Aging and Technology
Abstract
Technology certainly plays a key role in enabling higher levels of active and healthy aging in later life. A growing number of studies are evidencing the benefits of technology for older persons from lower levels of depression and loneliness to higher levels of social support, life satisfaction, purpose in life, and social capital. One central concern, however, concerns the unequal take-up of digital citizenship between younger and older generations, namely, the age digital divide, as older persons across the world are less likely to be competent in or to use technology. Advances in telemedicine and health-related assistive technologies have made it possible for older persons to connect with their healthcare providers virtually and enabled them to perform activities of daily living.