Assisted Technology and Mental Health

Abstract

This manuscript discusses the potential use of assistive technology in promoting the mental health and well-being of the growing elderly population in the Arab world. While the use of assistive technology to address physical needs has been around for some time, its use in enhancing mental health and well-being is still in its early days. The manuscript highlights that assistive technology interventions have been shown to benefit the mental health of older adults. However, there are limited publications on the use of assistive technology in the Arab world, and certain assumptions held by healthcare professionals may hinder the access of older adults to these programs. The manuscript suggests introducing the topic of assistive technology in the medical and nursing undergraduate curriculum to address any misconceptions and make the technology more user-friendly. The manuscript also describes two specific types of assistive technology, mental health chatbots, and GPS trackers, and their potential benefits for older adults.