How Do We Maximise Adoption of AgeTech?

How Empathy and Practicality Can Drive the Adoption of AgeTech

Few problems are as globally relevant as the rapidly ageing population. According to the UN, the percentage of the world’s population aged 65 and above is expected to rise to 16% in 2050, from just 10% in 2022. That percentage is already much higher in the world’s most rapidly aged societies, such as Japan (29% of the total population), Italy (24%), and Portugal (23%), with other mature developed economies not far behind. As we prepare for the huge challenges this demographic shift will create, including strains on healthcare systems and fewer people in the labour force, AgeTech – technological solutions tailored to meet the needs of older adults – has never been a more salient issue.

However, despite its potential to address critical challenges, the adoption of AgeTech is fraught with hurdles. To maximise its uptake, Dominic Carter, CEO of The Carter Group and Co-Founder of Living Best, argues that we must align innovation with real-world user experiences, communicate effectively, and empathise with the end users.

Aligning Innovation for Older Adults with User Needs

One of AgeTech’s fundamental challenges is ensuring it addresses genuine problems, says Carter. “Many innovations fail because they are solutions in search of a problem.” Carter cites an “extremely effective product” for reducing wrinkles but notes that, despite unrealistic Hollywood beauty ideals, most people would rather look great for their age rather than years younger.

Though this technology is impressive, if it doesn’t resonate with the user, it’s creating solutions to imagined problems. On the contrary, effective AgeTech addresses the urgent and tangible. Carter highlights an example from Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos from the University of Regina in Canada, who developed a facial coding system to identify pain in non-verbal dementia patients. This system helps identify pain, which is thought to be the key reason behind behavioural issues, such as aggression and withdrawal in dementia patients who cannot verbally communicate their discomfort. By detecting pain through facial expressions, caregivers can provide appropriate pain management, potentially reducing these challenging behaviors. Despite addressing this critical issue, its uptake in care facilities has been minimal because such facilities are often understaffed and overwhelmed, and struggle to implement new tools into their routine.

Even when AgeTech is objectively useful, adoption can falter if rollout strategies don’t account for real-world barriers. Solutions must therefore be practical, intuitive, easy to implement and minimally disruptive.

Building Trust and Empathy in AgeTech solutions

“Spending significant time with users, from idea conception through to prototype testing helps innovators design technology that genuinely meets their needs” says Carter. It’s not just about functionality but also about how the technology integrates into the broader fabric of their lives. A trust-led approach, combined with active listening, builds the rapport necessary for adoption.

“Adoption hinges on trust, built through understanding and respecting the perspectives of ageing adults,” says Carter. “AgeTech innovators must frame their product as a tool for support and empowerment. Solutions should feel like the user’s decision rather than an imposition” – and that includes onboarding strategies that pave the way for easy adoption.

A Path Forward

Maximising the uptake of AgeTech requires a shift in how we approach design, communication, and implementation. As Carter concludes, “Considering the entire person and their lifestyle and using a trust-led approach is the most effective way forward. By centering the human experience, AgeTech can fulfil its promise of transforming lives and addressing the urgent challenges of ageing.”