How Will New Technologies Benefit Aging and Longevity: Assisted Living Technology

Increasingly we are using advanced technology in our day to day lives. Our smartphones are millions of times more powerful than the computers that put man on the moon, our homes can be controlled remotely, and we can often find the answer to almost any question at the click of a button.

With tech emerging at such a rapid pace, there are an increasing number of devices and software that can help the elderly to stay safer, feel more confident and maintain their independence.

Whether living at home or in an assisted living facility, there are a wealth of new technologies that can benefit aging and longevity.

How technology helps the elderly

New technology can help the elderly in many ways. It can improve communication, keep the brain active and allow for greater independence.

Technology can help the elderly stay connected with family and friends. It can also provide a way for them to get medical care when they need it. Additionally, choosing the right technology can help the elderly stay independent by providing them with the tools they need to live at home.

Some examples of technology that can help the elderly include:

• Mobile phones with large buttons and easy-to-use interfaces
• Video calling applications like Zoom or Facetime
• Medical alert systems
• GPS tracking devices

Each of these technologies can help the elderly in different ways. Mobile phones can help them stay in touch with loved ones, video calling applications can help them connect with family and friends, medical alert systems can help them get the medical care they need, and GPS tracking devices can help them stay independent by allowing them their freedom, while they remain safe in the knowledge that their loved ones can find them if they became in need of help.

Technology is constantly evolving and there are new products and applications being developed all the time. This means that there are always new ways for the elderly to benefit from technology.

What is assisted living technology?

The use of technology in assisted living is growing at a rapid pace.

The use of tech in this type of accommodation helps those living there to both stay safe, but retain a sense of independence. There are many benefits that this type of technology can provide to the elderly population. One of the most important benefits is the ability to help those who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. There are many products on the market that can help with this, including reminiscence therapy, which can help to stimulate the memories of those who are suffering from dementia. There are also GPS tracking devices that can be used to keep track of elderly patients who may wander off.

Other benefits of technology in assisted living include the ability to monitor health and vital signs, as well as providing a way for family and friends to stay in touch with loved ones who may be living in a facility. There are also many products on the market that can help with providing entertainment and social interaction for those who are living in an assisted living facility.

As the population of the elderly continues to grow, it is likely that the use of technology in assisted living will continue to increase. This is a positive trend that can help to improve the quality of life for many seniors.

Health monitoring devices for the elderly

As we age, it’s not unusual to need to pay a little more attention to our health. There are a number of different health monitoring devices available for the elderly. These devices can help to monitor vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. They can also provide information about medications and remind the user to take them at the correct time.

Some health monitoring devices for the elderly include:

• Wearable fitness trackers
• Smart watches
• Medical alert bracelets
• Personal alarms

For those who need some additional support, The SureSafe Guardian Plus offers the latest technology for at home personal alarms. Worn around the wrist or neck, this personal alarm allows an older person to get help at the touch of button.

It also includes features that give peace of mind to loved ones including welfare checks, alerts if the wearer has not got out of bed, or if no activity is detected, home temperature alerts, medical reminders, and will also alert family members if unexpected activity is detected.

Best health watch for seniors

Wearable fitness trackers are a great way to help the elderly stay active. They can track steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. This information can be used to set goals and encourage the user to be more active.

Smart watches can also be used to monitor health data. They can track steps taken, heart rate, and blood pressure.

The SureSafeGO Plus provides all the features of a smart watch but with the added benefit of being a personal alarm.

In addition to including a heart rate monitor and step tracker, the alarm includes GPS tracking, automatic fall detection, and of course you can summon help at the touch of a button.

Fall alarms for the elderly

One of the biggest worries for people as they get older is falling. As we age, a trip or a fall can become far more serious, causing more significant injuries than when we are young.

Fall alarms provide peace of mind for both elderly users and their loved ones. Knowing that there is an easy way to get help should a fall occur can make all the difference to feeling confident doing everyday tasks.

Many of our alarms have automatic fall detection built in. This means that, even if the wearer is unable to press the emergency button, help will still be on its way.

This works by measuring air pressure, speed and impact, which means that the alarm will know if a fall has occurred, and someone will be alerted.

GPS tracking

GPS tracking devices can provide peace of mind for both the user and their loved ones. Knowing that someone can locate you if they need to can be helpful in a number of different situations.

Personal alarms with GPS tracking give back freedom, as the wearer knows that, should they become unwell or get lost, that someone will be able to find their exact location.

Additionally, for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, some devices come with the ability to set a geo-fence. This means that nominated contacts will be sent an alert if the person wearing the device leaves a designated area, typically a safe zone around where they live.

How technology is helping with dementia

Patients with dementia often struggle with communication and memory, which can make it difficult for them to interact with loved ones and medical professionals. However, new technology is providing some relief for these patients and their families.

There are now apps that help patients with dementia communicate their needs, as well as remind them of important information like appointments and medications. There are also devices that can help monitor patients’ health and provide caregivers with real-time updates.

An example of this is our DementiaSafe alarm. With tailored features including fall detection, GPS tracking and GeoFencing, this is an alarm which has been designed with safety in mind.

It also comes with the SureSafe friends & family mobile app.

This app is designed to provide some relief to those caring for someone living with dementia and allows users to view the wearers last known locations, gives an event history (for example the button being pressed or a fall alert) and also allows contacts to provide their availability and communicate with other responders.

If you’re looking for the latest technology to assist an older person, consider getting in touch with us to find out how our devices can help give you peace of mind. Browse our products or give us a call on 0800 112 3201 to find out more.