Effects of Age-Related Cognitive Decline on Elderly User Interactions with Voice-Based Dialogue Systems

Cognitive functioning that affects user behaviors is an important factor to consider when designing interactive systems for the elderly, including emerging voice-based dialogue systems such as smart speakers and voice assistants. Previous studies have investigated the interaction behaviors of dementia patients with voice-based dialogue systems, but the extent to which age-related cognitive decline in the non-demented elderly influences the user experiences of modern voice-based dialogue systems remains uninvestigated. In this work, we conducted an empirical study in which 40 healthy elderly participants performed tasks on a voice-based dialogue system. Analysis showed that cognitive scores assessed by neuropsychological tests were significantly related to vocal characteristics, such as pauses and hesitations, as well as to behavioral differences in error-handing situations, such as when the system failed to recognize the user’s intent. On the basis of the results, we discuss design implications towards the tailored design of voice-based dialogue systems for ordinary older adults with age-related cognitive decline.