Abstract
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises have significantly affected the lives of older adults, impacting their healthcare, social connections, and daily routines. While the increasing digitization and automation of services offer benefits such as remote healthcare access and reduced isolation, these technologies also pose challenges in terms of unfamiliarity, learning curves, and privacy and security concerns. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach across various fields, including health informatics, gerontology, social psychology, human–computer interaction, and cybersecurity and privacy. Understanding the cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural factors influencing older adults’ use of technologies is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible digital tools. This multidisciplinary effort, as highlighted in the special issue of Work, Aging and Retirement, aims to enhance our understanding of aging and technology in today’s world, empowering older adults to remain connected and maintain their well-being.
Keywords: aging and individual differences, technology use, older adults, well-being
In recent years, serious global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have had a profound impact on older adults’ lives—on their healthcare, social connections, and daily activities. For these older adults, the increasing digitization and automation of services may offer many benefits, such as telemedicine for remote healthcare access and virtual social platforms to combat isolation. However, the integration of these technologies into people’s daily lives can also present unique challenges for older adults: barriers related to unfamiliarity, learning curves, and concerns about privacy and security when they embrace digital tools. Nevertheless, by harnessing technology’s potential well, we may be able to empower older adults to engage actively in technologies, fostering their social connectedness, and promoting their well-being.
Empowering the care of older adults through the use of advanced technologies requires collaborative efforts from diverse disciplines and stakeholders. Researchers from fields such as health informatics, gerontology, social psychology, human–computer interaction, and cybersecurity must come together to investigate the nuanced, diverse relationships between older adults and technologies. If we understand the cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural factors that influence older adults’ technological adoption and use, we can develop more inclusive, accessible technologies that address the needs of all individuals, regardless of age (Chang et al., 2023; Sheng et al., 2022). This special issue of Work, Aging and Retirement is intended to bridge gaps among disciplines and to foster innovative research that enriches our understanding of aging and technology in the modern world.
The Articles in This Issue
As our global population ages, the innovative solutions to support and enhance the lives of older adults becomes increasingly important. In this era of rapid technological advancement, the integration of digital tools and solutions presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize the care of older adults, fostering a more inclusive and thriving society. The seven articles in this special issue illustrate the transformative role of technology in supporting older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Each article delves into distinct facets of the adoption of technology, addressing critical challenges faced by the aging population and shedding light on how technology can be harnessed to empower older individuals, bridge the digital divide, and foster an environment where seniors can age gracefully with dignity and enhanced quality of life.
Benge et al. (2024) explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Internet-enabled behaviors among older adults. As the pandemic challenged societal norms and necessitated social distancing, older adults embraced online activities for social interactions, shopping, medical consultations, and leisure pursuits. Benge et al.’s research reveals the positive psychosocial impact of virtual connectivity, underscoring the importance of sustaining such connections beyond the pandemic. Older adults’ intentions to maintain online behaviors underscore the need for continued support and accessible technology for the older population, fostering social connectedness and overall well-being in an increasingly digital world. The pandemic highlighted the resilience of older adults and the transformative potential of technology in nurturing social ties, supporting telehealth initiatives, and fostering a sense of community. As we move forward, the lessons learned during the pandemic can guide the development of comprehensive strategies to harness technology for aging well, even in challenging times.
Mikula et al. (2024) address the realm of dementia care, where assistive technologies play a vital role in supporting patients and caregivers alike. As the global prevalence of dementia continues to rise, the need for innovative solutions to support both patients and caregivers becomes increasingly pressing. Smartphone applications, wearable devices, and smart speakers enable social connectedness, enhance patient safety, and foster better management of daily activities. Mikula et al.’s study highlights caregivers’ positive experiences, underscoring the potential of technology to alleviate caregiver strain, and improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Addressing concerns related to cost, safety, and privacy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of assistive technologies, ultimately promoting independence, and dignity for those living with dementia. This research is important for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike, paving the way for human-centered care models that use technology to enrich the lives of those affected by dementia.
Li et al. (2024) explore the potential of electronic wearable devices in promoting physical activity among older adults. This qualitative study reveals older adults’ positive experiences with electronic wearables and their acceptance of these devices as tools for self-monitoring and promoting physical activity. The findings highlight the importance of hedonic motivation and habit formation in sustaining engagement with wearable technology. Addressing functionality-related issues can enhance the user experience and further motivate increased physical activity, ultimately promoting healthy aging, and well-being for older adults. This research serves as a testament to the transformative power of technology in supporting older adults’ physical health, promoting independence, and mitigating the adverse effects of sedentary lifestyles.
Schuster and Cotten (2024) delve into variations in the use of information and communications technology in relation to the attitudes of employed and retired older adults. Employed older adults display higher online self-efficacy and more positive attitudes toward new technology, underscoring the significance of digital literacy and accessibility. However, being retired is associated with lower online self-efficacy and more negative attitudes toward technology, highlighting the need to promote technology adoption among all older adults. Consistent with recent findings (e.g., Fasbender et al., 2023; Xie et al., 2023), addressing attitudinal barriers and promoting digital literacy can empower older adults, ensuring equitable access to technology resources, and fostering a more inclusive and tech-savvy aging population. Schuster and Cotten’s research serves as a call to action for policymakers, technology developers, and educational institutions to collaborate in creating an age-friendly ecosystem that fosters digital literacy and embraces lifelong learning.
In the context of rapidly evolving healthcare landscapes, Wei et al. (2024) explore the feasibility and utility of wearable Bluetooth and RFID sensors in measuring care interactions for older adults. Beyond medical interventions, the human element of care plays a pivotal role in promoting health outcomes and overall well-being. By providing valuable spatial and temporal data, wearable technology offers unique insights into care dynamics, paving the way for more inclusive, human-centered care. Wei et al.‘s research underscores the need to tailor assistive technologies to the specific needs of older adults and their caregivers, ensuring seamless integration into daily routines. Embracing wearable technology can empower caregivers and healthcare providers, enhancing the overall care experience, and advancing the care of older adults to new heights.
Kim et al. (2024) delve into the impact of Internet-enabled resources on the risk of institutionalization among older adults. As societies grapple with the implications of an aging population, the quest to enable older adults to age in place and maintain their independence is increasingly important. Kim et al. examine technological arrangements within families and their influence on relocation to institutional settings, underscoring the importance of bridging the digital divide non only for individuals, but at the family level. By integrating technology into caregiving tasks and ensuring accessibility for both older adults and their caregivers, digital interventions can significantly enhance the quality of care and reduce the risk of institutionalization. This study serves as a clarion call for targeted interventions that address gaps in access and utilization, thereby fostering independence and improving the overall well-being of older adults.
Knight et al. (2024) delve into the delicate interplay of older adults’ concerns about privacy and security in adopting technology. The digital age has brought forth remarkable opportunities, but it has also sparked apprehensions about privacy and security. Drawing upon the APCO (i.e., Antecedents—Privacy Concern—Outcomes) framework (Smith et al., 2011; Xu & Dinev, 2022), Knight et al. identify technology type as a critical factor influencing older adults’ concerns about privacy and willingness to embrace technology. This article calls for more innovative research approaches to better study older adults’ perceptions and behaviors about privacy and security (see Xu & Zhang, 2023 for a summary on methodological challenges). Older adults face distinctive privacy and security challenges in the digital age, largely attributed to factors such as limited digital literacy, and susceptibility to sophisticated phishing scams and frauds. This population is frequently targeted by cybercriminals through social engineering attacks, exploiting their often-limited familiarity with the nuances of digital security. Thus, it is essential to understand the contextual effects (Xu & Zhang, 2022) of advanced technologies on nuanced privacy and security issues for this age group.
Implications for Future Research and Practice
The seven articles in this special issue address a broad array of topics with a variety of methodological approaches and enhance our understanding of the use of technology to empower the care of older adults. Collectively, these articles emphasize the significance of digital literacy and accessibility in promoting well-being among older adults; shed light on the potential of technologies to improve the quality of care and promote the well-being of both older adults and their caregivers; underscore the importance of addressing concerns related to cost, safety, security, and privacy in the design of technology-based interventions; and highlight the potential of wearable technologies in providing valuable insights into care dynamics and promoting healthy behaviors among older adults.
The use of technology to empower older adults’ care constitutes a burgeoning field with promising directions for future research. The integration of personalized health monitoring, social robotics, virtual reality, telemedicine, smart home technologies, and IoT devices can help improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers significantly (also see Sheng et al., 2022). Future research should further explore how advanced technologies can be harnessed as powerful tools to promote independence, well-being, and quality of life for the older population. As technological advancements continue, it is crucial to adopt a human-centric approach and tailor technological solutions to address the unique needs of the aging population (see Figure 1). As we move forward, there are numerous opportunities for research to enhance the lives of older adults and enable them to age with dignity and independence:
Figure 1.
Technology and the care of older adults: unique challenges.
Intergenerational Adoption of Technology: To bridge the digital divide between generations, future research can investigate strategies to promote the intergenerational adoption of technology. Initiatives that foster mutual learning between older adults and younger generations can enhance technology literacy among seniors, enabling them to embrace and use technology safely and effectively.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in the Care of Older Adults: The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) presents a vast array of possibilities for the care of older adults. Future research can explore the role of robots in assistance with daily tasks, caregiving, and providing companionship. AI algorithms can be used to predict health outcomes, optimize care plans, and personalize interventions for older individuals.
Social Connectivity and Telepresence: Social isolation is a significant concern among older adults, leading to adverse mental and emotional effects. Future research should focus on how technology can combat this issue through virtual communication platforms, online social networks, and telepresence robots. By fostering social connections and facilitating meaningful interactions, technology can mitigate feelings of loneliness and improve the overall social engagement of older adults.
Age-Friendly User Interfaces: Designing age-friendly user interfaces is essential to ensure that technology is accessible and usable for older adults. Future research should consider vision, hearing, and motor abilities in the development of user interfaces. With user-centered design, technologies can become more intuitive and inclusive, making it easier for older adults to embrace and benefit from its functionalities.
Personalized Health Interventions: Personalized health interventions hold great potential for empowering the care of older adults. By leveraging data from wearables and other sensors, researchers can develop tailored health recommendations and interventions for the needs of individuals. Personalization ensures that health interventions are targeted and effective, leading to better health outcomes and improved well-being for seniors.
Ethics and Privacy: As technology becomes more integrated into elderly care, ethical implications and concerns about privacy become crucial. Future research should focus on ensuring data security, safeguarding the privacy of older adults, and promoting responsible use of technology for and by older adults. Ethical frameworks must be established to guide the development and implementation of technology-based solutions in the care of older adults.
As technology continues to advance, the integration of wearable devices and electronic monitoring can revolutionize healthcare and caregiving, supporting older adults in their pursuit of active independent living. The opportunities for research to enhance assistive technologies, social connectivity, user interfaces, healthcare delivery, and ethical considerations offer a roadmap for future researchers and innovators. If we harness technology’s potential well, we can empower older adults as they engage with technologies, fostering their social connectedness and promoting their well-being.
Conclusion
As we stand at the threshold of a digital revolution, the transformative potential of technologies in the care of older adults is undeniable. The seven research articles in this issue underscore the many ways in which technologies can empower older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers in their pursuit of enhanced well-being and quality of life. In bridging the digital divide to support dementia care, enhance social connectivity, and promote physical activity, advanced technological solutions hold promise to transform the landscape of aging. As we envision a future of active, dignified aging, it is essential to embrace technology, fostering a more inclusive and thriving society for the needs of individual older adults.
The research in these articles reflects the collective endeavor of researchers, caregivers, and policymakers to harness technologies’ full potential in the service of aging well. Realizing this vision requires a collaborative effort that transcends disciplines and borders. Policymakers must devise inclusive policies that prioritize digital literacy, accessibility, and safety, ensuring that all older adults can embrace technologies with confidence. Technologists must design user-friendly, age-appropriate solutions that address the unique needs of individuals as they age, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape seamlessly. Caregivers and healthcare providers must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to leverage technology in providing person-centered care, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting healthy aging.
Together, we can build a future in which technologies enable active and dignified aging, empowering older adults to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society. As we embark on this transformative journey, we celebrate the power of technologies to enhance the care of older adults, and we reaffirm our commitment to shaping an age-friendly world that embraces the potential of aging with advanced technologies. The digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to support people as they age and create a future in which older adults thrive, connected, and engaged in the digital world and beyond. Let us embrace this digital revolution, empowering aging with technologies, and chart a course toward a future in which older adults can age gracefully, with dignity and enhanced quality of life.
Contributor Information
Heng Xu, Department of Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Bo Xie, School of Nursing and School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
Chu-Hsiang Chang, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
Author Contributions
Heng Xu (Conceptualization, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing), Bo Xie (Conceptualization, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing), and Chu-Hsiang (Daisy) Chang (Conceptualization, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing)
Funding
This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant #2344951 and Grant #2041215; and the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Grant 1R13AG067668-01. Any opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of funding agencies.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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