Thai consumer concerns regarding aging in home and health monitoring technologies.

Abstract

Population aging trillions is the mega trend, no other forces likely to shape the health of economy as the irreversible rate in which the world population is aging. In the last decade, Thailand is the most rapid population aging among the developing world. More and more we see in our community is the need to stay independent and aged respectfully as possible. A successful adoption of technologies to help elderly’s autonomy requires appreciation of needs and perceptions. The research aims to explore the ideal key components to be able to age in place including the perceptions of Thai consumers both older adults and family in using technology to monitor health conditions. The qualitative research conducted with 37 participants residing in Bangkok by in-depth interview method. Overall, safety in own shelter, healthiness, and financial stability were the top priorities in order to be happily aging in home. The result showed positive perception toward health monitoring technologies while participants were concerned about cost, privacy, loneliness, and user-friendliness of technology. It was suggested that by embracing technology to ensure basic human needs, giving Thai consumers real control of their own health and living, making monitoring technologies more human-centered rather than system-centered with suitable cost structure, the willingness of adoption of these technologies would be increased. Aging in home brings opportunity of emerging community and smart solutions can be an option to reduce long-term medical costs for Thai government regarding Thailand aging society.