As the ageing population grows, older adults increasingly rely on wearable devices to monitor chronic conditions. However, conventional health data representations (HDRs) often present accessibility challenges, particularly for critical health parameters like blood pressure and sleep data. This study explores how older adults interact with these representations, identifying key barriers such as semantic inconsistency and difficulties in understanding. While research has primarily focused on data collection, less attention has been given to how information is output and understood by end-users. To address this, an end-user evaluation was conducted with 16 older adults (65+) in a structured workshop, using think-aloud protocols and participatory design activities. The findings highlight the importance of affordance and familiarity in improving accessibility, emphasising the familiarity and potential of multimodal cues. This study bridges the gap between domain experts and end-users, providing a replicable methodological approach for designing intuitive, multisensory HDRs that better align with older adults' needs and abilities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming society, and its rapid advancement presents significant opportunities and challenges for older adults who, although likely to benefit from advances in AI, may also feel marginalised by these technological changes. Age-Friendly AI: Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative will engage an estimated 60,000 older adults in meaningful dialogue, addressing their concerns and perspectives on AI adoption and equipping them with the knowledge to engage confidently with AI-driven technology. In this paper we present our ‘Age-Friendly AI: Ireland's National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative’ that, through interactive workshops and co-creation sessions, aims to capture insights from older people across Ireland to co-create and co-evaluate accessible and inclusive AI literacy materials and to provide policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders with first-hand perspectives to drive more inclusive AI development.

Eligence is an advanced, scientifically grounded platform for personalized cognitive training, targeting individuals with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or those in rehabilitation. Developed over a decade, it features over 30 gamified exercises focusing on key cognitive domains such as memory, logic, executive functioning, language, construction skills, orientation, and attention. These exercises can be performed independently or under supervision, providing flexibility through both synchronous and asynchronous sessions. The platform emphasizes accessibility with user-friendly interfaces and compatibility across various devices. Its modular architecture allows adaptability in diverse care environments, including homes and hospitals. Key functionalities include real-time progress monitoring, personalized session planning, and tools for healthcare professionals to evaluate cognitive performance. By integrating gamified mental stimulation with comprehensive data analytics, Eligence supports caregivers in delivering effective, user-centered care. This innovative approach positions Eligence as a transformative solution for enhancing digital health and addressing the complexities of aging populations in a digital healthcare landscape.

This paper explores the extent to which a rights-based approach was embraced by a large European project Smart and Healthy Ageing through People Engaging in Supportive Systems (or ‘SHAPES’ project).

Method

An independent researcher who had not previously been involved in the project examined project deliverables and undertook interviews with key disability stakeholders in the project. These were analysed in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Policy Guidance for Inclusive Research and Innovation.

Results

The indepedent researcher's findings were discussed with team members, identifying positive contributions of the project to advance the right to independent living and the right to health. The analysis also highlighted how the project could have enhanced its rights-based approach and identifies some missed opportunities.

Discussion

We present a checklist of 20 recommendations for enacting a rights-based approach to future disability and ageing research and implementation projects. We also call for digital and technology research to demonstrate stronger commitment to being self-critical and reflective in order to produce better and more empowering research.

Physical activity (PA) outdoors is important for maintaining health and well-being in older adults. This research aims to design technology that addresses barriers and facilitates outdoor physical activities for older adults, based on expert insights.

Expert interviews were conducted with physiotherapists, activity coordinators, and physical activity leaders (PALs) (n=8) to gather insights on effective PA and how technology can support older adults to engage in fun and socially engaging activities. Data from these interviews were analysed to inform the design process.Experts identified barriers to PA outdoors such as weather, safety concerns, and lack of support staff, as well as motivating activities like walking, yoga and golf. Recommendations for technology design arising from the work included user-friendly interfaces, adaptive features to suit older adults’ abilities, and motivational elements like music and rewards.The integration of expert insights will guide the development of technology tailored to older adults' needs and preferences; aiming to promote regular fun outdoor PA and improve quality of life and social connections. This research highlights the importance of expert perspectives in designing technology for older adults.