An Exploratory Research to Analyse the Current Level of Technological Support for Adaptive Ageing in the Digital Era with Reference to Kerala State in India

Abstract

At the dawn of this digital era, Indians are faced with a plethora of technological services and digital devices. These services offered on digital platforms not only support intellectual curiosity and increased social interaction but provide increased safety and expedite tedious processes such as money transfers, thereby bettering the quality of life. Although the advent of these services holds great promise for all, older adults find it difficult to adapt to these new techniques. As the benefits of technology for seniors are plentiful it becomes imperative to understand the hurdles faced by them in adopting these new technologies. Currently every country in the world is experiencing an exponential growth in the percentage of seniors in their population. So, it is essential to ascertain the challenges faced by seniors when they attempt to employ technological services. This study proposes a model DATS [Digital Assistive Technology for seniors] that may guide future researchers in enabling the elderly to reap the benefits of technological services.