Advancing the notion of connected autonomy, and highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in the development of this novel concept, this volume explores the possibility of maintaining the freedom to make ones own decisions in later life, while also remaining connected to others.
Advancing the notion of connected autonomy, and highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in the development of this novel concept, this volume explores the possibility of maintaining the freedom to make ones own decisions in later life, while also remaining connected to others as well as to things, services, places and events.
Through a series of case studies, the book examines the importance of preserving self-determination as health, environmental and social circumstances render autonomy more difficult, showing that innovations in social interaction and technology have the capacity to enhance older persons connectedness to their environment, while at the same time, offering opportunities for self-governance.
As such, it will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in ageing and the life course, the sociology of science and technology and research methods.
Introduction: Autonomy in older adults: offering choice through human
and technological connections
LINDA J GARCIA, JEFFREY JUTAI, AND LOUISE BÉLANGER-HARDY
PART ONE: Connected Autonomy and older adults relationship with others
Chapter 1: Between the autonomy of the individual and the autonomy of
society: uncovering a "third way"
MARIA USZCZYNSKA
Chapter 2: Connection, autonomy and older persons right to take part in
cultural life: a human rights-based approach
LOUISE BÉLANGER-HARDY
Chapter 3: Ageism and connected autonomy in the era of COVID-19
PAULINE GOUTTEFARDE, JESSICA GUYOT, HERVÉ FUNDENBERGER, NATHALIE BARTH, AND
BIENVENU BONGUE
Chapter 4: The usefulness of useless conversation: an avenue for connection
and autonomy for older adults
LINDA J GARCIA
Chapter 5: Sustaining travel dreams in retirement: Guidance at the
crossroads
MICHAEL S. MULVEY, DANIEL T. PADGETT AND MICHAEL W. LEVER
Chapter 6: Constructing old age: social theory on the creation and
dismantling of harmful attitudes
MARIA USZCZYNSKA
PART TWO: Connected Autonomy and older adults relationship with technology
Chapter 7: Technology and connected autonomy
JEFF JUTAI
Chapter 8: Connected objects used by older persons: Concrete tools for
autonomy?
MOUNA MOUNCIF-MOUNGACHE
Chapter 9: Use of ICTs to promote well-being, a perspective of internet as a
source of capital and basic needs fulfilment
VIVIAN WEI QUN LOU, JASON YUE HEI WONG, FRANCES LU YANG, AND CHARLIE CHEUK
YIN FONG
Chapter 10: Personalizing telehealth services for older patients
ODAY ASWAD, LYSANNE LESSARD, AND DANIEL AMYOT
Chapter 11: Involving older adults in fall prevention using m-health
technology
ALIXE MÉNARD, ALISON NOVAK, NANCY EDWARDS, AND SARAH FRASER
Chapter 12: Feasibility of an innovative connected watch device to maintain
physical activities in older adults.
ANNE-NOELLE HEIZMANN, BIENVENU BONGUÉ, CLARA PIZZOLO, LUC GOETHALS, JESSICA
GUYOT, NATHALIE BARTH
Chapter 13: Real relief for mobile caregivers through social assistive robots
and digital devices
IRMTRAUD EHRENMUELLER, FELIX BINDER, MANUEL HOLZINGER, FLORIAN ORTNER, ANJA
REITER, CHRISTIAN RUCK, YULIYA WEICHSELBAUMER, SABRINA WEIRAUCH, SELINA WALTER
Linda J. Garcia is Professor in the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and Director of the LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Louise Bélanger-Hardy is Professor in the Faculty of Common Law and member of the LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Jeffrey W. Jutai is Professor in the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and member of LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Maria uszczyska is Assistant Professor of the Social Science Faculty in Sociology and Social Work Institute at The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, Poland.