Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS’ researchers developed a new tool that enables the automatic detection and recognition of eating and drinking activities. The aim of this research, within the project DEMSmartMoves, is recognizing the activity pattern of each user regarding meal intake and then detect these activities. In the case the user is missing out on a meal, the system should be able to automatically send reminders to its user. A smartphone and a wearable device to be used in the wrist comprise the system, which might be very useful for older adults, who frequently miss out meals, due to forgiveness, lack of appetite or being unable to cook. This situation usually results in nutrition deficits in the old age.
After an initial set of tests with users at a day care centre, researchers are testing again the devices with older adults. Volunteers from the user network COLABORAR took this challenge, using the sensor in the wrist for 5 hours; the test began in the morning and finished in the afternoon. Between this period, participants performed their daily activities at the centre, such as playing board games, talking, walking around and also eating lunch meal and drinking.
COLABORAR volunteers enjoyed being part of this investigation and hope that in the future, this technology will help other seniors.