Positive Technology as a Driver for Health Engagement

Despite the fact that older adults are healthier than in the past, the current trend of an ageing population implies an increased risk and severity of chronic diseases. Low resource healthcare systems face increased organizational healthcare costs, which is likely to result in an allocation of limited health resources. Healthcare organizations themselves must deal with patients’ increasing need for a more active role in all the steps of the care & cure process. Technological advances may play a crucial role in sustaining people’s health management in daily life, but only if it is “ecologically” designed and well-attuned to people’s health needs and expectations. Healthcare is more and more called to orient innovative research approaches that recognize the crucial role of a person’s engagement in health and well-being. This will enable patients to reach a higher quality of life and achieve a general psycho-physical well-being. Thus, positive technological innovation can sustain people's engagement in health and invoke community empowerment, as we shall discuss in this document.