9 September 2008

Volunteers sought for digital television research

Researchers at the University of Dundee are looking for volunteers to help them investigate how digital television can be used easily and enjoyably to keep our minds 'fit and active' as we get older.

Volunteers should be aged about 60 or over and participation can involve various different activities and different amounts of time. A research activity suited to volunteers will be suggested when they get in touch. Anyone who wants to get involved should ring 01382 386720 (voice mail) and leave their name and address to receive further information about the project.

Television is changing. It offers more channels and is becoming interactive. However, while many people have readily adopted this new technology, many others are not really interested in more TV or interactivity. Many people also feel in the dark about Digital Switchover and are not sure they will be able to properly understand, purchase, set up and use the equipment needed for Digital TV.

Researchers at the Queen Mother Research Centre, University of Dundee are involved in the European Commission funded Vital Mind project and are investigating how television can be used to keep our minds active and stimulated as we get older.

The Vital Mind project is developing a package of mentally stimulating activities based on relevant psychological research into the elements of cognitive ability (thinking) that are affected by advancing age, and into the kinds of cognitive exercise that can reduce this impact for older adults.

Alex Carmichael and Mark Rice at Dundee are working on the Vital Mind project and are looking for people to help with their research over the next 18 months. Particularly anyone in the Tayside area, aged around 60 or older, who may (or may not) see the potential benefits of digital television, but whose experience with it (and other digital technology) has tended to be more pain than pleasure. Mark Rice says, 'We are aware that 'digital' may scare some people off, so we want to make it clear - absolutely no technological experience is needed to take part.'

For media enquiries contact:
Anna Day
Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk