Diffusion of gerontechnology in rural communities: Rethinking aging in place in developing countries

While gerontechnology research mainly focuses on urban and high-income settings, this paper investigates the challenges and opportunities in rural, resource-limited areas. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation theory, this study explores how older adults in rural China and Ghana adopt gerontechnologies, offering a comparative perspective on how older adults in developing countries use these technologies. Interviews with 100 older adults (60 in China, 40 in Ghana) reveal three key findings: (1) adoption is driven by necessity, often due to health crises; (2) economic benefits and simplicity are more critical than advanced features, with financial tools and basic safety devices valued over complex health monitors; (3) cultural fit is essential, supporting existing family and community care systems. The study also highlights stark differences: in rural China, technologies are introduced through urban family networks, which are used to manage chronic diseases and facilitate remote caregiving. Ghanaian participants, facing infrastructure limitations, prefer shared emergency devices and communication tools that strengthen family bonds rather than health technologies. Chinese adoption reflects urban-rural family support, while Ghana's reliance on community sharing demonstrates adaptive strategies with limited resources. These findings challenge Western gerontechnology models and highlight the need for context-specific solutions. We propose hybrid solar-digital solutions for low-resource settings (e.g., Ghana), subsidized connectivity for middle-income rural areas (China), and intergenerational training that respects local hierarchies. Focusing on the experiences of rural older adults, this research contributes to debates on equitable aging, technology justice, and rural development. It advocates a decolonized approach emphasizing affordability, adaptability, and cultural relevance to support dignified aging in place.