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Supporting a Caring Economy: Technology and Innovation Across the Asia Pacific Region

CARE’s Executive Director, Associate Professor Angelique Chan recently shared in a panel discussion, "Supporting a Caring Economy: Technology and Innovation in Asia Pacific” at the Milken Institute Asia Summit, where the panel discussed the complexities with ageing and caring for older adults in Asia's rapidly ageing urban societies.

A/Professor Chan emphasized the necessity of a holistic approach to manage the complex health needs of older adults while maintaining or building their personal mastery and resilience. Technology emerged as an opportunity to meet the diverse health and psychosocial needs of older adults. It is a tool that enables older adults to maintain their independence and pursue their aspirations.

A critical spotlight was also placed on the unique challenges caregivers face, especially as many are often older adults themselves. The panel also shared about caregiving as a collective effort, with the care recipient (or older adult) actively participating in their own care journeys. Caregivers should be able to leverage on technology for information and connection to relevant providers. She also delved into caregiving for older adults with dementia and emphasized the need to tailor various IT solutions to different caregivers and care recipients. For those less familiar with technologies, education will be essential to bridge this technology adoption gap among older adults.

She also emphasized that partnerships between technology developers, caregivers, and care recipients should be prioritised; to ensure that a human-centric approach remains at the heart of care and caregiving.

Watch the panel discussion here.