Mon. 25th Jun. 2012
While TV commercials depict teens involved in new technologies, adults over 65 are a growing niche of consumers adopting these new technologies; from IPads, to cell phone texting and using Skype to stay in touch with family members. Age has little to do with taking advantage of technology.
Baby boomers are the fastest growing population segment, and are well versed in new technologies, so it makes sense that they would expect to use this technology for senior family members and use technology to enhance their own style of living when they grow older. These technologies can also reduce healthcare costs, ER visits, accidents and enhance connection to society at large.
The recently published “Linkage Technology Survey, Age 65 to 100” found that 41 percent of respondents owned a PC, 8 percent said they have a laptop, and 61 percent owned a cell phone. But only 3 percent have Internet access, and only 3 percent use a smart phone or tablet.
This same survey also found that four out of 10 Americans between the ages of 65 to 100 who are thinking about using a medical monitoring device said they would prefer that a clinician teach them how to use the technology. The poll also showed that 29 percent said they would like to receive training from friends or family.
These numbers are sure to rise as new technologies come on the market. Some advances in monitoring devices that enable caregivers to control the safety environment for seniors include:
- Motion detectors installed throughout the home (along hallways and ceilings) so that family members are given on-line access to the system, and can monitor gait and walking speed; when the medicine cabinet door was opened; if they spend too much time in the bathroom, indicating a possible fall or other emergency; how often the refrigerator is opened to see if the senior is eating; or simply verify that their loved one is up and moving about the house. Medication reminders can alert patients when medication times are upcoming, and the online system will notify family members in case of a missed dose. The monitor also can track whether a senior leaves the home.
- A pressure sensor can be installed under the mattress, to monitor when a senior lies down and when they rise.
- Pendant or bracelet-type personal emergency response or GPS systems that provide peace of mind for seniors who fear a fall injury or medical emergency. GPS devices can be installed in ID bracelets and watches, even in shoes, now help keep track of the whereabouts of people with Alzheimer’s disease. In an emergency, a healthcare monitoring service will be automatically contacted.
- "Telehealth" technologies allow seniors to monitor their day-to-day health status, keeping track of blood pressure, weight, heart activity, blood sugar, medication compliance and general well-being, with results automatically sent to the person’s doctor or other healthcare provider. This allows for quick detection of a change of health condition.
- Electronic health records create a secure online health record to help streamline care and allow coordination of care among providers. Keeping everyone on the same page eliminates the need for duplicate tests, helps avoid drug interactions and lowers healthcare costs.
- Senior-friendly smartphones, computers with accessibility features, Skype, webcams and social networking sites help seniors keep in touch with family, friends and the world. "Virtual senior centers" encourage social interaction and provide classes and mental stimulation. Online fitness programs, brain exercise software products and even recreational Web surfing all have been demonstrated to protect cognitive health.
Not so long ago, seniors who needed help with the activities of daily living had little choice but to move to a nursing home. But now with the majority of seniors wanting to remain at home, increasingly sophisticated "gerotechnology" solutions can bring peace of mind to caregivers, seniors and providers.
But keep in mind that technology does not replace the human touch and connection with friends and family. Keeping in touch with a phone call, stopping by to say hello, eating a meal together and giving a hug cannot be replaced with technology. Technology should not be used to replace you physical connection and assessment; it only augments it.