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