This paper reports on a research studyudon the role of assistive technologies in later life. Re-udsearch questions included what is the impact of assistive technologies on the quality of life of older service-users, and to what extent does assistive technology leadudto an improved quality of life for subscribers and in-udformal carers? The chosen method of enquiry was audcase-study of the Telecare Plus service in Malta. A totaludof 26 semi-structured interviews were held with a convenience sample of 26 people aged 60-plus about theiruduse and experience of this particular telecare system.udThe Telecare Plus service was found to contribute positively to subscribers' levels of emotional and physicaludwellbeing, interpersonal relations and personal develop-udment, as well as towards the quality of life of informaludcarers. However, research also highlighted a range ofudchallenges that stood in the way of increased adoptionudrates of the Telecare Plus service by older people. Theudfact that the fi eld of assistive technologies in Malta lacksudeffi cient and clear business models constitutes anotherudbarrier towards the take up of such services.
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