Exploring the ethical aspects of technology for older adults and people living with dementia
A. Flynn (Convener), L. Hung (Canada), L. Ren (Canada), A. Flynn (United Kingdom), M.L. Fang (Canada).
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AbstractISSUE The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, with the number of adults aged 60 years and over expected to double by 2050 [1]. This demographic shift brings significant challenges in maintaining quality of life, autonomy and dignity for older adults, particularly those living with dementia [1]. Alongside this growth comes a fourth industrial revolution where digital technology is increasingly becoming widely accepted [2]. While technology holds promise for supporting independent living and enhancing quality of life, older adults and people living with dementia face increased barriers to technology adoption, including complex interfaces, assumptions about prior technical knowledge and lack of personalisation for varying cognitive abilities [3,4]. Therefore, it is imperative that technology is designed, developed and implemented with and for their needs, respecting their autonomy and dignity through an ethical lens. This symposium aims to explore ethical dimensions, sharing experiences of ethical design, development and implementation. This symposium aims to ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion, enhancing human care and connection. CONTENT 1. L. Hung (Canada) will outline the ethical challenges and practical strategies in the implementation of social robots (Paro and LOVOT) for residents living in Canadian long-term care. 2. L. Ren (Canada) will evaluate two key ethical frameworks (biomedical ethics and relational ethics), analysing how they complement each other and proposing an integrated framework for the ethical development and use of virtual reality for older adults living with dementia in hospital settings. 3. A. Flynn (United Kingdom) will present ongoing work taking place with W.Q. Koh and colleagues in Australia exploring older adults' experiences of the ethics of innovative technology. 4. M.L. Fang extends the ethical focus by integrating evidence from a scoping review of reviews with lived experience insights from older adults and stakeholders, highlighting systemic ethical gaps in AgeTech and proposing principles for responsible, age-inclusive innovation to support aging well in place. CONCLUSION This symposium provides attendees with practical insights into how to engage with older adults and people living with dementia through ethical frameworks, leveraging participatory approaches. Together, the presentations highlight the need for integrated ethical frameworks and practical guidance that move beyond singular approaches, the importance of cultural and contextual sensitivity in implementation, and the need to centre users' voices in ethical decision-making throughout the technology lifecycle. The symposium demonstrates that successful technology design, development and implementation require balancing individual autonomy with relational care contexts, continuous stakeholder engagement and adaptive strategies that preserve dignity and meaningful human connections all while embracing innovation.Keywords: ethics, Agetech, people living with dementia, older adults
A. Flynn (Convener), L. Hung (Canada), L. Ren (Canada), A. Flynn (United Kingdom), M.L. Fang (Canada). (2026). Exploring the ethical aspects of technology for older adults and people living with dementia. Gerontechnology, 25(s),1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2026.25.2.1405.3