A Framework for Choosing Technology Interventions to Promote Successful Longevity: Prevent, Rehabilitate, Augment, Substitute (PRAS)

Abstract

Successful longevity is achieved when individuals can continue to plan, pursue, and reach their goals across the life-span. However, normative age-related impairments can make goal attainment more difficult, unless there are interventions to mitigate such changes. Behavioral interventions that use technology are increasing in frequency. I outline a hierarchy of approaches to mitigating impairments. The first strategy to promote successful longevity is prevention of normative age-related decline. When impairments develop, they can be addressed by rehabilitation, augmentation, and substitution approaches.