Baby Boomers and Assistive Technology
Reference: Steel, D., & Gray, M. Baby boomers' use and perception of recommended assistive technology: A systematic review Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 4(3), 129 — 136.
This article conducted a review of published studies regarding assistive technology (AT) use by the baby boomer generation. Findings include specific characteristics of baby boomers and their expectations of health and independence, and a recognition of the increasing demand for aged health care by this group. The authors conclude there will be an increased demand for AT in order to enable this generation to maintain independence.
Useful quotes:
'Assistive technology provision is a significant component of occupational therapy practice and is a means of assisting older persons to enhance and maintain their independence (p129).
'Although the use of AT promotes independence, increases safety and enables an individual with physical limitations to participate in activity, patters of AT non-use are clearly evident in the literature. Studies investigating the use of AT reported rates that ranged from 35% to 86.5% (p131).