Elderly and Technology

Ana João - Lecturer, School of Intelligent Systems and Technology, USJ.

Are we concerned that we can’t always be physically present for our elderly parents? Fortunately, technology can be and gives us a little peace of mind.
Computer engineers and assistive technology designers are making important contributions to help elderly maintain their independence, improving their lifestyle and confidence. Electronic and optical sensors, remote health and activity monitors can be used to improve security and safety. Common daily tasks such as taking medication, checking blood pressure, operating the glucometer or feeding the fish, are sometimes easily forgotten. Having a “Daily Tasks Reminder” would probably answer some of these problems. Georgia Tech created what is called a “memory mirror”, a device that records routines performed during the day, stores the most common and repeated ones, and reflects them the following days. Due to the records’ database, the memory mirror is also capable of finding lost objects.
Is my mom taking the right medication? Can she remember the last time she did? These are questions that will not bother our minds again! An online medicine cabinet equipped with a camera and online computers with face recognition software is one option that may be of great help. It greets the patient by name, tells the patient which pill to take, and orders new prescriptions when needed. It can also be equipped with internet to call the doctor to schedule new appointments or to call in case of emergency.
How many of us wish that our elderly could have a 24/7 nurse at home? How about a robotic nurse? “Pearl, the nursebot” is a prototype developed by Carnegie Mellon University. “She” can recognize speech, follow people around and communicate through a touch screen. Pearl’s configurable head, eyes and lips are important elements for projecting human-like features. Pearl has a vocabulary expressions database that makes her more engaging and efficient. The latest update of Pearl allows her to serve as “telepresence” for remote checkups with real doctors/nurses.
These are just examples of assistive devices being developed. However, when we see these machines, we may ask ourselves, “Can assistive technology substitute human help?” Advances in artificial intelligence and mainly in technology, enable these devices to supplement but never substitute human help. At the end of the day, the answer to this question depends on the kind (age range, types of disabilities) of elderly population and how much confidence we have in the technology. It may not give us 100% peace of mind, but it does help our elderly feel more independent, safe and possibly happy. Isn’t that what we are all searching for?

©MDTimes/ University of Saint Joseph