Innovation for elderly with dementia – localization technology transfer

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of transferring modern technology from industries such as logistics to the life of elderly in a way that they can understand, accept and make use of it. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual discussion based on findings from a series of projects in healthcare, IT development and consultancy. The key methodologies considered include technology assessment, scenario development, listening to people with dementia and their caregivers and non-participant observation, as well as reviews of good practice, policy and literature. Findings The transfer considerations showed unreasonable price differences of similar hardware used for localization between the logistics and the elderly market. Bluetooth low energy (BLE) was identified as a promising localization technique. A gap in the marketing of technology for the elderly was identified, virtually fencing the elderly market. Practical implications A lack of transparency fosters market skimming, resulting in deadweight loss for society and technology being restrained from less-solvent consumers. Corrective actions like entrepreneurship facilitation and consumer education should be considered to overcome this market failure. To persevere in a consequently more competitive market, changes in marketing should be considered. Originality/value The work assesses the presence of the innovativeness–needs paradox of Everett Rogers in the field of innovation for the elderly on the basis of an example and identifies the resulting market failure. It suggests a market-entry mode and briefly lays out the marketing modes for market penetration.

Understanding continuance usage intention of mHealth in a developing country

“…Globally, the number of elderly people is increasing more rapidly than any other age group. The distribution of elderly people around the world is not equal and could be linked to the gross national income of countries (Ebbing and Cichosz, 2017). By the years 2050, this figure is expected to reach to about 2.0 billion, showing 16 per cent of the world’s population.…”

Proposal for a Human–Machine Collaborative Transfer System Considering Caregivers’ Lower Back Pain and Cognitive Factors in the Elderly during Transfer Movements

“…During this time, there was no burden on the caregiver's waist. However, for the elderly, especially those with cognitive disorders, allowing them to sit on the device without anyone for support or touch might induce anxiety [6] and even lead to panic, hindering the normal use of the proposed device.…”

“…anyone for support or touch might induce anxiety [6] and even lead to panic, hindering the normal use of the proposed device.…”

“…Another device, Ai ijo-kun [5], allows elderly individuals to sit down autonomously without external assistance by automatically adjusting the seat height, meeting the needs for independent usage. However, for elderly people with conditions such as Parkinson's disease or cognitive impairments, the absence of caregiver physical support might limit their ability to use such devices [6]. Therefore, the presence and assistance of caregivers in stabilizing the elderly while operating these transfer assistive devices are crucial.…”