TechTheDay

Gerontechnology may sound like a newly mashed up word but it is in fact a real term that has been in use for quite some time. Obviously, it is a portmanteau of gerontology and technology. It is an interdisciplinary academic and professional field that is centered on the development and provision of assistance technology and technological environments that support independent living and improved quality of life for older people. It stresses the use of technology in addressing gerontological concerns including health, mobility, communication, recreation, transportation, and productivity. Gerontechnology aims to promote human health and well-being with respect to the aging process.

If you are still wondering what gerontechnology is really all about, go over the following examples:

1. Medical Alert Devices and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) – Wearable technology in the field of medicine started as early as the 80’s. In 1989, a company called LifeCall introduced its signature product, a medical alert button intended for seniors. It is worn around the neck like a charm and pressed by its wearer to call for assistance or help in times of emergencies. Unfortunately, this device failed to become a hit. After decades, it is estimated that less than 5% of older adults in the United States are using medical medical alert devices or PERS.

2. Senior-Friendly Mobile Phones and Tablet Computers –  As smartphones get smarter and more feature-rich, it’s only apt to have something intended for the specific needs of seniors. These mobile phones and tablets could also serve as personal emergency response systems but they are capable of doing more. Mobile phones for seniors can be used for standard communication, obviously, and in doing various other tasks like accessing the Internet or getting reminders and guides through apps specially created for seniors.

3. GPS Footwear – There are shoes and other forms of footwear that have been equipped with GPS that enable location tracking. Usually, you will have to “call the shoes” to make it send signals that can point out the location of the wearer. These footwear are particularly useful for the families of seniors who still maintain an active lifestyle—going for regular jogs and other outdoor adventures that can become risky at times.

4. Smart Pill Boxes – One example of these pill boxes is the MedMinder. It provides reminders on the right time to take pills and sends alerts to family members in case the pills were not taken as scheduled. MedMinder is basically a mobile phone pill box that can be programmed using another phone or using a computer.

5. Home Sensors – There are companies that can install a host of sensors at the homes of seniors to make sure that their needs are properly taken care of. Wisconsin-based company, GrandCare, for instance, offers solutions that include sensors on the refrigerator to record the last time it was opened. Doors may also be outfitted with sensors to determine entry and exit. Likewise, sensors can be added to the medicine cabinet to track if medicines have been taken or restocked.

6. Personal Robotics – In a previous post about the American perception of futuristic science and technology, we mentioned how many don’t like the idea of having robots taking charge of health care. However, robotic technology is never a bad thing for some people. There are robots such as Paro (developed by AIST, a Japanese industrial automation company) that provide assistance to older people in their everyday lives. Robotic technology can help seniors get things done or aid in their mobility needs.

There are several other gerontechnology gadgets available now. It’s just unfortunate that not many are making use of them. As a Yahoo! Tech article reported, “we have the technology to reinvent aging but why aren’t we using it?” As MIT AgeLab’s Joe Coughlin opines, “despite their availability, technology has not been widely adopted by older people or their families.”

The reasons behind the lower rate of adoption are quite obvious, though. For one, seniors are mostly technophobic. They rarely try things they aren’t accustomed to. Another reason is the fear among seniors of getting stigmatized for trying something perceived to be more associated with younger people. Additionally, if they are interested in trying these gerontechnology devices, they just don’t know where to get them, or these devices could be too expensive for them.

Technology is something that makes life easier for seniors. It can significantly improve quality of life. It’s just important to do something to make it more accessible to older people and to address the still prevailing perception that technology and seniors are not a good match.