Abstract:
The aging of the population, especially the increase in individuals aged 85 and beyond, has vast implications for our economic, social, and political systems. Clearly, the increased number of older individuals in our society is associated with many positive implications. Most older adults are independent, active, and want to remain productively engaged. There are also challenges associated with “population aging.” For example, the incidence of chronic disease increases with age, as does the likelihood of developing a functional limitation. Thus, there is a significant need to identify strategies to promote independence and well-being among aging adults.
At the same time, that the population of older people is increasing we are witnessing an explosion in the development of technologies. Technology has become ubiquitous in all aspects of life and assuming increasing importance in society and will continue to evolve. For example, virtual and augmented reality experiences are being used for a variety of activities and there will be further advances in artificial intelligence, sensing systems and robotics. This presentation will discuss ways in which technology applications can support aging adults, and current challenges with respect to technology uptake and implementation among older adult populations. On-going work to address these issues at the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research will also be presented.
Biography:
- Sarah J. Czaja, PhD, Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor of Medicine and Professor of Gerontology at Weill Cornell Medicine
- Sara J. Czaja, Ph.D., is the Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor of Medicine and Professor of Gerontology and the Director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at Weill Cornell Medicine. She has extensive experience in Aging research both theoretical and applied, and coordination and leadership of multi-site collaborations. She is the PI of the NIA funded multi-site Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) and the Co-Director of the ENHANCE (Enhancing Neurocognitive Health, Abilities, Networks, & Community Engagement) Center, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, with a focus on how technology can support older adults living with cognitive impairment. Her research interests include aging and cognition, aging and healthcare informatics, caregiving, human-computer interaction, training, and functional assessment. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and the Gerontological Society of America. She also served as a member of the National Academy of Science Board on Human Systems Integration. She is a Past President of Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) of APA and recently served on the Institute of Medicine Committee on Healthy Cognitive Aging and the Institute of Medicine Committee on Family Caregivers of Older Adults.