Current and Emerging Technologies for Supporting Successful Aging

Successful aging can be generally defined as minimizing disabilities, maintaining functional capacity, and supporting an engaged lifestyle. Given world population changes, this concept is of increasing importance. Technologies have become an integral part of daily life across a range of domains and have potential to support older adults. However, for that potential to be met, the technology must be designed with consideration for older adults’ capabilities, limitations, motivations to use technological support, and opinions regarding the role of technology in their lives. In this context, we review the theoretical background relevant to successful aging and technology support. Moreover, the technology should not impose cognitive demands but should augment or enhance cognitive function. We present older adult personas to highlight how current and emerging technologies can assist aging individuals in meeting their diverse needs and reaching their goals. We provide considerations and future research directions to guide technology design and promote successful aging.