Health Innovation and Aging In Place Technology
Interview: Kian Saneii, CEO, Independa w_ Jody Holtzman SVP, AARP
Digital Health Summit CES 2013
Can Technology Provide Social Support for the Elderly?
Is the Traditional Advice for Caregivers Enough?
I grew up in the era of radio. I remember the first small screen black and white TVs and the time when a telephone operator had to connect you to the person you were calling. A few things have changed since those early days. I now use computers, the Internet, an electronic calendar, email, an iPad, an iPod and a cell phone to name just a few of the gadgets and gizmos that are part of my work and personal life every day.
by John Boden, CE
ElderIssues, LLC
"Aging at home is what all seniors want." has been repeated so often it is no longer questioned, but is accepted as true.
But should we be so sure? Living at home is proof of independence. It is proof of being in control. It is proof of aging with dignity. But, are they really independent? Are they really in control? Are they really aging with dignity?
What if:
They can't keep their home clean?
They are lonely?
They are not feeding themselves properly?
Closet Caregivers
by John Boden, CE
ElderIssues, LLC
Too many caregivers keep their situation hidden. Employers might fire them. Visitors may see a disorderly home. Someone may want to move the elder out of their home. And the list goes on.
I remember the public service announcements during hot summer months in New York City: “If you know an elderly person living alone in the City, make sure they’re OK in our hot, humid summer.” I was a teenager at the time, and didn’t understand why the elderly wouldn’t be OK any more than the rest of us.
What they should have also announced was why the elderly are so vulnerable during extended heat waves, particularly with humidity thrown in too. Here’s the all-important “why”:
Aging and Technology: Observations of a Septuagenarian Geriatrician
By Richard Della Penna, M.D.
In the tough economic times, business leaders throughout the United States are facing many difficult issues; there is another factor which may be increasingly hurting bottom lines. That factor that they might not be thinking about is the cost of lost productivity due to caregiving responsibilities among their employees.
The third annual mHealth Summit, held in Washington, D.C. area showcased the areas where vast improvements could be made with the help of technology. There was also an understanding that, as compared to many other industries in the U.S., health care has not kept pace. For example, mobile technology could reduce costs and increase the level of care recieved.
140,000 people flocked last week to Las Vegas to attend the 2012 version of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including us at Independa. Tech exhibitors managed to cover over 1.86 million net square feet of exhibit space! We had a very busy week; here are the highlights:
