Exploring user needs and technology adoption in older adults for dementia care

Technophobia is a barrier to adoption. Most of the earlier studies have described people’s behaviour in general towards technology. However, the reasons for adoption failure in older adults and PwDs have not been looked at in detail. In this context, building trust in older adults for ATs requires looking into factors that affect their continued engagement. Older adults and PwDs can be enthusiastically involved in utilising and co-creating ATs that incorporate their actual requirements and needs. There is a need to shift from developing compensatory design models towards shaping ATs for older adults and PwDs with the opportunity for growth and reflection. It is projected that a 5-year delay in the onset of cognitive dysfunction can lower population prevalence projections for dementia by 50%, thus having significant implications on health resources and society. Small but effective, lifestyle and health modifications could have major impacts on the quality of life of older adults and support independent healthy lives.