Technological devices to help older people beyond the home: an inventory and assessment focusing on the neighborhood and city scales

Abstract

ABSTRACT What existing technological devices are available to support older people in their neighborhood and city environments as they age? Using an inventory of available and emerging technological devices, this paper finds many devices address older people’s mobility and safety as pedestrians or in motorized vehicles. Fewer deal directly with physical and mental health, social connections, or other everyday activities. Emerging types of devices to address these less-common areas include robots (for delivery services and physical support), activity monitors, outdoor audio, smart streetlights, and furniture. These technologies already form a complex and dynamic landscape for older people to interact with over time. For technological devices to better help older people thrive in outdoor urban spaces, however, more work needs to be done so they can facilitate social connectedness and target the diversity of older people including those with cognitive impairments and with low incomes. Many also rely on the infrastructure of streets and sidewalks which may not be equitably distributed.