New Technologies in the Service of Seniors

Authors

  • Kaja Anna Zapędowska-Kling University of Łódź, Faculty of International and Political Studies, Department of Transatlantic and Media Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-6018.315.14

Keywords:

gerontechnology, active ageing, ethics of technology

Abstract

This article emphasizes the importance of development of new interdisciplinary branch of science called gerontechnology. The main goal of this publication is to reflect on the opportunity to adapt new technologies in the service of elderly people. In the first part I review the potential fields of application of new technologies in different spheres of life of an old person. I focus mostly on technologies used in social care, healthcare, those stimulating social and civic participation, as well as those aiming at education and entertainment. In the second part I point at various barriers and limitations that impede the applicability of new technologies on the practical ground. In the third part I elaborate on moral and ethical dilemmas which are inextricably associated with the emergence of new technologies and their exploitation by humans. Conclusions include, among others, a postulate to incorporate telecare and telemedicine solutions into the mainstream senior policy in Poland.

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Author Biography

Kaja Anna Zapędowska-Kling, University of Łódź, Faculty of International and Political Studies, Department of Transatlantic and Media Studies

Adiunkt w Katedrze Studiów Transatlantyckich i Mediów Masowych Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, stypendystka Komisji Fulbrighta i Narodowego Centrum Nauki, członkini Polskiego Towarzystwa Gerontologicznego i Polskiego Towarzystwa Polityki Społecznej.

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Published

2016-02-29

How to Cite

Zapędowska-Kling, K. A. (2016). New Technologies in the Service of Seniors. Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Oeconomica, 4(315). https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-6018.315.14

Issue

Section

Aging population