Book chapter
Supporting Community Engagement with Assistive Technology as a Means of Health Promotion for Older Adults
A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Aging, pp 135-149
2023
Abstract
Age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and sensory function can limit community engagement, thereby putting older adults at risk of social isolation and chronic health conditions. The importance of community and social engagement cannot be understated, with innumerable physical, emotional, and financial benefits for older adults. This chapter describes the barriers older adults may experience in the areas of self-care, cognition, sensory functioning, communication, and mobility that may limit ability or motivation to participate in activities outside of the home. Supports for community engagement are shared including the many health professionals, services, laws, design principles, and assistive technologies that can facilitate safe and meaningful participation in the community for older adults. Common low- to high-tech assistive technologies are described as a means of compensating for many common age-related challenges to promote independence and safety. By providing older adults with safe access to the community, whether through use of assistive technologies, universally designed and accessible environments, or support from healthcare professionals, the health, longevity, and quality of life of the older adult will be supported.
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Details
- Title
- Supporting Community Engagement with Assistive Technology as a Means of Health Promotion for Older Adults
- Creators
- Anna Y. GrassoBeth E. Davidoff
- Contributors
- Robert Wolf (Editor)Barry S. Eckert (Editor)Amy R. Ehrlich (Editor)
- Publication Details
- A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Aging, pp 135-149
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Edition
- 1
- Number of pages
- 15
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Occupational Therapy
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85167750768
- Other Identifier
- 991022015679504721