Explore the intersection of smart homes and health telematics with the proceedings from ICOST 2008. This essential volume addresses the critical challenge of elder care in rural settings, focusing on gerontechnology to improve the lives of older adults. Discover advancements in remote monitoring, tele-care, privacy preservation, user-centric design, and autonomic learning. Featuring 24 accepted full papers, 9 abstracts, and 7 posters from 14 countries, this conference proceeding offers deep insights into creating smarter, healthier living environments. Essential for researchers and professionals in assistive technologies, smart homes, and geriatric care.