How does technology advancements impact the older generation

The World Health Organization’s "Global Age-friendly Cities Guide" (originally 2007, updated materials and related work 2015) identifies features of urban environments that support healthy, active aging. Although the Guide emphasizes built environments, services and social inclusion, it explicitly highlights how technological advancements affect older people’s ability to participate, access services, and remain connected. Key points relevant to technology and older adults: - Accessibility and usability: The Guide stresses that services and information should be easy to access and use for older adults. This implies designing digital services (websites, apps, kiosks) with older users’ sensory, cognitive, and motor needs in mind—larger fonts, clear navigation, simple language, and compatibility with assistive devices. - Communication and information: The Guide recommends multiple communication channels so older people receive timely information. Technology can expand reach (online portals, SMS, social media) but must be complemented by non-digital options for those not online. - Community and social participation: Digital tools can reduce isolation (video calls, social platforms), but the Guide warns that technology alone won’t replace in-person opportunities; inclusive programming and digital literacy training are necessary. - Services and health care: The Guide supports integrated, accessible health and social services. Technological advances (telehealth, electronic records) can improve access and continuity of care if implemented with equity and privacy safeguards. - Support and training: The Guide encourages local governments and organizations to provide education and support so older adults can use new technologies confidently. - Equity and inclusion: The Guide underlines that age-friendly policies must address barriers (cost, connectivity, skills) to prevent digital exclusion and widening inequalities. In short, the WHO Guide frames technology as a powerful enabler for age-friendly cities when designs and policies ensure accessibility, multiple access pathways, training/support, and attention to equity. See WHO, Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007) and related WHO age-friendly resources and updates (2015) for full guidance.Title: Why the WHO Global Age-friendly Cities Guide (2007/2015) Was Selected The World Health Organization’s Global Age-friendly Cities Guide (original 2007; updated 2015 materials and related frameworks) was chosen because it directly addresses how environments, including technology and urban design, affect the health, participation, and quality of life of older adults worldwide. Key reasons for selecting this source: - Authoritative and global: The WHO is a leading international public-health body; its guidance synthesizes research and cross-national best practices relevant to aging populations. - Holistic framework: The Guide considers multiple domains (outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services). This makes it useful for analyzing how technological advances intersect with mobility, information access, social connection, and services for older people. - Focus on technology and communication: One explicit domain—communication and information—addresses accessible information, digital literacy, and use of media and technologies that enable older adults to stay informed and connected. The Guide therefore provides criteria and recommendations for making technology age-friendly. - Policy and design relevance: It offers practical, actionable recommendations for city planners, policymakers, and service providers, linking technological interventions (e.g., accessible interfaces, public information systems, telehealth) to outcomes for older adults. - Evidence-informed and adaptable: The Guide draws on global consultations and case studies and is intended to be adapted to local contexts, which is important because technology uptake and needs vary across regions and cohorts. Reference: World Health Organization. Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide. 2007 (with WHO resources on age-friendly environments and updates around 2015).