Technologies to Help Older Adults Maintain Independence

This paper is intended to inform potential grant applicants and other key stakeholders, including older adults, health and social service practitioners, technology vendors, payers, policy makers/regulators, and The SCAN Foundation about technologies that are ready to be quickly taken to scale. Drawing from the array of existing telemonitoring, telehealth, assistive, and communication technologies that are used in the management of chronic disease, authors identify specific technology domains that have proven benefits and have significant potential for diffusion. They further identify those technologies that offer the greatest opportunity to accelerate the pace of diffusion; have the support of a long-term, sustainable business model; and have the greatest likelihood of alignment with public and private policies designed to improve outcomes and reduce spending. As the Administration starts on the path toward health reform, the need to improve the delivery of care for older adults in home and community settings will be unavoidable. The broad diffusion of transformative technologies offers a significant means to advance the effort of improving quality and reducing cost of care.

Supported by a grant from The SCAN Foundation, the Center for Technology and Aging was established to advance the diffusion of technologies that help older adults lead healthier lives and maintain independence. The Center will identify promising technologies and adoption strategies, and provide grant funding to test these strategies. In collaboration with grantees and key stakeholders, the Center will identify and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from grantmaking initiatives. The Center will promote further adoption of successful technologies and serve as a state and national resource for those involved in this arena.

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