Healthy ageing supported by technology--a cross-disciplinary research challenge

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• The challenges of an ageing society have spurred extensive scientific, public, and political discussions.
• There is a notable shift from discipline-specific research to cross-disciplinary scientific approaches concerning ageing.
• Technology and ageing research is evolving, necessitating a broader perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate and present diverse scientific viewpoints on technology and ageing.
• To identify and highlight critical research gaps for future investigation.
• To foster a more integrated understanding of the ageing process and technological solutions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of review articles and keynote lectures by the author.
• Inclusion of insights from informal interviews with experts across various scientific fields.
• Analysis of the evolving landscape of technology and ageing research.

Main Results:

• Research has transitioned from a technology-centric focus to scenario-based approaches incorporating multiple scientific perspectives.
• A significant challenge remains in delivering holistic, integrated services that offer personalized solutions.
• The need to adapt technology and content to the unique requirements of different stakeholders is paramount.

Conclusions:

• Future research must prioritize cross-disciplinary collaboration, linking informatics and technology with various stages of ageing.
• Evaluating the impact of proposed technical solutions is crucial for effective implementation.
• Achieving personalized services requires a holistic approach to technology integration for an ageing society.