Successful Aging for Low-Income Older Adults: Towards Design Principles

Low-income older adults are at risk of poor health outcomes due to rising healthcare costs. When designed to reflect their needs, technologies can provide a cost-effective solution to this problem. We investigated the issues and strategies low-income people encounter in managing their health by conducting interviews and focus groups with fifty older adults. The qualitative analysis revealed eight main themes participants considered important for successful aging. Based on these findings, we propose two design principles to promote successful aging in the target population: (a) support shift-and-persist strategies; and (b) combat impoverished mentalities by providing knowledge, resources and motivation.