Use of Gerontechnology to Assist Older Adults to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although people of all ages are at risk of contracting COVID-19, figures clearly showed that people older than 60 are more susceptible to the disease and presented the highest mortality.¹ Aggressive containment measures, such as national lockdown, social distancing, and quarantine, have been placed by many countries to mitigate the spread of the contagious disease. Strict public health measures can protect older people against infection but may inadvertently induce negative consequences, including social isolation, limited access to routine health and social care services, and poor self-health management. Therefore, this work highlighted the role that gerontechnology can play in the time of pandemic for older people and caregivers to address those challenges.

Social distancing measures forced people to reduce physical interactions and be housebound, which may further induce social isolation and loneliness. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are promising tools to respond to this challenge. The utilization of existing and free communication platforms (such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and WeChat) allow older adults to remain physically distant but emotionally connected. Systematic reviews have revealed that Internet- and mobile-based apps, companion robots, video games (Wii and TV gaming systems), video calls, and general computer usage are effective tools to reduce social isolation and loneliness for older adults in the short term.^{2 , 3} ICTs can alleviate social isolation through the development of a sense of connection, maintenance of existing relationships, gain of social support, engagement in activities of interests, and enhancement of self-confidence.⁴ Companion robots, such as Paro, can be used for isolated and agitated residents living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities when they cannot have any visitors and remain confined in their rooms during the pandemic.⁵

Traditional health and social care services, depending on physical proximity and in-person care, are challenged by the pandemic. Older people have none or limited access to routine home care services, community supports, and medical care during social distancing and/or lockdown. Homebound and containment may further increase sedentary behavior and nutritional challenges, contributing to frailty and functional decline. Telehealth, through platforms such as online forums, video conferencing, virtual reality, robotics, and mobile integrated health care programs, enables a person to receive consultations and/or health and social care over a distance.⁶ Together with wearable devices, remote monitoring sensors, and other technologies like the Internet of Things, formal and informal caregivers can be alerted to changes of health status (physical activity, sleep, anxiety or stress level, and nutrition), as well as travel and exposure history of a person. Accordingly, personalized intervention work can be delivered, including messaging with reminders to perform hand hygiene, take medication, perform physical exercises, or schedule grocery/medication delivery; and appropriate resources and health care (para)professionals could be automatically connected.

Technology can, to a large extent, assist older adults and caregivers in response to this pandemic, and enhance well-being moving forward. Nevertheless, limited access to technology and a wide variation in technology literacy within older people should be noted. The “digital divide” still exists for disadvantaged older adults with low education and income.⁷ COVID-19 is an alarm bell, reminding us that urgent attention should be paid to improve technology literacy among older people, as well as support caregivers and health professionals to use technological innovations as a complementary tool for delivering care services.

It is imperative for policymakers to develop best practices and public policies to ensure the appropriate, effective, and ethical use of gerontechnology. Issues that must be addressed include the following: accessibility and usability for vulnerable groups, licensure and credentials of telehealth in crisis, payment of digital service cost and insurance reimbursement, and protection of data privacy and security. Older adults, family members, caregivers, health care professionals, and service providers should be involved in the decision-making process to the extent possible to ensure that autonomy and dignity are upheld.