Digital Acceleration: Exploration of Gerontechnological Research Needs Towards the Promotion of Successful Ageing

Abstract

Purpose In a rapidly ageing climate, a culturally shifting society and a consistently evolving world, the advancement of technology has become a necessary evil (Zaid et al., 2023). Although there is a plethora of challenges associated with ageing (Bambeni, 2022), the expansion of the concept of gerontechnology over the years has unveiled many possibilities when it comes to successful ageing. Historically, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the primary source of support for senior citizens has been the household and family, due to its predominance and lack of patronage of other care options (Dovie, 2019). However, due to an increase in the elderly population, and a shift in cultural and socio-economic dynamics, traditional arrangements are no longer sustainable in today's environment (Essuman and Mate-Cole, 2021). This has paved way for the reliance on technology to bridge the gap left by this transition. Despite the foregoing, there has been a slow increase in scholarly research on the subject throughout the SSA region (Kalu et al., 2021) making it challenging to employ gerontechnological solutions. This study therefore examined the possible marriage of three important concepts: advances in technology, ageing in place, and the socio-cultural landscape as a firsthand approach at identifying the problems associated with gerontechnological adoption to minimize age-related difficulties and serve as a catalyst for successful ageing. Method The study adopted a systematic literature review approach using Harzings Publish or Perish to critically review 127 publications from 2018 to 2024 with key terms ‘Ageing’, ‘Sub-Saharan Africa’, ‘Gerontechnology’, ‘Barriers’, ‘Adoption’, ‘Technology’, ‘Elderly’, ‘Access’, ‘Ageing in Place’, and ‘Developing Countries’. The review examined the research direction over the past five years to identify barriers to gerontechnological access, and the possibilities of its uptake. Results and Discussion Findings indicate that research on gerontechnology in SSA is severely lacking. Only 11 out of 127 papers covered gerontechnology relating to SSA with majority focusing on challenges with ageing (Nkansah et al., 2021; Skinner et al., 2021), specifically social isolation and internet use (Byaro et al., 2023; Oyinlola 2022; Ojembe and Kalu, 2019). Other research areas included assistive devices (WHO, 2022; Ngaruiya et al., 2019) and geriatric care (Maharaj, 2020). Consequently, it is evident that there is an imminent understudying of these technologies in the global south leading to uncertainty surrounding the topic, both with experts and users. However, there is a complex interplay of factors influencing the exploration of gerontechnological solutions in SSA including technological illiteracy, infrastructure challenges, and debilitating perceptions on ageing. By widening the research scope in SSA, culturally appropriate technological interventions can be developed. It is imperative to prioritize gerontechnological research in SSA to help balance out the distribution of its benefits globally. With approaches that focus on appropriate technology and unique challenges facing the global south, sustainable and contextually relevant methods of integrating these technologies within SSA will be promoted, ultimately contributing to the well-being and independence of older adults.