The use of technological aids increases the quality of life of the elderly. This has emerged from research by the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)-Campus The Hague and the municipality of The Hague. This is the largest study ever conducted in the Netherlands into the link between technology and well-being.
Better quality of life
The iZi Healthy Long Home project started in 2016. LUMC-Campus The Hague and the municipality have conducted research into its long-term effects. This shows that older people experience a better quality of (physical) life through the use of technology. And as a result, the elderly can continue to live at home longer.
4 recommendations
The researchers make 4 recommendations:
- The use of technological aids is only effective if a person in need asks for it
- Older people are open to technological aids if they are really well explained
- It is crucial that the aid really fits the needs of the elder
- (Digital) technology only works with support
People are central
Alderman for Care Innovation, Kavita Parbhudayal, is happy to adopt the researchers' recommendations. 'Demand for care is growing and costs are rising. I want everyone to receive the care they need and I really believe that healthcare innovation is the future. Not because I want machines to replace people, but to use technology to make people more human.'
Want to know more?
Download the research into the living environment of iZi participants here. This research was done as part of iZi Healthy Long Home.