International Conference on Technological Evolution and the Ageing Era 2024

From August 5th to 7th, 2024, the Center for Welfare Technology at the University of Eastern Finland, in collaboration with the Gerontechnology Lab at Hefei University of Technology, the Research Institute of Economics and Business Administration Innovation Center, and the Nursing and Innovation Center at Kyungpook National University in Korea, co-hosted the 'International Conference on Technological Evolution and the Ageing Era 2024.' This conference, held at the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses of the University of Eastern Finland, attracted academic researchers, industry leaders, non-profit organization staff, and graduate students from Finland, China, the Czech Republic, and Korea. Participants explored and discussed technological solutions aimed at improving the welfare of the elderly. The conference covered multiple academic fields, with experts discussing topics from the perspectives of business management, data science, social sciences, ethics, and education. Key discussions included technology integration, assistive technology practices, technological innovations and interventions, social dynamics in elderly care, as well as empowerment and sustainable development. Business management is crucial in providing elderly welfare services but faces numerous challenges and risks. The team from Kyungpook National University highlighted how technology startups can enhance their sustainability by strengthening their psychological capital and core competencies. They emphasized the importance of support from external networks and government funding. Meanwhile, the business department at the University of Eastern Finland explored the ethical issues associated with applying technological advances in care. They focused on how "trust" shapes effective cooperation between technology, people, and organizations. The conference also spotlighted the application of technology in rehabilitation and health monitoring. Four scholars from Hefei University of Technology introduced their research on multimodal fusion methods for depression detection and the use of machine learning in gait prediction and rehabilitation equipment recommendation, showcasing the potential of technology to improve medical device design. Korean scholars demonstrated a new medical information system that assists in monitoring and preventing falls, pressure ulcers, and mental health issues in elderly patients. The social sciences perspective is vital for understanding the social and cultural impacts of technology in elderly care. Researchers from the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic presented how the PARO robot can reduce loneliness among the elderly in nursing homes, along with their upcoming experimental design. Additionally, a researcher from the University of Helsinki used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to reveal the relationship between the use of assistive devices, their chosen types, and the decline in cognitive function among the elderly. A collaborative study between Fudan University and the University of Eastern Finland reviewed the application and effectiveness of assistive technologies in supporting elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of technology. The practical application of technology in social and community settings was another key focus. A research team from Fudan University studied the decision-making processes in five communities in Shanghai using network analysis methods, discussing power structures at the community level and their impact on policy implementation. They also explored how elderly people in China form co-creation intentions in online communities using mixed research methods. The use of technology necessitates talent empowerment and sustainable development considerations. The head of the Joensuu Housing Association in Finland introduced a project assessing technology in elderly service housing in Joensuu, demonstrating how the project evaluated the use of technology and enhanced living and care services for the elderly through technological advancements. Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland discussed the need to enhance digital competencies among gerontological social workers in China, emphasizing the essential skills and knowledge needed in education and practice. These insightful presentations provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of how technology can improve the quality of life for the elderly from various perspectives. The conference also included site visits and interactive sessions, offering attendees firsthand experiences of the latest technological advancements. The successful hosting of this conference provided valuable academic and practical resources for addressing global aging issues, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange, and offering profound insights into future directions of research and practical applications in elderly welfare technology. The conference photoes could be accessed in the following link: https://workdrive.zohoexternal.com/folder/ud1fge06504deee9e4c4b9b229c0c49feb1b3