Healthcare Informatics Research  2017;23(2):87-93

doi:10.4258/hir.2017.23.2.87

Tackling the Challenge of the Aging Society: Detecting and Preventing Cognitive and Physical Decline through Games and Consumer Technologies.

David WORTLEY 1 ; Ji Young AN ; Almas HESHMATI

Affiliations

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Keywords

Aging; Cognitive Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Technology; Aged

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to review some of the approaches employed to address health and well-being issues in the elderly population. METHODS: This article reviews and analyses a range of projects and approaches designed for the elderly population and aimed at preserving and/or enhancing physical and cognitive capabilities in later life. RESULTS: Various intervention measures have been developed across the globe to preserve and/or enhance physical and cognitive capabilities of the elderly population. A selection of these measures is described in this article. CONCLUSIONS: Approaches which combine games psychology and mechanics with enabling technologies designed to engage, influence and motivate elderly people can encourage healthy active aging lifestyles. Healthy active aging helps to realise a double dividend of reduced healthcare costs and an improved quality of life for the elder citizen.