Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SCIE Research briefing 28: Assistive technology and older people

See the full article

Key messages


  • The term ‘assistive technology’ incorporates
    a wide variety of devices.
  • Assistive technology
    can be supportive, preventive or responsive.
  • The
    increasing proportion of older people in the
    population makes the use of assistive technology
    an attractive option in social services.
  • Perceptions
    vary as to whether or not assistive technology
    has sufficient benefits.
  • Existing research
    supports the greater use of assistive technology
    but further evaluation and ‘local learning’ is
    needed.
  • The views and needs of people
    using assistive technology need to be taken into
    account.


This briefing will focus on various forms of assistive
technology (AT) supplied to people over the age
of 65. AT can be defined as ‘...an umbrella
term for any device or system that allows an individual
to perform a task they would otherwise be unable
to do or increases the ease and safety with which
the task can be performed.’ (1)

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