Affordable Technologies for Improving the Mobility of an Aging Population

The study of aging and mobility addresses the degenerative changes that substantially affect the motor functions of older adults. These changes frequently result in physical limitations, including diminished muscle strength, joint flexibility, and balance issues, leading to challenges with walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily tasks. Recent research has turned its attention to affordable technological interventions, aiming to effectively combat these mobility challenges and improve the quality of life for the aging population.

In the realm of gerontechnology, a wide range of solutions has been developed to enhance the lives of older adults, particularly those who are frail. The ambition is to empower seniors to live fulfilling, independent lives by addressing the multifaceted challenges they face due to aging, while also ensuring the frail are protected. This Research Topic zeroes in on devising accessible, cost-effective technologies that are tailored to the nuanced needs of the elderly, facilitating their independence and enhancing their safety.

To gather further insights into the development and application of these technologies, we welcome articles that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Mobility Aids: Including walking aids like canes, crutches, and walkers, as well as mobility scooters and wheelchairs
- Wearable Devices: Encompassing smartwatches and fitness trackers with fall detection and health monitoring features
- Exoskeletons: Robotic designs aiding mobility and balance
- Telehealth and Telemedicine: Remote healthcare solutions providing medical advice and monitoring, reducing the necessity of physical travel
- Impact of technology: Evaluations of how assistive technologies affect the overall health and well-being of the aging population.

We encourage the submission of manuscripts, including original research, reviews, and case studies, to deepen understanding and inspire innovation in enhancing the mobility and quality of life of older adults.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: aging, frail older people, mobility, assistive technology, affordable medical devices

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.