Introduction
Ageing comes with barriers and challenges in our lives and for the older adults, they face limited mobility and dexterity. The number of old people aged 65 and above who live by themselves has nearly tripled over the last 15 years to 42,000 last year, up from 14,500 in 2000. (Choo, 2018). Rising competition in Singapore has led to adults working long hours which result in elderly being left home alone with no one to take care of them. Technology had gone far to inventions such as walking frame on wheels, telecare monitoring solution and HealthHub App which can be used to aid independence to the elderly within their home safely and comfortably, giving family members peace of mind.
Discussion
Basic walking frame on wheels
Elderly independence can be improved with the use of a walking frame, a basic walking frame on wheels. It eliminates the needs for lifting, all that is needed is a simple glide movement to aid with mobility and ensure their safety.
Elderly can make use of the walking frame on wheels to move around their homes without any help. (Yang, 2013) It had reassured users the safety of using the frame.
Telecare monitoring solution
A telecare monitoring solution that make use of a TV set-top box to assist with home care by monitoring the elderly safety and security. The system carries out a range of function such as tracking the elderly’s movement with video monitoring to prevent tragic mishaps and at the same time, providing them independence. (Lim, 2017) This solved elderly’s worry of falling without anyone being notified.
HealthHub App
Instead of relying on family members, elderly can make use of the HealthHub App to be empowered and equipped with health-related knowledge and tools to take greater ownership of their health and wellness. (HealthHub, n.d) They can also fill their knowledge with medical information, healthy eateries locations. Using the app would greatly help with the elderly’s independence.
Conclusion
Technology is undoubtedly essential in assisting elderly independence in different ways with the use of different technologies. Walking frame on wheels aids in elderly mobility, Telecare monitoring solution aids in elderly whereabouts and HealthHub App aids in elderly knowledge.
References
- Choo, F. (2018, January 09). New tech for old folk to live at home safely. Retrieved from J. (2013, November 22).
- Technological solutions for an ageing population. Retrieved from V. (2017, March 10).
- Wireless sensor technology to help keep an eye on elderly residents. Retrieved from Digital: How Supports Seniors and Caregivers. (n.d.).