Tactile experiences play a critical role in the well-being and quality of life for senior adults, especially those living with dementia. The tactile system is the first to develop in the womb and remains the primary means of experiencing the world throughout our lifetime. Affective touch stimulation can improve mood, reduce agitation and anxiety, and promote social interaction.
Touch is not only crucial for handling objects or detecting stimuli but also socially grounded and intricately connected to our emotions. Social touch, such as hugging, holding hands, or caressing, is a crucial aspect of human social interaction and emotion regulation. Studies have shown that, even though cognitive abilities decline, tactile experiences remain rewarding, and can reduce stress and anxiety.
Design interventions offer exciting possibilities to promote meaningful tactile experiences. Innovative designs can be made with materials such as soft fabrics, textured surfaces, or massage tools.
To explore the touch needs of people living with dementia, and their (in)formal caregivers, a variety of tactile objects were evaluated through an iterative design-research study. This project investigates two tangible artefacts, made with materials that provide touch stimulation and physical warmth (e.g., soft fabrics, textured surfaces, and heating elements). With these two artefacts, we aim to increase moments of social connectedness, warmth, calmness, and comfort in real-life care practices.
