Introduction: Technological challenges for gerontologists in the 21st century

Senior citizens, health care providers, educators, and researchers are witn essing a technological explosion that is changing the way in which services are provided and received. Although technology can be a powerful force to improve communication and quality of life, it often is adopted without clea r guidelines. However, despite this, technology continues to transform how education, research, and policy are implemented. The challenge for the 21st century is to ensure that technology not only promotes quality education a nd lifestyle practices for older persons, but also that society as a whole is safeguarded through the use of ethical frameworks and standards for its use.