Assistive Technology for Elderly People: State of the Art Review and Future Research Agenda

Over the past few decades, assistive technologies have become popular all around the world. There is still a gap in systematically reviewing the categories of assistive technology for the elderly concerning its application and intended outcome in the available literature. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the progress of academic research in assistive technology for the elderly in the past two decades using a systematic literature review. In this paper, a generic data analysis is carried out based on keywords, subject area, relevant journals, and conferences. Specific analysis is done to illustrate the research questions. The study searches popular databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google scholar. PRISMA methodology is used for systematic literature review, and analysis is conducted using 112 papers. The study answers the four research question identified and set the research direction. The study reveals 16 broad categories of assistive technologies for the elderly with 37 specific technologies. Design considerations play a vital role in the effective use of assistive technology, and hence an effort is made to identify them. The results are summarised based on the current status and proposed future research directions and research agenda. The study is unique as it gives a comprehensive listing of assistive technologies, their design considerations, and their intended outcome. This article will be a good reference for those organizations and individuals in the assistive technology business or need this technology.