Meaningfully Active

Development of assistance systems to promote physical activity of elderly persons with visual impairment and blindness

Globally, hundreds of millions of people live with moderate to severe visual impairments, most of whom are aged 50 and older. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve life satisfaction across all populations, including those with blindness and visual impairments.

Modern technological advancements can help reduce barriers to participation by improving access to information and feedback. Many assistance systems currently available provide activity-related feedback, paving the way for innovative solutions to help individuals reengage in physical activities that have become challenging due to deteriorating eyesight.

This project aims to develop and explore supportive measures that encourage and facilitate physical activity for older adults with blindness or visual impairment. Whether they’ve experienced a gradual decline in vision or have lived with blindness for years, the focus is on making physical activity enjoyable and accessible, reigniting their interest in staying active. Thus, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

Through close collaboration with technical schools, general education institutions, and regional and national stakeholders, we aim to develop practical solutions. The initiative begins with an awareness-raising phase, providing students with insights into the daily lived experiences of the target group. This is followed by a collaborative ideation process to design innovative assistance systems. Technical school teams will then independently develop prototypes, navigating the critical stages of product development.

The project prioritizes not only the inclusion of older adults with visual impairments but also their broader support network—relatives, friends, and caregivers—to collectively address and overcome barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle.