Abstract
Applications of technology to improve the living and working environment and medical care of aging and aged people define a newly developing discipline called gerontechnology. Both this field and the human factors applications to aging that are embedded in it require a developmental view of the relationship between a person and her/his environment. From a developmental viewpoint, technology can affect aging through prevention of chronic problems that limit mobility; enhancement of social activities, work, education and recreation, and compensation for impaired functioning. Integration of technology into the lives of aging persons reacquires a developmental approach to the design of products and environments, consumer involvement in design and significant changes in the infrastructure for technology development and dispersal.
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