Gerontechnology

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Gerontechnology is an interdisciplinary academic and professional field combining gerontology and technology . Sustainability of an aging society depends on its effectiveness, including assistive technology and inclusive design , for innovative and independent living and social participation of older adults in good health, comfort and safety. In short, gerontechnology relates to the environment , health , housing , mobility, communication , leisure and work of older people. Research outcomes form the basis for designers ,builders , engineers , manufacturers , and those in the health professions ( nursing , medicine , gerontology , geriatrics , environmental psychology , developmental psychology , etc.), to provide an optimum living environment for the widest range of ages.

Description

Gerontechnology, which has been called gerotechnology is considered an adjunct to the promotion of human health and well-being . It pertains to both human development and aging and aims at increasing morbidity and vitality in life-span and quality of life . It creates solutions to extend the working phase in society by maximizing the vital and productive years in the life span, reducing costs of care in later life.

The overall framework of gerontechnology can be seen as a matrix of domains of human activity : health & self-esteem, housing & activities of daily living , communication & governance, mobility & transportation, work & leisure, and technology interventions or impact levels (enhancement & satisfaction, prevention & engagement, compensation & assistance, care and care organization). Underpinning all these elements are generic and applied evidence-based research. Such research supports the development of products and services.

Gerontechnology has much in common with other interdisciplinary domains, such as Assistive Technology (for compensation and assistance and care support & care organization rows of the matrix), and Universal Design for the development of all products and services pertaining to gerontechnology.

Gerontological design

Gerontological design focuses on providing effective solutions to improve the way of life for aging individuals, through gerontological knowledge and design research methods to obtain better understanding of these individuals’ preferences and requirements.

Gerontological design also refers specifically to the study and practice of building design methods that support elderly users in the built environment. Some universities host professors, commonly in architecture and interior design departments, which specializes in the study and teaching of this design specialization. Not only does this include the impact of having an impact on the physiological wellbeing of adults, but it also includes investigating building design features that impact information and social interaction (Campbell, 2012 ).

Between 2008 and 2030, Singapore will witness an age profile shift in our population’s history. In 2005, one in 12 residents was 65 years old or older. By 2030, one in 5 residents will be 65 years old or older. [1] Studies show that in 2002, 7% of the world’s population is aged 65 and above. By 2050, it is estimated that the percentage could rise to nearly 17%. [2] The aging population and its impact on economics , politics , education and lifestyleis no longer an isolated issue a global concern. In time, products and services falling under the “silver industry” are expected to flood the marketplace. And with it, an increase in the demand for designers with the help of an expert in the field of population aging using the knowledge of gerontological design process.

Publications

An international academic journal with delayed open-access, Gerontechnology [1] , is published by the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG) [2] .

Education

See also

  • Gero-Informatics
  • Gerontology
  • biomechatronics

References

  1. Jump up^ Ministry of Community Development, Committee on Aging Issues (2006). “Report on the Aging Population: Demographic Realities: Opportunities and Challenges” (PDF) . Archived from the original(PDF) on October 28, 2007 . Retrieved July 31, 2008 .
  2. Jump up^ US Census Bureau (March 2004). “Global population at a glance: 2002 and beyond, International Brief (Report No. WP / 02-1)” (PDF) . Washington, DC . Retrieved July 31, 2008 .

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