Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Gezondheid en Wetenschap
Technology for older adults38619/3449/2526/1/08
Study guide

Technology for older adults

38619/3449/2526/1/08
Academic year 2025-26
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Applied Gerontology, programme stage 1
  • Bachelor of Applied Psychology, programme stage 3
    Choice package:
    • Keuzepakket 3-jarig programma, 2de jaar (DAG en AVOND)
    • Keuzepakket 3-jarig programma, 3de jaar (DAG en AVOND)
    • Keuzepakket 4-jarig programma (DAG en AVOND)
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 6 credits
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Vermeiren Sofie
Other teaching staff: Empsten Kathleen
Languages: Dutch
Scheduled for: Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.03.2026 (2nd semester)
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 162,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning outcomes (list)

The gerontological counselor acts and justifies his/her professional actions from the principles of “Active and Healthy Ageing”. 
2. The gerontological counselor develops a scientifically based vision on ageing, based on social inclusion, prevention, empowerment and emancipation in order to ensure a good quality of life. He therefore includes fundamental values from the human rights framework, such as connectedness, self-determination, diversity and autonomy. 
You actually engage in co-creation with older adults to figure out how technology can be used in their daily lives or in assistance and service processes. In doing so, you will also discuss the motivators and barriers older adults face in accessing technology.
The gerontological consultant is able to adjust and optimize care and support processes based on evidence-informed (scientific) research and guidelines, own experiences and regional, European and international evolutions.
The gerontological counselor collaborates with older adults, their network and with framing disciplines in health and wellness to achieve targeted care and support. In addition, by involving various actors, the GC contributes to interprofessional collaboration from his holistic gerontological perspective.
You will collaborate interdisciplinarily to formulate a recommendation on a gerontechnological medium.
The gerontological consultant proactively responds to current developments and trends in society, such as developments in social entrepreneurship and gerontechnology.  He scans developments and trends for their age-friendliness and modifies associated projects according to the needs of older adults.
You are aware of ethical issues that may arise within the field of geron technology.
You assess different forms of technology for the elderly, based on international exchange and (scientific) innovations.
You outline ways to accommodate a possible difference in frame of reference between an aid/service provider and an elderly person.
You describe the benefits and added value of technology for older people.
The gerontological consultant detects and responds to bottlenecks that hamper an age-friendly society and translates and follows up the obtained information integrally to policymakers.
You formulate recommendations that can remove barriers that an older adult/organization may face in implementing or commissioning (new) technology tools.
The gerontological consultant applies informed policy making within an interprofessional framework and in a gerontological context, in order to continuously improve the quality of life, living and care for older adults.
You have the skills to guide older people in exploring technology, taking into account their pace, area of interest and communication skills and needs.
You actually engage in co-creation with older adults to figure out how technology can be used in their daily lives or in assistance and service processes. In doing so, you will also discuss the motivators and barriers older adults face in accessing technology.
The gerontological counselor thinks critically, reflects on relevant policy topics and tests them for their age-friendliness. He assesses policies according to the needs, desires and interests of older adults themselves.

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Individual counselling14,00 hours
Lectures and / or tutorials4,00 hours
Practicum2,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours142,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodProject assignment80,00
1st examination periodReflection assignment once during class weeks20,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodProject assignment80,00
2nd examination periodReflection assignment once during class weeks20,00