Study promotes the use of digital technology to enable people with dementia to continue working
A University of Bath study entitled ‘Working lives with dementia: A digital futures perspective’ has outlined how people with dementia can enjoy productive and rewarding working lives in the digital era, contrary to the widespread stereotype that dementia is incompatible with the use of modern technology.
The study argues that the digital revolution risks exacerbating inequalities amongst those with diverse needs, but that organisations can and should develop, adapt and deploy digital technology and the working environment to help those with dementia to continue in employment. Examples are given that include making simple adjustments to the working environment, such as improving workstation lighting, using appropriate fonts and colour schemes, and providing workers with calendars, voice activated controls, and automatic reminders that could make a significant difference for somebody diagnosed with dementia.
Dr James Fletcher, University of Bath School of Management and co-researcher on the study, says:
“There is widespread prejudice that those with dementia cannot cope with, or benefit from, digital technology, and they often get bundled into the same category as the oldest people. But it’s worth putting some perspective on this – an experienced 60-year-old employee with early stage dementia will have grown up through the digital, internet and social media revolutions – and with the right support, they will still have much to offer.”
You can view a video from Dr James Fletcher on digitization and dementia here: https://youtu.be/j2-_VxmIJtc?si=2VdWC1lmQx6W_f2U
You can read the study here: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/joop.70015