Over the last 10 to 15 years, several novel technologies have been introduced in the market and steadily gained momentum in our daily lives. In the healthcare sector, new technological advances are increasingly used, such as: assisting devices, telemedicine, chronic disease monitoring, patients forum, online counselling and health information websites.
Several of these tools have been integrated into routine clinical care and are covered by health insurance due to their remarkable efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Despite the rapid proliferation and, in many cases, extensive penetration of digital technologies, a significant proportion of the global population remains 'digitally excluded'. This phenomenon creates the ‘’digital divide’’ particularly in populations of older adults. Preconceived notions of healthcare providers, misconceived ideas of the elderly about what they actually provide and/or self-inhibition of older subjects to adapt them are primarily responsible for this situation. Economic problems and social factors may further contribute to the digital illiteracy among the elderly.
Senior care can significantly benefit from innovation. Chronic disease management, early detection of diseases, devices to reduce functional dependency, medication assistance, and avoidance of social isolation are only a few contributions of technology in improving senior care and their quality of life.
The overall scope of this Research Topic is to examine, evaluate and adopt new technological developments for the elderly in healthcare . Articles focusing on digital health innovations are of great interest. We also encourage multidisciplinary and complementary approaches including technical, medical and humanities studies.
We welcome authors to submit research articles, short communications, meta-analyses, as well as research protocols, commentary articles and reviews.
Over the last 10 to 15 years, several novel technologies have been introduced in the market and steadily gained momentum in our daily lives. In the healthcare sector, new technological advances are increasingly used, such as: assisting devices, telemedicine, chronic disease monitoring, patients forum, online counselling and health information websites.
Several of these tools have been integrated into routine clinical care and are covered by health insurance due to their remarkable efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Despite the rapid proliferation and, in many cases, extensive penetration of digital technologies, a significant proportion of the global population remains 'digitally excluded'. This phenomenon creates the ‘’digital divide’’ particularly in populations of older adults. Preconceived notions of healthcare providers, misconceived ideas of the elderly about what they actually provide and/or self-inhibition of older subjects to adapt them are primarily responsible for this situation. Economic problems and social factors may further contribute to the digital illiteracy among the elderly.
Senior care can significantly benefit from innovation. Chronic disease management, early detection of diseases, devices to reduce functional dependency, medication assistance, and avoidance of social isolation are only a few contributions of technology in improving senior care and their quality of life.
The overall scope of this Research Topic is to examine, evaluate and adopt new technological developments for the elderly in healthcare . Articles focusing on digital health innovations are of great interest. We also encourage multidisciplinary and complementary approaches including technical, medical and humanities studies.
We welcome authors to submit research articles, short communications, meta-analyses, as well as research protocols, commentary articles and reviews.
