The Republican-led House of Representatives has voted for the 32nd time to repeal what’s known as Obamacare. Despite this, it’s unlikely that the Democratic Senate will do the same. So, until the November election, it seems the healthcare issue is stuck in political back-and-forth.
This is concerning because it impacts the future of our country, which is facing some tough realities. Just two years ago, over 40 million Americans aged 65 and older lived in the U.S. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly double to about 88 million, which means one in five Americans will be senior citizens.
In Europe, the situation might be even worse. For example, around 37% of people in Spain will be over 60, and in Japan, it could reach as high as 43%. Clearly, a lot of people worldwide will need help as they age.
To tackle this issue, there’s a big push to see if technology can help, ranging from robot assistants to wearable sensors. Here are ten high-tech tools designed to help older adults live independently and stay out of nursing homes:
1. **Kinected Sensors**: At the University of Missouri, researchers are testing Kinect motion sensors (like the ones in Xbox game consoles) to monitor elderly individuals from afar. These sensors provide only a silhouetted image, which is less intrusive than high-resolution cameras. This system is being tested in facilities near the university and in Cedar Falls, Iowa, thanks to a grant.
2. **Curmudgeon Meter**: These wireless sensors attach to the chest to monitor heartbeat, temperature, movement, and stress levels. The data is stored in a home recorder and can be viewed on a PC or mobile phone.
3. **Adaptable Bed**: Japan’s Panasonic has developed a bed that transforms into a wheelchair, which helps seniors move around without getting out of bed. They’ve also created a robot to shampoo and blow-dry hair.
4. **Virtual Scenery**: Research in Schenectady, NY, found that seniors engage more with stationary biking when virtual scenery, like images of California or France, is added. This not only makes exercise more interesting but also keeps the brain active.
5. **Nurse Alert**: This pendant, worn around the neck or kept in a pocket, provides 24-hour access to a nurse or assistant. It has an emergency call button and can automatically detect falls, alerting a nurse center or emergency services if needed.
6. **Robots and Remote Helpers**: A California company, Willow Garage, is exploring the idea of having humans remotely control robots to assist the elderly. Through the Heaphy Project, a person can operate the robot via a web browser to help with tasks like picking up dropped items.
7. **Medical Assistant Smartphone**: The LifeWatch V smartphone helps doctors monitor patients’ health between visits. With built-in sensors, it can measure heart rate, temperature, body fat, and blood sugar levels, and store this data in the cloud for the doctor to review.
8. **Robot Exercise Instructor**: Taizo, a robot with 30 exercise moves, teaches seniors basic stretches and light exercises. It was developed by Japan’s General Robotix Company.
9. **Doll-like Robot**: In Japan, the Kabocha robot, designed to look like a 3-year-old child, has become popular among the elderly. It can speak 400 phrases and respond to movement, sound, and light.
10. **Memory Tools**: Google glasses, though often discussed for their innovation, can greatly benefit older adults by helping them remember places and names through augmented reality.
These technologies could make life significantly easier and more comfortable for the aging population, promoting independence and improving quality of life in their final years.