Project Overview

AgeTech is about using technologies, such as e-health, robotics, artificial intelligence, and mobile devices to support the health and independence of older people. While AgeTech has many benefits, it also brings ethical challenges, and could be seen as a double-edged sword. Technology can lead to efficient and cost-effective services, but it can also be disruptive to people's lives. In-home health monitoring systems raise concerns about privacy. The digital divide of unequal access and use of technology can have a substantial impact on a person’s health. These kinds of ethical issues are often overlooked by technology researchers and developers. The aim of our project is to ensure ethical thinking is part of the design and development of technology from start to finish. The project will promote ethical design thinking by encouraging and supporting culture change within AgeTech research and industry. The goal is to contribute to more effective and inclusive technologies for healthy aging. As a 1-year Catalyst project, we will be laying the foundations for future work that will be mapped out in a plan of action.