Investigating the Feasibility of Smartphone Applications as a Support for Older Adults with Mild Impairments in Cognition

Smartphone applications have the capacity to support many of the needs specific to older adults with mild impairments in cognition. This capstone examines characteristics and diagnostic terminology used to encompass various forms of mild impairments in cognition, the unmet needs of those with these conditions, smartphone applications that have the potential to address these needs, and technology adoption considerations. User personas based on the literature review provide examples of how smartphone applications can be incorporated to meet the needs of this population. Findings from the literature review indicate that certain smartphone applications match with the needs of this population and could be utilized if technology adoption barriers are addressed. Given these findings, a research proposal is made for a feasibility study investigating a peer-led smartphone application training program to facilitate goal achievement for older adults with mild impairments in cognition.