Two Steps Forward and One Step Back? on the Acceptance and Use of AAL Technology in Households

Many projects in the field of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) employ home automation technology and the procurement of domestic support services to enable older adults to live independently as long as possible in their familiar domicile. The specific needs of individuals and the constraints of the elderly, to actually use these technologies and services, are however, often not observed. In two pilot projects, the acceptance of home automation and AAL technology and of services was examined by sociologist of the University of Kaiserslautern. The willingness to use the technologies and the potential use of services are high, but the consent often applies to “other” people or “for later”. In order to avoid disappointment in practical projects, a consistent focus on the target group is crucial.