Abstract
The issue of aging and technology has been and remains to be a key issue in European aging research as well as in major European funding schemes such as the Framework Programs (see the issue of “Ambient Assisted Living/AAL” in particular). In this chapter, we address the various roles which technology may take over in order to serve the quality of life and autonomy of older adults. To achieve this goal, we compile the evidence gathered in the respective European as well as the Asian and North American research communities and examine synergies, complementarities and existing research and implementation gaps. In order to illustrate, we also draw from our own research, such as research projects targeting the role of technology in long-term institutions, the potential and constraints of technology for cognitively impaired older adults, and the role of technology acceptance in general for aging well. This chapter concludes that technology can be seen as a major context able to infuse development in old age and closes with future research challenges.
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Claßen, K., Schmidt, L., Wahl, HW. (2013). Technology and Ageing: Potential for European Societies. In: Phellas, C. (eds) Aging in European Societies. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 6. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8345-9_3
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