Social isolation and loneliness greatly contribute to negative health consequences in older adults. Technological solutions can be an asset in promoting social connections and healthy behaviours. This paper presents an innovative structure for an Internet of Things (IoT) platform specifically tailored for older persons. The framework utilises a supervised learning algorithm to classify users into four identified profiles to facilitate the adoption and engagement of technology. The platform incorporates wearables, such as socks and smart bands, to track physical activity, and a messaging module to encourage social interaction. The platform processes the acquired data to quantify steps and deliver tailored interventions remotely to the older adults through the AGAPE Assistant, the mHealth solution of the platform. Furthermore, the AGAPE Assistant has a user interface design for older adults, with a focus on their specific needs. Additionally, improving digital literacy among older adults is crucial for maximizing the long-term compliance and benefits of such technological solutions. On the other hand, AGAPE Monitor is a web application used by formal caregivers to configure the tailored interventions. The platform’s usability was assessed using different usability scale questionnaires, which revealed a mild level of user satisfaction and acceptance. The proposed framework is currently being deployed on more than 112 older adults across three countries: Italy, Romania, and Portugal. The proposed framework provides a holistic solution to encourage active ageing by adopting technology, implementing hybrid interventions, and promoting social interactions.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the usability of the Myosuit within a chronic stroke survivors’ rehabilitation program and to explore its therapeutic and assistive role on gait, stair negotiation, sit-to-stand transfers, and balance.Methods: Ten chronic stroke survivors with gait impairments were enrolled. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was the primary outcome of the study; secondary outcomes were the Stroke Self-efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ), the Short Physical Performance Battery, the 10-meter Walking Test (10mWT), the 2-minute Walking Test (2minWT), and the Stair Climbing Test. Tests were carried out before (T0) and after (T1) the training sessions, with and without the exoskeleton.Results: The SUS rated poor-to-ok in 30% of the participants, good in 40%, and excellent to best imaginable in 30%. Comparing T1 vs T0, all the functional tests, except stair descending, showed statistically significant improvements without the exoskeleton, and SSEQ did not change significantly. T1 vs T0 comparisons with the exoskeleton showed improvements in all functional tasks, statistically significant for all, except for 2minWT and 10mWT.Conclusions: This study confirmed the feasibility of a Myosuit-mediated treatment in a sample of chronic stroke survivors. Despite the usability of the wearable robot being generally positively perceived, it varied among users. Furthermore, the Myosuit exhibited both therapeutic and assistive potential in the sample.

Background: Digital solutions can support healthier ageing and better functioning throughout life; the AGAPE project aimed to co-create and implement a digital ecosystem of services to promote Active and Healthy Ageing, with the involvement of Older adults (OAs) and their formal and informal caregivers. The project’s co-creation methodology followed five phases: Pre-selection of devices; Focus groups and questionnaires; Workshops and Living Labs; Pre-Pilot; Pilot. Aim: The aim of this paper is to describe the first four phases of the project, including the results of the usability study (phases 3–4). Design and methods: Co-creation followed the YOUSE Toolbox of Active and Assisted Living projects for user-centred design. Phases 1–4 of the study were conducted in parallel in Italy, Portugal, Romania, to integrate feedback from all sites. To assess the usability and the level of stress related to technology usage (phases 3 and 4), the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Technostress (TS) were administered, respectively. Results: Two hundred and eighty-two participants (Italy n = 103; Portugal n = 86; Romania n = 93) were involved. Participants appreciated the solution, its services and the health self-monitoring opportunities. Feedback from phases 1 to 4 led wearables choice, interfaces design and coaching strategies. SUS scores showed a significant reduction during Living Lab and Pre-Pilot ( p < 0.001); TS did not significantly change. Both scores differed between user groups and countries. Conclusions: This paper presents a reproducible and measurable co-creation approach that has been successfully applied to develop different digital health services for AHA and rehabilitation.

Introduction: Rapid technological development requires continuous learning and adaptation, yet many older adults (OAs) face difficulties using digital technologies. The AGAPE project (Active aGeing And Personalised service Ecosystem) aimed to promote active and healthy ageing (AHA) among adults aged 65+ by supporting independent functioning reducing caregiver burden, and improving eHealth literacy through personalized, user-friendly digital services co-created and tested in Italy, Portugal, and Romania. Objective: AGAPE pilot phase evaluated the effectiveness and usability of innovation adoption strategies designed to improve technology acceptance, digital literacy, and behavioural change among older adults and caregivers. This study examined participants’ perceptions of digital technologies and self-reported digital efficacy during a multicomponent intervention combining repeated technology use, personalized coaching, digital literacy and health education, technical assistance, and support from informal and formal caregivers. Material and Methods: The multiple-sites uncontrolled pilot study combined home-based use of the AGAPE digital technologies with long-term combined personalized support. Data were collected at baseline (T0), intermediate (T1), and final (T2) assessments using the System Usability Scale (SUS), technostress questionnaire, digital adoption questionnaire (TAM-derived), EQ-5D-5L, CarerQoL-7D, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, complemented by participant feedback, technology usage, and activity data. Results: The study included 217 participants, of whom 146 were OAs. Over the course of the intervention, participants showed reductions in technostress and improvements in perceived digital efficacy, although the magnitude and direction of change varied across pilot sites. The findings also indicated that contextual and social factors contributed to technology adoption and engagement. Conclusions: Participation in the multicomponent AGAPE intervention was associated with positive longitudinal changes in technology-related perceptions, technostress, and digital self-efficacy. The findings support the feasibility and potential of combining digital technologies with personalized coaching and broader interpersonal support to facilitate technology adoption among older adults. However, given the uncontrolled study design and the integrated nature of the intervention, the observed changes cannot be attributed independently to coaching or to any single intervention component.