Gerontechnology : Creating Enabling Environments for the Challenges and Opportunities of Aging

Gerontechnology is an interdisciplinary üeld of research and application involving gerontology, the scientiüc study of aging, and technology, the development and distribution of technologically based products, environments, and services . One goal of gerontechnology is to use technology to prevent, delay, or compensate for the perceptual, cognitive, and physical declines of aging. A second is to use technology to support or enhance the opportunities associated with aging related to communication, leisure, learning, service, and artistic expression. Areas of application include housing, personal mobility and transportation, communication, health, work, and recreation and self-fulüllment. The methods used to determine older persons’ needs and preferences for technology are discussed, as is the central role of the user in the development, dispersal, and evaluation of technology. A clinical evaluation of the value of assistive technology is summarized. The educational activities and professional organizations that support the development of gerontechnology are described, and the article concludes with a discussion of ünancing and advocacy of this new discipline.