Valeria A. Ramdin
Northeastern University, USA
Miso Kim
Northeastern University, USA
Rachel Pozzar
Northeastern University, USA
Paul W. Fombelle
Northeastern University, USA
Yizuan Zhang
Northeastern University, USA
Xing Zhou
Northeastern University, USA
Julia Janigan
Northeastern University, USA
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Published in: ServDes2018. Service Design Proof of Concept, Proceedings of the ServDes.2018 Conference, 18-20 June, Milano, Italy
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 150:90, p. 1088-1099
Published: 2018-07-05
ISBN: 978-91-7685-237-8
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
In this paper we explore the concept of autonomy and its impact on health for older adults living with chronic illness. With the world’s population growing older, along with increased incidence of disease, much needs to be done to mitigate the burden of illness for the health of the person, communities and the nation. Part of the solution of growing old with disease, is in the residential placement settings with service designed technology to aid the individual to maximize their quality of life. From a social ecological framework, we outline key concepts as reported by elders for designing transformative service. Determinants of autonomy both from a health and a design perspective were explored interprofessionally. The key concept as reported by elders for the meaning of autonomy was the ability to make their own decisions. The study concludes with prospective research plans to design a prototype solution to help mitigate autonomy.
