Technologies for healthy and active ageing

The project GenerationTech was initiated by group of researchers from Lund University (Sweden) in order to address ageing and technologies use, related to health, from a generational perspective. Within the project GenerationTech technologies were viewed from a broad perspective, that is, technologies for everyday life, vehicles, computers and smart phones as well as medical technologies and assistive technologies (e.g. wheelchairs and walkers), medical measures and welfare technologies (e.g. safety alarms and security cameras).In order to validate the data gathered in Sweden and compare the findings, several international focus groups (The World Café method) took place in Germany, Italy and Latvia (autumn, 2019). The aim was to explore perceptions of and attitudes to, as well as needs and wishes of technologies, and usage among people of different generations (age 30-39, 50-59 and 70-79) as related to the technological developments they have experienced during their lifetime and how they are associated with active and healthy ageing. Participants were 12 women and 2 men, aged 30-79 years. Focus group discussions was guided by The World cafe methodology. The discussions were recorded as well as notes were taken and content analysis was performed. Participants noted that generational differences exist in use of different technologies and older persons usually need assistance and guidance to learn new technologies which are developing fast. Important positive aspect of information and communication technologies is that they helps to decrease feeling of loneliness and boredom among older people, also everyday technologies are important as they can save time for more important activities. Besides, aspects of technologies user friendliness, security, privacy and environmental accessibility were emphasized. The use of technologies can significantly increase the independence of older adults and support daily lives but they often need adequate support to develop their competences in technologies use.