Applying the Gerontechnology Matrix for research involving ageing adults

The world population is ageing rapidly, during which technology innovation has become increasingly advanced. Ageing adults are expected to meet the demands of new technologies which offer potential to support independence and social participation. To facilitate this developers and designers need to better design technology around the opportunities, capacities and learning strategies of older adults. The Gerontechnology Matrix, which is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, provides a framework to guide researchers, designers and engineers in their effort to seek solutions which support older adults to age graciously. The Gerontechnology Matrix comprises the following live domains: Housing & Daily activities, Communication & Governance, Health & Self-esteem, Mobility & Transportation and Work & Leisure. All live domains will at some point provide challenges to the everyday life of ageing adults. Technology interventions, to reach the goals set in these live domains, might be designed for enhancement and satisfaction, prevention and engagement, compensation and assistance or for care and organization. This paper will be organized as a round table to discuss the pros and cons of the Gerontechnology Matrix with the participants

Applying the Gerontechnology Matrix for research involving ageing adults

The world population is ageing rapidly, during which technology innovation has become increasingly advanced. Ageing adults are expected to meet the demands of new technologies which offer potential to support independence and social participation. To facilitate this developers and designers need to better design technology around the opportunities, capacities and learning strategies of older adults. The Gerontechnology Matrix, which is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, provides a framework to guide researchers, designers and engineers in their effort to seek solutions which support older adults to age graciously. The Gerontechnology Matrix comprises the following live domains: Housing & Daily activities, Communication & Governance, Health & Self-esteem, Mobility & Transportation and Work & Leisure. All live domains will at some point provide challenges to the everyday life of ageing adults. Technology interventions, to reach the goals set in these live domains, might be designed for enhancement and satisfaction, prevention and engagement, compensation and assistance or for care and organization. This paper will be organized as a round table to discuss the pros and cons of the Gerontechnology Matrix with the participants