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Older people and information and communication technologies: an ethical approach
- Author:
- AGE (The European Older People's Platform)
- Publisher:
- AGE: The European Older People's Platform
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 6p.
- Place of publication:
- Brussels
This short paper debates the fine balance between technology that promotes independence for older people and that which threatens individual freedom. The use of assistive technology raises many challenges, not least that of ensuring that basic human rights are not compromised. Key ethical principles and tensions governing research and practice in this area are listed as: autonomy and consent of the end user; benefice to the end user, balancing risk, safety and independence; achieving a balance between avoiding harm and respecting decisions, dignity, integrity and preferences and, justice, treating the individual fairly and respecting their rights. Central to the development of technological products to be used by older people is a human-centred approach; consultation and real end user involvement are considered essential.