News

Volunteers wanted to help create better town centres for older people

(8 December 2004)

A Durham University research team is seeking participants for a unique research project on how to improve the environment for older people with memory problems.

The project, which also includes researchers from the University of Teesside, is exploring how the planning and design of town centres can be improved for older people with memory problems, especially dementia.

Project leader Professor Tim Blackman explains: “Many people with memory problems or with mild or moderate dementia still live in the community and are able to be active outdoors. But they can find it difficult to find their way and understand how to do things like cross a road safely or find somewhere to sit down for a rest. We’re looking at how better signs, better design and better planning of town centres can improve this”.

The project is making world-leading use of virtual reality. Participants interact with a computer model of a town centre projected onto a cinema screen, taking themselves for ‘virtual walks’. This enables participants to tell researchers what they find easy or difficult, and what they enjoy or find uncomfortable. The findings will be used to re-model the town centre and test whether the improvements work by inviting participants to repeat their walk through the adapted environment.

Professor Blackman added: “We find that our participants enjoy the experience – it’s like a trip out. They come along with their carer to a small cinema at Teesside University, spending a couple of hours with us. We are very keen for more participants from the Durham and Tees Valley area to become involved”.

The computer model is a replica of Middlesbrough town centre, but participants do not need to be familiar with the town. The researchers are hoping that their findings will encourage more older people to use town centres and stay active. Other research has found that continuing with moderate levels of physical activity outdoors is beneficial for health and may slow the progression of conditions like dementia.

The project is seeking participants aged 60 years or older who have memory problems that they’ve seen their doctor about, or a diagnosis of dementia. Participation will involve a short interview and two visits to the cinema at Teesside University, with transport and refreshments provided.

If you know of someone who might enjoy getting involved in something different, and helping the researchers improve town centres for older people, please contact Anthony Martyr at Durham University on 0191 3340460 or email.anthony.martyr@durham.ac.uk.

For more information, including interviews, please contact Professor Tim Blackman on 07970 485612 or email tim.blackman@durham.ac.uk

Media enquiries to : Tom Fennelly, Public Relations, University of Durham, Tel 0191 334 6078 e-mail : t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk