At the end of 2020, the research team surveyed South Tyroleans aged between 40 and 98: “From the age of 40 onwards, the issue of supporting one’s own parents becomes increasingly relevant; from the age of 50 or 60, people start to think about their own care in old age; and from around the age of 80, they themselves become part of the very elderly population,” says Ines Simbrig, study leader and researcher at the Institute for Public Management.

However, it is precisely in old age that technologies such as fall sensors, devices for transmitting vital signs and door-opening systems could be particularly helpful in enabling people to lead independent lives, according to Simbrig: “In South Tyrol, it is currently only possible to live at home in old age if you are physically fit, or if you can rely on the support of family and friends or a home care service.”

“What came as a surprise to us was the fact that the vast majority of respondents – regardless of their age – find various specific digital technologies designed to support older people somewhat or very useful, provided, of course, that they do not reduce human contact,” said Simbrig. “For example, 88 per cent of respondents rate devices that monitor heart rate as useful. It is only when it comes to the use of assistive robots that South Tyroleans are relatively sceptical; it seems there are still some reservations in this regard.”

Further information and a downloadable version of the publication can be found at: „Alter und Technik“ in Südtirol Repräsentative Umfrage