# data[].attributes.body
Greenwald, P., Stern, M.E., Clark, S., & Sharma, R. (2018). Older adults and technology: in telehealth, they may not be who you think they are. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 11(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-017-0162-7

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Le Couteur, D., Anderson, R., Newman, A. (2020). Erratum to: COVID-19 through the lens of gerontology, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 75(9), 1804. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa080

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Holt, R.C, & Holt, R.J. (2011). Gerotechnology: Kitchen aids. European Geriatric Medicine, 2(4), 256–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurger.2011.01.019

# data[].attributes.body
Rubeis, G. (2020). The disruptive power of artificial intelligence. Ethical aspects of gerontechnology in elderly care. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 91, 104186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2020.104186

# data[].attributes.body
Liu, L., Stroulia, E., Nikolaidis, L, Miguel-Cruz, A., & Rios R. A. (2016). Smart homes and home health monitoring technologies for older adults: A systematic review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 91, 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2016.04.007

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https://medtechboston.medstro.com/blog/2018/05/22/top-5-gerontechnology-products-to-increase-social-engagement-for-seniors/

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Gerontechnology: Don’t miss the train, but which is the right carriage?

Petermans, J., and Piau, A. (2017). Gerontechnology: Don’t miss the train, but which is the right carriage? European Geriatric Medicine 8 (4): 281–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurger.2017.06.011.

# data[].attributes.body
Haufe, M., Peek, S. T. M., & Luijkx, K.G. (2019). Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individual needs: development of the GTM tool. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 26–26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3848-5

# data[].attributes.body
Petermans, J, & Piau, A. (2017). Gerontechnology: Don’t miss the train, but which is the right carriage? European Geriatric Medicine, 8(4), 281–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurger.2017.06.011

# data[].attributes.body
Lefler, L., Rhoads, S., Harris, M., Funderburg, A. Lubin, S., Martel, I., Faulkner, J. Rooker, J., Bell, D., Marshall, H., & Beverly, C. (2018). Evaluating the Use of Mobile Health Technology in Older Adults With Heart Failure: Mixed-Methods Study. JMIR Aging, 1(2), e12178–e12178. https://doi.org/10.2196/12178

https://aging.jmir.org/2018/2/e12178/

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Halicka, K. (2019, July 30). Gerotechnology: The assessment of one selected technology improving the quality of life of older adults. Engineering Management in Production and Services, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2019-0010

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Gerontechnology - the assessment of one selected technology improving the quality of life of older adults

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Abstract Older adults experience difficulties in their daily lives as their health deteriorates. Gerontechnology (the compilation of terms "gerontology" and "technology") helps in the resolution of problems faced by older adults by improving their quality of life and, above all, developing tools to facilitate the access of older adults to all goods, services and infrastructure, which is also the understanding of the term used in this paper.

# data[].attributes.body
Chen, L.-K. (2020). Gerontechnology and artificial intelligence: Better care for older people. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 91, 104252–104252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2020.104252

# data[].attributes.body
Calasanti, T. (2016). Combating ageism: How successful is successful aging?. The Gerontologist, 56(6), 1093-1101.

Martin, P., Kelly, N., Kahana, B., Kahana, E., Willcox, B. J., Willcox, D. C., & Poon, L. W. (2015). Defining successful aging: A tangible or elusive concept?. The Gerontologist, 55(1), 14-25.

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Rendever is overcoming social isolation through the power of virtual reality and shared experiences. (n.d.). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://rendever.com/

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Virtual Reality for Seniors | Welcome to Rendever

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Rendever's virtual reality platform gives residents of the best assisted living and senior care communities the ability to enjoy life again.

# data[].attributes.body
Lauzé, M., Martel, D. D., Agnoux, A., Sirois, M. J., Émond, M., Daoust, R., & Aubertin-Leheudre, M. (2018). Feasibility, acceptability and effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology on physical capacities after a minor injury in community-living older adults: a pilot study. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 22(1), 16-25.

# data[].attributes.body
Hauf, M., Peek, S.T.M., & Luijkx, K.G. (2019). Match gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors' individual needs: development of the GTM tool. BMC Health Services Research, 19(26), 1-13

# data[].attributes.body
Hughes, S., Warren-Norton, K., Spadafora, P., & Tsotsos, E. L. (2017). Supporting optimal aging through the Innovative use of virtual reality technology, 1(4),  23. doi :10.3390/mti1040023

# data[].attributes.body
Schulz, R., Wahl, H., Matthews, J., De Vito Dabbs, A., Beach, S., & Czaja, S. (2015). Advancing the Aging and Technology Agenda in Gerontology. The Gerontologist, 55(5), 724-734.

https://doi-org.lib-proxy.fullerton.edu/10.1093/geront/gnu071

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APA Charness, N., Best, R., & Evans, J. (2016). Supportive home health care technology for older adults: Attitudes and implementation. Gerontechnology : international journal on the fundamental aspects of technology to serve the ageing society, 15(4), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2016.15.4.006.00

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King, A., Boyd, M., Raphael, D., & Jull, A. (2018). The effect of a gerontology nurse specialist   for high needs older people in the community on healthcare utilisation: A controlled    before-after study. BMC Geriatrics, 18(1), 22. doi:10.1186/s12877-018-0717-3

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Levine's conservation Model: A framework for Advanced Gerontology Nursing Practice

# data[].attributes.subject
Levine's conservation Model: A framework for Advanced Gerontology Nursing Practice

# data[].attributes.body
Abumaria, I., Hastings‐Tolsma, M., & Sakraida, T. (2015). Levine's Conservation Model: A Framework for Advanced Gerontology Nursing Practice. Nursing Forum, 50(3), 179-188.

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Brian Chafe               Comparing effects of home-based exercise program using gerontechonology to community based group exercise program. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Brian Chafe               Comparing effects of home-based exercise program using gerontechonology to community based group exercise program. 

# data[].attributes.body
Martel, D., Lauzé, M., Agnoux, A., Fruteau de Laclos, L., Daoust, R., Émond, M., Marie-Josee, S., Aubertin-Leheudre, M. (2018). Comparing the effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology to a community-based group exercise program on functional capacities in older adults after a minor injury. Experimental Gerontology, 108, 41-47.

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Gerontology : Perspectives, Concepts, Approaches

# data[].attributes.subject
Gerontology : Perspectives, Concepts, Approaches

# data[].attributes.body
Skinner, M., Andrews, G., & Cutchin, M. (2018). Geographical gerontology: Perspectives, concepts, approaches (Routledge studies in human geography ; 74). London: Taylor and Francis.

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2 week supply Pill Box with Reminder Alarms. 

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2 week supply Pill Box with Reminder Alarms. 

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Rocio De Casas: Top 5 Gerontechnology Devices to Increase Social Interaction Amongst the Elder Population...

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Rocio De Casas: Top 5 Gerontechnology Devices to Increase Social Interaction Amongst the Elder Population...

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Amazing technology to help increase and maintain functionality in our senior population- Rocio De Casas

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Leverage the Embodied Labs VR-enabled immersive learning system to develop empathy for older adults and start having deeper, transformational conversations about your care practices.

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Chicago Methodist Senior Services
"We're really excited about the kind of conversations we're going to be able to have with our staff after we've viewed, collectively, the three [Beatriz Lab] modules." - Bill Lowe, President and CEO

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Immersive Learning Impacts Care Outcomes | Embodied Labs - Embodied Labs

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"We're really excited about the kind of conversations we're going to be able to have with our staff after we've viewed, collectively, the three [Beatriz Lab] modules." - Bill Lowe, President and CEO

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This wearable gerontechnology watches over the daily patterns of your loved ones and identifies changes that could signal a health concern. The system also alerts caregivers of a potential fall.

https://www.carepredict.com/

# data[].attributes.headline
Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individualneeds: development of the GTM tool

# data[].attributes.subject
Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individualneeds: development of the GTM tool

# data[].attributes.headline
Engaging nurses in gerontechnology and innovation in acute care for the elderly

# data[].attributes.subject
Engaging nurses in gerontechnology and innovation in acute care for the elderly

# data[].attributes.body
Happ, M. B., and Raderstorf, T. (2019). Engaging nurses in gerontechnology and innovation in acute care for the elderly. Geriatric Nursing, 40(5), 533 - 535.

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Paro - An interactive robot seal that can interact with older people with dementia 

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Paro - An interactive robot seal that can interact with older people with dementia 

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PARO has been found to reduce stress, stimulate interaction, improve relaxation and motivation, improve socialization of patients with each other and with caregiver - Cinda Be

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PARO Therapeutic Robot

PARO is an advanced interactive robot developed by AIST, a leading Japanese industrial automation pioneer. It allows the documented benefits of animal therapy to be administered to patients in environments such as hospitals and extended care facilities where live animals present treatment or logistical difficulties.

PARO has been found to reduce patient stress and their caregivers

PARO stimulates interaction between patients and caregivers

PARO has been shown to have a Psychological effect on patients, improving thier relaxation and motivation

PARO improves the socialiazation of patients with each other and with caregivers

World's Most Therapeutic Robot certified by Guinness World Records

PARO is the 8th generation of a design that has been in use in Japan and throughout Europe since 2003.

PARO has five kinds of sensors: tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors, with which it can perceive people and its environment. With the light sensor, PARO can recognize light and dark. He feels being stroked and beaten by tactile sensor, or being held by the posture sensor. PARO can also recognize the direction of voice and words such as its name, greetings, and praise with its audio sensor.

PARO can learn to behave in a way that the user prefers, and to respond to its new name. For example, if you stroke it every time you touch it, PARO will remember your previous action and try to repeat that action to be stroked. If you hit it, PARO remembers its previous action and tries not to do that action.

By interaction with people, PARO responds as if it is alive, moving its head and legs, making sounds, and showing your preferred behavior. PARO also imitates the voice of a real baby harp seal.

PARO-Certification Classes Available

PARO-Certification Classes by Prof. Sandra Petersen, DNP, APRN, FNP/GNP-BC, PMHNP-BE, FAANP University of Texas at Tyler (spetersen@uttyler.edu)

PARO-Certification Classes by Randy Griffin RN MS HNC

PARO-Certification Classes by Corey Tague, Licensed Robot Therapist

PARO In The Scientific Literature

Changing the Culture for Dementia Care by Randy Griffin RN MS HNC

An innovative new book prescribing the path to a better way of life for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Written by Randy L. Griffin, a recognized expert in the field of dementia care.

PARO Around The World

Germany: Beziehungen pflegen UG

Multimedia Features

Takanori Shibata shows PARO to Prime Minister Kan and President Obama during APEC 2010

Interview with Takanori Shibata on Sky Radio

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improved brain function in patients with alzheimers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PARO is an advanced interactive therapeutic robot designed to stimulate patients with Dementia, Alzheimer's, and other cognition disorders.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bridging the digital divide in older adults: a study from an initiative to inform older adults about new technologies

# data[].attributes.subject
Bridging the digital divide in older adults: a study from an initiative to inform older adults about new technologies

# data[].attributes.body
Wu, Y., Damnée, S., Kerhervé, H., Ware, C., & Rigaud, A. (2015). Bridging the digital divide in older adults: A study from an initiative to inform older adults about new technologies. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10(1), 193-201.

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Great devices used to help our elder population stay engaged and with their peers also avoid social isolation. -Rene Garcia

# data[].attributes.headline
By any means? Questioning the link between gerontechnological innovation and older people's wish to live at home. 

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By any means? Questioning the link between gerontechnological innovation and older people's wish to live at home. 

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This paper explores how as gerontechnological advances are made, it allows for older people to more easily live at home, which is deemed as a natural desire. However, the invisible pressures of the gerontechologies can pose to make living at home a less-than-optimal experience for these older adults, and it is at least different from what they had initially imagined.

Neven, L. (2015). By any means? Questioning the link between gerontechnological innovation and older people's wish to live at home. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 93, 32-43.

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Comparing the effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology to a community-based group exercise program on functional capacities in older adults after a minor injury

# data[].attributes.subject
Comparing the effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology to a community-based group exercise program on functional capacities in older adults after a minor injury

# data[].attributes.body
Martel, D., Lauzé, M., Agnoux, A., Laclos, L. F. D., Daoust, R., Émond, M., … Aubertin-Leheudre, M. (2018). Comparing the effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology to a community-based group exercise program on functional capacities in older adults after a minor injury. Experimental Gerontology, 108, 41–47. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.03.016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Comparing the effects of a home-based exercise program using a gerontechnology to a community-based group exercise program on functional capacities in older adults after a minor injury

# data[].attributes.headline
Capitalizing and compensating: Older adults' religious and spiritual uses of technology.

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Capitalizing and compensating: Older adults' religious and spiritual uses of technology.

# data[].attributes.body
Kang, S. L. C., Endacott, C. G., Gonzales, G. G., & Bengston, V. L. (2019). Capitalizing and compensating: Older adults' religious and spiritual uses of technology. Anthropology & Aging, 40(1), 14-31. https://doi.org/10.5195/aa.2019.194

"This study explores how older adults use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their spiritual and religious lives."

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Capitalizing and compensating Older adults religious and spiritual uses of technology

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Meliza Jones:       Everyone hears at a different level.....

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Meliza Jones:       Everyone hears at a different level.....

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Hearing loss can lead to social isolation for many seniors.  This Boston based company has created headphones that allow seniors to experience a shared activity at their specific hearing level.  This allows them to share an experience with personal freedom.

https://eversoundhq.com/

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Ethical issues related to the use of gerontechnology in older people care: A scoping review

# data[].attributes.subject
Ethical issues related to the use of gerontechnology in older people care: A scoping review

# data[].attributes.body
Sundgren, S., Stolt, M., & Suhonen, R. (2020). Ethical issues related to the use of gerontechnology in older people care: A scoping review. Nursing Ethics, 27(1), 88-103. doi:10.1177/0969733019845132

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Technology and Gadgets for Seniors by AARP

# data[].attributes.subject
Technology and Gadgets for Seniors by AARP

# data[].attributes.body
This website details 10 helpful technological aids that seniors can utilize and is written by the American Association of Retired Persons.

My name was not attached to the previous post...

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Who uses it: Laura Reeves' father-in-law, who has Alzheimer's disease, takes 18 pills a day. He had been skipping some doses or popping too many. "We didn't want to take his independence away but had to protect him," says Reeves, who moved with her husband from Portland, Ore., to Green Forest, Ark., to be near his parents. Skipping doses or taking too many pills, at the wrong time or not at all, has serious consequences. Many older people need multiple medications multiple times a day; a memory issue compounds the task.

What it is: A digital pill dispenser that looks like a regular seven-day model. One type is locked until it's time for medication; the other is unlocked.

How it works: A caregiver fills the medicine tray that goes into the device. The adult child logs onto the Web, remotely programs the schedule and can see if the user has complied. The dispenser flashes (if locked, it unlocks) when it's pill time, then beeps if the medicine's not taken. Still no luck? A prerecorded voice from, say, a grandchild, reminds Grandma to take them. If she doesn't, she gets a call, and a family member receives an email, text or call. The system helped Reeves' father-in-law take his medications on time, and his health improved dramatically.

Who uses it: Mike Beadles' mom, 85, who has Parkinson's disease and dementia, lives with him in Lawton, Okla. She finds her son's voice on the clock soothing. Now Mike, 61 and a disabled vet, is using the low-tech gadget, too. "Rosie reduces my stress because I don't have to be nervous either one will miss a dose," says Beadle's wife, Heyyoung, who is 43.

What it is: A voice-activated talking clock that tells you to take your medicine at a certain time. You can use it for other reminders, too (feed the cat, take a short walk).

How it works: A family member programs the clock (perhaps "I love you, Mom. It's time to take two blue pills and one yellow pill"). Once the medicine is taken, the person either says "reminder off" or touches it to turn it off.

Who uses it: Telling her parents they needed an emergency button "was a hard conversation to have," says Susan Morrell, 50. "Nobody likes to admit they're getting older and need help." But she and her five siblings had that conversation last year when her father, Larry Beighey, 75, and her mother, Carole, 76, who uses a walker and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both wound up in the hospital at the same time. Now fully recovered, they use personal emergency response devices in their homes in Amelia Island, Fla., and Hubbard Lake, Mich.

What it is: A personal help button for home use that is worn around the neck or wrist and can detect if you've fallen.

How it works: The base station is plugged into the wall. Sensors in a button are connected wirelessly to the base station and distinguish between a fall and other movement. If it senses a fall, you're connected to the response center.

Who uses it: Gladys Jules lives in Atlanta and has used GrandCare to check on her aunt and mother in South Carolina and to keep them socially connected. Jules' daughter recently had twins and streams daily photos to her grandmother. Last September, Jules, 62, had colon surgery and now also uses GrandCare daily. She takes biometric readings, organizes her prescriptions and stores her medical information for her kids "just in case."

What it is: A multipurpose system that tracks daily activity, has medical monitoring (glucose, oxygen, blood pressure, weight) and can display anything: diets, discharge plans, exercises. An interactive touch screen lets Dad watch videos, view family or Facebook photos, listen to music, play games, read the news and video chat with family.

How it works: It uses an Internet connection that communicates with wireless sensors you've placed around the house. Caregivers log on to a website to see their loved one's activity, write them messages and make rules ("Alert me when ...").

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Technology, Gadgets For Seniors Aging In Place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Who uses it: Laura Reeves' father-in-law, who has Alzheimer's disease, takes 18 pills a day. He had been skipping some doses or popping too many. "We didn't want to take his independence away but had to protect him," says Reeves, who moved with her husband from Portland, Ore., to Green Forest, Ark., to be near his parents.

# data[].attributes.headline
Technology and Gadgets for Seniors by AARP

# data[].attributes.subject
Technology and Gadgets for Seniors by AARP

# data[].attributes.body
This website details 10 helpful technological aids that seniors can utilize and is written by the American Association of Retired Persons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Who uses it: Laura Reeves' father-in-law, who has Alzheimer's disease, takes 18 pills a day. He had been skipping some doses or popping too many. "We didn't want to take his independence away but had to protect him," says Reeves, who moved with her husband from Portland, Ore., to Green Forest, Ark., to be near his parents. Skipping doses or taking too many pills, at the wrong time or not at all, has serious consequences. Many older people need multiple medications multiple times a day; a memory issue compounds the task.

What it is: A digital pill dispenser that looks like a regular seven-day model. One type is locked until it's time for medication; the other is unlocked.

How it works: A caregiver fills the medicine tray that goes into the device. The adult child logs onto the Web, remotely programs the schedule and can see if the user has complied. The dispenser flashes (if locked, it unlocks) when it's pill time, then beeps if the medicine's not taken. Still no luck? A prerecorded voice from, say, a grandchild, reminds Grandma to take them. If she doesn't, she gets a call, and a family member receives an email, text or call. The system helped Reeves' father-in-law take his medications on time, and his health improved dramatically.

Who uses it: Mike Beadles' mom, 85, who has Parkinson's disease and dementia, lives with him in Lawton, Okla. She finds her son's voice on the clock soothing. Now Mike, 61 and a disabled vet, is using the low-tech gadget, too. "Rosie reduces my stress because I don't have to be nervous either one will miss a dose," says Beadle's wife, Heyyoung, who is 43.

What it is: A voice-activated talking clock that tells you to take your medicine at a certain time. You can use it for other reminders, too (feed the cat, take a short walk).

How it works: A family member programs the clock (perhaps "I love you, Mom. It's time to take two blue pills and one yellow pill"). Once the medicine is taken, the person either says "reminder off" or touches it to turn it off.

Who uses it: Telling her parents they needed an emergency button "was a hard conversation to have," says Susan Morrell, 50. "Nobody likes to admit they're getting older and need help." But she and her five siblings had that conversation last year when her father, Larry Beighey, 75, and her mother, Carole, 76, who uses a walker and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both wound up in the hospital at the same time. Now fully recovered, they use personal emergency response devices in their homes in Amelia Island, Fla., and Hubbard Lake, Mich.

What it is: A personal help button for home use that is worn around the neck or wrist and can detect if you've fallen.

How it works: The base station is plugged into the wall. Sensors in a button are connected wirelessly to the base station and distinguish between a fall and other movement. If it senses a fall, you're connected to the response center.

Who uses it: Gladys Jules lives in Atlanta and has used GrandCare to check on her aunt and mother in South Carolina and to keep them socially connected. Jules' daughter recently had twins and streams daily photos to her grandmother. Last September, Jules, 62, had colon surgery and now also uses GrandCare daily. She takes biometric readings, organizes her prescriptions and stores her medical information for her kids "just in case."

What it is: A multipurpose system that tracks daily activity, has medical monitoring (glucose, oxygen, blood pressure, weight) and can display anything: diets, discharge plans, exercises. An interactive touch screen lets Dad watch videos, view family or Facebook photos, listen to music, play games, read the news and video chat with family.

How it works: It uses an Internet connection that communicates with wireless sensors you've placed around the house. Caregivers log on to a website to see their loved one's activity, write them messages and make rules ("Alert me when ...").

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Technology, Gadgets For Seniors Aging In Place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Who uses it: Laura Reeves' father-in-law, who has Alzheimer's disease, takes 18 pills a day. He had been skipping some doses or popping too many. "We didn't want to take his independence away but had to protect him," says Reeves, who moved with her husband from Portland, Ore., to Green Forest, Ark., to be near his parents.

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Marie Sidabutar: Gerontechnology Resource: Technologies to Benefit Aging Adults A fun and futuristic blog about technologies and aging!

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Marie Sidabutar: Gerontechnology Resource: Technologies to Benefit Aging Adults A fun and futuristic blog about technologies and aging!

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gerontechnology, home care, aging in place, ageing in place, technology-supported aging, caregiving

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Paul Laygo:               OLDER ADULTS AND TECHNOLOGY: MOVING BEYOND THE STEREOTYPES:

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Paul Laygo:               OLDER ADULTS AND TECHNOLOGY: MOVING BEYOND THE STEREOTYPES:

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This website has resources to help the older adults population: http://longevity.stanford.edu/about/

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Technologies to Promote Activities of Daily Living and Independence:

# data[].attributes.subject
Technologies to Promote Activities of Daily Living and Independence:

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Advancement in technologies help elderly live more convenient and independent. For example, wheelchairs and other devices providing robotic manipulation are becoming available to help with activities of daily living. Cooper showed a person using voice control and a tablet to control a wheelchair as well as two manipulators (arm-like mechanisms which grasp and move objects) in an office supply store. Nevertheless, many places remain inaccessible to people in wheelchairs, changes in the physical infrastructure remain slow, and the kinds of wheelchairs needed to access some locations are typically not covered by insurance.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202427/

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Board games: gerontechnology in nursing care practice

# data[].attributes.subject
Board games: gerontechnology in nursing care practice

# data[].attributes.body
Implementation of a new board game for seniors as a form of Gerotechnology with the goal of improving healthy aging.

Olympio, P., & Alvim, N. (2018). Board games: Gerotechnology in nursing care practice. Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem,71(Suppl 2), 818-826. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0365

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Technologies to Promote Activities of Daily Living and Independence

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Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) include an individuals ability to manage communication with others. Amazon has been an innovative leader in developing communication devices, specifically their Amazon Echo devices. These devices makes it easy for senior citizens to communicate with their relatives and friends by simply asking the device to call someone for them.

https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Show-8/dp/B07PF1Y28C?th=1

Quamar, A. H., Schmeler, M. R., Collins, D. M., & Schein, R. M. (2019). Information communication technology-enabled instrumental activities of daily living: a paradigm shift in functional assessment. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-8. doi:10.1080/17483107.2019.1650298

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Community-dwelling older adults’ needs and acceptance regarding the use of robot technology to assist with daily living performance

# data[].attributes.subject
Community-dwelling older adults’ needs and acceptance regarding the use of robot technology to assist with daily living performance

# data[].attributes.body
Park, Yeon-Hwan, Chang, Hee Kyung, Lee, Min Hye, & Lee, Seong Hyeon. (2019). Community-dwelling older adults' needs and acceptance regarding the use of robot technology to assist with daily living performance. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), 208.

Although most of the participants lived independently, they regularly experienced difficulties regarding
buying products, transportation, using phones, and preparing meals. If appropriate assistance technology is developed,
this population can maintain its independence. Thus, it is necessary to address main needs, including detecting and
addressing emergency situations, locating objects, assisting mobility and memory recall, and assisting with daily living performance.

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Ambient Sensors for Elderly Care and Independent Living.

# data[].attributes.subject
Ambient Sensors for Elderly Care and Independent Living.

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Ambient sensors are used to maintain the safety of older adults. These sensors include motion, pressure, video,  object contact, and sound. The implementation of these sensors at assisting living centers or at-home support caregivers in the care of older adults and they are also a great implication for the safety of older adults in case of an unexpected event occurs.

https://csuf-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/43rjjt/TN_doaj_soai_doaj_org_article_1993936b45824a839ef07a33cf87330d

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Improving gesture-based interaction between an assistive bathing robot and older adults via user training on the gesture commands

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Improving gesture-based interaction between an assistive bathing robot and older adults via user training on the gesture commands

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Bathing is an activity of daily living that older adults may require assistance during the aging process. In order to assist the older adults bathing robots are used to complete this task. Ultimately, there was a positive correlation between training the older adult on using the gesture recognition robot to complete bathing tasks with a positive experience perceived by the participants.
Werner, C., Kardaris, N., Koutras, P., Zlatintsi, A., Maragos, P., Bauer, J. M., & Hauer, K. (2020). Improving gesture-based interaction between an assistive bathing robot and older adults via user training on the gestural commands. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, (87) 1-10 doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2019.103996

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Mather Institute was created to conduct research for senior living and community-residing older adults. Through national initiatives, surveys, and research studies, the Institute has provided valuable information to senior living communities and others that serve older adults in a variety of areas, including effective approaches to brain health, ways to enhance resilience, and successful employee wellness programs.

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A recent review of several articles outlines the emergence of the field of gerotechnology-

an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between older adults and new technology. The reviewer identified 287 research papers on older adults and technology, and closely analyzed 18 papers on assistive technologies (AT) as well as information and computer technologies (ICT) representative of the emerging field of gerotechnology. The author argues that future research should focus more specifically on the actual in-context use of technologies by specific older adults.

The review also states that gerotechnology is a convergence of two, previously separate fields-social gerontology and technological studies. Social gerontology is a wide field of study that looks at how older adults respond to aging, analyzed from different social science perspectives. This field gives us insights about how psychology, culture, economics, politics, and other social factors influence our experience of aging. The review also mentions that the influence of social gerontology has meant that much gerotechnological analysis has focused on a structural approach, or how social structural factors (such as economic and other institutional factors) influence the relationship between aging and technology.

Technological studies of aging have applied theories from the study of technology and information sciences to older adult users. These have provided insights based on how user characteristics common to older adults influence how technology is used, and how technology can be applied to deal with aging-related issues. Like the social gerontology approaches, these technological studies have also tended to use a more structural way of understanding gerotechnology. For example, they have focused on how individuals with certain health conditions or educational levels interact with technology. These focus more on the technical aspects of the technology.

The author also asserts that an exclusively structural and technical approach to gerotechnology leads to an overly deterministic view of how individuals interact with technology. Structural approaches provide important social insights, but are limited in how they enable us to understand how older adults might actively incorporate technology in their daily lives and in the contexts that matter to them. Further, the older adult population is rapidly changing, as are the technologies that older adults have available to them. For these reasons, the author argues that further research should focus more on the daily lives of older adults, and involve older adults more actively in the process of research and design.

Source:
Rodeschini G. (2011). Gerotechnology: A new kind of care for aging? An analysis of the relationship between older people and technology. Nursing & Health Sciences (13):521-528.

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Gerotechnology: Shifts in the Study of Aging & Technology - Mather Institute

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A recent review of several articles outlines the emergence of the field of gerotechnology- an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between older adults and new technology. The reviewer identified 287 research papers on older adults and technology, and closely analyzed 18 papers on assistive technologies (AT) as well as information and computer technologies (ICT) representative of the emerging field of gerotechnology.

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Technology To Help Seniors Live Independently

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Technology To Help Seniors Live Independently

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This website has many examples of technology for the older adult to maintain independence and provides the link to each assistive device.

https://seniorsafetyadvice.com/technology-to-help-seniors-live-independently/

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Us baby boomers are growing older by the day! As more and more older adults begin aging in place in their own homes, they are relying on smart home devices to help them maintain their independence as long as possible.

And the advent of so much new technology in the last decade is beginning to make that very possible.

What technology is available to help seniors live independently? - The list includes smartphones, tablets, GPS enabled devices, wearable devices, in home sensors, video monitoring systems, voice activated devices, emergency response products, smoke detectors, gas detectors, house alarms and medication dispensers just to name the main ones.

Technology these days doesn't always mean an electronic device.

There are many tools and gadgets available that don't require high-tech skills that can be used to help seniors live independently whether they live alone or not.

Another way that modern technology could impact elderly care is in the development of smart homes and devices. Instead of having a robot handle daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping, an older adult could count on various devices in the home to take care of jobs that he or she can no longer do alone. For example, a smart refrigerator could sense when there is not enough food and order items from a local grocery store or supermarket. An app connected to a door lock system could make it easy for an elderly person to let in a family member or trusted caregiver without having to get up and open the door.
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

These amazing gadgets can be lifesavers not only for the older people but for their family members as well.

The devices and gadgets we mention in this article can help older adults who are aging in place in their own homes or who are aging in senior living communities or other forms of housing.

What Technology is Used to Help the Elderly?

Technology can be used to provide a range of solutions that help elderly people maintain their independence and quality of life.

From medical alert systems and medication management tools, to activity trackers, voice assistants, home monitoring systems, digital companionship services, and more - the options for technology-based solutions are continually growing.

While human caregiving cannot and will not be replaced, assistive technologies that can supplement human caregiving have the potential to improve the quality of life for both older adults and their caregivers.
The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (link downloads a PDF)

There are several types of technology that are commonly used to assist the elderly.

Here are a few examples:

1. Health Monitoring Devices: These include wearable devices that can monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. Some of these devices can also detect falls and automatically alert emergency services.

2. Assistive Devices: These include hearing aids, mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs, and visual aids for those with vision impairment.

3. Smart Home Technology: This includes voice-activated assistants like Alexa or Amazon Echo or Google Home, which can help the elderly with tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or controlling home appliances. Smart home technology also includes automated systems for lighting, heating, and security.

4. Telemedicine: This technology allows the elderly to consult with healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for physical visits to the clinic or hospital.

5. Medication Management Apps: These apps can act as medication reminders, and some can even dispense the correct dosage.

6. GPS Trackers: These devices can help locate an elderly person if they get lost or disoriented.

7. Social Media and Communication Apps: These allow the elderly to stay connected with friends and family, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

8. Virtual Reality: VR can provide cognitive stimulation and entertainment, and can also be used in physical rehabilitation.

9. Robotic Assistants: Robots can assist with tasks like cleaning, cooking, and even provide companionship.

10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: These technologies can be used to analyze health data and predict potential health issues, allowing for early intervention.

11. Caregiver Monitoring: Devices can alert family members and caregivers with smartphone notifications.

12. Home Security Systems: Personally, I believe all homes should have a home security system but for older adults, best to opt for ones that are easy to use.

As seniors age, these technologies can greatly enhance the quality of their lives. These devices can help them to maintain their independence, their activity level to stay healthy.

However, not all elderly people may be comfortable with or able to use all of these technologies, and personal preferences and individual needs should always be taken into account when preparing a home for a senior.

What Devices Keep Elderly Independent?

Assistive technology is so much more than just cell phones and mobile devices that seniors can use to help make their lives easier and safer.

Here's a list of some of the best tech devices that can help to keep elderly adults independent.

1) Stove Alarms - The most budget-friendly stove alarm model for a gas stove that you can just plug in and walk away from is the Nighthawk Plug-in Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm.

It plugs into any standard outlet and detects natural gas, propane gas, and carbon monoxide.

2) High Tech Stove Alarm - I'm impressed with iGuardStove. It has built in motion sensors and will shut off the gas after no motion has been detected for 5 minutes.

For your peace of mind, it will send an alert to your smartphone. It also has a secret lock that allows a caregiver to lock the stove.

The upgraded version also offers gas leak detection. NOTE: you'll need a certified plumber to install

3) Stovetop Fire Suppressor - A simple device for fire suppression on an electric stove is the StoveTop FireStop.

It's basically designed to put out grease fires and automatically deploys when it comes in contact with flames.

Mounted by magnets to the underside of the range hood, StoveTop FireStop gives you invisible peace-of-mind.

(Note: There's no one speaking on this video - you only hear the sound of the StoveTop FireStop working)

4) Seat Belt Buckle Holders - Something as simple as buckling your seat belt in the car can become difficult for an older adult, especially if they suffer from arthritis in their hands. A gadget like the Wididi Buckle Up is a great tool to fix that!

5) Gas Cap Remover - For anyone who suffers from arthritis in their hands - they know how difficult it can be to turn a gas cap to fill up your car. Well - this little Freedom Gas Cap Wrench is a great stocking stuffer that will be appreciated and used often!

6) Flexible Shower Head - A shower head that has a grip on it (easier for your senior loved one to handle) like this one from Yoo.Mee (I know - it's a funny name). These inexpensive home modifications may work for your elderly person.

7) Grab Bars - It used to be that grab bars were designated for bathrooms only. But today's homes built for senior living - grab bars can be installed throughout the house.

Hallways, living rooms, garages, anywhere there is just one or two steps to enter / exit a room.
Read About The Different Types Of Grab Bars Available
8) Toilet Seats - There are several different ways that you can make it easier to get up and down from a toilet seat (which are usually too low for many older adults).

You can purchase a brand new toilet that is taller (yes, they make these) or you can add a device to the existing toilet to make the seat higher.

We recommend several devices on our page about toilet seats - click here. But if you really want to go high tech - you can look into the EZ-ACCESS Toilet Lift which lowers and raises the user onto the toilet - very much like a lift chair.

There's more coming in the near feature in what is being dubbed as "intelligent bathroom sensors".

You can see the video presentation of these new products as it's presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by clicking here.

9) Lights - In my experience, there can never be enough lights in homes of elderly people.

Most of my patients would keep their homes dark because the light hurt their eyes and/or they wanted to save money on electricity.

Neither reason is a good one when the consequences could possibly be a fall that could result in severe injury or death.

You can use plug in lights or battery powered lights. I like to use a combination of both because there can never be too many lights!

Place them everywhere, but especially in those areas that are used at night time. For example, the path from the bed to the bathroom, the pathway to and from the kitchen, etc.

10) Barrier Free - Many homes, especially older homes have barriers that only become evident when someone gets older.

These little barriers can make the difference between independent living and requiring help.

Things like showers that you have to step into (or showers in bathtubs), doorway thresholds (which can be difficult if using a walker or wheelchair), steps to enter a room (remember those sunken living rooms?).

These can all make it more difficult than necessary to ambulate throughout the home.

For showers it's recommended to remove the tiles to step over but of course this requires some home construction. You can instead use transfer benches and shower chairs (depending on the structure of your shower).

Ramps for outdoor steps and Threshold Ramps like this one which are great for indoor use.

My mom-in-law was recovering from pneumonia last year and she was using a wheelchair to get from the bed to the bathroom one night when she literally got "stuck" at the threshold of her bathroom door.

You can avoid incidences like this with simple and inexpensive threshold ramps.

11) Voice Activated Assistive Devices Like Alexa and Google Home - These are more "tech" and less "gadget" but they are an amazing tool that can help some seniors live unsupervised whether they live alone or not.

They both have a variety of devices that you can use throughout the home (and I do recommend to have several throughout the home) but I will say that you can do much more with Amazon's Alexa than with Google Home.

With voice commands, the user can access a plethora of actions that Alexa can do. Alexa calls them "skills" and their list seems endless:

Reminders

Routines

Video chat / Video call

Call friends and relatives (a new way to make phone calls)

Calendar notifications

Use as a virtual assistant

Use as an intercom system

Control lights, television and other devices with smart plugs

Burglar Deterrent

Use as a smart speaker

Call Uber / Lyft

Call 911, pre-set Buddies to contact an emergency response service

And much, much more!

You can read about my top 30 Amazon Skills for seniors - just click here.

They are coordinated with a smartphone app (or a remote, in the case of the Amazon Fire Stick for the tV), so you can control them from wherever you are.

Whether you own the Echo Dot, Echo Tower, Echo Show or the Echo Plus or Google Home - they can all help you to make your home safer - no matter what age you are.

For more about Google Home services - check out my article on Best Google Home Services For Seniors.

These smart assistive devices can also help seniors to fight social isolation and loneliness because they can help them to connect with others visually (using the Amazon Echo Show).

12) Wearables - I can't possibly write an article on tech for seniors without mentioning the amazing wearables that are available these days.

This list of products includes:

Life Alert (almost everyone has heard of this!)

GPS enabled watch from Apple (this particular one also has an anti fall alarm which is pretty cool!)

Invisawear Smart Jewelry - these days, GPS and alert wearables don't have to look clunky - this beautiful necklace is a piece of jewelry that is also a safety device! But you do need to keep your cell phone nearby to use it.

Fitbit - this little wearable offers so many services! From monitoring health and physical activity to sleep tracking.

One additional item to add to the Invisawear jewelry that I can recommend for older adults is a magnetic clasp to the Invisawear necklace. This makes it much easier to put on and take off for anyone who has problems managing small jewelry clasps.

I know that I do so this makes it quick and easy for me to wear my Invisawear necklace.

These personal emergency response systems can be a lifesaver.

At some point in the near feature (I believe) these wearable devices will be used by healthcare providers for remote monitoring of medical conditions, heart rate and more. They are also a great way to gather and update health information.

Today, healthcare providers are excited about the potential of wearable devices to monitor vital signs like blood pressure as well as early warning signs of more serious conditions, like heart attacks or infections.
University of Illinois Chicago
Read our review of Lexie hearing aids - affordable, over the counter, no prescription or doctor visit required.
13) Smart Pill Dispensers And "Remember To Take Medication" App - It seems that for some people, the older they get, the more medications they take.

When you have a lot of prescriptions, it can be difficult to remember what to take and when to take it.

Well, as they say, " there's an app for that"! We've listed a few technology-smart pill dispensers, services, and apps that we think are pretty cool:

PillPack this is actually an Amazon service that takes away the need for going to the pharmacy for prescription renewals or pickups.

This service will sort your monthly prescriptions (including any over the counter vitamins, supplements, pain medications, etc) and put them into easy-open packets.

Each see-through packet is clearly labeled with the day of the week and time of day that you should take the medication. The PillPack service also handles creams, inhalers, and any testing supplies you may need.

PillPack's service and shipping is free - all you pay for is your regular insurance copays like you would in a physical pharmacy.

You will need to pay out of pocket costs for any non-prescription medications or supplements that you include in the monthly service, but you would also have to do that in a physical pharmacy.

Also, if you need something as soon as possible, PillPack offers 1 day service.

E-Pill Pocket Pillbox is a vibrating pill timer reminder and dispenser. It is an inexpensive, modern update on the traditional pill case. You might have seen it when it was featured on Doctor's TV.

The E-Pill Pocket Pillbox has four audible 30-second alarms to alert you when it is time to take a medication. It also gives you a vibration alert at the same time. There is a snooze feature that will repeat the alarms up to three times.

The E-Pill Pocket Pillbox can hold up to 32 aspirin-sized tablets and is small and light enough to fit into your shirt pocket or a purse. It retails for about $50 ( check price online here).

One nice feature is that if you are a senior who has a hard time hearing an alarm, the E-Pill Pocket Pillbox also has a lockable dispenser with a voice alert that says, " Time to take your medications. "

MedMinder - this is a system for those who want a smart pill dispenser that will also remind you via mobile alerts if you forget to take your medicine. The pill dispenser has 28 compartments, making it a 7 day pillbox when holding 4 daily doses of medication.

When it is time to take a medication, the appropriate compartment flashes a light. If you don't remove the container within a certain time, the MedMinder will alert you again with an audible alert plus your choice of digital reminders (text messages or emails) or a telephone call.

It also features its own cellular connection so that it doesn't need a phone line or the internet to work (but it does need electricity).

The MedMinder can be programmed remotely by someone else if you aren't tech savvy. It can also be set up for remote monitoring and to alert a loved one if a dose is missed.

If a caregiver is helping you, the program can generate monthly reports to help them keep track of medication activity.

They have an unlocked version, but you can also get a version with a safety lock feature so that children looking for candy don't get into your medications by mistake.

One drawback is that it is not portable because it must be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Also - the biggest thing to consider, in my opinion - is that the MedMinder system isn't cheap. It requires a monthly subscription fee of around $50/month (for the non-locking dispenser) to about $70/month (for the locking dispenser) as of 2022.

Medisafe Meds and Pills Reminder App (for desktop, phone, and tablet applications): This app is a simple app that can help you manage multiple medications and several profiles. The app can also track your prescriptions and remind you when it is time to refill your prescriptions.

It is free and available in both the App Store for Apple products and in Google Play for Android.

Did you know that you can get smart tops for your prescription bottles now? Timer Caps have a stopwatch and a digital display that shows you the last time the bottle was closed. You don't have to program them or set any alarms - the stopwatch starts automatically.

This helps avoid taking a medication twice because of forgetting whether you took it before and serves a secondary purpose of letting you know if anyone else opened your medication.

14. Ergonomic Computer Mouse - If you are your senior loved one has arthritis in their hands they may find it difficult to use their computer mouse.
Look at some of the best ergonomic computer mouse devices that we found to make life just a bit easier for them.
I do acknowledge that for some older adults, the learning curve to use some of these new technology products can be overwhelming.

Laurie Orlov lists barriers that may make adopting technology difficult for seniors. Her list includes...

Awareness of these products

Accessibility to these products

Anxiety over using them / learning them

Configuring them

The startup experience

Customizing these products

User training (which can be ongoing)

Price of these products

Support

Products for Elderly Living Alone

For seniors living alone, the issues of loneliness and social isolation can lead to depression and severe anxiety.

Using technology products like Alexa and Google Home can help to alleviate that but also immersing oneself in local and/or online classes to learn how to use these products can be a great way to increase social interaction and combat these issues.

When it comes to older adults who are living alone, the list of products available for them can include the list above as well as the following:

1) Emergency Alert Systems - The number one important thing for seniors living alone are some kind of medical alert systems or product. Some that I can list are:

Life Alert's shower HELP button

Amazon Alexa has several skills that can be used for emergency alerts

Any of the wearables that I mentioned above are excellent to for emergencies

2) Roomba Smart Vacuum - I love my Roomba and I think for most seniors living alone it would be a great tool to have.

The only problem is that to empty it you have to reach down to the ground and pick up the unit.

The best way to work with that is to place the charging unit next to a chair or ottoman so that someone can sit and reach down to empty it.

You will have to use your judgement on whether this would work for you.

3) Shark Smart Vacuum - If you love a robotic vacuum and you have pets, then the Shark Robot Vacuum may be a better option for you.

It uses plastic blades instead of a brush so you won't have to pull out all that pet hair from the brush.

You can read more about some other vacuum cleaners that we recommend here.

4) Reachers and Grabbers - These have been around for several decades and they do work very well but I would recommend to consider the person you are asking to use this.

If their balance is not good while they are standing, if they are using a cane or a walker - the use of a reacher or grabber may compromise their balance. If they can use this from a sitting position - it would be much safer.

5) Anything to Prevent Falls - There are many things that should be done to fall proof a home. This is true for any elderly person, whether they are living with someone or alone but it's especially important if they are living alone.

Click here to read our article on How To Fall Proof A Home For Your Elderly Parents.

6) Making Showers Safer - The majority of falls for seniors occur in the bathroom - so let's make it as safe as possible.

A safe shower for seniors includes - an organizer to decrease clutter, non-slip floors and mats, grab bars, a hand held shower head, a shower chair or bench and user friendly faucet levers. Walk in showers and portable showers are recommended.

For recommendations on products and more, read our articles on 13 Amazing Tips On Creating Safe Showers For Seniors and How To Make The Bathroom Safe For Your Elderly Parents.

7) Kitchen Gadgets - Many seniors find cooking difficult because of things like difficulties in opening cans or jars, trouble lifting heavy pans or pots, etc.

So, supplying the kitchen with some inexpensive products to do these jobs is essential (and they would make some great holiday gifts too).

For a list of some of these products, check out our article on 13 Most Helpful Kitchen Products For Senior Citizens (Under $50).

8) Medication Management App - The MyMeds Medication Management App is a great way to help seniors remember to take their medications. The app is free and will work on a desktop computer, or on iPhones and Android phones, and also on tablets like the iPad.

The MyMeds app does not call the senior, instead it sends digital-only reminders via email, text, or as push notifications to the person's inbox, which means the user needs to be somewhat computer savvy.

The app can also be configure to connect with the senior's health care providers and their family or friends if they have questions about their medications or would like extra help monitoring whether they have taken medications.

All these items and so much more (I'll keep adding them as I find them) can help to make the life of the older adult (and their caregiver) easier and safer and most of all, give them the independence we all crave.

Conclusion

We are extremely fortunate to be living in these days when technology is so easily available to many of us. Not only with all these high tech products make our lives easier and safer - they will work to help the problem of the shortage of workers as caregivers for seniors.

Gina Baik, an expert on tech solutions for seniors said "We have a shortage of workers...What's going to fill the gap? Technology has to. We don't have enough people."
cantonrep.com

These products can help seniors living alone, family members and they can also assist in-home care providers as well.

So take advantage of these technological advances - don't be afraid to try them and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help to learn how to use each and every one of them that can help you to live an easier and safer life!

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Technology To Help Seniors Live Independently (Gadgets For Aging Adults)

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As technology advances, seniors are using it to live independently for longer and in better health. Learn how advancements such as smart home technology, telemedicine, and others can help you or your loved ones live better lives.

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I found a website that features technology made for elderly individuals is dwell media. One of their featured techs is the mesh wifi system, which includes a sensor that can monitor movement in homes. If the sensor detects any abnormal behavior, caregivers will be noticed online via messages.

https://www.dwell.com/article/9-smart-home-devices-for-aging-in-place-5528881a

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Gerontological factors affecting successful aging of elderly

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Gerontological factors affecting successful aging of elderly

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This article does a wonderful job of explaining successful aging and factors affecting quality of life in the elderly. In addition, defines gerontechnology and geronsafety. Good reference for impact of technology on elderly's quality of life (the good and the bad).
-Erica P

Özsungur, F. (2019). Gerontechnological factors affecting successful aging of elderly. The Aging Male, 1-13.

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Sock Helpers for the Elderly: Assistive Devices for Easier Sock Donning

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Sock Helpers for the Elderly: Assistive Devices for Easier Sock Donning

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https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/sock-helpers-for-elderly/

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I found this source very interesting and enjoyed reading!
Cantor, M. (2018, October 3). Innovative Tools for Aging in Place Show Promising Results. Retrieved from https://www.homecaremag.com/october-2018/fact-science-fiction

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Happ, M. B., & Raderstorf, T. (2019). Engaging nurses in gerontechnology and innovation in acute care for the elderly. Geriatric Nursing, 40(5), 533–535. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2019.08.013

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Gerontechnology article
PSHA ( Penn State Heart Assistant) technological application is attainable to use with community based older adults after discharge from the hospital. Engaging older adults in using this new mHealth technology trial and then evaluating their responses through a gerontechnology lens may result in  improved health helping to address their heart issues.

Buck, H., Pinter, A., Poole, E., Boehmer, J., Foy, A., Black, S., & Lloyd, T. (2017). Evaluating the older adult experience of a web-based, tablet-delivered heart failure self-care program using gerontechnology principles. Geriatric Nursing, 38(6), 537-541.

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Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

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Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

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Francis, J., Kadylak, T., Makki, T., Rikard, R., Cotten, S., Robinson, L., . . . Khilnani, A. (2018). Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults. American Behavioral Scientist, 62(9), 1167-1185. doi:10.1177/0002764218773829

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Gerber, S. M., Schütz, N., Uslu, A. S., Schmidt, N., Röthlisberger, C., Wyss, P., Perny, S., Wyss, C., Koenig-Bruhin, M., Urwyler, P., Nyffeler, T., Marchal-Crespo, L., Mosimann, U. P., Müri, R. M., & Nef, T. (2019). Therapist-Guided Tablet-Based Telerehabilitation for Patients With Aphasia: Proof-of-Concept and Usability Study. JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies, 6(1), e13163. https://doi.org/10.2196/13163

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Older Adults' Reasons for Using Technology while Aging in Place

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Older Adults' Reasons for Using Technology while Aging in Place

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Peek, S. T., Luijkx, K. G., Rijnaard, M. D., Nieboer, M. E., van der Voort, C. S., Aarts, S., ... & Wouters, E. J. (2016). Older adults' reasons for using technology while aging in place. Gerontology, 62(2), 226-237. doi:10.1159/000430949

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The Importance of User Involvement: A Systematic Review of Involving Older Users in Technology Design

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The Importance of User Involvement: A Systematic Review of Involving Older Users in Technology Design

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Fischer, B., Peine, A., & Östlund, B. (2019). The Importance of User Involvement: A Systematic Review of Involving Older Users in Technology Design. The Gerontologist. doi:10.1093/geront/gnz163

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7 new tech devices for elder care that help seniors live happier, healthier lives

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7 new tech devices for elder care that help seniors live happier, healthier lives

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Halpert, J. (2019). 7 new tech devices for elder care that help seniors live happier, healthier lives. Retrieved from
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/12/7-new-tech-devices-for-that-help-seniors-live-happier-healthier-lives.html

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Teh, P., Lim, W., Ahmed, P., Chan, A., Loo, J., Cheong, S., & Yap, W. (2017). Does power posing affect gerontechnology adoption among older adults? Behaviour & Information Technology, 36(1), 33-42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2016.1175508.

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Teh, P., Lim, W., Ahmed, P., Chan, A., Loo, J., Cheong, S., & Yap, W. (2017). Does power posing affect gerontechnology adoption among older adults? Behaviour & Information Technology, 36(1), 33-42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2016.1175508.

# data[].attributes.body
Haufe, M., Peek, S. T. M., & Luijkx, K. G. (2019). Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individual needs: development of the GTM tool. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-018-3848-5

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Abstract

Background

Most seniors wish to live independently for as long as possible. Gerontechnologies such as personal alarms or remote control systems, have the potential to help them age in place. For seniors, assessing what is the most appropriate technology for their aging in place needs can be difficult. Professionals specifically tasked with matching seniors' needs with technology solutions can greatly help here. Yet not much is known about the challenges these professionals face or how they can optimize their matchmaking service.

Methods

Participatory action research was conducted in the Netherlands, in two phases. In phase one, ten matchmaking dialogues between municipal technology consultants and seniors were observed, followed by interviews with both technology consultants and seniors to understand the current matchmaking service. In phase two, a new matchmaking tool was co-created with technology consultants and other professionals over the course of four co-creation session. Variants of the tool were tested out in nine additional matchmaking dialogues. The Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors (C-TAILS) model, which can be used to understand both origins and consequences of technology acquirement by independent-living seniors, was used as a theoretical lens.

Results

Important challenges for municipal technology consultants in their current matchmaking practice are: making the matchmaking service more demand oriented and creating an accurate and complete overview of relevant factors within the seniors' individual situation so that an optimal match can be made. Together with technology consultants and other professionals, a new Gerontechnologies Matchmaking (GTM) tool was created to help overcome these challenges. Evaluation of the tool showed that it better includes each senior's personal, social, physical and technological context, within the matchmaking service.

Conclusion

Professionals who help seniors match gerontechnology to their aging in place needs experience a variety of challenges in the delivery of their service. Currently, few tools are available for them to overcome these challenges. The newly developed GTM tool can help overcome challenges and optimize matchmaking services. Further testing of the tool in different contexts is needed to determine its generalizability.

Peer Review reports

Background

Most seniors want to keep living independently for as long as possible [ 1, 2, 3, 4]. This desire is generally referred to in the literature as aging in place [ 5, 6, 7, 8] and has been defined as: 'remaining living in the community, with some level of independence, rather than in residential care' [ 9]. From a policy perspective, stimulating aging in place also makes sense, as aging populations on the one hand and a shortage of care professionals on the other, necessitate finding alternatives to institutionalized care [ 10, 11]. For these reasons, governmental health and welfare agencies around the world have been encouraged by the World Health Organization to adopt policies to make living places more age friendly [ 10]. Within this policy framework, the promotion of gerontechnology has become increasingly important [ 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. Gerontechnologies, sometimes also referred to as assistive technologies, are held to be useful for a host of aging in place purposes, such as the support of daily activities, facilitation of social connection and communication and the enhancement of mobility, personal health, physical and cognitive activity and safety [ 16, 17, 18, 19].

In recent years, a range of gerontechnologies supporting aging in place, such as medication reminders, senior specific mobile phones and tablets, and vital signs monitoring and fall detection systems, have been offered more widely to seniors [ 19, 20, 21]. In addition, ever more businesses, great and small, have started to develop a greater variety of gerontechnology types and variants, as they are increasingly seen as a viable business opportunity [ 22, 23, 24]. This greater variety of gerontechnology propositions could potentially benefit seniors in that they, more and more, will be able to choose a specific gerontechnology or set of gerontechnologies that best fit their needs, wants and living situation. It could also lead to them to not being able to see the forest for the trees however. Recent evidence suggests that seniors prefer the help of an intermediary in trying to find the best match between aging in place needs and gerontechnologies [ 25].

In the Netherlands, offering of gerontechnology for aging in place purposes is increasingly done by welfare and technology consultants and district nurses. They mostly operate within the legislative framework of the Social Support Act, as one of the main aims of this act is to encourage seniors to live independently longer [ 26]. Through this policy, care and welfare professionals are expected to make a shift from providing care to supporting seniors to take care of themselves [ 27]. Professionals tasked with matching seniors' needs with existing gerontechnologies can play an important role here [ 28].

Matching seniors' (implicit) needs with existing gerontechnologies is likely to present professionals with challenges however. It requires not only an understanding of technological offerings that are available, but also of seniors' needs and circumstances. Seniors are a highly heterogeneous group [ 29, 30, 31, 32]. Research suggests that this heterogeneity is also reflected in seniors' use of and attitudes towards technology [ 8, 33, 34]. Seniors vary for example in the degree to which they are technology minded, in their self-efficacy with regards to using gerontechnology, and may or may not view gerontechnology as stigmatizing [ 35]. By not taking factors like these into account when trying to assist seniors, intermediaries risk discussing gerontechnology in a way that is off-putting, even though that technology could be very suitable for seniors' aging in place needs [ 36]. A recent longitudinal field study showed that technologies that are acquired in ways that are not congruent with seniors' personal needs and circumstances run a higher risk of proving to be ineffective or inappropriate [ 8]. In order to help ensure that gerontechnologies are effective and appropriate, matchmaking by intermediaries needs to be person-centered and mindful of seniors' technology specific attitudes and beliefs [ 30].

Considering the above, we set up a qualitative study to better understand the challenges of intermediaries working to match gerontechnologies to seniors' aging in place needs, and co-create with them a matchmaking tool to overcome these challenges in their real world practice. Actual choices concerning how best to match gerontechnologies to seniors needs were made while developing and using the tool. This study reports the different steps and findings of our tool development process.

Methods

Study design

We adopted a participatory action research (PAR) design with co-creation methodology. Within PAR, researchers and professionals together aim to understand and improve upon a practice by directly engaging in that practice, analyzing and changing it, and evaluating these changes, each form their own perspective [ 37, 38]. Through co-creation, much exchange between these perspectives is aimed at the construction of new ways of working [ 39, 40]. In so doing, scientific and practical knowledge are integrated, allowing that knowledge to become more actionable [ 41].

Our study consisted of two phases: (1) understanding the current matchmaking service, and (2) tool development through co-creation. In phase one researchers observed instances of gerontechnology matchmaking involving technology consultants and independently living seniors, and interviewed them separately to gain a better understanding of the current practice. In phase two, aided by a shared understanding of this practice and aided by previous research, researchers and technology consultants worked together in four co-creation sessions to create tool aspects and variants and try them out in practice. Researchers and consultants participated collectively in two action research cycles. Each action research cycle consisted of five stages: diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating, and specifying learning (see Fig. 1) [ 37].

Prior to engaging in research activities, ethical approval for the study was gained from the ethics review board of Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Setting and action research team

The study took place between May 2017 and April 2018 in the municipality of the Hague, the Netherlands. Within the so-called "IZI-Healthy Living at home" pilot project, the municipal government offered a range of gerontechnologies to seniors living independently in five social housing buildings, in order to evaluate them on feasibility, actual use and effects on aging in place. Gerontechnologies ranged from appliances regarding safety (e.g., electronic door locks, in-home sensor systems) to mobility and social interaction solutions (e.g., senior smart phones) to home adaptions (e.g. handrails and grab bars). All gerontechnologies were on view for seniors during guided tours in a model home kitted out with over ninety different items. Seniors were offered to experience technologies in their own home for free for one year. The municipality used this pilot testing to determine which gerontechnologies should be implemented throughout the city. The IZI project had already been in progress a little over a year before the PAR project took place.

In the pilot, technology consultants were tasked with determining if and how specific matches between seniors' independent living needs and gerontechnologies could be made. Within this setting, researchers and technology consultants, as well as the pilot project manager, worked closely together to develop a tool that could improve the matchmaking service. Additionally, municipal community builders, also tasked with explaining gerontechnology possibilities to seniors within the neighborhood, contributed to the co-creation of the tool. Together, the aforementioned professionals and researchers formed the action research team.

Looking at the researchers, they had just finished and published a longitudinal field study on technology acquirement by independent-living seniors. Results had been accumulated in a conceptual model (see Fig. 2): the Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors (C-TAILS) [ 8]. The C-TAILS model shows the various way in which independent-living seniors' acquire technologies, and how these lead to successful or unsuccessful use. In the model, acquirements originate from an independent-living senior's specific status quo and decisive developments within that status quo. These decisive developments can subsequently trigger acquirement enabling mechanisms. Furthermore, acquirements are influenced by personal and situational moderating factors. The longitudinal field study and C-TAILS model inspired the researchers to start conducting research on matching technologies with seniors.

Sampling

The manager of the IZI pilot project reached out to the researchers because of mutual interest to improve upon the gerontechnology matchmaking service. Technology consultants and community builders were approached by the pilot project manager and researchers and provided with verbal and written information concerning the study. All (two) technology consultants and (three) community builders, agreed to participate. Subsequently, purposive sampling was used to recruit seniors. Seniors needed to live independently at home, be sixty years or older, and be open to discussing gerontechnology. Seniors were asked to participate by community builders and researchers during guided tours in the model home. Interest in the guided tours was stimulated through newsletters, door to door visits by researchers and community builders and community outreach activities of community builders. At the end of the guided tour, seniors were provided with verbal and written information about the study, and were given a week consideration time. All seniors who wished to proceed with a matchmaking dialogue with a technology consultant, also agreed to partake in the study. Seniors were asked to sign a consent form if they wished to participate. Nineteen seniors participated in the study (ten in phase one, nine in phase two).

Data collection and co-creation

Phase one: Understanding the current matchmaking service

In phase one, researchers sought to understand the current matchmaking service through observing matchmaking dialogues and conducting semi-structured interviews with technology consultants and seniors. Observations took place during matchmaking dialogues conducted by the technology consultants with seniors in their homes. Researchers took notes using a preconceived observation guide. Observations focused on understanding the basic structure and dynamic of the matchmaking process. Special attention was paid to how the technology consultants assessed the needs of seniors and how they engaged seniors in trying to ascertain which of the many gerontechnologies on offer would be most suitable in relation to those needs. Semi-structured interviews with ten seniors and two technology consultants were conducted following each of the observed matchmaking dialogues. Topics in interviews with both seniors and technology consultants included: goals and motivations concerning the matchmaking dialogue, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with how the matchmaking dialogue was conducted and views on the outcomes of the matchmaking dialogue (see Additional file 1 for interview guides). Interviews lasted twenty-four minutes on average and were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Ten interviews were enough to reach data saturation concerning a basic understanding of the matchmaking service. After the completion of phase one, an analysis was made of the matchmaking service and important issues within that service. This analysis served as input for phase two.

Phase two: Tool development through co-creation

Phase two consisted of four co-creation sessions and the trying out of iterations of the tool in nine matchmaking dialogues. These nine matchmaking dialogues amounted to a pilot implementation, in which matchmaking choices by consultants and senior's were made using the newly developed matchmaking tool. Co-creation sessions lasted on average two hours. Present in all sessions were the two technology consultants, two researchers, the project manager and the community builder involved with the guided tours in the model home. These professionals formed the core of the action research team. Three other community builders attended one or two sessions.

Co-creation session one was conducted to reach a shared focus with regard to the possible/needed improvement of the matchmaking process. Phase one results were used to create a shared understanding of the current process. Additionally, the session served as a team building exercise. Researchers first involved participants via a creative method to make the experience or "embodied knowledge" of participants more explicit. Embodied knowledge concerns routines, habits tasks and information, which are understood without much conscious thought [ 42]. Participants were asked prior to the session to select two images or objects that to them symbolized the current and their ideal matchmaking process. At the beginning of the session, each participant presented their selection, explaining their rationale for choosing these images or objects. Participants reflected on what they saw and heard, and what the group saw as the main characteristics of the current and ideal matchmaking service, as well as the main differences between the two was noted on a flip-over chart. Next, the researchers shared results from phase one to further explore elements of the matchmaking service. Additionally, a researcher presented the C-TAILS model (see Fig. 2). The session ended with an exploration of ways in which this knowledge could be used to realize the group's ambitions and overcome challenges.

Co-creation session two was held a week later to further develop ideas to improve the matchmaking service and make these ideas applicable in practice. One researcher presented the most important ambitions and first ideas that had emerged in session one in a logical order. Members recognized themselves strongly in this narrative and added a few new ideas for possible improvement. In the ensuing discussion, consensus was reached with regard to which ideas in where deemed most promising to include in a matchmaking tool. In the second part of the session, two further exercises where carried out to facilitate the co-creation of the matchmaking tool. First, a researcher presented more in depth insights from the C-TAILS model. In exploring more thoroughly personal and contextual factors that may impact successful technology acquirement and use by seniors, informed decisions could be made about topics that should be included in matchmaking tool. Second, the group created a "client journey" with all moments of contact between seniors and members of the IZI project team leading up to and including the matchmaking dialogues with technology consultants [ 43]. As a result of these two exercises, the group was able to determine who knew what and when about seniors' individual needs and circumstances. This also led to a discussion about how working arrangements between project members should be optimized to accommodate the implementation of the matchmaking tool. Based on these insights, the basic structure and content of the tool, as well as new ways of working together, were established.

Following co-creation session two, a first draft of the tool was created and shared within the action research team, enabling all members to provide feedback and suggest changes. In between co-creation sessions two and three and three and four, two iterations of the matchmaking tool were tested in their real world practice by one community builder and two technology consultants. They were asked to make notes about their experiences in using the tool, in particular, ease of use and perceived effectiveness within the matchmaking service.

Co-creation sessions three and four were conducted to further fine tune and evaluate the tool, focusing on its acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility in practice [ 44]. The structure of these sessions was similar. First, the community builder and technology consultants shared their experiences with the tool so that aspects could be improved upon. Herein the focus was on increasing the usability and shared understanding of the tool. Second, the tool was evaluated by relating its use to the goals for improvement agreed upon in co-creation session one. Apart from the matchmaking tool, the process of co-creating together PAR was also evaluated. Researchers took care to ensure that all group discussions took place within constructive group dynamics. All questions asked were from a position of appreciative inquiry, non judgmental and in affirmation of the strength and potentials of the action research team members [ 45]. This allowed the co-creation sessions to become "safe spaces" [ 37], where all members felt safe enough to speak freely and openly with one another, sometimes even with (heavy) criticisms of the current process.

Data analysis

Thematic analysis was used for the data collected in phase one, using qualitative data analysis software (Atlas.ti version 8) [ 46]. First inductive codes were attached to quotes relevant to the research questions. Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, with one researcher coding twelve of the twenty transcripts, and another researcher eight. Second, researchers came together to discuss their codes in the form of case studies and codetermined overarching themes. Phase two results, were continuously analyzed within the action research group in each co-creation session. The three most important steps for analysis were: codetermining the collective goals for improving the matchmaking service, codetermining the specific characteristics of the matchmaking tool and co-evaluating the use of the tool.

Results

Sample

Concerning the seniors, the sample consisted of nineteen participants who were aged in their sixties, seventies and eighties (average age: seventy four). The sample contained more women (eleven) than men (eight), and the majority (fifteen) lived alone. Of the four seniors who lived together with their partners, all partners where present during the matchmaking dialogues. For two seniors living alone a daughter was present during the matchmaking dialogue. Most participants had enjoyed lower education only. Three participants were not fluent in Dutch and required the presence of an interpreter to help them. Members of the action research team were aged in their thirties, forties and fifties (average age: forty six). All were highly educated and experienced in their respective fields.

Phase one: Understanding the current matchmaking service

Through the observations of matchmaking dialogues and subsequent in-depth interviews with both seniors and consultants, three issues in particular were found significant: the tension between a supply and demand driven approach, the role of informal caregivers and the timing of the matchmaking dialogue.

Tension between a supply and demand driven approach

In trying to ascertain which gerontechnologies where most beneficial to seniors in facilitating aging in place, the IZI project sought to test a wide array of technologies. At the same time a quota was established for how many units of a particular gerontechnology should be tested within the confines of the project. Because of this, it was found that technology consultants regularly sought to match gerontechnologies that had not yet been distributed widely, even if the seniors' need for them was not high.

Additionally, because certain gerontechnologies had already been matched frequently in the first months of the IZI project, technology consultant were not able to offer them to seniors any longer.

The aforementioned regularly impeded the matching of technologies with seniors most important needs and wants.

Role of informal caregivers

Apparent within the observed dialogues was also the role of significant others, such as partners or children, who acted as caregivers for the senior. Caregivers influenced matchmaking mainly in two ways. First, they often helped the senior with trying to find the right gerontechnology solutions.

Second, they also regularly had specific needs themselves that could also be met by a certain gerontechnology.

Instead of trying to find a match between one person's needs and gerontechnology, technology consultants in these cases tried to accommodate two sets of needs, sometimes complicating the matchmaking service.

Timing of the matchmaking dialogue

Lastly, for a few seniors, the matchmaking dialogue was not conducted at an appropriate time for them, even though they had agreed to participate. One senior felt overwhelmed by recent life events (such as a move to a new home and health problems), and therefore repeatedly indicated that she was not up to the task of determining whether gerontechnology might be helpful to her.

For other seniors, the matchmaking dialogue was optimally timed. For example, some seniors had recently experienced challenges to their independence and thus were highly motivated to find a gerontechnology solution. In these ways timing could greatly impede or facilitate the matchmaking service.

Phase two: Tool development through co-creation

In phase two, the action research group (researchers, technology consultants, community builders and the IZI project manager) ran through all stages of the action research cycle: diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating, and specifying learning (see Fig. 1). Findings in each stage are described in detail below.

Diagnosing

By discussing imagery selected by team members symbolizing the current and ideal matchmaking service, five areas of improvement could be diagnosed. First, multiple people in the team felt that the current process was too supply driven, focusing on "selling" the technology, and less on meeting individual needs. This was seen as symbolized by an image of a market vendor that advertises his wares (Fig. 3). An important improvement for the group therefore was to make matchmaking more demand oriented.

Second, the design of the current matchmaking service was seen to be geared towards efficiency, symbolized by the group members' image of a car navigational system, an instrument to help reach a destination as quickly as possible. Through such navigation however, the current service was said to induce tunnel vision: by focusing on needs that could be matched quickly with a gerontechnology on offer, technology consultants did not strive to fully understand the situational context of seniors' needs. One member saw the ideal matchmaking service as a map, conducted with a "helicopter view" of all factors that might impact a senior's need for and use of gerontechnologies (Fig. 4). Another important improvement for the developmental group was therefore to achieve more of an overview of a senior's situation.

Third, it was acknowledged that the role of informal caregivers within the current matchmaking service should be understood better and should therefore be part of the overview. Fourth, the current service was symbolized by a member as being populated by a lot of well-meaning professionals who did not always communicate well together regarding their contacts with seniors. Because of this, the matchmaking service sometimes ran less smoothly, as follow ups to initial contacts with seniors did not take into account what had been discussed with seniors earlier. A point of improvement was therefore more efficient communication between all professionals working to achieve a match between a gerontechnology and a specific senior. Fifth, the issue of timing. Implicit within the current matchmaking service seemed to be the assumption that seniors' needs and circumstances were fairly static, not changeable over time. Because of this, only one matchmaking dialogue per senior was conducted, and seniors were not monitored as to whether their needs or situation changed. Ideally, there would be continuous contact between professionals and seniors, so that the team can determine when the timing is best to conduct a matchmaking dialogue. This too was seen as an improvement point.

Through subsequent presentations of the researchers of phase one results and the C-TAILS model, the above improvement points where fleshed out. The group subsequently decided as goals for the matchmaking tool: (1) achieving a better balance between supply and demand, by (2) matching at the right time, (3) with a better overview of a senior's situation, (4) whereby the informal caregiver is given greater attention, and (5) team members communicate more efficiently with each other.

Action planning and action taking

The action research team discussed ways in which the goals could best be reached. Two related ideas in particular were judged to be the most promising and workable for a matchmaking tool: (1) developing a new matchmaking dialogue guide to achieve a more complete overview of the current situation of a senior and their primary caregiver, and (2) developing a way of working together whereby more team members contribute to and share this overview. Concerning the first idea, more in-depth sharing of aspects of the C-TAILS model allowed the group to judge which additional factors should be included in the matchmaking dialogue guide. Concerning the second idea, a client journey was created and reflected upon. It showed that the community builder frequently became aware of recent life events or attitudes towards gerontechnology when conducting guided tours in the model home, but that he did not share these insights. Technology consultants stated that this prior knowledge could help them in their preparation for the matchmaking dialogue. In reflecting, the team also spontaneously formulated ideas about what types of questions should be asked, by whom, in order to attain a better overview of a senior's situation. As such, the new tool added a range of new contextual and gerontechnology specific questions to the old way of working. Foremost among these were: recent developments in seniors lives, general attitudes towards gerontechnology, the level of satisfaction with current means used to fulfill needs in various domains, seniors ideas about the properties of match worthy gerontechnology and the expected consequences of the use of that gerontechnology. In addition, the original task of working through a list of all available gerontechnologies with seniors was taken out. Also, the new guide was restructured so that both community builder and consultants could use it in their contacts with seniors. Lastly, all questions were made to pertain both to the senior and, if applicable, their primary informal caregiver.

Evaluating

With regard to usability in real world practice, the first iteration of the matching tool took some time getting used to. For the community builder it was not always clear which parts of the tool he could use. It was decided that during the second iteration he should focus on recent developments and attitude towards gerontechnology because the guided tour setting was best suited to assess these two factors. For technology consultants, strictly following the order of the new tool felt a bit unnatural. It was therefore agreed upon during the second iteration that consultants had a certain leeway in the specific formulation and order of questions during their contact with seniors, as long as the obtained answers gave a clear and accurate picture concerning all factors included. In this way, consultants could maintain their personal approach to the dialogue. However, a fixed order for the factors: views on matching opportunities and conditions for using matching opportunities was maintained during the second iteration of the tool. To increase a shared understanding of the guide, some segments were also renamed, and examples of certain terms were added to the guide to make their meaning more explicit. Lastly, an agreement was reached about which specific domains of independent living should be assessed during the matching service. The testing of this second iteration in real world practice yielded satisfactory results and no further changes were made for the final version of the tool. The final outline of the resulting Gerontechnologies Matchmaking (GTM) tool is presented in Fig. 5.

Final outline of the GTM tool

In comparison to the old way of working, the new way was seen as providing a better balance between a supply and demand driven approach. The new tool focused more on the specific needs of seniors and caregivers and less on all technologies on offer:

Use of the new tool was also found to improve obtaining a more complete overview of a seniors' situation:

Additionally the more systematic inclusion of the role of informal caregivers was noted:

The community builder saw that such a stream could potentially help him with follow up questions concerning the installed gerontechnology matches. Consultants felt that a more systematic way of involving informal caregivers was introduced, yet also felt they had already started to engage the caregivers more, prior to the use of the new tool.

Furthermore, communication between the community builder and the consultants had been improved by the shared use of the new tool. Technology consultants liked the fact that they received more information prior to home visits:

However, consultants did feel however that they should not receive too much pre-information, in order to keep an open mind when going into the matchmaking process.

With regard to the improving appropriate timing of matchmaking dialogues, no changes were made in comparison to the old way of working. All interested seniors continued to be directly referred to technology consultants, because a senior's expressed interest in technology continued to be seen by most team members as a signal that the timing was right to offer gerontechnology. A few team members did acknowledge that a more continuous monitoring of a seniors' situation could ensure better timing of the matchmaking dialogue. However, they also concluded that such monitoring was not feasible due to the limited time available for community builders.

Specifying learning

In reviewing the outcomes of the evaluating stage, the action research team was able to specify how the new tool could be applied more broadly. Two variants were discussed: the application of the tool by the same team in a different area of the municipality and the application of the tool by professionals other than the action research team.

The guide was deemed directly transferable to a new area with the same team, although differences in project arrangements might necessitate a slightly different approach. The practice of providing guided tours for seniors of a model home before conducting matchmaking dialogues for instance, was not viewed by all to be an essential step in a new area. Concerning the application of the tool by other professionals, it was concluded by most that a short training should be provided. An oral explanation of the tool, a review of one or more case studies, and a practice round were recommended. The team was divided as to the level of experience and technical expertise necessary to successfully work with the tool.

Discussion

In this study a first version of a tool that may enable gerontechnology intermediaries (e.g., such as welfare and technology consultants and district nurses), to better match gerontechnologies to senior's individual aging in place needs and circumstances was developed. The GTM tool can be used to create a relevant overview of factors such as recent life developments, gerontechnology- related attitudes and beliefs, and the level of satisfaction with current solutions. As such, this overview can help intermediaries determine whether gerontechnology is suitable, which gerontechnology or set of gerontechnologies best fits the situation of a senior, and what type of support may be needed for gerontechnology use. This is significant, because there is an absence of matching tools for these purposes in the aging in place literature [ 30, 49].

This type of tool is not entirely without precedent however. Within literature concerning the rehabilitation practices for people with disabilities, one matching tool, or rather set of tools, is mentioned regularly: the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) Assessment Process [ 50, 51]. The underlying Matching Person and Technology model emerged from grounded theory research that sought to define which areas should be assessed to allow for an adequate match between assistive technologies (e.g., wheelchairs, adapted utensils, communication devices) used to increase or maintain functional capabilities, and the needs and preferences of a person with a disability. Several assessment tools were subsequently developed by Sherer and colleagues for determining the disabled person's needs and preferences, environmental factors influencing use, and functions and features of the most desirable and appropriate technology [ 52]. The tools take the form of a pen and pencil measure that can also be used as a dialogue guide.

The MPT tools are similar to the GTM tool in that both seek to understand more about a prospective users' attitudes and prior experiences of technology in trying to find the right match. The GTM tool differs from the tools within the MPT assessment process in that it is specifically designed for independent-living older adults, with and without disabilities.

In addition, the GTM tool structurally involves informal caregivers in the matching process by also assessing their experiences and attitudes, because of the noted importance of these caregivers in senior's lives. Finally, the GTM tool pays attention to seniors' and informal caregivers' willingness to invest in the acquirement of relevant technologies. This feature is deemed especially important in light of the ongoing governmental effort in the Netherlands and other countries to stimulate seniors' independence in a cost effective way.

There are a number of limitations that must be considered with regard to this study. Due to time constraints, a limited number of intermediaries and seniors were recruited through our partnership with the IZI pilot project. Co-creation thereby focused on the matching service of technology consultants, as other type of intermediaries' such as district nurses were not involved with the pilot project. Also, participating seniors resided in social housing flats and tended to have enjoyed lower education only. More research is needed to determine to what extend the GTM tool is acceptable, appropriate and feasible in other contexts. Lastly, the GTM tool can be validated in a randomized controlled trail to test its effect on seniors' acceptance and use of gerontechnologies as well as health-related outcomes.

There are also a number of strengths of this study. Particularly in the last decade, co-creation has become increasingly popular in several fields, including business studies, design science, computer science, and community development [ 39]. However, co-creation remains underutilized when it comes to research in the field of gerontechnology [ 53]. The current study is the first that we know of that sought to specifically unearth challenges of intermediaries in matching gerontechnologies to seniors' independent living needs and circumstances. By utilizing PAR and co-creation principles a tool was developed that explicitly incorporates the knowledge and experience of technology consultants, thereby making it more tailored to the real world practice of such intermediaries. The use of a creative method to involve intermediaries in the analysis of their practice was particularly helpful in this regard. Furthermore, by drawing on the insights of the C-TAILS model, the action research team was able to incorporate a host of contextual factors concerning the acquirement and use of gerontechnologies by seniors into the tool. Finally, the testing of different variants of the tool in iterations of the action research cycle, allowed for a more in-depth evaluation of its usability and effectiveness in light of the stated improvement goals.

Conclusion

Our co-created GTM tool allows the matching of gerontechnologies to seniors aging in place needs to be more person centered, to achieve more of a comprehensive overview of factors that impact gerontechnology attractiveness and use, and to be more inclusive with regard to the role of informal caregivers. Further testing needs to occur with a wider range of intermediaries' and seniors, to determine the generalizability of the tool as well as its added value for allowing seniors to age in place with the support of technology.

Abbreviations

C-TAILS:

Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors

MPT:

Matching Person and Technology

PAR:

Participatory Action Research

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participating seniors for welcoming us to their homes. Annette Kemerink, Ariette Van Hespen, Leroy van den Hoonaard and Erwin Tak (all working for the municipality of The Hague) are especially thanked for working with us within the action research team. Loes Hulsebos and Kim van der Beek (likewise working for municipality of The Hague) are also thanked for their contributions to the tool development process.

Funding

This work was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The ministry of VWS had no role in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Availability of data and materials

The developed matchmaking tool is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Data (interview transcripts and notes) cannot be publically released due to the risk the respondent confidentiality will be compromised.

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Department of Tranzo, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands

Marc Haufe

, Sebastiaan Theodorus Michaël Peek

& Katrien Ger Luijkx

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Each author of this manuscript made a substantial contribution to this work, in agreement with the criteria for authorship as noted in the editorial policy statement of BMC Health Services Research. All authors were involved in the design of the study. MH drafted the manuscript and coordinated data collection and analysis. Data collection was performed by MH and SP. Data analysis was performed by MH and SP. All authors critically revised the manuscript and approved the final version.

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Correspondence to Sebastiaan Theodorus Michaël Peek.

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The Ethics Review Board of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences approved the study (Reference: EC-2017.66). Informed consent was prospectively obtained from participants by the use of a written consent form.

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The authors confirm that they have received written permission from Ned Kock to use the image in Fig. 1 and from Sebastiaan Peek to use the image in Fig. 2.

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Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors' individual needs: development of the GTM tool

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Most seniors wish to live independently for as long as possible. Gerontechnologies such as personal alarms or remote control systems, have the potential to help them age in place. For seniors, assessing what is the most appropriate technology for their aging in place needs can be difficult.

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Abstract

Background

Most seniors wish to live independently for as long as possible. Gerontechnologies such as personal alarms or remote control systems, have the potential to help them age in place. For seniors, assessing what is the most appropriate technology for their aging in place needs can be difficult. Professionals specifically tasked with matching seniors' needs with technology solutions can greatly help here. Yet not much is known about the challenges these professionals face or how they can optimize their matchmaking service.

Methods

Participatory action research was conducted in the Netherlands, in two phases. In phase one, ten matchmaking dialogues between municipal technology consultants and seniors were observed, followed by interviews with both technology consultants and seniors to understand the current matchmaking service. In phase two, a new matchmaking tool was co-created with technology consultants and other professionals over the course of four co-creation session. Variants of the tool were tested out in nine additional matchmaking dialogues. The Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors (C-TAILS) model, which can be used to understand both origins and consequences of technology acquirement by independent-living seniors, was used as a theoretical lens.

Results

Important challenges for municipal technology consultants in their current matchmaking practice are: making the matchmaking service more demand oriented and creating an accurate and complete overview of relevant factors within the seniors' individual situation so that an optimal match can be made. Together with technology consultants and other professionals, a new Gerontechnologies Matchmaking (GTM) tool was created to help overcome these challenges. Evaluation of the tool showed that it better includes each senior's personal, social, physical and technological context, within the matchmaking service.

Conclusion

Professionals who help seniors match gerontechnology to their aging in place needs experience a variety of challenges in the delivery of their service. Currently, few tools are available for them to overcome these challenges. The newly developed GTM tool can help overcome challenges and optimize matchmaking services. Further testing of the tool in different contexts is needed to determine its generalizability.

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Background

Most seniors want to keep living independently for as long as possible [ 1, 2, 3, 4]. This desire is generally referred to in the literature as aging in place [ 5, 6, 7, 8] and has been defined as: 'remaining living in the community, with some level of independence, rather than in residential care' [ 9]. From a policy perspective, stimulating aging in place also makes sense, as aging populations on the one hand and a shortage of care professionals on the other, necessitate finding alternatives to institutionalized care [ 10, 11]. For these reasons, governmental health and welfare agencies around the world have been encouraged by the World Health Organization to adopt policies to make living places more age friendly [ 10]. Within this policy framework, the promotion of gerontechnology has become increasingly important [ 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. Gerontechnologies, sometimes also referred to as assistive technologies, are held to be useful for a host of aging in place purposes, such as the support of daily activities, facilitation of social connection and communication and the enhancement of mobility, personal health, physical and cognitive activity and safety [ 16, 17, 18, 19].

In recent years, a range of gerontechnologies supporting aging in place, such as medication reminders, senior specific mobile phones and tablets, and vital signs monitoring and fall detection systems, have been offered more widely to seniors [ 19, 20, 21]. In addition, ever more businesses, great and small, have started to develop a greater variety of gerontechnology types and variants, as they are increasingly seen as a viable business opportunity [ 22, 23, 24]. This greater variety of gerontechnology propositions could potentially benefit seniors in that they, more and more, will be able to choose a specific gerontechnology or set of gerontechnologies that best fit their needs, wants and living situation. It could also lead to them to not being able to see the forest for the trees however. Recent evidence suggests that seniors prefer the help of an intermediary in trying to find the best match between aging in place needs and gerontechnologies [ 25].

In the Netherlands, offering of gerontechnology for aging in place purposes is increasingly done by welfare and technology consultants and district nurses. They mostly operate within the legislative framework of the Social Support Act, as one of the main aims of this act is to encourage seniors to live independently longer [ 26]. Through this policy, care and welfare professionals are expected to make a shift from providing care to supporting seniors to take care of themselves [ 27]. Professionals tasked with matching seniors' needs with existing gerontechnologies can play an important role here [ 28].

Matching seniors' (implicit) needs with existing gerontechnologies is likely to present professionals with challenges however. It requires not only an understanding of technological offerings that are available, but also of seniors' needs and circumstances. Seniors are a highly heterogeneous group [ 29, 30, 31, 32]. Research suggests that this heterogeneity is also reflected in seniors' use of and attitudes towards technology [ 8, 33, 34]. Seniors vary for example in the degree to which they are technology minded, in their self-efficacy with regards to using gerontechnology, and may or may not view gerontechnology as stigmatizing [ 35]. By not taking factors like these into account when trying to assist seniors, intermediaries risk discussing gerontechnology in a way that is off-putting, even though that technology could be very suitable for seniors' aging in place needs [ 36]. A recent longitudinal field study showed that technologies that are acquired in ways that are not congruent with seniors' personal needs and circumstances run a higher risk of proving to be ineffective or inappropriate [ 8]. In order to help ensure that gerontechnologies are effective and appropriate, matchmaking by intermediaries needs to be person-centered and mindful of seniors' technology specific attitudes and beliefs [ 30].

Considering the above, we set up a qualitative study to better understand the challenges of intermediaries working to match gerontechnologies to seniors' aging in place needs, and co-create with them a matchmaking tool to overcome these challenges in their real world practice. Actual choices concerning how best to match gerontechnologies to seniors needs were made while developing and using the tool. This study reports the different steps and findings of our tool development process.

Methods

Study design

We adopted a participatory action research (PAR) design with co-creation methodology. Within PAR, researchers and professionals together aim to understand and improve upon a practice by directly engaging in that practice, analyzing and changing it, and evaluating these changes, each form their own perspective [ 37, 38]. Through co-creation, much exchange between these perspectives is aimed at the construction of new ways of working [ 39, 40]. In so doing, scientific and practical knowledge are integrated, allowing that knowledge to become more actionable [ 41].

Our study consisted of two phases: (1) understanding the current matchmaking service, and (2) tool development through co-creation. In phase one researchers observed instances of gerontechnology matchmaking involving technology consultants and independently living seniors, and interviewed them separately to gain a better understanding of the current practice. In phase two, aided by a shared understanding of this practice and aided by previous research, researchers and technology consultants worked together in four co-creation sessions to create tool aspects and variants and try them out in practice. Researchers and consultants participated collectively in two action research cycles. Each action research cycle consisted of five stages: diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating, and specifying learning (see Fig. 1) [ 37].

Prior to engaging in research activities, ethical approval for the study was gained from the ethics review board of Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Setting and action research team

The study took place between May 2017 and April 2018 in the municipality of the Hague, the Netherlands. Within the so-called "IZI-Healthy Living at home" pilot project, the municipal government offered a range of gerontechnologies to seniors living independently in five social housing buildings, in order to evaluate them on feasibility, actual use and effects on aging in place. Gerontechnologies ranged from appliances regarding safety (e.g., electronic door locks, in-home sensor systems) to mobility and social interaction solutions (e.g., senior smart phones) to home adaptions (e.g. handrails and grab bars). All gerontechnologies were on view for seniors during guided tours in a model home kitted out with over ninety different items. Seniors were offered to experience technologies in their own home for free for one year. The municipality used this pilot testing to determine which gerontechnologies should be implemented throughout the city. The IZI project had already been in progress a little over a year before the PAR project took place.

In the pilot, technology consultants were tasked with determining if and how specific matches between seniors' independent living needs and gerontechnologies could be made. Within this setting, researchers and technology consultants, as well as the pilot project manager, worked closely together to develop a tool that could improve the matchmaking service. Additionally, municipal community builders, also tasked with explaining gerontechnology possibilities to seniors within the neighborhood, contributed to the co-creation of the tool. Together, the aforementioned professionals and researchers formed the action research team.

Looking at the researchers, they had just finished and published a longitudinal field study on technology acquirement by independent-living seniors. Results had been accumulated in a conceptual model (see Fig. 2): the Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors (C-TAILS) [ 8]. The C-TAILS model shows the various way in which independent-living seniors' acquire technologies, and how these lead to successful or unsuccessful use. In the model, acquirements originate from an independent-living senior's specific status quo and decisive developments within that status quo. These decisive developments can subsequently trigger acquirement enabling mechanisms. Furthermore, acquirements are influenced by personal and situational moderating factors. The longitudinal field study and C-TAILS model inspired the researchers to start conducting research on matching technologies with seniors.

Sampling

The manager of the IZI pilot project reached out to the researchers because of mutual interest to improve upon the gerontechnology matchmaking service. Technology consultants and community builders were approached by the pilot project manager and researchers and provided with verbal and written information concerning the study. All (two) technology consultants and (three) community builders, agreed to participate. Subsequently, purposive sampling was used to recruit seniors. Seniors needed to live independently at home, be sixty years or older, and be open to discussing gerontechnology. Seniors were asked to participate by community builders and researchers during guided tours in the model home. Interest in the guided tours was stimulated through newsletters, door to door visits by researchers and community builders and community outreach activities of community builders. At the end of the guided tour, seniors were provided with verbal and written information about the study, and were given a week consideration time. All seniors who wished to proceed with a matchmaking dialogue with a technology consultant, also agreed to partake in the study. Seniors were asked to sign a consent form if they wished to participate. Nineteen seniors participated in the study (ten in phase one, nine in phase two).

Data collection and co-creation

Phase one: Understanding the current matchmaking service

In phase one, researchers sought to understand the current matchmaking service through observing matchmaking dialogues and conducting semi-structured interviews with technology consultants and seniors. Observations took place during matchmaking dialogues conducted by the technology consultants with seniors in their homes. Researchers took notes using a preconceived observation guide. Observations focused on understanding the basic structure and dynamic of the matchmaking process. Special attention was paid to how the technology consultants assessed the needs of seniors and how they engaged seniors in trying to ascertain which of the many gerontechnologies on offer would be most suitable in relation to those needs. Semi-structured interviews with ten seniors and two technology consultants were conducted following each of the observed matchmaking dialogues. Topics in interviews with both seniors and technology consultants included: goals and motivations concerning the matchmaking dialogue, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with how the matchmaking dialogue was conducted and views on the outcomes of the matchmaking dialogue (see Additional file 1 for interview guides). Interviews lasted twenty-four minutes on average and were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Ten interviews were enough to reach data saturation concerning a basic understanding of the matchmaking service. After the completion of phase one, an analysis was made of the matchmaking service and important issues within that service. This analysis served as input for phase two.

Phase two: Tool development through co-creation

Phase two consisted of four co-creation sessions and the trying out of iterations of the tool in nine matchmaking dialogues. These nine matchmaking dialogues amounted to a pilot implementation, in which matchmaking choices by consultants and senior's were made using the newly developed matchmaking tool. Co-creation sessions lasted on average two hours. Present in all sessions were the two technology consultants, two researchers, the project manager and the community builder involved with the guided tours in the model home. These professionals formed the core of the action research team. Three other community builders attended one or two sessions.

Co-creation session one was conducted to reach a shared focus with regard to the possible/needed improvement of the matchmaking process. Phase one results were used to create a shared understanding of the current process. Additionally, the session served as a team building exercise. Researchers first involved participants via a creative method to make the experience or "embodied knowledge" of participants more explicit. Embodied knowledge concerns routines, habits tasks and information, which are understood without much conscious thought [ 42]. Participants were asked prior to the session to select two images or objects that to them symbolized the current and their ideal matchmaking process. At the beginning of the session, each participant presented their selection, explaining their rationale for choosing these images or objects. Participants reflected on what they saw and heard, and what the group saw as the main characteristics of the current and ideal matchmaking service, as well as the main differences between the two was noted on a flip-over chart. Next, the researchers shared results from phase one to further explore elements of the matchmaking service. Additionally, a researcher presented the C-TAILS model (see Fig. 2). The session ended with an exploration of ways in which this knowledge could be used to realize the group's ambitions and overcome challenges.

Co-creation session two was held a week later to further develop ideas to improve the matchmaking service and make these ideas applicable in practice. One researcher presented the most important ambitions and first ideas that had emerged in session one in a logical order. Members recognized themselves strongly in this narrative and added a few new ideas for possible improvement. In the ensuing discussion, consensus was reached with regard to which ideas in where deemed most promising to include in a matchmaking tool. In the second part of the session, two further exercises where carried out to facilitate the co-creation of the matchmaking tool. First, a researcher presented more in depth insights from the C-TAILS model. In exploring more thoroughly personal and contextual factors that may impact successful technology acquirement and use by seniors, informed decisions could be made about topics that should be included in matchmaking tool. Second, the group created a "client journey" with all moments of contact between seniors and members of the IZI project team leading up to and including the matchmaking dialogues with technology consultants [ 43]. As a result of these two exercises, the group was able to determine who knew what and when about seniors' individual needs and circumstances. This also led to a discussion about how working arrangements between project members should be optimized to accommodate the implementation of the matchmaking tool. Based on these insights, the basic structure and content of the tool, as well as new ways of working together, were established.

Following co-creation session two, a first draft of the tool was created and shared within the action research team, enabling all members to provide feedback and suggest changes. In between co-creation sessions two and three and three and four, two iterations of the matchmaking tool were tested in their real world practice by one community builder and two technology consultants. They were asked to make notes about their experiences in using the tool, in particular, ease of use and perceived effectiveness within the matchmaking service.

Co-creation sessions three and four were conducted to further fine tune and evaluate the tool, focusing on its acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility in practice [ 44]. The structure of these sessions was similar. First, the community builder and technology consultants shared their experiences with the tool so that aspects could be improved upon. Herein the focus was on increasing the usability and shared understanding of the tool. Second, the tool was evaluated by relating its use to the goals for improvement agreed upon in co-creation session one. Apart from the matchmaking tool, the process of co-creating together PAR was also evaluated. Researchers took care to ensure that all group discussions took place within constructive group dynamics. All questions asked were from a position of appreciative inquiry, non judgmental and in affirmation of the strength and potentials of the action research team members [ 45]. This allowed the co-creation sessions to become "safe spaces" [ 37], where all members felt safe enough to speak freely and openly with one another, sometimes even with (heavy) criticisms of the current process.

Data analysis

Thematic analysis was used for the data collected in phase one, using qualitative data analysis software (Atlas.ti version 8) [ 46]. First inductive codes were attached to quotes relevant to the research questions. Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, with one researcher coding twelve of the twenty transcripts, and another researcher eight. Second, researchers came together to discuss their codes in the form of case studies and codetermined overarching themes. Phase two results, were continuously analyzed within the action research group in each co-creation session. The three most important steps for analysis were: codetermining the collective goals for improving the matchmaking service, codetermining the specific characteristics of the matchmaking tool and co-evaluating the use of the tool.

Results

Sample

Concerning the seniors, the sample consisted of nineteen participants who were aged in their sixties, seventies and eighties (average age: seventy four). The sample contained more women (eleven) than men (eight), and the majority (fifteen) lived alone. Of the four seniors who lived together with their partners, all partners where present during the matchmaking dialogues. For two seniors living alone a daughter was present during the matchmaking dialogue. Most participants had enjoyed lower education only. Three participants were not fluent in Dutch and required the presence of an interpreter to help them. Members of the action research team were aged in their thirties, forties and fifties (average age: forty six). All were highly educated and experienced in their respective fields.

Phase one: Understanding the current matchmaking service

Through the observations of matchmaking dialogues and subsequent in-depth interviews with both seniors and consultants, three issues in particular were found significant: the tension between a supply and demand driven approach, the role of informal caregivers and the timing of the matchmaking dialogue.

Tension between a supply and demand driven approach

In trying to ascertain which gerontechnologies where most beneficial to seniors in facilitating aging in place, the IZI project sought to test a wide array of technologies. At the same time a quota was established for how many units of a particular gerontechnology should be tested within the confines of the project. Because of this, it was found that technology consultants regularly sought to match gerontechnologies that had not yet been distributed widely, even if the seniors' need for them was not high.

Additionally, because certain gerontechnologies had already been matched frequently in the first months of the IZI project, technology consultant were not able to offer them to seniors any longer.

The aforementioned regularly impeded the matching of technologies with seniors most important needs and wants.

Role of informal caregivers

Apparent within the observed dialogues was also the role of significant others, such as partners or children, who acted as caregivers for the senior. Caregivers influenced matchmaking mainly in two ways. First, they often helped the senior with trying to find the right gerontechnology solutions.

Second, they also regularly had specific needs themselves that could also be met by a certain gerontechnology.

Instead of trying to find a match between one person's needs and gerontechnology, technology consultants in these cases tried to accommodate two sets of needs, sometimes complicating the matchmaking service.

Timing of the matchmaking dialogue

Lastly, for a few seniors, the matchmaking dialogue was not conducted at an appropriate time for them, even though they had agreed to participate. One senior felt overwhelmed by recent life events (such as a move to a new home and health problems), and therefore repeatedly indicated that she was not up to the task of determining whether gerontechnology might be helpful to her.

For other seniors, the matchmaking dialogue was optimally timed. For example, some seniors had recently experienced challenges to their independence and thus were highly motivated to find a gerontechnology solution. In these ways timing could greatly impede or facilitate the matchmaking service.

Phase two: Tool development through co-creation

In phase two, the action research group (researchers, technology consultants, community builders and the IZI project manager) ran through all stages of the action research cycle: diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating, and specifying learning (see Fig. 1). Findings in each stage are described in detail below.

Diagnosing

By discussing imagery selected by team members symbolizing the current and ideal matchmaking service, five areas of improvement could be diagnosed. First, multiple people in the team felt that the current process was too supply driven, focusing on "selling" the technology, and less on meeting individual needs. This was seen as symbolized by an image of a market vendor that advertises his wares (Fig. 3). An important improvement for the group therefore was to make matchmaking more demand oriented.

Second, the design of the current matchmaking service was seen to be geared towards efficiency, symbolized by the group members' image of a car navigational system, an instrument to help reach a destination as quickly as possible. Through such navigation however, the current service was said to induce tunnel vision: by focusing on needs that could be matched quickly with a gerontechnology on offer, technology consultants did not strive to fully understand the situational context of seniors' needs. One member saw the ideal matchmaking service as a map, conducted with a "helicopter view" of all factors that might impact a senior's need for and use of gerontechnologies (Fig. 4). Another important improvement for the developmental group was therefore to achieve more of an overview of a senior's situation.

Third, it was acknowledged that the role of informal caregivers within the current matchmaking service should be understood better and should therefore be part of the overview. Fourth, the current service was symbolized by a member as being populated by a lot of well-meaning professionals who did not always communicate well together regarding their contacts with seniors. Because of this, the matchmaking service sometimes ran less smoothly, as follow ups to initial contacts with seniors did not take into account what had been discussed with seniors earlier. A point of improvement was therefore more efficient communication between all professionals working to achieve a match between a gerontechnology and a specific senior. Fifth, the issue of timing. Implicit within the current matchmaking service seemed to be the assumption that seniors' needs and circumstances were fairly static, not changeable over time. Because of this, only one matchmaking dialogue per senior was conducted, and seniors were not monitored as to whether their needs or situation changed. Ideally, there would be continuous contact between professionals and seniors, so that the team can determine when the timing is best to conduct a matchmaking dialogue. This too was seen as an improvement point.

Through subsequent presentations of the researchers of phase one results and the C-TAILS model, the above improvement points where fleshed out. The group subsequently decided as goals for the matchmaking tool: (1) achieving a better balance between supply and demand, by (2) matching at the right time, (3) with a better overview of a senior's situation, (4) whereby the informal caregiver is given greater attention, and (5) team members communicate more efficiently with each other.

Action planning and action taking

The action research team discussed ways in which the goals could best be reached. Two related ideas in particular were judged to be the most promising and workable for a matchmaking tool: (1) developing a new matchmaking dialogue guide to achieve a more complete overview of the current situation of a senior and their primary caregiver, and (2) developing a way of working together whereby more team members contribute to and share this overview. Concerning the first idea, more in-depth sharing of aspects of the C-TAILS model allowed the group to judge which additional factors should be included in the matchmaking dialogue guide. Concerning the second idea, a client journey was created and reflected upon. It showed that the community builder frequently became aware of recent life events or attitudes towards gerontechnology when conducting guided tours in the model home, but that he did not share these insights. Technology consultants stated that this prior knowledge could help them in their preparation for the matchmaking dialogue. In reflecting, the team also spontaneously formulated ideas about what types of questions should be asked, by whom, in order to attain a better overview of a senior's situation. As such, the new tool added a range of new contextual and gerontechnology specific questions to the old way of working. Foremost among these were: recent developments in seniors lives, general attitudes towards gerontechnology, the level of satisfaction with current means used to fulfill needs in various domains, seniors ideas about the properties of match worthy gerontechnology and the expected consequences of the use of that gerontechnology. In addition, the original task of working through a list of all available gerontechnologies with seniors was taken out. Also, the new guide was restructured so that both community builder and consultants could use it in their contacts with seniors. Lastly, all questions were made to pertain both to the senior and, if applicable, their primary informal caregiver.

Evaluating

With regard to usability in real world practice, the first iteration of the matching tool took some time getting used to. For the community builder it was not always clear which parts of the tool he could use. It was decided that during the second iteration he should focus on recent developments and attitude towards gerontechnology because the guided tour setting was best suited to assess these two factors. For technology consultants, strictly following the order of the new tool felt a bit unnatural. It was therefore agreed upon during the second iteration that consultants had a certain leeway in the specific formulation and order of questions during their contact with seniors, as long as the obtained answers gave a clear and accurate picture concerning all factors included. In this way, consultants could maintain their personal approach to the dialogue. However, a fixed order for the factors: views on matching opportunities and conditions for using matching opportunities was maintained during the second iteration of the tool. To increase a shared understanding of the guide, some segments were also renamed, and examples of certain terms were added to the guide to make their meaning more explicit. Lastly, an agreement was reached about which specific domains of independent living should be assessed during the matching service. The testing of this second iteration in real world practice yielded satisfactory results and no further changes were made for the final version of the tool. The final outline of the resulting Gerontechnologies Matchmaking (GTM) tool is presented in Fig. 5.

Final outline of the GTM tool

In comparison to the old way of working, the new way was seen as providing a better balance between a supply and demand driven approach. The new tool focused more on the specific needs of seniors and caregivers and less on all technologies on offer:

Use of the new tool was also found to improve obtaining a more complete overview of a seniors' situation:

Additionally the more systematic inclusion of the role of informal caregivers was noted:

The community builder saw that such a stream could potentially help him with follow up questions concerning the installed gerontechnology matches. Consultants felt that a more systematic way of involving informal caregivers was introduced, yet also felt they had already started to engage the caregivers more, prior to the use of the new tool.

Furthermore, communication between the community builder and the consultants had been improved by the shared use of the new tool. Technology consultants liked the fact that they received more information prior to home visits:

However, consultants did feel however that they should not receive too much pre-information, in order to keep an open mind when going into the matchmaking process.

With regard to the improving appropriate timing of matchmaking dialogues, no changes were made in comparison to the old way of working. All interested seniors continued to be directly referred to technology consultants, because a senior's expressed interest in technology continued to be seen by most team members as a signal that the timing was right to offer gerontechnology. A few team members did acknowledge that a more continuous monitoring of a seniors' situation could ensure better timing of the matchmaking dialogue. However, they also concluded that such monitoring was not feasible due to the limited time available for community builders.

Specifying learning

In reviewing the outcomes of the evaluating stage, the action research team was able to specify how the new tool could be applied more broadly. Two variants were discussed: the application of the tool by the same team in a different area of the municipality and the application of the tool by professionals other than the action research team.

The guide was deemed directly transferable to a new area with the same team, although differences in project arrangements might necessitate a slightly different approach. The practice of providing guided tours for seniors of a model home before conducting matchmaking dialogues for instance, was not viewed by all to be an essential step in a new area. Concerning the application of the tool by other professionals, it was concluded by most that a short training should be provided. An oral explanation of the tool, a review of one or more case studies, and a practice round were recommended. The team was divided as to the level of experience and technical expertise necessary to successfully work with the tool.

Discussion

In this study a first version of a tool that may enable gerontechnology intermediaries (e.g., such as welfare and technology consultants and district nurses), to better match gerontechnologies to senior's individual aging in place needs and circumstances was developed. The GTM tool can be used to create a relevant overview of factors such as recent life developments, gerontechnology- related attitudes and beliefs, and the level of satisfaction with current solutions. As such, this overview can help intermediaries determine whether gerontechnology is suitable, which gerontechnology or set of gerontechnologies best fits the situation of a senior, and what type of support may be needed for gerontechnology use. This is significant, because there is an absence of matching tools for these purposes in the aging in place literature [ 30, 49].

This type of tool is not entirely without precedent however. Within literature concerning the rehabilitation practices for people with disabilities, one matching tool, or rather set of tools, is mentioned regularly: the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) Assessment Process [ 50, 51]. The underlying Matching Person and Technology model emerged from grounded theory research that sought to define which areas should be assessed to allow for an adequate match between assistive technologies (e.g., wheelchairs, adapted utensils, communication devices) used to increase or maintain functional capabilities, and the needs and preferences of a person with a disability. Several assessment tools were subsequently developed by Sherer and colleagues for determining the disabled person's needs and preferences, environmental factors influencing use, and functions and features of the most desirable and appropriate technology [ 52]. The tools take the form of a pen and pencil measure that can also be used as a dialogue guide.

The MPT tools are similar to the GTM tool in that both seek to understand more about a prospective users' attitudes and prior experiences of technology in trying to find the right match. The GTM tool differs from the tools within the MPT assessment process in that it is specifically designed for independent-living older adults, with and without disabilities.

In addition, the GTM tool structurally involves informal caregivers in the matching process by also assessing their experiences and attitudes, because of the noted importance of these caregivers in senior's lives. Finally, the GTM tool pays attention to seniors' and informal caregivers' willingness to invest in the acquirement of relevant technologies. This feature is deemed especially important in light of the ongoing governmental effort in the Netherlands and other countries to stimulate seniors' independence in a cost effective way.

There are a number of limitations that must be considered with regard to this study. Due to time constraints, a limited number of intermediaries and seniors were recruited through our partnership with the IZI pilot project. Co-creation thereby focused on the matching service of technology consultants, as other type of intermediaries' such as district nurses were not involved with the pilot project. Also, participating seniors resided in social housing flats and tended to have enjoyed lower education only. More research is needed to determine to what extend the GTM tool is acceptable, appropriate and feasible in other contexts. Lastly, the GTM tool can be validated in a randomized controlled trail to test its effect on seniors' acceptance and use of gerontechnologies as well as health-related outcomes.

There are also a number of strengths of this study. Particularly in the last decade, co-creation has become increasingly popular in several fields, including business studies, design science, computer science, and community development [ 39]. However, co-creation remains underutilized when it comes to research in the field of gerontechnology [ 53]. The current study is the first that we know of that sought to specifically unearth challenges of intermediaries in matching gerontechnologies to seniors' independent living needs and circumstances. By utilizing PAR and co-creation principles a tool was developed that explicitly incorporates the knowledge and experience of technology consultants, thereby making it more tailored to the real world practice of such intermediaries. The use of a creative method to involve intermediaries in the analysis of their practice was particularly helpful in this regard. Furthermore, by drawing on the insights of the C-TAILS model, the action research team was able to incorporate a host of contextual factors concerning the acquirement and use of gerontechnologies by seniors into the tool. Finally, the testing of different variants of the tool in iterations of the action research cycle, allowed for a more in-depth evaluation of its usability and effectiveness in light of the stated improvement goals.

Conclusion

Our co-created GTM tool allows the matching of gerontechnologies to seniors aging in place needs to be more person centered, to achieve more of a comprehensive overview of factors that impact gerontechnology attractiveness and use, and to be more inclusive with regard to the role of informal caregivers. Further testing needs to occur with a wider range of intermediaries' and seniors, to determine the generalizability of the tool as well as its added value for allowing seniors to age in place with the support of technology.

Abbreviations

C-TAILS:

Cycle of Technology Acquirement by Independent-Living Seniors

MPT:

Matching Person and Technology

PAR:

Participatory Action Research

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participating seniors for welcoming us to their homes. Annette Kemerink, Ariette Van Hespen, Leroy van den Hoonaard and Erwin Tak (all working for the municipality of The Hague) are especially thanked for working with us within the action research team. Loes Hulsebos and Kim van der Beek (likewise working for municipality of The Hague) are also thanked for their contributions to the tool development process.

Funding

This work was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The ministry of VWS had no role in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Availability of data and materials

The developed matchmaking tool is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Data (interview transcripts and notes) cannot be publically released due to the risk the respondent confidentiality will be compromised.

Author information

Affiliations

Department of Tranzo, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands

Marc Haufe

, Sebastiaan Theodorus Michaël Peek

& Katrien Ger Luijkx

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1. Marc Haufe

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2. Sebastiaan Theodorus Michaël Peek

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3. Katrien Ger Luijkx

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Contributions

Each author of this manuscript made a substantial contribution to this work, in agreement with the criteria for authorship as noted in the editorial policy statement of BMC Health Services Research. All authors were involved in the design of the study. MH drafted the manuscript and coordinated data collection and analysis. Data collection was performed by MH and SP. Data analysis was performed by MH and SP. All authors critically revised the manuscript and approved the final version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sebastiaan Theodorus Michaël Peek.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The Ethics Review Board of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences approved the study (Reference: EC-2017.66). Informed consent was prospectively obtained from participants by the use of a written consent form.

Consent for publication

The authors confirm that they have received written permission from Ned Kock to use the image in Fig. 1 and from Sebastiaan Peek to use the image in Fig. 2.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors' individual needs: development of the GTM tool

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Most seniors wish to live independently for as long as possible. Gerontechnologies such as personal alarms or remote control systems, have the potential to help them age in place. For seniors, assessing what is the most appropriate technology for their aging in place needs can be difficult.

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Gerontechnology: Don't miss the train, but which is the right carriage?

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Gerontechnology: Don't miss the train, but which is the right carriage?

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Gerontechnologies for older patients with heart failure: What is the role of smartphones, tablets, and remote monitoring devices in improving symptom monitoring and self-care management? Current cardiovascular risk reports

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Gerontechnologies for older patients with heart failure: What is the role of smartphones, tablets, and remote monitoring devices in improving symptom monitoring and self-care management? Current cardiovascular risk reports

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Masterson Creber, R., Hickey, M., & Maurer, K. (2016). Gerontechnologies for older patients with heart failure: What is the role of smartphones, tablets, and remote monitoring devices in improving symptom monitoring and self-care management? Current cardiovascular risk reports, 10(10), 1-8.

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A Systematic Review of Robotics Research in Support of In-Home Care for Older Adults

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A Systematic Review of Robotics Research in Support of In-Home Care for Older Adults

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Attached is a recent systematic review looking at 63 papers spanning 5 years (2013-2018) that led to recommendations to improve the utilization of robots within the home setting to allow older adults more independent care. Research integrating robotics for caring for older adults is divided into three main categories per the authors: (1) Ambient assisted living including smart home environments, human activity recognition, and physical support tools; (2) Robot ecosystem including robotic devices providing various services; (3) Social interaction including telerobots and companion robots providing some level of socialization. One main discussion point by the authors is the practical and ethical importance to involve adults in the process of research and design, incorporating older adults’ actual concerns.

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Systematic Review of Robotics Research in Support of In-Home Care for Older Adults

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Feasibility, Acceptability and Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Program Using a Gerontechnology on Physical Capacities After a Minor Injury in Community-Living Older Adults: A Pilot Study

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Feasibility, Acceptability and Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Program Using a Gerontechnology on Physical Capacities After a Minor Injury in Community-Living Older Adults: A Pilot Study

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Feasibility, Acceptability and Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Program

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Technology and aging: An evolving partnership

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Incorporating Urban Design Principles to be compatible with the Elderly Population

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From Intervention to Co-constitution: New Directions inTheorizing about Aging and Technology

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From Intervention to Co-constitution- New direction in Theorizing about Aging and Technology

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TOP 5 GERONTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS (TO INCREASE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR SENIORS)

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TOP 5 GERONTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS (TO INCREASE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR SENIORS)

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Evaluating the older adults experience of a web-based, tablet-delivered heart failure self-care program using gerontechnology principles

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Evaluating the older adults experience of a web-based, tablet-delivered heart failure self-care program using gerontechnology principles

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Buck, H., Pinter, A., Poole, E., Boehmer, J., Foy, A., Black, S., & Lloyd, T. (2017). Evaluating the older adult experience of a web-based, tablet-delivered heart failure self-care program using gerontechnology principles. Geriatric Nursing38(6), 537-541.

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Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individual needs: development of the GTM tool

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Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individual needs: development of the GTM tool

# data[].attributes.body
Haufe, M., Peek, S. & Luijkx, K. (2019). Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors’ individual needs: development of the GTM tool. BMC Health Serv Res 19(26). doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3848-5

This article explores ways that technology can help benefit those who are aging to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. -Madison H.

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Gerontechnology: Don’t miss the train, but which is the right carriage? 

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Gerontechnology: Don’t miss the train, but which is the right carriage? 

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- K. Shiell

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Why is Age Tech an important new vertical within the tech industry? Because the world's population is aging. People all over the world are having less babies and living longer. By 2050, the number of people over 60 is expected to reach 2.1 billion- nearly a quarter of the world's population. This massive increase in the percentage of older adults within the population means that there will be fewer younger adults to support them.

Aging In Place

Although the population of people over the age of 65 is extremely diverse, it is safe to say that the majority of them prefer to age in place. Aging in place means they would rather live in their homes for as long as possible. Still, as one ages, new challenges within the home arise. Technology can help the elderly overcome these challenges.

The Longevity Economy

Was defined by the AARP as the sum of all economic activity serving the needs of older adults. The global spending power of people 60+ years old is expected to reach $20 Trillion by 2020. Americans over 50 are expected to spend $84B annually on tech products by 2030.

Elderly Adopters

Contrary to common belief, most older adults hold a positive perception of technology. Many are eager to learn new tech skills- as long as they find them useful. However, most of them admit they require some assistance in setting up and learning to use new devices.
A report by the Pew Research Center found that 42% of older adults in the US own smartphones, and 67% use the internet. Baby boomers spend an average of 27 hours a week online!

Gerontechnology Is Technology T hat's Designed for Older Adults

Increasingly, we're seeing technology designed with older adults in mind. This doesn't mean big buttons and loud audio; it means putting older adults at the center of the design process, and aiming to meet their needs and aspirations.

I created the first version of the AgeTech market map last year, from a personal need that I had. I wanted a clear view of what technologies were available for older adults, and couldn't find something similar that gave me a snapshot of the industry anywhere online. Over 2,000 companies were screened and just under 200 made it in 2018.

This year, 170+ companies made the cut. The KPIs that were used to screen companies were:

Companies that make technology that will be used by older adults and/or family caregivers.

Companies that make technology for service providers that provide services to the older adult population.

Companies that are funded/ have a commercially available product.

companies are still the most abundant. Wellness monitoring via smart home sensors and wearables is highly competitive, with giants like Digital health and wellness - Apple, Phillips and Centrica Hive breathing down the necks of startups like Billy or Noomi.

are used in senior living communities for entertainment and reminiscing. VR for eldercare - is going strong and has several different use cases. VRhealth's goggles are designed for medical and therapeutic purposes, while Rendever's Embodied Labs takes an innovative approach to eldercare, and developed a VR-enabled immersive learning system that provides caregivers with insight that can improve the way they view and provide care for older adults.

VUI (Voice User Interface) - several companies are using Amazon Echo as the hardware to their software. offers hands-free communication between staff and residents in senior living communities. (funded by Google and the Alexa fund) and AI care companions help caregivers provide better care. Another startup that is utilizing Amazon Echo as the hub to their sensors is which offers an IoT powered care technology ecosystem for aging-in-place.

. UK based startup Caregiving - startups in this vertical continue to draw investors' interest. CareAcademy , which has raised $3.2M so far, received funding recently to upskill adults for careers in caregiving Birdie raised €7M to support caregivers in delivering better and safer elderly care at home.

Who made a leap from last year?

GreatCall, a company most known for it's best-selling Jitterbug phone for seniors, was acquired by Best Buy for $800M . In October, Mobile app and web development firm Vidatec has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in for an undisclosed amount. To learn more about what happened in 2018, check out the 2018 gerontech recap .

New and Noteworthy

is tackling one of the toughest issues faced by older adults with hearing difficulties, the Cocktail Party Problem. This issue makes people with hearing loss miss out on social interactions because it's challenging for them to focus on a single speaker in a noisy environment. For older adults, this might also mean feeling more socially isolated.

In digital health, StartUp Health alumni startups worth following in 2019, check out TrustyCare is on a mission to reduce the chance of seniors going through bankruptcy because of high medical costs. For more age-tech . this post

Who's Funding This?

There are several Age Tech dedicated funds, and some generalist funds have also started looking into this space in recent years. To read more about Age Tech investments, check out this post.

Opportunities
Caregivers
Nothing prepares you for the monumental task of caring for an aging loved one. Some family caregivers spend a decade providing care. There are marketplaces that can help you hire a carer, find a senior living community, and plenty of online support groups, there's even that enables you to connect with people who have gone through the same thing to get advice.

What's missing is professional guidance for that specific moment, when dad has a stroke or mother breaks her hip, and all of a sudden you're in charge.

2 companies that provide guidance to family and professional caregivers are Torchlight and CareAcademy. Torchlight reaches out to family caregivers through their workplaces. They provide family caregivers with expert guidance, tools & action plans. CareAcademy is doing great work in training and educating professional caregivers who work for home-care agencies.

Who's training and educating family caregivers that don't fall into those two rubrics ? Is there a one-stop-shop for caregiver resources? How will they find concierge service or PillPack's online pharmacy?
The Youngest Old
10,000 baby boomers retire each day in the US. They have free time and disposable income. They embrace technology into their lives. So why aren't more tech companies targeting boomers? Why aren't there more products out there, designed for the youngest old, who just want to get the most out of retirement? In the next few years, I hope to see more companies from travel-tech, fin-tech, ed-tech & food-tech make it to this map and target the older population.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why is Age Tech an important new vertical within the tech industry? Because the world's population is aging. People all over the world are having less babies and living longer. By 2050, the number of people over 60 is expected to reach 2.1 billion- nearly a quarter of the world's population.

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Haufe, M., Peek, S.T.M., & Luijkx, K.G. (2019). Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors' individual needs: Development of the gtm tool. BMC Health Services Research, 19(26). Doi: 10.1186/s12913-018-3848-5

# data[].attributes.subject
Haufe, M., Peek, S.T.M., & Luijkx, K.G. (2019). Matching gerontechnologies to independent-living seniors' individual needs: Development of the gtm tool. BMC Health Services Research, 19(26). Doi: 10.1186/s12913-018-3848-5

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The Author analysis the effects of evolving technology on aging adults.

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Evaluating the older adult experience of a web-based, tablet-delivered heart failure self-care program using gerontechnology principles.

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tips for grandparents raising grandchildren

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This adaptive cell phone designed for seniors offers simple options, enlarged print, internet access, and other smart phone features for a low monthly rate. 5-Star safety features that can notify EMS during a safety event/fall, allows family to check-in on parents locations, communicate safety events, etc. It also has the ability to schedule rides through Lyft using a live-operator with all ride-fees being added to the monthly bill. No apps or cash required for Lyft rides.
-Sara Romo

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Smartphone for Seniors | Jitterbug Smart2 | GreatCall

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Learn about the all-new Jitterbug Smart2, our best easy to use smartphone for seniors. Our simple smartphone has a simplified menu, offers an affordable way to call, send texts and email, and even turns into a personal safety device.

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Top 5 Gerontechnology products to increase social engagement in seniors

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Loyd Vigil

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