Older adults may have some prior use and knowledge of technology, but may also express or experience the digital divide, whereby the pace of emerging technology can present challenges to older adults and their ability to ‘keep up’. This can be a factor to device abandonment or loss in confidence to adopt the technology. The experience of ageing can be a positive one, with many older adults expressing the freedoms of mind and body when possible. Exoskeletons and exosuits offer capacity to augment the ability and mobility of older adults who experience functional limitations. However, these emerging technologies also present challenges of acceptance and adoption by older adult users. It is critical that understanding and insights are incorporated throughout concept development phases as a means to optimise acceptance and adoption.

This guest lecture was delivered to students as part of a taught module at IIT, the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.