Environments for ageing, assistive technology and self-determination: ethical perspectives

Abstract

The development of information and communication technologies for design of environments for ageing is of great importance considering demographic trends in the future. There is a realistic hope for the preservation of self-determination and independence in the long term. However, some risks like a gradual loss of privacy should not be underestimated. The article discusses some ethical problems within this context. At the same time, the article demonstrates that the development and implementation of these technologies might be discussed for instance under some ethical assumptions of personal self-responsibility as well as social responsibility for the widest independence in advanced age.

A Review of Contemporary Work on the Ethics of Ambient Assisted Living Technologies for People with Dementia

“…Users' cultural differences and backgrounds play a significant role in the acceptance of ICT (Duquenoy and Whitehouse, 2006). A very important aspect for the acceptance of ICT amongst the elderly, according to many authors, is the motivation of the user (Gaul and Ziefle, 2009;Grönvall and Kyng, 2012;Holzinger et al, 2008;Remmers, 2010;Salces et al, 2006;van Hoof et al, 2011). With correct motivation, a greater intention to use the ICT devices can be reached by the elderly (Zaad and Ben Allouch, 2008) who are willing to accept technology if it is worth the effort (Wallace et al, 2010).…”

“…Even though the population on our planet is still increasing overall, the birth rate in some countries has decreased to such a level that it has become impossible for them to maintain the sizes of their populations. 2010; Lynch et al, 2009;Mordini et al, 2009;Oppenauer et al, 2007;Remmers, 2010;Salces et al, 2006), which can often only be fulfilled at significant economic, personal, organisational, social and managerial costs (Mandell and Green, 2011).…”

“…Moreover, Kosta, Pitkänen, et al (2010) criticise the opt-out policy, which weakens personal autonomy and thereby the decision-making of the user. Remmers (2010) points out that the reduction of independence does not automatically result in an incapacity of self-determination. 6 According to him, the longest possible preservation of self-determination is the main normative background legitimising the usage of assistive technologies in the home.…”

“…The use of assistive technologies is mostly justified when the need for such support emerges and the compensating functions of technologies are intended, resulting in a regained personal self-determination. Thus, the form and consequences of dependency linked with the use of assistive technologies extend only to the dependency on a technical instrument (Remmers, 2010). Picking et al (2012) mention that researchers welcome the development of a certain amount of dependency on a product, if the product provides support for independent living.…”

“…Picking et al (2012) mention that researchers welcome the development of a certain amount of dependency on a product, if the product provides support for independent living. After all, according to Remmers (2010), such self-induced dependencies on artefacts are typical of modern civilisation.…”