Assistive Technology Devices for the Oldest-Old: Maintaining Independence for the Fourth Age

Abstract

User interface design needs to be revisited for our oldest members of society. The literature has shown that over the age of 70 increasing numbers of older people find it difficult to learn, and the rapid changes in technology and associated interfaces make it particularly difficult for our oldest citizens to participate in the digital age. Focused on aged care residents, this is a perspective paper, outlining the needs and suggesting avenues for research in this under researched population of technology users. Also explored in attempts to overcome digital exclusion are the assistive technologies that aid members of this fourth age, as well as their family and professional carers.

Acculturation and Disparities in Telemedicine Readiness: A National Study

“…Demographic characteristics and acculturation factors of community-dwelling participants were compared between each telemedicine group; those who met any of readiness criteria and those who did not, and between those with unreadiness (physical or technical) and those without this condition, using χ 2 tests. To account for the effects of age, we dichotomized age as younger than 80 versus older than 80 since the latter is more likely to lack technological exposure and have higher frailty levels limiting technological implementation and acquisition (Harvie et al, 2014;Harvie et al, 2016). Next, frequency rates of telemedicine readiness and unreadiness factors across acculturation factors were calculated.…”

Telemedicine Readiness Across Medical Conditions in a US National Representative Sample of Older Adults

“…Demographic characteristics and medical conditions of community-dwelling participants were compared between each telemedicine group (those who met any of the readiness criteria and those who did not) and between those with unreadiness (physical or technical) and those without this condition using χ 2 tests. To account for age effects, we dichotomized age as younger than 80 years versus 80 years or older , since the latter group lacks technological exposure and has higher frailty levels, limiting technological implementation and acquisition (Harvie et al, 2014;Harvie et al, 2016). Frequency rates of telemedicine readiness and unreadiness factors across medical conditions were also calculated.…”

The age of cyberpsychology: An overview.

“…Older adults with a physical disability are less likely than seniors who do not face physical challenges to go online (Smith, 2014). Adaptive devices such as font enlargement software, graphical aids, or amplification systems may be needed by many individuals in order to successfully interface with technology (Harvie et al, 2016).…”