Abstract
BackgroundThere is a growing interest in empowering older adults to age in place by deploying various types of technology (ie, eHealth, ambient assisted living technology, smart home technology, and gerontechnology). However, initiatives aimed at implementing these technologies are complicated by the fact that multiple stakeholder groups are involved. Goals and motives of stakeholders may not always be transparent or aligned, yet research on convergent and divergent positions of stakeholders is scarce.ObjectiveTo provide insight into the positions of stakeholder groups involved in the implementation of technology for aging in place by answering the following questions: What kind of technology do stakeholders see as relevant? What do stakeholders aim to achieve by implementing technology? What is needed to achieve successful implementations?MethodsMono-disciplinary focus groups were conducted with participants (n=29) representing five groups of stakeholders: older adults (6/29, 21%), care professionals (7/29, 24%), managers within home care or social work organizations (5/29, 17%), technology designers and suppliers (6/29, 21%), and policy makers (5/29, 17%). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsStakeholders considered 26 different types of technologies to be relevant for enabling independent living. Only 6 out of 26 (23%) types of technology were mentioned by all stakeholder groups. Care professionals mentioned fewer different types of technology than other groups. All stakeholder groups felt that the implementation of technology for aging in place can be considered a success when (1) older adults’ needs and wishes are prioritized during development and deployment of the technology, (2) the technology is accepted by older adults, (3) the technology provides benefits to older adults, and (4) favorable prerequisites for the use of technology by older adults exist. While stakeholders seemed to have identical aims, several underlying differences emerged, for example, with regard to who should pay for the technology. Additionally, each stakeholder group mentioned specific steps that need to be taken to achieve successful implementation. Collectively, stakeholders felt that they need to take the leap (ie, change attitudes, change policies, and collaborate with other organizations); bridge the gap (ie, match technology with individuals and stimulate interdisciplinary education); facilitate technology for the masses (ie, work on products and research that support large-scale rollouts and train target groups on how to use technology); and take time to reflect (ie, evaluate use and outcomes).ConclusionsStakeholders largely agree on the direction in which they should be heading; however, they have different perspectives with regard to the technologies that can be employed and the work that is needed to implement them. Central to these issues seems to be the tailoring of technology or technologies to the specific needs of each community-dwelling older adult and the work that is needed by stakeholders to support this type of service delivery on a large scale.
Highlights
The world population has been experiencing significant ageing―the process that results in rising proportions of older persons in the total population―since the mid-twentieth century
Population ageing was further advanced by the Second World Assembly on Ageing, which took place in Madrid, Spain, in 2002, and the demographic projections at that time evidenced an unmistakeable trend of continued ageing, which would no doubt consolidate during the twentyfirst century
Measured in U.S dollars at Purchasing Power Parity, or Purchasing Power Parities (PPP). 20 The old-age dependency ratio is the number of persons aged 65 years or over per 100 working-age persons aged 15 to 64 years
Summary
Median age of the population: world and development regions, 1950, 2010, 2.10. Demographic dividend (demographically induced economic growth rates) vi. Sex ratios at ages 60 years or over, 65 years or over, and 80 years or over: 3.6. Sex ratios for the population aged 60 years or over and 80 years or over: 3.7. Proportion currently married among persons aged 60 years or over by sex: 3.8. Proportion currently married among men and women aged 60 years or over: 4.5. Old-age dependency ratio and per capita expenditure on health ($PPP): 4.8. Labour force participation of persons aged 65 years or over by major area, 4.13. Distribution of countries by statutory retirement age of men and women and vii
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