Broader contexts
Digital exclusion
Many older people are digitally excluded, either due to lacking a reliable internet connection, having a low level of digital skills, not having access to internet-enabled devices, or not feeling motivated to get online. This can create barriers to engagement and can limit people’s ability to use some forms of technologies.
We've got a lot of this very kind of old sheltered housing that was built in its time, and it's probably reached the end of its life in terms of the design and the need for investment in it. They're not of the standard that we would be building older people's housing today; they have the standard of 30 years ago, in terms of the space and the layout, and all of that, and also all the other design features that we would expect in a modern old person's housing.
Building specifications
Some buildings are not suitably designed or adapted for the needs of older people. Where this is the case, this can make some everyday activities difficult. Technologies may not be the best fix for issues which could be solved via other forms of home adaptation, but may nonetheless provide a useful stop-gap for those whose housing circumstances are poorly suited to their needs.
It’s much easier with an electric door. Because the doors were so heavy. I could not do it. It’s not getting out and in [the building that worries me], it’s the doors [to my flat]…
Health needs
Physical or mental health issues may make some activities difficult for people, and technologies may not always represent the most appropriate or effective intervention. However, technologies may usefully form part of a solution designed to respond to individuals’ specific needs.
I don't think it should just be one size fits all; it shouldn't just be [about] technology. [Services] should really be customised to that individual. So, for instance, someone might have a carer still going in, they might have some equipment, and then they might have a little gadget, that should just be a mixed bag; they definitely shouldn't just have technology to try and meet all [needs].
