Gerontechnology at IAGG 2009 for optimal health in a multidisciplinary context
A. Franco, H. Bouma, G. Cornet, P. Malléa
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AbstractThe gerontechnology concept originated around 1990 and is currently finding its place in the gerontological, geriatric, and technological world. At its heart gerontechnology tries to promote technological products, services, and environments in which ageing people can pursue their ambitions and aims also for needs stemming from functional restrictions and multiple age-related diseases to be answered, whilst maintaining autonomy and self-esteem. For gerontology and geriatrics, this constitutes a change in paradigm that IAGG has recognized by a special position for gerontechnology at IAGG 2009 in Paris. In medicine, the paradigm is changing from a single-acute-disease model for disease management toward a multiple-disease model directed at optimal functioning in the daily environment, be it at home or in institutional settings. The essential value of ‘functioning well’ rather than ‘dealing with disease’ has already been recognized by the WHO in 2002, and the effect of this visionary model is increasingly becoming clear. Increased interdependency between gerontology and geriatrics on the one hand, and innovative technology on the other, are the logical outcomes of the paradigm change. Continuous collaboration between the International Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) and the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG) will be directed at implementing the necessary paradigm-change and -in our ageing society- promoting innovative technologies of proven value.Keywords: gerontechnology; gerontology; geriatrics; older adults; elder
A. Franco, H. Bouma, G. Cornet, P. Malléa (2009). Gerontechnology at IAGG 2009 for optimal health in a multidisciplinary context. Gerontechnology, 8(2), 63-67
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2009.08.02.001.00