Table 3 Decisive developments within components of the status quo

Challenges of independent living

The older adult’s needs change, causing an already owned technological mean to be less appropriate, or its use increasingly difficult

The older adult anticipates a future increase in one or more needs

Use of technological and non-technological means

An already owned technological mean with expired warranty breaks down or wears out

Maintenance costs of an already owned technological mean increase

External influence of the social network

People in the social network ask or advise the older adult to use a new technological mean

People in the social network use a technological mean that the older adults does not have, and the older adult sees that they are very satisfied with it

When visiting people in the social network, the older adult tries out a technological mean which he or she does not own

People in the social network become dissatisfied with the use of a technological mean by the older adult

A member of the social network acquires a new technological mean, leaving that member with a redundant device

External influence of organizations

A technology supplier or store makes an attractive offer

Technology suppliers or stores no longer supply a technological mean, rendering it obsolete

A home care organization distributes a technological mean to all of its clients

A health professional advises a behavioral change

A health professional advises the older adult to start using a technological mean

Physical environment

The older adult renovates the home

The older adult moves house