Week 11: Gerontechnology Flashcards
What is Gerontechnology
“Gerontechnology is defined as an interdisciplinary field linking existing and developing technologies to the aspirations and needs of aging and aged adults.
Gerontechnology supports “successful aging” and is a response to the combination of the aging of society and rapidly emerging new technologies”.
-e.g. Life Alert (in home, mobile monitor, wall mounted button)
3 Subcategories in Gerontechnology
-Successful aging
-Improve communication and mobility
-Aging in place
Successful Aging
As you know, the definition of healthy or successful aging has shifted from primarily biomedical to a more holistic view including subjective aspects of the
ageing process. Within this process, gerontechnology may include any device or intervention that contributes to the person’s perception of, or ability to, successfully age.
Gerontechnology Examples
Wearables
-Apple Watches
-Life Alert + More
Mobility Aids
-Powerchairs
-Walkers + More
Implants & Replacements
-Cardiac Implants (Pacemakers)
-Cochlear Implants + More
Cognitive Aids
-In extreme cases: Brain Communicative Interfaces (BCIs)
Aging in Place
-Most older adults want to keep living independently for as long as possible, or “age in place”
-“remaining living in the community, with some level of independence, rather than in residential care.”
2 Types of Technologies
Traditional Technologies- Technologies that facilitates human contact. Can be used to personally connect or for travel.
Non-Traditional Technologies- Robots and voice-first technology can be used to connect with loved ones, assist in daily living, etc.
e.g. Smart Home Devices or AAL Systems
Smart Home Devices
Such As: Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The device is voice-activated and can be linked to wifi-capable appliances to create a smart home system, providing autonomy for those facing challenges to independent living. These devices can take the place of a caregiver for tasks like adjusting the thermostat, lights, or setting reminders for things like taking medications
AAL Systems
Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems are 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.
AAL Systems: “RF-Pose”
-RF-Pose provides accurate human pose estimation through walls and obstructions. It leverages the fact that wireless signals in Wi-Fi frequencies traverse walls and reflect off the human body.
Ethical Considerations: Assistance or Surveillance? (Helpful vs. Harmful)
Helpful:
-Constant vigilance & security.
-Know the location if fall/unconscious.
-Quick response time, Response goes to appropriate people.
Harmful:
-Personal life becomes known to their caregivers and even family members.
-Personal Privacy: having to explain long times in the bathroom, bedroom etc.
-Possible 24/7 surveillance and security risk/fears
Considerations:
-A fine line between wanting to help vs. relinquishing autonomy.
-Is the intervention sustainable?
-Does the intervention require more attention to detail?
Gerontechnology for the Future
Nike Go FlyEase: The project began in 2000 and was finalized in 2021. *slip on shoes
Pros: Reduce bending and eliminates the need for hand dexterity.
Cons: Require balance to remove; questionable support.
The original OrCam MyEye device was launched in 2015, and the next generation OrCam MyEye 2.0, was launched in 2017.
Pros: Improves QoL of people who are visually or hearing impaired.
Cons: Requires dexterity, needs a baseline level of hearing, doesn’t eliminate the need for glasses, cost
Considerations: $4250
Case Example: Care Predict
It started in 2013 and is aimed at “improving the quality of life for our aging parents, grandparents and loved ones.” Mainly, focused on identifying patterns in the daily lives of seniors that can predict declines in their health and enable early intervention.
“We are not a technology company. We are a people company”
2020:
-A 39% lower hospitalization rate (P=.02),
-A 69% lower fall rate (P=.01),
-A 67% greater length of stay (P=.03)
-The staff alert acknowledgment and reach resident times also improved in the +CP communities by 37% (P=.02) and 40% (P=.02), respectively.
2023:
(1) both staff & older persons who wore the device used it effectively for two-way
communication, resulting in immediate response, and
(2) staff were able to quickly learn about activities and behaviours in their population.
The CP− group did not use the response system, meaning staff response time between CP+ and CP− could not be calculated.
Senior Living:
-Resident Call Button with 2- way voice.
-Fall Detection.
-Visitor Management.
-Wander Management.
-Predictive insights.
-Touchpoint (Family view).
-PinPoint (Automatic contact
tracking).
-Keyless Door Entry.
-Precise Real-Time Location
Tracking System (RTLS)
Homecare
-Predictive Insights.
-Smart Location Awareness.
-Customizable data collection
At-Home
-Proactive alerts.
-Location Insights.
-Attention on Demand.
-“Care Circle” (App where families access data).
-CareVoice (families send voice reminders)
Gerontechnology: Summary
Gerontechnology is ever-evolving, much at the same rate as mainstream tech.
Important to consider:
-The population in question.
-The accessibility and sustainability of the intervention.
-Cost to benefit.
