GERIATRIC CARE IN DIGITAL AGE AND AGEING IN A PLACE (AIP): IMPLICATIONS FOR MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS

Abstract

Health policy and service providers are beginning to acknowledge the benefits of ageing in place through the adoption of digital technologies called gerontechnologies. It is possible for the aged to become independent at home with the help of technology as the ageing society of today. Research through review of literature showed that some aged use digital technologies for different purposes and the use of technology for active and healthy ageing has been proven effective, particularly to combat social isolation and promote social participation as they age, support autonomous living and improve long-term health. There are still barriers to its usage among aged, such as the psychological factors associated with motivation and attitudes, concerns regarding privacy and trust and social issues associated with learning to use the technology. For older people to help overcome these barriers, medical social workers should collaborate with developers and researchers and work with stakeholders in the human services and medical disciplines to create and develop new technologies to enhance healthy ageing and geriatric care.