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Eldercare Review | Sunday, December 17, 2023
Access to assistive technology is likely to improve in the future, along with the capabilities of the technology itself.
FREMONT, CA: Assistive technology is vital in empowering individuals to lead healthy and independent lives. According to News Medical Life Sciences, approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide utilize assistive technologies, and it is projected to reach 3.5 billion by 2050. The assistive technology industry is a significant support system for global healthcare sectors, alleviating the strain of long-term healthcare. Economies benefit from this industry by enabling individuals to access education, maintain employment, and actively participate in society. Any technology that preserves or enhances an individual's functioning and independence falls under the category of assistive technology.
Assistive technologies yield numerous advantages for users, the healthcare industry, and global economies. Foremost, these technologies exist to enhance the quality of life for individuals. They alleviate the burden of various health challenges, such as mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, amputations, speech difficulties, and more.
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Assistive technologies reduce the demand for healthcare services, thus relieving pressure on healthcare systems. In some cases, these technologies provide individuals with enough support to eliminate the need for a caregiver that would have otherwise been necessary without access to assistive technology. By enabling people to lead fulfilling lives, assistive technologies benefit not only individuals and their families but also the economies in which they reside. Active and empowered individuals can remain engaged in education and contribute to the workforce.
Dementia, encompassing a range of cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease accounting for most cases, poses significant challenges. As dementia progresses, individuals may experience physical symptoms, such as a gradual loss of mobility. Assistive technologies are crucial in mitigating the impact of these debilitating cognitive and physical symptoms. People with dementia can utilize voice recognition technology and smart devices like Alexa to set reminders and control household appliances, addressing memory and mobility issues. Telephones with large buttons and speed dial functions also enable individuals to contact important contacts without remembering phone numbers. Specialized dementia clocks that display or speak the time, date, and time of day (morning, afternoon, evening) assist individuals in orienting themselves. Pill organizers aid those with dementia in managing medication schedules. At the same time, kitchen equipment designed for their needs ensures safe and independent cooking, such as kettle tippers, jar opening tools, and gas safety valves for ovens and hobs.
The aging population will consequently drive an increased demand for assistive technologies in healthcare. With initiatives like those led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the development of assistive technology is expected to continue. In the Internet of Things (IoT) era, there are abundant possibilities for enhancing assistive technologies. Integration into people's lives is set to improve by leveraging mobile apps and widely adopted home technologies like smart home systems.
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