Overview

The Human Factors and Aging Laboratory focuses on understanding the fundamentals of human behavior in the context of technology interactions. Our research areas include healthcare technologies; design for aging; technology acceptance; human-automation interaction; aging-in-place; human-robot interaction; cognitive aging; aging with disabilities; and skill acquisition and training.

The laboratory is funded in part by: the National Institutes of Health as part of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (www.create-center.org); and the Administration for Community Living through the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Successful Aging with Disability (www.techsage.gatech.edu). 

What is Successful Aging?

Embedded in the overarching philosophy of the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory is the belief in the importance of understanding successful aging. Our research activities are motivated by that goal. The concept of successful aging refers to factors that allow individuals to function effectively and successfully as they age. Our research does not emphasize loss of function associated with aging; rather, we wish to understand factors that are responsible for retaining, or even enhancing, a person’s ability to function in later life. Our research efforts are conducted within the framework of human factors science and application. As such, our research continues to contribute to the fundamental, scientific knowledge concerning adults’ (of all ages) capabilities and limitations. We are particularly interested in understanding perceptual, cognitive, and movement control capabilities and limitations. Because of the human factors focus, we strive to apply that scientific knowledge to better design products, environments, and training programs. Through application of our scientific data we hope to accomplish the goal of helping each other enjoy the added longevity that people experience in today’s world.

Sponsors

Click here to go to the CREATE Center's website!

Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) is funded by the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging).

Click here to go to the TechSAge website!

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Successful Aging with Disability (RERC TechSAge) is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research).

Points of Excellence

  • Our research advances both science and practice
  • We aim to improve quality of life for adults of all ages
  • Students graduating from our lab are very successful

News

W. Rogers and R. Mudar Awarded Grant from Discovery Partners Institute

03.28.2019

Professors Wendy Rogers and Raksha Mudar have been awarded a grant through the Discovery Partners Institute, a purpose-driven collaborative research institute located in Chicago that is focused on prosperity and growing the state's workforce by creating solutions to grand challenges.  Rogers' and Mudar's project will explore whether social isolation among older adults can be prevented with the use of video technology and will specifically identify if this platform can help those older adults who are economically disadvantaged.  
More information on this project and others can be found here: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2019-03-28/first-9-recipients-discovery-partners-institute-seed-grants-announced.html

W. Rogers and B. Pastor Featured in News Gazette for Work at CHART Apartment

11/25/2018

Wendy Rogers and Brian Pastor were featured in a News Gazette article on 11/25/2018 highlighting the collaboration between the CHART program and Clark-Lindsey Village.  This collaboration is crucial in the continuation of research efforts to promote successful aging with the use of technology.  Find the full artlcle here! http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2018-11-25/chart-ing-progress-ui-clark-lindsey-team-study-seniors-and-tech.html

HFA Laboratory Seeking Applicants for Post-Doctoral Research Associate with focus in Social Robotics

11/05/2018

Description: The Human Factors and Aging Laboratory (www.hfaging.org) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate with interests in aging, health, and robotics. Our overall goal is supporting successful aging through research in healthcare technologies; design for aging; technology acceptance; human-automation interaction; aging-in-place; human-robot interaction; cognitive aging; aging with disabilities; and skill acquisition and training. The laboratory is funded by: the National Institutes of Health as part of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (www.create-center.org); and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-term Disabilities (www.techsage.gatech.edu). The position is expected to be for two years, pending funding and satisfactory performance. (Additional years possible.)
 
Research Focus: The research for this position will focus on human-robot interaction, very broadly defined. Specific projects will be determined based on shared interests but will involve assistive robots, social robots, telepresence robots, or personal robots to support the needs of older adults. Projects will be guided by theory, be methodologically sound, and advance both fundamental knowledge and practice.
Qualifications: Successful candidates must have an earned doctorate in an affiliated discipline such as gerontology, health, human-centered computing, human factors, psychology, or robotics, biomedical engineering, computer science. Candidates must possess a commitment to interdisciplinary research collaborations and be interested in pursuing grants from NIH, NSF, NIDILRR, PCORI, AHRQ, and private foundations. Strong communication skills – spoken and written – are critical, and should be evidenced by publications and presentations. Experience mentoring undergraduates and junior graduate students is a plus.
 
Applications: To apply, please send the following materials to Wendy Rogers at wendyr@illinois.edu
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in aging, health, and robotics
• Three reference letters sent directly to Dr. Rogers via email.
For initial consideration, please send your materials by December 7, 2018. The anticipated starting date is March 1, 2019 (negotiable).
For additional information, contact Wendy Rogers at 217-300-1470 or wendyr@illinois.edu.

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