Technology and Fun for a Happy Old Age

The past 20 years have seen a rise in the development and production of technologies to support older people. These have typically focused on issues related to safety and security and to reduce the risk of hospitalization (e.g. fall detection devices). Despite their undoubted importance, it could be argued that these aspects of aging have received more attention than is warranted and as a consequence have unduly influenced the direction of technology development for the aging population. While much less attention has been paid to technology to support people to live well and experience the things that make life worth living, the evidence that is available suggests that technology can provide people with meaningful and engaging activities that are stimulating, enjoyable and fun. This chapter provides a brief examination of this evidence for the aging population in general and then considers the application of technology for that sector of the aging population who are living with dementia. The context is provided by positive psychology, an approach to human behaviour that seeks to promote the good things in life.

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