Gerontological Nursing in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Purpose: There is a need to examine changes in the health care environment and the impact on gerontological nursing care in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this article recent healthcare paradigm changes, gerontechnology, high tech and high touch, person-centered approaches are discussed. Methods: A narrative review was used. Results: Cyber physical system, artificial intelligence, advance and convergence of bioengineering, and information communication technology are changing the health care paradigm to "precision", "prediction" and "personalization". Entry into the global aging society and the surge in the elderly population worldwide has led to searches for a new means to prepare for projected demands of this growing population. Thus, efforts such as gerontechnology have been made to apply and utilize recent innovative science and technology in order to promote the health and life of elders. There is a great emphasis on the convergence of high tech and high touch, in which humanistic and artistic approach are critical in order to assure that technology is beneficial to human beings rather than harmful. Conclusion: Positive healthcare experiences among patients and their families are emphasized by utilizing new technology and employing high touch while providing personalized care with a person-centered approach.