Digital Health Technology for Better Aging: A multidisciplinary approach

This book discusses the multidisciplinary approach needed to tackle better aging, highlighting the importance of innovation driven by digital technology to improve quality of life and encourage healthy living. It emphasizes the need for effective, usable, cheap, and secure digital health technologies to support aging populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 365 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the challenges posed by aging populations in the 21st century. As the global population continues to age, national health systems face significant pressures to provide adequate and affordable care. Innovation, driven by digital technology, holds the key to improving the quality of life and promoting healthy living. Well-designed technology can empower individuals, maintain their independence, and enable them to remain mobile. Despite the widespread adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in daily life, digital health technologies have yet to gain widespread traction. To achieve this, technology must be effective, user-friendly, affordable, and designed to ensure the security of managed data.

In the era of mHealth, mobile technology, and social design, this book explores the collaboration between Polytechnic expertise and social science and health sectors in developing a system that encourages individuals to engage in healthy behavior and achieve a better quality of life. The book is organized into six sections, each highlighting the contributions of these sectors in shaping the system.

Section 1: Introduction to the Aging Population Challenge

The first section provides an overview of the aging population challenge, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach. It highlights the demographic trends, such as the increasing number of older adults and the declining birth rate, which are contributing to the growth of the aging population. The section also discusses the social and economic implications of aging, including the increased demand for healthcare services, social support, and long-term care.

Section 2: The Role of Digital Technology in Improving Quality of Life

The second section explores the role of digital technology in improving the quality of life for older adults. It discusses the benefits of technology-enabled care, such as remote monitoring, telemedicine, and virtual reality, in providing access to healthcare services and improving communication between healthcare providers and patients. The section also highlights the potential of digital technology to promote healthy living, such as through fitness apps, wearable devices, and social media platforms.

Section 3: Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Health Technology Adoption

The third section examines the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of digital health technologies. It discusses the barriers to technology adoption, such as lack of awareness, lack of access, and skepticism towards technology. The section also highlights the potential benefits of digital health technologies, such as improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased patient engagement.

Section 4: Collaboration between Polytechnic Expertise and Social Science and Health Sectors

The fourth section explores the collaboration between Polytechnic expertise and social science and health sectors in developing a system for encouraging healthy behavior and achieving a better quality of life. It discusses the role of Polytechnic universities in providing technical skills and expertise in the development of digital health technologies. It also highlights the role of social science and health sectors in understanding the needs and preferences of older adults and designing technology that is user-friendly and accessible.

Section 5: Examples of Successful Digital Health Technology Implementation

The fifth section provides examples of successful digital health technology implementation in different countries. It discusses the case studies of organizations and institutions that have successfully implemented digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and virtual reality, to improve the quality of life for older adults. The section also highlights the lessons learned from these implementations and the potential for scaling up these technologies to a broader audience.

Section 6: Conclusion and Future Outlook

The sixth section concludes the book by summarizing the key findings and recommendations. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the challenges posed by aging populations. It also highlights the potential of digital technology to improve the quality of life for older adults and encourages policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers to work together to promote the adoption and implementation of digital health technologies.

In conclusion, the multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the challenges posed by aging populations in the 21st century. Innovation, driven by digital technology, holds the key to improving the quality of life and promoting healthy living. Well-designed technology can empower individuals, maintain their independence, and enable them to remain mobile. Despite the widespread adoption of ICT in daily life, digital health technologies have yet to gain widespread traction. To achieve this, technology must be effective, user-friendly, affordable, and designed to ensure the security of managed data. In the era of mHealth, mobile technology, and social design, this book explores the collaboration between Polytechnic expertise and social science and health sectors in developing a system that encourages individuals to engage in healthy behavior and achieve a better quality of life. By leveraging the strengths of these sectors, we can create a future where older adults can thrive and live fulfilling lives.

Weight: 581g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030726652
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021