. 2011 Oct 22;2011:1166–1175.

Table 3.

Rose: A ninety-three-year-old persona to inform design for the oldest old.

Rose
Ninety-three-year-old Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and enjoyed a thirty year career as a school counselor to children. Rose did part-time volunteer work in community centers for many years after she retired, but eventually stopped due to health reasons. Rose has seen her health deteriorate progressively during the last decade. She now suffers from arthritis, diabetes, tremor, osteoporosis and declines in vision due to macular degeneration. Rose sometimes suffers from upset stomach from her arthritis medication and bone pain from her osteoporosis medication. Rose uses a walker to prevent her from falling. In addition, Rose had a stroke two years ago which left her with some short-term memory problems. Although the memory issues have been difficult for her, she considers herself in good health as she uses compensatory strategies like lists and a day planner. Rose married in college but is a recent widow. The loss of her husband has left her feeling very lonely as she has no other immediate family. She moved to the retirement community two months ago to regain a sense of community after the death of her husband. Although Rose is happy with her transition, she sometimes gets depressed when she thinks of the many friends and family members who have passed away in recent years. Rose is relieved by the help she gets with housekeeping, cooking and transportation in her new home. Because she has a lot of free time and has few visitors, Rose finds different ways to keep herself busy. She is learning to use a computer and this has been more difficult than she expected. Unfortunately, her arthritis limits her ability to control the mouse and her poor vision makes it difficult for her to follow the cursor. Learning new tasks is not as easy as it used to be but Rose is still positive about learning. Though she easily understands the explanation of how to manipulate the mouse, she tends to forget what she has learned. Her reaction time when trying to time mouse clicks is sometimes off. She has difficulty sitting for a complete 20 minute training session. Rose often complains of pain in her hands and back when using the computer, despite an “ergonomic” keyboard and chair. Rose sometimes gets frustrated and wishes technology were easier to use.

Rose

Ninety-three-year-old Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and enjoyed a thirty year career as a school counselor to children. Rose did part-time volunteer work in community centers for many years after she retired, but eventually stopped due to health reasons. Rose has seen her health deteriorate progressively during the last decade. She now suffers from arthritis, diabetes, tremor, osteoporosis and declines in vision due to macular degeneration. Rose sometimes suffers from upset stomach from her arthritis medication and bone pain from her osteoporosis medication. Rose uses a walker to prevent her from falling. In addition, Rose had a stroke two years ago which left her with some short-term memory problems. Although the memory issues have been difficult for her, she considers herself in good health as she uses compensatory strategies like lists and a day planner.
Rose married in college but is a recent widow. The loss of her husband has left her feeling very lonely as she has no other immediate family. She moved to the retirement community two months ago to regain a sense of community after the death of her husband. Although Rose is happy with her transition, she sometimes gets depressed when she thinks of the many friends and family members who have passed away in recent years.
Rose is relieved by the help she gets with housekeeping, cooking and transportation in her new home. Because she has a lot of free time and has few visitors, Rose finds different ways to keep herself busy. She is learning to use a computer and this has been more difficult than she expected. Unfortunately, her arthritis limits her ability to control the mouse and her poor vision makes it difficult for her to follow the cursor. Learning new tasks is not as easy as it used to be but Rose is still positive about learning. Though she easily understands the explanation of how to manipulate the mouse, she tends to forget what she has learned. Her reaction time when trying to time mouse clicks is sometimes off. She has difficulty sitting for a complete 20 minute training session. Rose often complains of pain in her hands and back when using the computer, despite an “ergonomic” keyboard and chair. Rose sometimes gets frustrated and wishes technology were easier to use.