WellTECH @ age - How does welfare technology contribute to care of older people?

Welfare technology has great potential to enhance older people’s ability to live safe, active, and independent lives. In this research project, conducted at Linköping University, we explore how different technological solutions are actually used in the care of older people —and what difference they make in everyday life.

We study welfare technology from four perspectives: older adults, informal carers, care staff, and decision-makers. By bringing together these experiences, we create a comprehensive understanding of both opportunities and challenges.

Elderly care is currently undergoing major changes. The number of older people is increasing, while resources remain limited. As a result, welfare technology is often seen as an important part of future solutions. However, there is still limited knowledge about how these technologies are perceived and how they function in practice.

The project, which is carried out in several municipalities, focuses on:

• mapping where and how welfare technology is used

• understanding the experiences and expectations of different stakeholders

• comparing expectations with real-life experiences

Through our research, we aim to generate knowledge that supports the development of the care of older people in which welfare technology truly strengthens safety, activity, participation, and independence.