Beyond innovation: Reimagining inclusive and ethical technologies for ageing populations

Claire Gough; Gordana Dermody; Antonio Palmeira

doi:10.1177/20552076261418907

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Beyond innovation: Reimagining inclusive and ethical technologies for ageing populations

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Beyond innovation: Reimagining inclusive and ethical technologies for ageing populations

Claire Gough, Gordana Dermody and Antonio Palmeira

Digital Health, Vol.12, pp.1-7

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076261418907

PMCID: PMC13009574

PMID: 41883557

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Abstract

ageing

innovation

technology adoption

ethics

human factors

care systems

This commentary explores the intersection of technology, ethics and care delivery in the context of ageing populations. It argues that while smart technologies offer promising solutions to support independence and wellbeing, their adoption is shaped by complex human, ecological and philosophical factors. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, such as the bioecological theory and the cyber-ecological model, this article highlights the importance of co-design, cultural sensitivity and ethical integration. Practical examples illustrate how adaptive artificial intelligence, smart homes and other digital tools can enhance care when thoughtfully implemented. The authors call for interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive design and evidence-based policy to ensure that technological innovation enhances, rather than replaces, human connections in aged care delivery.

Details

Title: Beyond innovation: Reimagining inclusive and ethical technologies for ageing populations
Authors: Claire Gough (Corresponding Author) - Flinders University
Gordana Dermody - University of the Sunshine Coast
Antonio Palmeira - Universidade Lusófona do Porto
Publication details: Digital Health, Vol.12, pp.1-7
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1177/20552076261418907
ISSN: 2055-2076
PMID: 41883557; PMC13009574
Copyright note: © The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Nursing
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991217552102621
Output Type: Journal article

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