Abstract:

The provision of gerontological care in rural areas represents an added challenge when applied to rural scenarios. This paper discusses the role of technology in gerontology and specifically how technologybased solutions can be developed to assist the elderly population in rural areas. It is also characterized the Northeast Portuguese region exposing its rural characteristics and presented some demographic numbers. Finally, a conceptual model and a prototype supported by mobile devices are presented to assist and monitorthe elderly. The developed prototype allows not only to assist the elderly in a set of typical elderly population routines - such as those related to health - but also to improve the interaction between the elderly and their relatives and / or caregivers. This work is part of a more extensive effort that has been made in the search for effective solutions to assist the elderly population in rural areas, typically distant from the main health and / or support services; contributing to relieve these deficits.