BE IN Good health!

Most jobs require older adults (55+) to sit for eight hours (or even longer) while performing their tasks. In combination with not ergonomically designed working places and only little exercising, severe health problems can arise.

Wellbeing offers a holistic platform, combining physical exercises, workplace ergonomics, nutritional balance and stress management in order to ensure a healthy life at the workplace, especially focusing on the needs of older adults.

All modules use a 3D sensor together with a RGB camera to provide feedback and to inform on how to change unhealthy situations (e.g. sitting position, malnutrition, too less water consumption, etc.). Due to the combination with social exergames, the motivation to use the platform is increased. Wellbeing will be offered as a product-service bundle, combining the sensor (product) and the online platform (service). Insurances and companies from Germany and Austria are integrated in the project advisory board and offer additional distribution channels. End-Users are integrated throughout the project via telephone interviews (approximately 500 older adults at their workplace), questionnaires and interviews (at least 55 older adults). Moreover, the system development is closely coupled to the field pilots as well as the end user requirement analysis ensuring a high amount of high quality feedback.