Seniors are increasingly recognizing the role that technology can play in enabling a healthy life and improving well-being. A recent AARP study, titled “2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+,” offers a wealth of findings about how seniors are harnessing the power of technology and innovation in their lives. The results of the AARP study came […]
Amazing, Innovative Senior Tech that Was Spotlighted at CES 2024
Each year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) provides us with amazing demos and concepts, including technology specially designed for seniors and caregivers. The technology showcased this year (Jan 9-12, 2024) to help seniors and those with disabilities included: a glove that helps control tremors; a smart device that can check your health at home in […]
AI Technology is Doing Amazing Things to Help People with Neurological and Movement Disorders
Keith Thomas, a former Manhattan wealth manager, and his sister, Michelle Bennett, who is now his caregiver, have watched their lives quickly change. In July 2020, at the age of 41, Thomas accidentally dove into a shallow pool, hit his head on the bottom, and broke his neck. Thomas became paralyzed from the chest down, […]
Is Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Senior Care?
Q. I read somewhere that nine out of 10 seniors would prefer to age in their homes for as long as possible. But isn’t there a shortage of health care professionals and caregivers to provide the care that would be needed for this many people to age in place? Could robotics and artificial intelligence help […]
New Amazing Alzheimer’s Diagnostic Tools and Treatments
For decades, researchers and biotech companies have struggled to develop diagnostic tools and treatments for Alzheimer’s, a disorder that causes loss of memory and other mental functions and affects nearly 6.5 million Americans. Now they’re slowly making progress. A drug called lecanemab was approved this year that can slow the disease’s progression, sparking renewed optimism […]
What Are the Best Safety Alert Devices with Fall Detection?
Q. My neighbor Suzanne is an avid jogger. I always see her out jogging early in the morning while I’m walking my pups. She’s got all the gear, including one of those newer Apple Watches. The other day, Suzanne was speed-walking instead of jogging, with her arm in a sling. I caught up with her […]
How Do You Get a Loved One to Wear a Fall Prevention Device?
Dear Angel, I am thinking of buying my mother a smartwatch with fall prevention features on it for her birthday, but I’m worried she won’t wear it. What is the likelihood that seniors in general actually wear these devices? Thanks for your help! Anita Kno — Dear Anita, Falls are the leading cause of serious […]
Gift Shopping for an Elder? Consider These Suggestions from a Top Aging-in-Place Expert
Lisa Cini Helps Seniors Age-in-Place with Technology and Design Modifications More and more seniors are seeking to age in place, making it important for them to have the resources they need to thrive in their own home. Caregivers and loved ones often need to implement home modifications and introduce certain technology to support their senior […]
How Technology Can Make Life Easier for Those with Autism
Dear Oakley, Our son was just diagnosed with autism and is nonverbal. What types of technology can help make life easier for him and for us? Thanks for your help, Hal Pinhimm — Dear Hal, For people on the autism spectrum, assistive technology can help in many different areas of life, including basic communication; managing […]
Can Digital Voice Assistants Help Detect Dementia?
Dear Hayek, Most people I know have some sort of digital voice assistant in their home, such as Amazon’s Alexa. I read somewhere that these speakers are helping to detect dementia. How does that work, and aren’t there privacy concerns? Thanks for your help! Dee Tectshun — Dear Dee, Research is revealing that in the […]
Top 7 Apps for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
Dear Angel, My father, Bill, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was wondering if you knew of any apps that would be beneficial and/or enjoyable for him to use. Thanks so much in advance! Al Zimerapps — Dear Al, Caregivers and loved ones of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia often search for […]
David Hanson’s “Grace” May Be the Answer to Shortage of Senior Health Aides
Ever turn on the TV, scan Facebook, or check out viral news stories online and see Sophia, an extremely life-like humanoid robot? Well, if you haven’t seen her, Sophia is a robot that is designed to look very human that has gotten lots of attention during the pandemic for her ability to help people who […]
Aging Technology in Long-Term Care Facilities
Dear Oakley, The pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal. I remember how long-term care facilities were affected by the pandemic. Is there any new technology to help provide more protections for residents and support for staff? Thanks for your help! Norma Ull — Dear Norma, Now […]
Can Carebots Look After Your Senior Loved Ones?
Q. Caregiving for my mother, who has dementia, has been really challenging both physically and emotionally. I admit that I need help, but hiring someone is so expensive and it’s often hard to find the right person, especially with the shortage of caregivers out there. Sometimes I secretly wish that there were robots that were […]
Part 2: What’s Next for Senior Tech? — Tools that are Transforming the Care and Well-being of Seniors
Technology has changed everyone’s lives and continues to do so every day. In many ways, seniors have some of the greatest needs of anyone in our society and, as such, may have the most potential to be helped by technological innovations now and in the years to come. Some products have already started to make […]
What’s Next for Senior Tech? — Tools that are Transforming the Care and Well-being of Seniors in 2021 (Part 1)
Technology adoption among seniors is growing, and there are no signs of it slowing down. Older adults are using smartphones, wearables, voice-powered home assistants, and other smart home technologies with almost the same vigor as younger people, according to an AARP survey. Tools that once may have seemed futuristic or out of reach are increasingly […]
What New Technology Can Help My Mother Age-in-Place Safely?
Dear Magic, In the past, you’ve published lots of articles on aging-in-place technology. My mother is aging-in-place and I worry about her, since we try not to visit her due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Are there any new technologies we can purchase for her for peace of mind and to help keep her safe, since […]
New Exciting Technology Emerges for Seniors and Caregivers in the 2020’s
Q. I am a caregiver for my 80-year old mother who is in the early stages of dementia. I consider myself to be technologically savvy, but I am not quite sure what is out there that can help me in my role. You used to publish lots of articles on new technologies, but it’s been […]
How Wearables Contribute to the Well Being of Older Adults
Dear Rune, I have read in many places the benefits of exercise, including staving off dementia and living longer. I decided to dust off my sneakers and get back out there. My son and his wife both have Apple watches and my granddaughter wears a FitBit. What are the benefits of wearables, such as fitness […]
Electronic Wills: Replacing Ink Signatures with Digital Ones
Q. I recently did my estate planning with your firm and the peace of mind I feel makes it completely worth it to me. I have convinced my sister, Erica, in Charlottesville, to do the same, as well as my daughter who is a millennial. My daughter, who does everything online these days, asked me […]