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Older people and technology: some ethical considerations

in
Publisher: 
CARDI
Author: 
Judith Cross, Policy Officer, CARDI
Date published: 
1 April, 2009
Region: 
International

Publication type: 
policy
Publication link: 
Older people and technology: some ethical considerations
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Older People and Technology: some ethical considerations
Recent reports suggest that hi-tech home-based health monitoring will help to alleviate healthcare pressures of an ageing population. However, a recent position statement, Older People and Information and Communication Technologies: An Ethical Approach[i] by Isabel Borges, Policy Officer with the European Older People’s Platform, highlights some ethical issues about the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for older people. This article discusses some of the issues raised.
New developments in the field of assistive technology are likely to make an important contribution to the quality of life and the independence of older people worldwide. ICT can help them carry out daily activities as well as monitor health, create social networks and increase participation and augment safety. However, the use of ICT also raises ethical issues. As the world of technology continues to progress, the impact on the lives of older people is undeniable. Current ethical checklists need updated to keep up with progress and to ensure that as technology becomes embedded in everyday lives and that personal choice and autonomy do not become secondary issues. Borges argues that there is a fine line between technology that promotes independence and technology that threatens individual freedom. There is a need for debate and research to ensure that basic human rights such as autonomy, informed consent, privacy, and data protection are protected. Borges stresses that consultation and real end user involvement in the process of development of technological products and services is essential. Technology must take a human centred approach:
·         Older people must fully understand their role and their contribution to technological development;
·         Informed consent must be paramount for older people in technological trials and usage; and
·         Technology developers and service providers must understand older people’s expectations.
Individual privacy is an important and evolving issue in the development of technological products and services. Privacy is protected in various international human rights legislation. The development of assistive technology for older people’s independent living such as tele-monitoring systems, fall monitors, dementia tagging or the use of urine sensors, calls into question the balance of an individual’s privacy. Can this be overridden to ensure the health, safety and independence of that person, relative or friends? In addition can cost alone override an individual’s privacy? Introducing technology for economic reasons is not unethical and, given the economic climate today, understandable. However, technology is not a substitute for care and human contact and technology should not reduce the quality of services.
Evidence does suggest, as Borges points out, that older people would consider the installation of certain types of assistive/smart technology in their own homes such as bed sensors; motion sensors or video sensors; but some applications are preferred to others. The circumstances on where a person lives, such as culture, adaptability and literacy are factors that may impact the take up of this technology. Finally, there is a need for further research to ensure that the impact of assistive technology solutions are evidence-based to support policy development. 

[i] To read the full position statement see, Borges, I. (2008) Older People and Information and Communication Technologies: An Ethical Approach, The European Older People’s Platform: Brussels http://www.age-platform.org/EN/IMG/pdf_AGE__Ethics_and_ICT_Final-2.pdf
 
 
 
 

 

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