The Scope and Future Trends of Gerontechnology: Consumers' Opinions and Literature Survey

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the advances in gerontechnology and describes determinants of interest levels in new technologies among older persons and their caregivers. The first section presents a literature review of new technologies. We then examine the result of two focus groups we conducted on technology, one with elderly people living in an independent living apartment building, and one with caregivers in a special care unit. Focus group results revealed that the elderly participants had mixed attitudes toward technology, although most participants had interest in specific technologies for everyday use. Caregivers were similarly interested in specific types of technology, especially to assist with activities of daily living. Finally, barriers to use of technology are described and include lack of interest, need for training and consumer assistance, and design problems. We conclude that more attention needs to be paid to the tailoring of technology to the preferences of this older age group.