Gerontechnologies and Successful Aging

Abstract

According to the 2012 Ageing Report from the Economic Policy Committee (EPC), the proportion of the population in the EU aged 65 and over will become a much larger share (rising from 18 percent to 30 percent of the population), and those aged 80 and over (rising from 5 percent to 12 percent) will almost become as numerous as the young population in 2060. The number of older people (aged 80 years and above) is projected to increase by even more, almost tripling – from 23.7 million in 2010 to 62.4 million in 2060. The increase in the total age-dependency ratio (people aged 14 and below and people aged 65 and above over the population aged 15–64) is projected to be even larger, rising from 49.3 million in 2010 to 77.9 million in 2060. Aging is a natural process, which can be classified into 3 periods at the end of life: (1) entrance into retirement: the aged but active, without disabled disease, often grandparents, with potential social difficulties because of the loss of professional relations; (2) frailty with health diseases, acute and chronic: causing loss of activity and the need for help to continue autonomous living; and (3) disability with cognitive and physical impairment: needing specific healthcare interventions. Aging could be associated with a series of daily problems like loss of autonomy, frailty, illness, and social isolation. Current solutions, particularly in disability, such as placement in specialized hosting institution, show their limit because of the lack of availability and individual and social cost The increase in life expectancy, number of chronic patients, and healthcare costs, and the shortage of medical and paramedical staff are among the most important challenges in the next few years. In reply to these mutations, the healthcare system evolves gradually, passing from a traditional, paternalistic approach, controlled by the professionals of health, to a patient-centered approach. Most economists have a very pessimistic vision of the aging of the population. It is indeed the first time in the history of humanity that we are entering a post-transition demographic phase with a significant increase amongst old people. It is a reality and also a challenge. In this context of change, we can see a rapid and significant development of technologies for old people, and some of these technological innovations could help overcome the potential barriers in aging well. Gerontechnologies and Successful Aging