According to a 2008 report from the Institute of Medicine, the number of older adults in the United States will double by 2030. At the same time, the workforce necessary to serve this population will not grow by a significant amount. Because of this, inventors and entrepreneurs are developing new and innovative technological solutions to fill the gap.
The Boston Globe reports that students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have joined the growing number of designers developing ways to assist older adults. One of their projects is an intelligent wheelchair that can be operated with a headband that detects facial expressions. The chair would allow older adults have a new level of mobility.
Taskin Padir, a WPI professor who is supervising the project, told the source that designers should not forget older adults when designing new software.
"We need to rely more on technology because of our rapidly aging population," Padir said. "That technology will provide more independence."
Padir added that another important factor when it comes to eldercare technology is affordability. Many older adults are isolated from friends and loved ones because the only options available are complicated and expensive. According to Padir, as more investors and venture capitalists realize that there is a market for care solutions for older adults, a variety of affordable elder tech options will become available.
Independa's solutions, including our CloudCare software, have been designed from the beginning with seniors in mind, including our simple TV interface. Our solutions fill the unique needs of the individuals in a typical care circle, from the professional care manager to the personal care giver to the care recipient. When the whole circle of care can engage effectively, easily and with benefit, the end result is an improved quality of life. Contact us today through our online form to learn more or request a demo.
