Elderly technologies: how can they improve the quality of life

Elderly technologies: how can they improve the quality of life

Section 1: Health monitoring and personal medical devices

Preservation of health is a priority task in old age. Technologies provide a wide range of tools for monitoring the condition, prevention of diseases and timely response to changes.

1.1. Wearable devices and sensors:

Wearable devices, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, have long ceased to be an attribute of youth. For the elderly, they become indispensable assistants in the control of the main health indicators.

• Heart rhythm monitoring: Tracking the heart rhythm in real time allows you to identify arrhythmias and other deviations, which is critical for people with cardiovascular diseases. Many devices are able to notify the user and his loved ones about the output of indicators outside the norm.

• Measurement of blood pressure: Some smart watches and special cuffs for measuring pressure are integrated with applications for recording and data analysis. This allows you to keep a diary of blood pressure, identify trends and provide information to a doctor to adjust treatment. Automatic measurement eliminates errors associated with manual measurement.

• Tracking physical activity: The calculation of steps, the distance traveled and burned calories stimulates to maintain physical activity. Devices can set individual goals and issue notifications, recalling the need to move. For people with disabilities, there are specialized trackers taking into account the features of movements.

• Sleep monitoring: The quality of sleep plays an important role in the general state of health. The devices monitor the phases of sleep, the duration of sleep and the number of awakening. The data obtained help to identify sleep problems and take measures to eliminate them.

• Fall sensors: Falls are a serious problem for the elderly, often leading to injuries and the loss of independence. The fall sensors built into wearable devices or individual devices automatically detect the fall and send an alarm to relatives or to the emergency service. This allows you to quickly provide assistance and minimize the consequences.

• Glucometers with the possibility of data transfer: For people with diabetes, regular control of the level of glucose in the blood is important. Modern glucometers automatically transmit data to a cloud or a mobile application, which allows you to track the dynamics of glucose levels and share information with a doctor.

1.2. Telemedicine and remote monitoring:

Telemedicine opens up new opportunities for receiving medical care without leaving home. This is especially true for older people who are difficult to move or visit hospitals.

• Video consultations with a doctor: Video communication allows you to consult a doctor in real time. This is convenient for consulting, discussing the results of analyzes and adjusting treatment. Video consultations save time and money to travel to the hospital.

• Remote monitoring of health status: Using sensors and devices, you can remotely monitor the patient’s health status. Data is transmitted to a doctor who can quickly respond to changes. This allows you to prevent exacerbations of diseases and hospitalization.

• Medication reminders systems: For forgetfulness is a common problem in the elderly. Systems of reminder of drug taking help not to forget to take the tablets on time. Devices can issue sound and visual signals, as well as send notifications to relatives.

1.3. Personalized medical devices:

The development of technology allows you to create personalized medical devices adapted to the individual needs of each person.

• Hearing aids with artificial intelligence: Modern hearing aids are equipped with artificial intelligence, which automatically adapts the settings to the environment. This improves sound quality and allows you to better understand the speech in a noisy environment.

• Bio -core prostheses: Bio -control prostheses allow you to restore the lost functions of the limbs. They are controlled by nerve impulses and provide more natural movements.

• Exoskeletons to support movement: Exoskeletons help people with disabilities to move. They support the body and provide additional strength, allowing you to walk, stand and raise items.

Section 2: Safety and Communication

Safety and social communication are important factors affecting the quality of life of older people. Technologies provide tools to ensure the safety of the house and maintain communication with loved ones.

2.1. Home safety systems:

Modern home safety systems provide protection against penetration, fire and other dangers.

• Doors/windows opening and opening sensors: Sensors of movement and opening of doors/windows find unauthorized penetration into the house and send an alarm.

• Smoke and carbon monoxide sensors: Smoke and carbon monoxide sensors warn of a fire or gas leak.

• CCTV cameras: CCTV cameras allow us to observe what is happening in the house and in the surrounding area.

• SOS buttons: SOS buttons allow you to quickly call help if necessary. They can be worn or stationary.

2.2. House activity monitoring systems:

Monitoring systems for the activity of the house monitor the daily activity of a person in the house. This allows you to identify deviations from the norm and respond in a timely manner to problems.

• Movement sensors in different rooms: Movement sensors in different rooms monitor the movement of a person around the house.

• Opening refrigerator and cabinets: The refrigerator and cabinets opening sensors monitor the diet and the use of drugs.

• Sensors of using household appliances: Sensors of the use of household appliances monitor the activity of a person in the house.

2.3. Communications and social networks:

Modern communications and social networks allow you to keep in touch with loved ones and friends.

• Easy to use mobile phones: Mobile phones with large buttons and a simple interface facilitate communication for the elderly.

• Video calls: Video calls allow you to see and hear loved ones, which is especially important for those who live far from each other.

• Social media: Social networks allow you to communicate with friends, share news and find new interests.

• Messengers: Messengers allow you to quickly exchange messages and photos with loved ones.

2.4. Companion robots:

Companion robots can become faithful friends and assistants for the elderly.

• Robots for communication and entertainment: Robots for communication and entertainment can play games, read books and just make a company.

• House help robots: Robots to help house can clean, prepare and perform other household chores.

Section 3: Help in everyday life and increasing independence

Technologies can greatly facilitate the daily life of the elderly and increase their independence.

3.1. Smart House:

A smart house automates many functions in the house, making life more comfortable and safe.

• Automatic lighting control: Automatic lighting control allows you to turn on and off the light automatically or according to schedule.

• Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house and save energy.

• Voice control: Voice control allows you to control devices in the house with a voice.

• Automatic curtains and blinds: Automatic curtains and blinds allow you to adjust lighting in the house.

3.2. Technologies for help in moving:

Technologies can help people with disabilities to move.

• Electric wheelchairs: Electric wheelchairs facilitate movement for people with disabilities.

• Robotized walkers: Robotized walkers support the body and help maintain balance.

• Lifts for stairs: Lifts for stairs allow you to climb and go down the stairs without effort.

3.3. Technologies for help in cooking:

Technologies can help in cooking, especially for people with disabilities.

• Automatic kitchen combines: Automatic kitchen combines facilitate cooking.

• Induction slabs with burns protection: Induction slabs with burns protection are safe to use.

• Voice control of kitchen appliances: Voice control of kitchen appliances facilitates the process of cooking.

3.4. Technologies for helping and writing:

Technologies can help people with vision problems and motor skills read and write.

• Electronic books with increased font: Electronic books with increased font facilitate reading.

• Speech recognition programs: Speech recognition programs allow you to print the text with a voice.

• Special keyboards with large keys: Special keyboards with large keys facilitate the set of text.

Section 4: Entertainment and Training

Technologies can provide opportunities for entertainment and learning in old age.

4.1. Online games:

Online games is a great way to have fun and practice the mind.

• Logical games: Logical games train the mind and improve cognitive functions.

• Puzzles: Puzzles develop logical thinking and attention.

• Card games: Card games improve memory and attention.

4.2. Online Courses:

Online courses allow you to gain new knowledge and skills without leaving home.

• Courses on history and culture: Courses on history and culture expand the horizons.

• Foreign languages ​​courses: Courses in foreign languages ​​allow you to learn new languages.

• Computer literacy courses: Computer literacy courses help to master a computer and the Internet.

4.3. Virtual reality:

Virtual reality allows you to plunge into new worlds and get new impressions.

• Virtual travels: Virtual trips allow you to visit different countries and cities without leaving home.

• Virtual museums: Virtual museums allow you to get acquainted with works of art.

• Virtual simulators: Virtual simulators allow you to play sports in virtual reality.

4.4. Podcasts and audiobooks:

Podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to learn new things and have fun on the road or during rest.

• Podcasts on different topics: Podcasts on different topics allow you to learn new things about the world.

• Audiobook: Audiobooks allow you to listen to books at any time and anywhere.

Section 5: Overcoming barriers and technology implementation

The introduction of technology into the life of the elderly does not always go smoothly. It is necessary to take into account possible barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.

5.1. Barriers for technology implementation:

• Ignorance and fear of new technologies: Many elderly people are not familiar with modern technologies and are afraid to use them.

• Difficulty in use: Some devices and applications are too complicated in use for the elderly.

• High cost: Some technologies are too expensive for the elderly.

• Problems with vision and hearing: Problems with vision and hearing may complicate the use of technology.

• Lack of support: The lack of support from loved ones and specialists may impede the implementation of technology.

5.2. Strategies for overcoming barriers:

• Training and consultations: It is necessary to conduct training and consultations for the elderly on the use of technology.

• Simplified interfaces: It is necessary to develop devices and applications with simple and understandable interfaces.

• Affordable prices: You need to make technologies more affordable in price.

• Adaptation for people with disabilities: It is necessary to adapt technologies for people with vision and hearing problems.

• Support from relatives and specialists: It is necessary to provide support from relatives and specialists.

5.3. The role of the state and society:

The state and society should play an active role in supporting the introduction of technologies into the life of the elderly.

• Development of support programs: It is necessary to develop support programs for the elderly who want to use technologies.

• Research financing and development: It is necessary to finance research and development in the field of technology for the elderly.

• Information of society: It is necessary to inform society about the advantages of using technologies for the elderly.

• Organization of courses and trainings: It is necessary to organize courses and trainings for the elderly on the use of technology.

5.4. Ethical aspects:

The introduction of technology into the life of older people raises a number of ethical issues that must be taken into account.

• Data confidentiality: It is necessary to ensure the confidentiality of data collected by technologies.

• Autonomy: It is necessary to respect the autonomy of the elderly and not to impose the use of technologies to them.

• Social isolation: It is necessary to take into account the risk of social isolation when using technologies.

• Technology dependence: It is necessary to take into account the risk of dependence on technology.

Section 6: Prospects for the development of technologies for the elderly

The development of technology for the elderly is a promising direction that will continue to develop in the future.

6.1. Artificial intelligence:

Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in technologies for the elderly.

• Personal assistants: AI-Personal assistants will be able to help older people in everyday life, answer questions and remind of important events.

• Intellectual health monitoring systems: AI-intellectual health monitoring systems will be able to analyze the data and predict possible health problems.

• Robots with AI: Robots with AI will be able to perform complex tasks and provide assistance to older people.

6.2. Internet of things (IoT):

The Internet of things (IoT) will unite all devices in the house into a single network.

• Smart House: IOT will create a smart home that will automatically adapt to the needs of an elderly person.

• Activity monitoring: IOT will monitor the activity of an elderly person in the house and identify deviations from the norm.

• Remote devices control: IoT will remotely control devices in the house.

6.3. Wearable technologies:

Wearable technologies will become more perfect and functional.

• More accurate sensors: Wearable devices will be equipped with more accurate sensors that can measure a wide range of health indicators.

• A longer time of operation from the battery: Wearable devices will work longer from the battery.

• More convenient design: Wearable devices will have a more convenient design.

6.4. Virtual and augmented reality:

Virtual and supplemented reality will be used for entertainment, training and rehabilitation.

• Virtual simulators: Virtual simulators will allow you to play sports and rehabilitation in virtual reality.

• Virtual social networks: Virtual social networks will allow you to communicate with friends and relatives in virtual reality.

• Augmented reality to help in everyday life: Augmented reality will be used to help in everyday life, for example, for house navigation or to read small text.

6.5. 3D printing:

3D pure will allow you to create personalized medical devices and prostheses.

• Personalized prostheses: 3D-printing will create personalized prostheses that are ideal in shape and size.

• Medical implants: 3D printing will create medical implants that are completely compatible with the body of the patient.

• Production of drugs to order: 3D printing will make it possible to make medicines to order, taking into account the individual needs of the patient.

The development of technology for the elderly is an important step to improve the quality of life and extend active longevity. The introduction of these technologies requires an integrated approach that takes into account both technical and social and ethical aspects. Only then, technologies will be able to really benefit older people and make their lives more comfortable, safe and interesting.