Rethinking technology for an aging population: From active aging to digital aging

Given the rapidly growing older adult population, it is necessary to provide appropriate care and ensure an adequate healthcare workforce. During the COVID-۱۹ pandemic, older adults experienced deficiencies in care and were deprived of face-to-face services. In addition, the shortage of healthcare providers was particularly evident during this period. Conversely, the COVID-۱۹ pandemic accelerated the use of smart technologies, AI, robotics, and wearable technologies, which help reduce the care burden on healthcare providers. However, the adoption of these technologies faces several limitations. These include the top-down approach to technology development, which disregards older adults’ priorities and preferences, as well as concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, trust, and costs. Although the use of these technologies offers many advantages for the older adult population, further research is needed to determine their actual effectiveness in accordance with older adults’ willingness to use them. More importantly, technology must complement human interaction rather than replace it.

کلیدواژه ها:

Technology ، Disease Management ، Older Adults ، Computer-Aided Design ، Ecosystems