Main description:

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 one's 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.

Contents:

Introduction: Autonomy in older adults: offering choice through human and technological connections

LINDA J GARCIA, JEFFREY JUTAI, AND LOUISE BELANGER-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 LUSZCZYNSKA

Chapter 2: Connection, autonomy and older persons' right to take part in cultural life: a human rights-based approach

LOUISE BELANGER-HARDY

Chapter 3: Ageism and connected autonomy in the era of COVID-19

PAULINE GOUTTEFARDE, JESSICA GUYOT, HERVE 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 LUSZCZYNSKA

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 MENARD, 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 BONGUE, 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