The Relevance of the New Technologies for Seniors and Their Next of Kin

Lessons learned from a survey

Abstract

Recently, a number of new technologies have emerged with the aim to offer innovative and efficient products and services to support seniors in their daily life and to prolong their independency at home.

This study undertakes a questionnaire-based survey method and collect 105 responses over the months of May and June 2022. We have drawn 5 lessons from the survey analysis:

1. Great family support is associated with a higher request for technology care;
2. There is little knowledge and usage of assistive technology,
3. The relevance of technology depends on the psychological status of the senior,
4. Conducing and limiting factors in the consumer behaviour, and
5. Gender perspective in choosing technology.

Relevant conclusions related to the technology inequalities, gender mainstreaming in technology adoption by seniors and the psychological status as a key determinant factor in technology requirements, are discussed.