Important Discussions on Technology in Elderly Care at the Senior Fair

As elderly care faces increasing demands and limited resources, technology can be part of the solution. It can enhance security, improve efficiency, and enable older individuals to remain in their homes for longer. However, it also raises important questions about ethics and human interaction. At the Senior Fair in Varberg, visitors were invited to reflect on the role of technology in care – with reactions ranging from positive to skeptical.

Together with Varberg Municipality, Leap for Life has developed a reflection tool that premiered at the Senior Fair in Varberg last week. The goal was to encourage visitors to consider when technology is a suitable solution and when human assistance is preferable.

Mixed Reactions to Technology in Care

Together with Varberg Municipality, Leap for Life introduced a reflection tool that premiered at the Senior Fair in Varberg last week. The goal was to encourage visitors to consider when technology is a suitable solution and when human assistance is preferable.

The reflection tool proved to be a powerful way to spark thoughts and initiate crucial discussions, with visitors expressing diverse opinions. Some saw technology as an opportunity to stay at home longer:
"I want all the aids that allow me to stay at home for as long as possible. A camera would be a great solution for nighttime supervision," said one visitor.

Another visitor was more skeptical, emphasizing the importance of human contact:
"I don’t trust technology. Social interaction is important, and I worry that rapid digitalization will take away human connection."

Visitors Have Had Their Say

By the end of the fair, the results provided a clear indication. In certain situations, the answer was obvious. When it came to hygiene and privacy, most visitors favored technology (= orange ball in the image). Here, digital solutions were seen as a safe and dignified form of assistance.

However, when it came to social interaction, physical meetings were considered the most important (= purple ball). Visitors felt that technology could support but not replace real human contact.

"Gaining insights directly from those affected is invaluable. It gives us a better understanding of where technology is beneficial and how we can develop welfare technology that truly makes a difference. By listening and learning, we can collectively steer healthcare and elderly care in the right direction," said Emma Börjesson, project manager at Leap for Life.

"Collaboration with Varberg Municipality and designer Malin Björklund has been key to creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience. It has allowed us to address crucial questions about the role of technology in elderly care in a way that is both grounded in reality and engaging," Emma concluded.

Innovations for Personalised Care

The reflection tool was developed as part of the EU project Innovations for Close Care, where Leap for Life collaborates with municipalities in Halland and Region Halland. The project is part of the transition towards Good and Close Care, aiming to create more person-centered and integrated healthcare close to the individual.

Together with West Swedish companies and other stakeholders, we are exploring how new technology can contribute to safer, more accessible, and individualized healthcare and elderly care – always with the human being at the center.