The Tech That Is Helping People Age In Their Own Way
Getting older is something that concerns a lot of people, but many of us don't really think about it until we reach the point of possibly needing help. Maintaining as much independence as possible is the key priority for a lot of people, something that isn't always easy to do.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:James PierceJul 07, 20232.3K Shares77K Views
Smartphone apps are becoming some of the most popular solutions to assist people as they age. Health-related smartphone apps can be used to monitor people's health, making it easier for doctors and other healthcare personnel to care for older people. Other apps that have become popular include those for ordering groceries and meals. These apps can be used by older people themselves or on behalf of them to ensure they get what they need and can live as independently as possible.
In addition to apps, SMS messaging is a key tool for improving communication between caregivers, healthcare staff, patients or residents, family members, and more. Text messages are a fast way to get information out to relevant parties and can be a great option for keeping all parties in touch with everything from routine information to emergency alerts. Text-Em-All has been helping healthcare facilities, senior living facilities, and similar organizations to manage their communications with their mass texting service. Some of the uses for their service include patient wellness checks, appointment reminders, vaccine reminders, and more. In addition to messaging patients, texting is also useful for keeping in touch with staff to improve patient care outcomes.
It is predicted that the global disabled and elderly assistive technology market will reach $82 billionby 2030, growing from $25.3 billion in 2022. One of the fastest-growing categories will likely be communication aids, while mobility assistance technology will also have a significant amount of growth. Telecare systemsare one of the options that are available to help monitor older people, helping both medical and care teams, as well as family members, to keep a close eye on those who need support. Telecare systems send warnings to call centers or directly to caregivers if there is a problem or emergency in the home. This could include the person having a fall, a lack of activity registered, a fire, a gas leak, a flood, or another problem. They can include personal alarms and smart home monitoring.
Various big tech brands are recognizing the need for assistive technology for elderly people, both within the home and in elderly care facilities. For example, Amazonhas a smart technology solution, which is designed to cater to the needs of care homes, staff, and residents. It includes features that range from video calling to help people keep in touch with their families to the ability to control blinds and other room features using voice control. Facilities can also use Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living to tailor resident experiences with activities, menus, and reminders.
There is a huge range of smart devices for the home that can help people with aging in place. Whole-home security systems are one option that can help to make people safer in their own homes. They can be used to monitor homes with sensors and cameras so that the appropriate people are notified if anything happens. Smart smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and similar devices are also a good option for making homes safer. As well as making an audible alarm, which might not always be heard or understood by older people, these smart devices can send an alert to friends, family, or neighbors.
Smart devicesfor communication are also particularly effective for people who wish to age in place. These can include smart speakers, emergency contact systems, or smart displays and devices for voice communication. Being able to contact older relatives in different ways allows people to check up on their loved ones without anyone feeling like they have lost their independence. Smart screens can help to make keeping in touch more personal compared to phone calls, allowing video calls as a better way to keep in touch with loved ones who might have certain health concerns that are easier to hide over the phone.
Older people also benefit from technology helping them to age their way outside of the home. Assistive technologiescan help to improve mobility for elderly passengers on public transport. Accessible features such as ramps and lifts are commonly found on public transport, and audio-visual announcements help to make it easier to navigate different types of transport too. Mobile apps are useful for public transport, helping people to find their way and plan journeys. Just as wearable devices can be useful inside the home, they also enhance safety outside of the home too.
Not everyone can continue to age in their own home, especially when they need 24/7 support. However, technology is making it possible for more and more people by providing a range of solutions and assistive technologies. Tech is meeting the needs of caregivers and those who need support to provide more independent living.
Karan Emery
Author
James Pierce
Reviewer
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