Aging and Technology
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Key Facts
Introduction
As the demographic tidal wave of baby boomers approaches retirement and old age, the healthcare needs of this population are likely to overwhelm our already-challenged healthcare system. The “silver tsunami” of adults over 65 is expected to grow to 108 million over the next 15 years, nearly half of the adult population in the United States. Most seniors live alone in a variety of settings and many will require some degree of care due to loss of function and failing health. This looming scenario suggests a critical need for the development of innovative approaches for technology-based tools and services to help older adults live independently and increase the capabilities of caregivers who support them.
Blue Shield of California Foundation’s Health and Technology program began exploring the area of Aging and Technology in 2006, bringing together experts and key stakeholders. Their input helped guide the development of studies that define the realm of emerging technology; assess perceptions and attitudes of older adults and caregivers about the value and acceptability of new technology; and present global developments that might inform Foundation activities. The results of these studies, shared at a second expert workshop conducted in January, 2008, can be found in the documents below:
Blue Shield of California Foundation Issue Briefs (PDF)
Seniors Living at Home: How Can Information Technology Support Improve Health and Well-Being? (February, 2007)
Aging and Technology: Landscape and Attitudes Toward Adoption
(March, 2008)
Research Reports Commissioned by Blue Shield of California Foundation (PDF)
Healthy @ Home: Executive Summary and Detailed Findings
(March, 2008)
By Linda L. Barrett, Ph.D., American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
State of Technology in Aging Services: Executive Summary
(March, 2008)
By Majd Alwan, Ph.D. and Devon Wiley, Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) along with Jeremy Nobel, M.D., M.P.H, Harvard School of Public Health
State of Technology in Aging Services According to Field Experts and Thought Leaders
(February, 2008)
By Majd Alwan, Ph.D. and Devon Wiley, Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) along with Jeremy Nobel, M.D., M.P.H, Harvard School of Public Health
Compendium: State of Technology in Aging Services (November, 2007)
By Majd Alwan, Ph.D. and Devon Wiley, Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) along with Jeremy Nobel, M.D., M.P.H, Harvard School of Public Health
