03 febrero 2014
Campus Bilbao
The videogame Kineage is the result of the first stage of a project financed by the Bizkailab programme. Kineage centres on achieving active healthy ageing.
The game was developed by researchers from DeustoTech LIFE (eVida), University of Deusto, in collaboration with the Santa y Real Casa de Misericordia in Bilbao (a home for the disadvantaged elderly). Kineage aims to foster healthy habits in the elderly through new technologies to prevent disabilities and dependence while improving their quality of life. The next stages of the project are now underway, focusing on adding games for cognitive training.
In the Serious Game (these games pursue other objectives in addition to leisure), Kineage, the user must pick up several objects that are displayed on the screen. These objects are collected at different speeds and directions, depending on the user's level. The user has to move his/her arms without dropping any object on the floor. This promotes mobility of the user's upper limbs during the training.This videogame uses Kinect, a movement sensor allowing users to control and interact with the computer without controls. This makes the game more intuitive and easier for the visually impaired to use. It also suitable for people with arthritis because users do not have to find any buttons, mouse or keyboard to press or hold. The game adapts to the needs of the elderly, giving them the option to play with just one arm or even play while seated if necessary.
The features mentioned above span the digital divide.This project was chosen as one of 20 finalists from the 220 entrants for Social Innovation in Ageing-The European Award. The final decision will be announced in May 2014. This project was made possible thanks to funding from the Biscay Regional Council (BizkaiLab).Santa y Real Casa de Misericordia de BilbaoThis institution has cared for Bilbao’s disadvantaged since it was founded. In 1989, it became a home for the elderly.The residence has 223 places adapted to comply with today’s strict regulations on social services residences for the elderly. It is divided into 5 units of varying levels of attention, ranging from self-sufficient to assisted. 80 places are subsidised by the Biscay Regional Council.
