Willingness To Learn

As adults become older our knowledge of technology and all the functions possible are growing.  Older adults want to live on their own in their own house without assisted living.  With the advances in technology available, this is becoming more of a reality than a dream.  With advances in medical technology, such as Telemedicine and Telepharmacy, receiving medications to one’s home is simple.  Along with these technologies come many that help the caregiver and elder.

New advances make lives easier for elders and caregivers alike.  The CAST study done by AAPR, a nonprofit organization, says that adults 65-years and older would pay up to fifty dollars a month extra to “try technology like home security services, sensors to detect falls and devices to regulate temperature, lights and appliances. But cost remains a factor with seventy-five percent of caregivers and eighty percent of those 65-plus willing to pay $50.00 or less per month for the service” (AARP).  These advances consist of: “sensors can detect and notify a caregiver if a person being cared for does not get out of his chair or turn off the stove; Health technologies can monitor blood pressure, respiration and other conditions in real time while the person is at home, reducing the need for doctor's visits and notifying caregivers immediately of significant changes; Medication dispensers provide the appropriate medicines at the appropriate time and remind a person being cared for to take them; Computer games provide social networking, brain stimulation and even monitoring of cognitive abilities through the use of diagnostic games.”  With these major technological advances an older adult is able to live by themselves at home but still have the safety and security of a caretaker there with them at all times.  Technology has no limit and no boundaries and could take off in any direction.  Technology companies know what people want and need to survive on their own, it is just a matter of time until technology replaces humans.