Nana Technology

Question: I know many seniors have “Lifeline” type devices that enable them to summon help if they fall. I recently saw a bit on the news about other technologies that can help seniors live safely in their homes. Can you address some of these?

Answer: In many ways, Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), of which Lifeline is one brand, are the first in what is sure to be an array of technology-based aides for seniors and people with disabilities. As technology develops rapidly, more and more products will be available to help us live safely and independently. Many of these products are just beginning to emerge, but I have little doubt that they’ll be much more commonplace in several years.

Technology to assist seniors is sometimes called “Nana Technology,” a senior-themed variation of the term nanotechnology. But, effective, simple-to-use, intuitive technology, like good universal design, is a benefit to us all.

Perhaps the best way to describe the benefits of this technology is to provide some specific product examples. You should also visit http://www.usatoday.com/tech/graphics/nana_tech/flash.htm (opens new window) to see an interactive page of upcoming products. Here’s a summary.

Intelligent Phones. Designed to help people with a cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illness), these phones will feature caller ID that includes an image of the person calling, his or her name, and several notes about the last conversation the caller had with the elder.

Smart Pill Boxes. These pill boxes aren’t your ordinary pill boxes! They flash reminders to elders, talk to elders, dispense medications, and can even notify a caregiver if pills aren’t taken.

Walker Assistance. Walkers currently help many elders move around. Future walkers may steer elders away from dangers and be retrievable by remote control.

Computers for Cognition. People will be able to play computer card games that test their cognitive ability over time and potentially measure the negative impact of drug side effects on cognition.

Location Management. The Alzheimer’s Association recently introduced a GPS-based system to help caregivers locate a cognitively-impaired loved one who has wandered away from a specified area. A text or e-mail alert is sent to the caregiver, alerting them to a potentially dangerous situation.

Balancing Act. People at risk of falling will soon be able to have special sensing shoes to help them remain upright. Sensors in the shoes’ soles will activate neurons in a person’s foot to help the individual retain balance.

Technology offers great promise for elders and people with disabilities and their desire to remain living independently. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, however, caregivers will remain an essential component of care. Technology can certainly help, but a person needs to act on the information that the technology is indicating.