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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Ageing and technology
— a review of the research literature | | Author(s) | Christina M Blaschke, Paul P Freddolino, Erin E Mullen |
| Journal title | British Journal of Social Work, vol 39, no 4, June 2009 |
| Pages | pp 641-656 |
| Source | http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org |
| Keywords | Information technology ; Computers ; Usage [services] ; Evaluation ; Literature reviews. |
| Annotation | While the ageing of the population around the world raises serious concerns about social security, pensions, long-term care, health care and family systems, digital age tools have been proposed as possible resources to improve outcomes. Considerable literature has appeared suggesting that assistive technologies (ATs) and information and communication technologies (ICTs) may improve quality of life, extend length of community residence, improve physical and mental health status, delay the onset of serious health problems, and reduce family and caregiver burden. The aim of this review is to separate the evidence base to these claims from simple optimism about the ultimate status of technology-based tools. This is accomplished through an extensive examination of the empirical research literature in the field of ATs and ICTs as they relate to older people and ageing populations. The authors describe how these technologies are being utilised and barriers to use by older people. The authors identify what is known - based on scientific studies - about the utility and effectiveness of the technologies. Appropriate social work practice in the digital age requires knowing what tools are available and their documented effectiveness and limitations. Thus, this review considers the implications of current research knowledge for social work practice, education and research. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-090903219 A |
| Classmark | UVB: 3O: QLD: 4C: 64A |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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