Technology for Prolonged Independent Life – A Pilot Study

This paper takes a system approach to implementation of future health and welfare technology aiming at prolonging independent life. A study was conducted where different relevant stakeholders such as older adults, care staff, managers, and decision makers were interviewed about their visions and attitudes towards the use of technology in a future context. Further, the paper elaborates on how information design can contribute to the understanding of different needs and how it can be applied in the development of health and welfare technology that empowers future older adults and contribute to a prolonged independent life. Finally, communication and interaction design are discussed in relationship to the usage of future health and welfare technology.