Technology is amazing. In the last five years, more people than ever before have access to and regularly use smart devices like Alexa, as well as more people have access to smartphones.
This has impacted all areas of life, from learning about the world for children to its usage in healthcare settings and even the police force. Also, with the development of artificial intelligence, who knows how this will impact these areas?
As our society ages, technological advances have become increasingly important in improving the lives of elderly adults. So, here are five examples of how modern technology has helped elderly adults in their daily lives:
Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems are devices that can be worn around your elderly relative’s neck or wrist and are programmed to call for help in case of a medical emergency. This technology has been beneficial for elderly adults who live alone. These are also used in Signature care homes to alert staff when an older member of their guests falls over or is injured in some way. This encourages independence and also helps them to get immediate help when they need it.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are similar to medical alert systems, but they offer more comprehensive support. In addition to calling for help in case of a medical emergency, PERS can also provide reminders to take medication, monitor vital signs, and even offer video chats with healthcare professionals.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is using technology to provide healthcare services remotely, which exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This technology has been beneficial for elderly adults who have problems traveling to see a healthcare provider. With telemedicine, elderly adults can receive medical care from the comfort of their own homes. This can help improve their overall health and well-being. It also allows doctors or nurses to dispatch ambulances if needed, without the older person needing to move from place to place unaided.
Voice-Activated Assistants
Voice-activated assistants, such as the famous Alexa and Google Assistant, have boomed in their usage recently. These devices can be particularly helpful for elderly adults who may have difficulty with mobility or dexterity. With voice-activated assistants, elderly adults can control household tasks, such as turning on the lights or adjusting the thermostat, simply by speaking to the device.
Indeed, with voice-activated assistants now able to call people, all an older person needs to do is say, ‘Alexa, call Julie,’ and the task is done! This is also helpful for people who have arthritis and may need help dialing traditional phones to make calls.
