Currently, approximately ten percent of the world’s population is more than 60 years old. By 2050, it is expected that this figure will rise to 20% (Sixsmith, Mihailidis, & Simeonov, 2017). Aging poses numerous health challenges, and most older adults suffer from conditions that lead to poor quality of life.
Brief Description of the Topic
Gerontechnology is a currently developed medical term that means studying technology and the aging population with the intention of improving their quality of life including medical care, living and working conditions. Various technological platforms such as the telephone and mobile services, internet services, online forums, social networks, and messaging systems, create an environment where older people can remain in their home and at the same time develop autonomy. Additionally, technology has the potential to be used in rehabilitation and thereby reduction of certain deficiencies that are associated with old age. The limitations associated with old age develops the need to establish new and effective methods of care that can effectively improve the living conditions of senior citizens, and therefore technology is a significant aspect of gerontology.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Historical Background
In 1950, the global life expectancy was 47 years. Today, however, the global life expectancy is 67 years, and it is expected to rise to 75 by 2050. These statistics are according to a study by the United Nations in 2009, and it is further stated that the increasing global population of older adults is associated with reduced fertility and increased longevity (Sixsmith et al., 2017). When initial studies established the phenomenon of increased aging population further studies explored the issue and found out that this particular group of people has significant social and economic implications. Their increased healthcare costs and their increased dependency are two of the most critical aspects of the aged populations. Previously, technology was only viewed as an aspect of modern society (Schulz et al., 2014). However, this ideology has shifted and interest for technology to improve the living conditions of the older adults has been driven by the increasing pace of technological developments and the increasing number highly dependent and disabled individuals, as well as the high and unsustainable costs associated with caring for the older adults.
Demographic Influence
The current and future demographic trends of the aging population justify the need to use technology for the improvement of the quality of life of older adults. As mentioned earlier, global aging population is projected to double by 2050. The increasing number of old people means that society has a higher population of dependent individuals who have unique life goals, social involvements, capacity, as well as mental and physical health. The effects that these demographic transitions have on the life of the aging population has shifted the use of technology, which has helped older adults live a fuller life, thereby supporting the dependent older adults (Sixsmith et al., 2017).
Contemporary Aspects of Technology in Gerontology
Currently, policymakers are concerned with the increasing population of older adults, which can significantly cripple the economic growth of societies especially because these people are non-productive, and moreover, they are independent. Additionally, their health care costs are high, due to immobility which raises the need for care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Policymakers are therefore currently focusing on facilitating and enabling self-indipendence among senior citizens, and thereby avoid the escalating institutional care expenses (Bobillier Chaumon, Michel, Tarpin Bernard, & Croisile, 2013). In a quest to enhance the quality of life in older adults, nations have recognized the potential of technology, which has been used to enhance their well-being and social participation within communities. Also, technology has been viewed as a cost-effective way of improving health and social services among older adults.
In conclusion, technology is a better way of improving the living conditions of older adults since it provides them with an autonomous life and also reduces the costs associated with their care. It is essential for policymakers and healthcare organizations to focus on ways that they can improve technological devices, such that they are more oriented towards the care of senior citizens.
References
Bobillier Chaumon, M., Michel, C., Tarpin Bernard, F., & Croisile, B. (2013). Can ICT improve the quality of life of elderly adults living in residential home care units? From actual impacts to hidden artefacts. Behaviour & Information Technology , 33 (6), 574-590. doi:10.1080/0144929x.2013.832382
Schulz, R., Wahl, H., Matthews, J. T., De Vito Dabbs, A., Beach, S. R., & Czaja, S. J. (2014). Advancing the Aging and Technology Agenda in Gerontology. The Gerontologist , 55 (5), 724-734. doi:10.1093/geront/gnu071
Sixsmith, A., Mihailidis, A., & Simeonov, D. (2017). Aging and Technology: Taking the Research into the Real World . Public policy & aging report.
