Assistive Technology for Elderly People: State of the Art Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the past few decades, assistive technologies have become popular all around the world. In the available literature, there is still a gap in systematically reviewing the categories of assistive technology for the elderly concerning its application and intended outcome. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the progress of academic research in assistive technology for the elderly in the past two decades using a systematic literature review. In this paper, a generic data analysis is carried out based on keywords, subject area, relevant journals, and conferences, and specific analysis is done to illustrate the research questions. The technology used and application areas of existing assistive technologies are explored. The study reveals 16 broad categories of assistive technologies for the elderly with 37 specific technologies. Design considerations play a vital role in the effective use of assistive technology and hence an effort is made to identify them. Further 112 academic articles that discussed these technologies were reviewed for intended outcome analysis. The study is unique as it gives a comprehensive listing of assistive technologies and their intended outcome. The results are summarized based on the current status and proposed future research directions and research agenda.