UCF’s Science Café was a hit! After an overwhelming response in May, we’re bringing UCF’s aging research directly to Vibrant West Orange.

Adults 55+ from the entire community are invited to join us for a full day of research opportunities through UCF’s Disability, Aging, and Technology (DAT) Cluster. Meet the researchers, ask questions, learn about their work, and participate in a variety of research opportunities that are helping shape the future of aging, health, and technology.

Please note that participation times vary by research study, and some opportunities may require advance registration. See below for details and sign-up information.

Study 1: NeuroMechanical Systems Lab – Signup Not Required

This study takes 5-8 minutes. We will assess participants manual dexterity by asking them to perform simple tasks that involves moving small or large block-shaped objects, and we count how fast they are able to perform the tasks.

Study 2: NeuroMechanical Systems Lab – Signup Required

This study takes 45 minutes. We will examine whether playing iPad games affect standing balance. Participants’ balance will be assessed by standing on a Wii balance board (commonly used in gaming/fitness) before and after playing ~35 minutes video games on an iPad.

Signup Link: https://koalendar.com/e/ucf-aging-research-ipad-game

Study 3: Healthy Aging Lab, College of Nursing – Signup Required

SafeFall Coach is a mobile application that combines interactive, video-based learning with AI-driven feedback, allowing older adults to practice safe movement techniques based on their mobility levels.

This study will take approximately three months to complete. It includes one orientation visit lasting about 60 minutes, followed by home use of the SafeFall Coach app. The orientation visit includes informed consent, questionnaires, physical assessments, app orientation, installation, and practice activities. Participants will also complete brief follow-up questionnaires at the end of each month, which are expected to take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Signup Link: https://koalendar.com/e/safefall-coach-study

Study 4: Hello World Solutions (affiliated with College of Nursing) – Signup Not Required

PorchLink is a passive signal platform that detects early changes in daily function for older adults aging in place. It works with the smart home devices participants already own. No cameras, audio or new hardware. We meet people where they are in their smart device adoption journey with a privacy-first solution.

Our study has two parts. At the research day, enrollment takes about 15 minutes per participant: 5 minutes to download the app and 10 minutes to complete consent and set up. We can be in person to ensure set-up goes smoothly and provide virtual support once they go home.

At home they will identify 1 to 3 people to join the participant’s care circle and confirm which smart devices are already in the home via the app.

Participation continues at home for 8 weeks. Participants go about their normal routine using the devices they already use.  Ex: Smart phone, Smart TV, Speakers, etc. Each day they open the app and confirm whether the activities it shows are accurate, which takes about 2 minutes.

Once a week, the app invites them to complete a short in-app check-in about the people in their circle, about 1 minute.

The goal is to learn if our passive signal approach brings peace of mind to seniors and their care circle.