title: Measurement and visualization of face-to-face interaction among community-dwelling older adults using wearable sensors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A number of interventions have been undertaken to develop and promote social networks among community-dwelling older adults. However, it has been difficult to examine the effects of these interventions, because of problems in assessing interactions. The present study was designed to quantitatively measure and visualize face-to-face interactions among elderly participants in an exercise program. We also examined relationships among interactional variables, personality and interest in community involvement, including interactions with the local community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Older adults living in the same community were recruited to participate in an exercise program that consisted of four sessions. We collected data on face-to-face interactions of the participants by using a wearable sensor technology device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Network analysis identified the communication networks of participants in the exercise program, as well as changes in these networks. Additionally, there were significant correlations between the number of people involved in face-to-face interactions and changes in both interest in community involvement and interactions with local community residents, as well as personality traits, including agreeableness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Social networks in the community are essential for solving problems caused by the aging society. We showed the possible applications of face-to-face interactional data for identifying core participants having many interactions, and isolated participants having only a few interactions within the community. Such data would be useful for carrying out efficient interventions for increasing participants' involvement with their community. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1752-1758.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kouhei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Masumoto
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
authors.forename: Takaharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yaguchi
authors.affiliation: Japan Music Health Association, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.affiliation: Japan Music Health Association, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tani
authors.affiliation: Japan Music Health Association, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tozuka
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
authors.forename: Narihiko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kondo
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Okada
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality; D000076251:Wearable Electronic Devices
keywords: community involvement; network analysis; personality; social network