Is socio-gerontechnology indifferent to ailment? Setting the research agenda for a more inclusive study of ageing and...

Even critical approaches in ageing and technology that aim at better inclusion of older people and their perspectives have shortcomings. In socio-gerontechnology research this can be seen as a reliance on the third age paradigm. Although concepts stemming from this paradigm, such as early adoption and innosumerism, have been useful in untangling ageism that is central to gerontechnology, they have simultaneously enforced the ideal of active ageing. This conceptual article incorporates the concept of ailment into socio-gerontechnology literature for a deeper understanding of gerontechnology. The article suggests that this integration can help in gaining a better understanding of agency, the market and needs in gerontechnology practices. Through this discussion, the paper paves the way for more inclusive research in the nexus of ageing, care and technology studies.