Elderly Care in the GCC: Family Experiences with Assistive Technology

Abstract

Elderly care is a significant concern in the GCC region, especially with the increasing older population. The talk will delve into the experiences of families in the GCC, particularly in Qatar, with the use of Assistive Technology for the elderly and their caregivers. Despite the pressing need for technological intervention in elderly care, there has been a noticeable gap in both research and practical implementation of ICT solutions in the region. The study, based on a hybrid qualitative approach, gathered insights from semi-structured interviews with 20 older and 20 caregivers residing in Qatar. The discussion will highlight the pressing need to foster the digital inclusion in the region and underline the importance of assistive technology and digital accessibility for the elderly.