Aroha Meaningful Connections Incorporation

This research project involves creating a mobile and web application to improve the quality of connections between older adults in retirement homes and their families. The intern will be tasked with the creation of the mobile and web application, and therefore is expected to have experience and skills in application design and development. The intern will be asked to create at least 3 consecutive versions of the application and conduct user testing for each version except the very first (with the support of ourselves as the researcher and the academic institution). The partner organization, McMaster University, and more specifically McMaster’s novel Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Clinic, is interested in advancing evidence-based solutions for Canada’s aging population especially. Aroha will be the first scientifically-backed app that makes emotional connections accessible, rewarding, and ever-present in the daily lives of seniors living in retirement homes and caregivers in Canada. Aroha streamlines communication in a way that is accessible and easy-to-use. With less time dependence on health care workers, the hope is to alleviate stress and reallocate the newfound time to providing the best possible care for seniors in Retirement Homes. In the long-term, meaningful connections made through Aroha can improve the quality of life for seniors in Retirement Homes. Mitigating loneliness and isolation is known to improve senior health outcomes, consequently decreasing costs associated with illnesses.

Faculty Supervisor:

Roy Eagleson

Student:

Partner:

Baycrest Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation;Aroha Meaningful Connection Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: