Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

Smart Aging Infrastructure and Digital Integration: Community‑Centered Spatial Design as the Foundation for Equitable Age‑Tech

Sudha J. Gopinath, Venu Nataraj, Dr. M N Chandrashekar

Abstract


This paper explores the integration of smart aging infrastructure with digital technologies through community-centered spatial design, emphasising its foundational role in developing equitable age-tech solutions. It highlights the importance of involving older adults in co-design processes to ensure technologies align with their needs and social contexts, thereby promoting inclusive and age-friendly environments. By addressing spatial justice and digital integration, this research aims to advance sustainable, accessible, and participatory frameworks that support healthy aging in place. The study underscores the critical interplay between physical space, technology, and community engagement in shaping future age-tech ecosystems.


Full Text:

PDF

References


E. D. Mynatt, A.-S. Melenhorst, A.-D. Fisk, and W. A. Rogers, “Aware technologies for aging in place: understanding user needs and attitudes,” IEEE Pervasive Computing, vol. 3, no. 2. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), pp. 36–41, Apr. 2004. doi: 10.1109/mprv.2004.1316816.

S. Elavsky, L. Knapova, K. Janiš, R. Cimler, J. Kuhnova, and T. Cernicky, “Multiple Perspectives on the Adoption of SMART Technologies for Improving Care of Older People: Mixed Methods Study,” Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 26. JMIR Publications Inc., p. e45492, Feb. 07, 2024. doi: 10.2196/45492.

R. Mohan, F. Saleem, K. Voderhobli, and A. Sheikh-Akbari, “Ensuring Sustainable Digital Inclusion among the Elderly: A Comprehensive Analysis,” Sustainability, vol. 16, no.

MDPI AG, p. 7485, Aug. 29, 2024. doi: 10.3390/su16177485.

D. D. Vaziri et al., “Exploring influencing factors of technology use for active and healthy ageing support in older adults,” Behaviour & Information Technology, vol. 39, no. 9. Informa UK Limited, pp. 1011–1021, Jul. 22, 2019. doi: 10.1080/0144929x.2019.1637457.

M. Ghosh, “Age-friendly cities enhancing ageing: accelerating digital inclusion for India’s elderly,” Working with Older People, vol. 29, no. 2. Emerald, pp. 233–242, Oct. 30, 2024. doi: 10.1108/wwop-04-2024-0018.

K. Thampi and L. M. Mathew, “Aging in Place for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in India: A Qualitative Exploration of Prospects and Challenges,” Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, vol. 10. SAGE Publications, Jan. 2024. doi: 10.1177/23337214231223636.

W. Zhao, R. M. Kelly, M. J. Rogerson, and J. Waycott, “Older Adults Imagining Future Technologies in Participatory Design Workshops: Supporting Continuity in the Pursuit of Meaningful Activities,” Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM, pp. 1–18, May 11, 2024. doi: 10.1145/3613904.3641887.

A. R. Mysore, “Technology Integration Models for Digital Equity,” Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design. IGI Global, pp. 177–194, 2018. doi: 10.4018/978-1-5225-3873-8.ch010.

Ł. Tomczyk, M. L. Mascia, D. Gierszewski, and C. Walker, “Barriers to digital inclusion among older people: a intergenerational reflection on the need to develop digital competences for the group with the highest level of digital exclusion,” Innoeduca. International Journal of Technology and Educational Innovation, vol. 9, no. 1. Malaga University, pp. 5–26, Jun. 01, 2023. doi: 10.24310/innoeduca.2023.v9i1.16433.

A. McCosker, C. Critchley, J. Walshe, J. Tucker, and R. Suchowerska, “Accounting for diversity in older adults’ digital inclusion and literacy: the impact of a national intervention,” Ageing and Society, vol. 43, no. 11. Cambridge University Press (CUP), pp. 2629–2649, Dec. 14, 2021. doi: 10.1017/s0144686x21001550.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.