Module 4: Gerontechnology - Autonomy or Control Flashcards
What is aging in place
-refers to persons ability to continue living independently at home and/or in their community
-supported/facilitated through provision of necessary supports and services
Types of technologies used by older adults
-computer
-smart tv
-wearable devices
-smartphone
-smart home or talking device
-tablet
Traditional technologies for aging in place
-cell phones
-tablets
-facilitate human contact and can be used to connect or for travel
Gerontological solutions for aging in place
-AAL systems
-smart home devices
Non-traditional for aging in place
-robots
-voice first (like alexa)
-can be used to connect with loved ones
Smart home devices
-such as ALEXA
-device is voice activated and can be linked to capable wifi capable appliances to create a smart home system
AAL systems
-comprised of various sensors that use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze behaviour and compare it to established patterns, identify divergences, and call caregivers as needed
Examples of different types of AAL system sensors
-sensors to detect activity in bed
-sensors to detect open doors
-sensors in the kitchen
Sensors to detect open doors
-AAL devices can include sensors that detect when doors are opened, such as the refrigerator, medicine cabinet, or front door
Sensors to detect activity in bed
-can record respiration, heart rate, and movements including sexual activity
Sensors in the kitchen
-systems can detect if the stove has been left on, if the water is left running, or if there is excessive smoke
What is the Emerald
-AAL system that is a wall mounted unit which utilizes the sea of radio signals
-we create waves when we move and the sensors analyze these waves to reverse engineer our motion
Problems with AAL systems
-stigma
-loss of human contact
-loss of privacy
Stigma with AAL systems
-many older adults express that there is stigma attached to living with surveillance, especially in the most private aspects of their lives
Loss of human contact with AAL systems
-concerned that utilization of technology for monitoring will result in less human-human contact
Loss of privacy with AAL systems
-privacy violations may occur when a connected device informs a family member that adult engaged in an activity that they want to keep private
What is UPnRIDE technology
-has created a wheeled robotic device which provides both upright and seated mobility for people who have difficulty standing or walking and wish to stay mobile
Advantages of technology such as UPnRIDE
-increase independence
-enhance dignity
-reduce medical costs
-improve health
Increase independence with UPnRIDE
-safely ride up and down hills and faster than a wheelchair
Enhance dignity with UPnRIDE
-allows for social interactions at eye level
Reduce medical costs with UPnRIDE
-reduces many secondary complications of long term sitting which can lower need for hospitalization, medications and physio
Improve health with UPnRIDE
-standing vertically is more beneficial to your health compared to sitting, allows for increase in calorie expenditure
Global perspective of gerontechnology
-most appropriately promoted in countries where technology is widely accepted and there are large numbers of older adults aging in place
Influence of social determinants of health on gerontechnology access
-lack of skills
-lack of income
-lower education
Lack of skills in regard to gerontechnology
-low engagement level may be a result of lack of skills and familiarity with technology, may be due to cohort effect
What is cohort effect
-technology being created after an individual left school
Lack of income in regard to gerontechnology
-can be a barrier because some older adults can not purchase gerontechnology and therefore can not learn to use it
Lower education in regard to gerontechnology
-is also associated with lower income, which can result in a lack of utilization due to inability to pay or disinterest due to lack of familiarity
Types of age tech services
-services purchased by older people
-services traded between older and younger people
-services purchased on behalf of older adults
-services for future older people
Services purchased by older people examples
-automatic pill dispenser
-home digitization
Services traded between older and younger people
-vocational mentoring
-supported co-living
Vocational mentoring
-many older adults have skills and expertise they can share often in exchange for household tasks
-ex. older adult who knows investment advice in exchange for mowing lawn or pet care
Supported co-living
-aims to pair older and younger adults in shared accomodations
Services purchased on behalf of older adults
-meal services
-home care services
Meal services
-can be purchased online or over the phone and will be delivered to the recipients door, such as meals on wheels
Home care services
-allows a person with special needs to stay in their home, provide assistance with activities of daily living for people with chronic illness or recovering from surgery
-includes help with bathing, washing hair
Services for future older people
-reflects the reality that preparing for a healthy old age begins early in life
-many future older people already use technology like smart watches and wearable technology
Wearable devices
-point where humans begin to physically and consistently, interact and integrate electronics, software and sensors on the body
Examples of wearable devices
-fitness trackers
-smart watches
-body sensors
-smart glasses
-body cameras
-smart clothing and accessories
-VR headsets
Fitness trackers
-have sensors, AI, and monitor sleeping and eating habits
-can detect a fall and is relayed back to caregiver
What is the next generation wearable
-the sensor tattoo
The sensor tattoo
-device that acts like a temporary tattoo and once pressed into the skin
-visible sensors appear like a tattoo and can monitor vital signs in the person
Wearables for GPS tracking
-GPS smart sole
-GPS tracking apps
GPS smart sole
-tracks older adults location through a rechargeable shoe sole insert, sends location updates every 5 min
GPS tracking apps
-those designed for older adults put an emphasis on functions that enhance safety, including emergency notifications and health metrics
Ethical and privacy concerns with wearable devices
-being monitored 24/7 can create a sense of hypervigilance in many people regardless of age
-threatens autonomy
-threat of data being sold or leaked etc.
Reasons for gerontechnology apps
-older adults and caregivers
-aid with visual impairment
-rideshare apps
Older adult and caregivers apps
-honor
-ask mervee
-ask my buddy
-life pod
Honor app
-enables caregivers to communicate with families, exchange notes, and ask questions
Ask mervee app
-allows to send a message to friends/family to request a visit, get messages, or let people know how they are doing
Ask my buddy app
-can send alert through smart speaker
Life pod app
-reminds to take meds or drink water or it will play music
Aid with visual impairment app
-righthear
RightHear app
-system for visually impaired users specifically for indoor places
-uses phone, sensors, and management platform to premap venues and track movements of user to issue real life prompts and warnings such as stairs or if the sliding door in front of them is automatic
Rideshare apps
-used for social visits with friends and family, leisurely outings or increase physical activity
Volunteer services for gerontechnology
-canadian red cross
-bergen volunteers
Canadian red cross
-hosts a friendly visiting program to reduce social isolation by offering one-on-one personal visits with a trained volunteer
Bergen volunteers
-CHORE
-CHEER
CHORE program
-program that provides handy person services to do tasks like installing grab bars etc
CHEER program
-where volunteers provide companionship by weekly visits to homebound other adults
Voice activated technology
-provide assistance with tasks like making calls, sending emails and texts
-sending reminders to family members etc.
ElliQ parts
-body
-screen
ElliQ body
-performs social functions and can move head up when excited and hangs down when sad
-engages looking at pictures that come in and respond with voice
ElliQ screen
-performs technological functions and helps users read and respond to messages, share pictures, make appointments, and take medications
Robopets
-animatronics can be used as a substitute pet for those who can not take care of one
Robot dog features
-interactive sensors
-voice commands
-smartphone app
Interactive sensors robopet
-wags tail and leans into hand when patted
Voice commands robopet
-voice activation allows it to react to commands
Smartphone app robopet
-allows you to name it and track user interactions
-can add new actions and commands
Reasoning to support robopets
-provides sense of comfort
Reasoning against robopets
-no emotional connection
-gives people false sense of hope
-cruel
Benefits of VR for older adults
-can combat isolation
-may also help increase balance and improve spatial awareness and navigation
Limitations of VR for older adults
-important that product does not pretend to be real
-may be unethical to let them believe they are actually interacting with people
-expensive
How can gerontechnology empower older adults
-makes tasks easier
-turn on and off lights
-measure heart rate etc
How can gerontechnology control older adults
-lock doors to keep them inside
-surveillance
-track location
