The Context

Cognitive decline in aging people can often be accompanied by mental, physical and social hardship. Cognitive training (in particular computer-based training in executive functioning memory and processing speed) can be helpful in prolonging personal autonomy. However, many among the elderly are computer illiterate, and cannot benefit from the growing number of computer programs designed to train cognition. Instead, the elderly resort to television viewing, which is known to have adverse cognitive effects. Today the elderly represent the largest proportion of television audiences.

The Technological Scenario

The Vital Mind project fits propitiously with recent developments: Digital TV is planned for deployment in Europe and the Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting (DVB-T), which will replace the Analog Broadcasting by 2010-2012 in several countries. In parallel IPTV is gaining ever more relevance. New advancements in USB Memory Flash Cards (“Disk on Key”)are making USB a potential tool for content storage. Having a USB port will provide new alternatives for moving contents through the TV. Vital Mind also proposes innovative developments in the detection of hand movements, non-speech (vocal) as well as in the use of the iDTV remote control so as to enable and facilitate the user's manual interaction with the TV medium. Authoring and Production Tools for interactive TV-based cognitive training applications will be an additional outcome. 

The Cognitive Psychology Approach

Vital Mind will exploit cognitive psychological methods and Information Computer Technologies (ICT) to enable elderly adults to actively and autonomously participate in mind-fitness activities using their TV sets. This home-based tool would be inexpensive and easy to use for both healthy or disabled individuals. The research questions will focus on the effects of cognitive training in various design settings using randomized and double-blind methodologies.