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Future Dialogue Part 6: Assistive Technologies in the Everyday Lives of Older People – Perspectives from Prof. Dr. Andreas HoffIn the sixth part of the Future Dialogue series, Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff, head of the research institute “Health, Aging, Work, Technology” (GAT) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and member of the Federal Government's advisory board on the reconciliation of care and work, addressed a highly topical issue: the potential of assistive technologies to support older people and their families. His lecture provided insight into the technical, social, and ethical dimensions of care in the face of demographic change – and served as a powerful appeal to all stakeholders to take new approaches. Care takes place at home – and increasingly soThe central starting point of Prof. Hoff’s presentation was a clear message: care predominantly takes place at home – and this trend will intensify. Current figures are unequivocal: already 86% of people in need of care are being looked after in their own homes. The number of care-dependent individuals in Germany rose from 2.5 million in 2011 to 5 million in 2021. By 2023, it had already reached 5.7 million – and the upward trajectory continues, especially due to demographic shifts and the aging “baby boomer” generation.Most of this growth is in home care, especially by family caregivers – here Prof. Hoff noted a 164% increase within a single decade. In view of the glaring shortage of skilled workers, it is clear: future care will increasingly have to take place “in the community,” meaning in neighborhoods and the direct home environment. Technology as helper – not replacement“Technology is not a cure-all,” Prof. Hoff emphasized, “but it can help ease daily life – for both older people and their families.” The goal is to enable people to live self-determined lives in their own homes for as long as possible.This is where AAL – Ambient Assisted Living – comes in: technologies tailored to the needs of older or care-dependent people that support everyday activities. Hoff distinguishes between traditional aids – such as walk-in showers or stairlifts – and intelligent solutions, such as sensor-based monitoring systems, fall detection mats, or smart home applications. Active Assisted Living (AAL), which promotes a more active lifestyle, is also gaining relevance. Wearables like smartwatches for tracking vital signs or AI-based behavioral monitoring systems are just a few examples. Technology must serve peopleA key thread throughout Hoff's lecture: technology must not be developed “over the heads” of those it aims to help. Instead, he advocates for participatory, co-creative development processes that involve future users right from the start.One such example is the “living lab” in Görlitz, where technical consultation, real-life testing, and research come together. Visitors can experience cutting-edge AAL systems – from digitally controlled medication dispensers to emotionally responsive care robots like the "therapy cat" for people with dementia. Moreover, technology consultation is being taken on the road with a specially equipped truck – bringing these innovations directly into rural areas. Don’t lose sight of the ethical questionsEspecially in dementia care, ethical considerations move into focus – for instance, when using GPS tracking to prevent wandering. While technical solutions exist, such as shoe inserts with sensors or emergency call systems, “people with dementia still have rights and a claim to self-determination,” Hoff said. The decision to use such technologies must always be carefully weighed.Funding and support: The long road to age-appropriate housingAnother topic was the low availability of age-appropriate housing. “We're practically starting from zero,” Hoff said, referencing statistics: only about 2% of housing in Germany is truly senior-friendly, with no more than 10% being barrier-free.The first step for financial assistance is care insurance, which provides up to €4,000–4,500 per person for renovation work. More important, however, is cooperation with the housing industry – economic arguments like energy and water efficiency must also be brought into the discussion. Technology for everyone – not just the care-dependentA crucial aspect is the image of assistive technology: “As long as it is seen only as a care aid, it will remain a niche product.” Instead, AAL technologies must be reframed as elements of modern quality of life – comparable to smartwatches or voice assistants. Only then will they gain broader acceptance – and long-term integration into everyday life.Making care future-ready – with technology and valuesProf. Hoff’s lecture demonstrated just how essential an open, interdisciplinary dialogue about care and technology is. It’s not only about sensors, lifts, and smart homes – but about dignity, autonomy, and participation in old age.Assistive technologies are a key part of the solution. But for them to have real impact, they must be wanted, understood, and socially integrated. This edition of the Future Dialogue series sent a clear message – advocating for a kind of care that is technically feasible, socially responsible, and profoundly humane. The full lecture and audience questions are included in the 30-minute video above. Author: AI-Translation - Американский искусственный интеллект | |
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