Technology not only can improve your health but also allow you or your
loved ones to age in place.
Our technological world has progressed at a dizzying pace. Do you realize
that less than 10 years ago, hardly anyone had an iPhone or any kind of
smartphone, really? As recently as 2011 only one-third of Americans owned
one. Now 75% do. More than 42% of those 65 and older own at least one
smartphone.
And the AARP reports that 87% of seniors age 65 and older, and 71% of those
between 50 and 64, want to age in place and will require home-based technology
to make that a reality.
So it makes sense that Americans over 50 are using electronic devices that
can help them stay safe and independent—and even improve their health.
Smartphones, laptops, wearables, smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa
and Google Home, even clothing and accessories that have been turned into
medical monitoring devices, help seniors monitor their vital signs and
daily activity and send that information to their care team. It’s
gone way beyond “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up…”
These devices, often called mHealth and telehealth technologies, include:
Personal home assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, can remind seniors and their health
care teams to take medications, take blood pressure or blood sugar readings,
play mind-stimulating games, exercise or of doctor visits. They even can
summon help and answer simple questions.
Sensor-embedded clothing, such as belts, shoes, socks and other pieces, can be embedded with devices
that measure movement in order to detect falls, irregular body movements
and unsteady gait. Some can also detect changes in heart rate and body
temperature. (Check with your primary care physician on this one; they
may be covered by insurance.)
mHealth (mobile health) wearables such as the Fitbit and even continuous glucose monitors (CGM) such as
the Dexcom G6 can monitor heart health, respiration and blood glucose
and are hooked up to mobile devices such as phones and smart watches in
real time to treat and react. (Check out Fitbit, starting at $59, fitbit.com;
and Dexcom G6, covered by insurance, dexcom.com.)
Smart pillboxes remind you when to take prescriptions, how much and with what. Most use
a flashing light or a sound, record adherence and can even take a video
to make sure the drug is being taken properly. (Check out MedMinder, $39/month,
medminder.com.)
Motion detectors can track activity through the house, including meals, trips outside and
bathroom visits; sensor-embedded mattresses monitor sleep and some vital
signs; TVs can connect to the care team; even personal robots can manage
meds, deliver reminders and provide companionship. (Check out GrandCare
Systems, $99/month plus installation, grandcare.com.)
PERS (personal emergency response devices) are more sophisticated than ever and use GPS systems. Press a button, and
a response team will send for help and call your family to tell them where
you are. Some can even get you help if you are unable to push a button
or speak. Most have special smartphone apps as well. (Check out LifeAlert—the
original “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” company,
$49/month, lifealert.com; and MobileHelp, $42/month, mobilehelp.com.)