Around the world, we are using more technology in our daily lives, including artificial intelligence, sensors, cloud computing and more. As the agetech market grows and more people use these devices and services (and further pushed thanks to life through the pandemic), it’s likely we will see technology continue to evolve and change how we live. However, as noted in the journal Nature Aging, the adoption and use of digital technologies is less common among older adults.
The article continues with some key facts. For one, studies show that the stereotype that older adults are not open to trying new technologies when in fact the number of older adults who are active users of tech is growing steadily. The author also notes that aging often comes with changes in our physical and mental abilities, changes that may impact how we learn and use these innovations. Layer in that the environments and contexts within which we use technologies change as we age (consider how our lives evolve when it comes to work, our health and our social life as we get older). Consider, as well, that age isn’t the only factor that can have an impact on our approach to technology (past experience, for one, plays a role).
A vast range of opportunities exist when it comes to technology being used as a means to facilitate aging in place. For the benefits, along with challenges and barriers to technology being developed and successfully adopted and implications on the future of aging in place, read the full Nature Aging article here.
Read more:
A Primer On What You Need In Order To Age In Place
Certified Age-Friendly Employer Program Expands Into Canada
Women in Their 50s Should Fade Away? Paulina Porizkova Responds
