Seniors Becoming Techno Geeks

While technology may not solve all of our problems, there’s evidence that it may provide significant savings for healthcare systems dealing with an ever increasing number of seniors, relieve stress on family members trying to look after senior loved ones while maintaining their own careers and home life, help to maintain at least a minimal quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and provide a means by which seniors can slow down the aging process.

Seniors are already recognizing some of these benefits and are looking for high-tech offerings in their residences, Seniors Housing News reports. “From wireless availability to health monitoring systems, technology is one of the key trends in the senior housing industry. Seniors and their families see wireless access as more of a necessity than a luxury, since the computer is a way to get information, connect with family members, and go through daily life.”

Despite security concerns and a few glitches from time to time, some seniors and their caregivers are already using smartphone and tablet applications to remotely keep in touch, monitor and, if need be, provide assistance.

The technology used in X-Box video gaming systems is being tested to gather data on how to keep the elderly safer in their own homes longer. Cameras that produce an infrared depth image that’s “best described as a three dimensional silhouette” monitor behaviour and routine changes “that can indicate increased risk for falls or early symptoms of illness. In addition to falls, the systems can monitor a resident’s gait” (changes in someone’s gait can indicate an illness or a cognitive disorder).

A company is now installing GPS in shoes and marketing the product as a “safeguard for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Wearers of the shoes can be tracked through a website, which is also accessible via a smartphone. These shoes don’t come cheap: they cost about $300 and there is a $35 monthly fee for the tracking service.”

To reduce the risk of developing dementia, a group of Australian neuroscientists has developed an iPhone and iPad application designed to exercise the brain and educate the user.

Closer to home, University of Alberta researchers, in collaboration with Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, are using computer software to study elderly client volunteers in a self-contained independent living suite. The suite contains sensors and is equipped with smart devices to collect information about seniors’ daily activities. “The data will be used to understand how to make better use of healthcare resources, enable remote collaboration among providers, and contribute to early intervention and long-term management of chronic diseases. Researchers will also learn how to prepare older people for independent living, and extend the length of time seniors are able to live in their homes.” To read more, go here.

On a less serious note, technology even addresses the inability of frail and elderly seniors to travel south for a winter vacation. A sun simulator system “brings the beach and the summer heat inside” so that seniors lodge residents can “escape on a tropical break without ever leaving home”.

While seniors will still need to engage in a regular fitness program, take responsibility for their lifestyle choices in other ways, develop social contacts and pursue meaningful activities to maintain their mental and emotional health, their future may not be as bleak as some have predicted due to advances in technology.

Posted by:
Rich Gossen (Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council)
Thank you Rich for sharing. TSH Editor