Title: Better health and ambient assisted living (AAL) from a global, regional and local economic perspective

Authors: Birgid Eberhardt, Uwe Fachinger, Klaus-Dirk Henke

Addresses: VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e. V., Stresemannallee 15, D – 60596 Frankfurt, Germany. ' Okonomie und Demographischer Wandel, Institut fur Gerontologie, Universitat Vechta, Driverstrasse 23, D – 49377 Vechta, Germany. ' Fachgebiet Finanzwissenschaft und Gesundheitsokonomie, Institut fur Volkswirtschaftslehre und Wirtschaftsrecht, Fakultat VII Wirtschaft und Management, Technische Universitat Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D – 10623 Berlin, Germany

Abstract: A high degree of social and economic relevance has been attributed to the technologies of assistance, and to information and communication systems, by scientists and politicians alike, particularly in connection with the development, promotion, and organisation of so-called senior-friendly environments and with ambient assisted living (AAL). Assisting technologies aim to provide more support to meet daily needs and preserve autonomy and quality of life. The focus of this paper is on the aged of the future, their specific demands and resources, which these technologies should be able to serve while adhering to their individual requirements. These technologies can make a considerable difference to the way people are able to live together and may represent new opportunities to the providers of outpatient and inpatient nursing and medical care.

Keywords: public health; ambient assisted living; AAL; healthcare; nursing care; assisting technology; health economics; aged; elderly; medical care.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2010.037637

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2010 Vol.2 No.2, pp.172 - 191

Published online: 20 Dec 2010 *

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