Digital technologies for older people (DigiTechOP)

About

Digital technologies such as smartwatches, wristbands, and smartphones are used in healthcare. These devices facilitate uninterrupted collection and storage of digital personal data that are processed in automatized algorithms. Diseases are diagnosed faster helping healthcare professionals in providing timely and effective prevention and treatment. However, the use of digital technologies in healthcare can backfire if diverse risk factors, healthcare needs, and limitations are not accommodated.

A sustainable digitalized society where healthcare is personalized involves not only Internet coverage and affordable hardware but also adequate digital skills in people.

The modern society is digitally divided. Younger generations habitually use digital technologies and have structural support in becoming digitally literate, for instance, in schools or through targeted policies. Meanwhile, older generations must update themselves, for example, learn new skills while accepting digital health as the standard.

The increasingly digitalized society puts many older people at a high risk of developing anxieties and an overall poor wellbeing. Most older people today do not fully benefit from advancements in healthcare due to unequal access to technology and limited digital literacy.

Six themes are addressed by experts from multiple disciplines are involved, for instance, from the social sciences, health sciences, ethics and law, and science and technology. Our goal is evidence-based content that is easily accessible for everyone.

Themes

Six themes are addressed:

• Implementation – few words about the theme
• Acceptance – few words about the theme
• Socio-cultural determinants – few words about the theme
• Healthy ageing – few words about the theme
• Security and privacy – few words about the theme
• User design and determinism – few words about the theme

Experts from multiple disciplines are involved, for instance, from the social sciences, health sciences, ethics and law, and science and technology. Our goal is evidence-based content that is easily accessible for everyone.

• More about the themes

DigiTechOP: First Look