Assistive Technology for the Elderly: Devices to Improve Daily Life
The global aging population is rapidly expanding at a rate of around 3.2% per year, quadrupling the average population increase of 0.8%. According to World Health Organization statistics, this means that the total population of individuals aged over 65 outnumbers those aged 14 and under (WHO Europe). There will be over 1.4 billion seniors by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050 (WHO International). While it’s a considerable step forward that generations are now living for longer, it’s essential to consider the additional technology needs of our seniors.
How do we ensure equity and inclusion for seniors in a society where the widespread use of online services and digital platforms for communication, commerce, and accessing information has become the norm? The answer: Assistive technology.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) refers to a broad range of devices and services designed to enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals facing physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Assistive technology solutions mitigate limitations and empower users to engage with the world around them, with general AT benefits including increased autonomy, improved communication, and enhanced accessibility.
Assistive Technology can usually be divided in to three types: low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech assistive technology. The following data summarizes these categories:
| Technology Level | Description and Examples |
|---|---|
| Low-tech | Simple tools like pencil grips and rulers. |
| Mid-tech | Includes examples such as magnifiers, braille and adaptive seating. |
| High-tech | The most advanced form including examples such as screen readers, text-to-speech and more. |
How Assistive Technology Benefits Seniors
The challenges faced by elderly individuals on a daily basis are multifaceted. A multitude of factors limit the ability of our aging population to engage in routine activities like shopping, banking, and self-managing accounts. It’s also common for simple tasks like reading and communicating to become more difficult as we age, and a reduction in problem-solving and decision-making ability is also typical. Plus, social isolation becomes a prevalent concern, as seniors often face challenges staying connected with friends and family, leading to potential feelings of loneliness and depression.
Assistive technology solutions act as a crucial support system, improving overall quality of life by addressing a spectrum of issues, including:
- Memory Loss
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vision Deficits
- Hearing Problems
- Mobility Issues
- Cognitive Difficulties
- Social Connection
Mobility Issues and Fall Prevention
Aging can expose seniors to a range of mobility issues like decline in muscle strength, poor balance, reduced flexibility and limited range of motion. These issues can stem from age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and sarcopenia, as well as chronic degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Seniors who have difficulty walking or moving around on their own are at higher risk of experiencing fall-related injuries.
In the United States, 25% of older adults who are 65 and above suffer from fall injuries each year. Fall injuries can lead to fractures, head injuries and other complications that can negatively impact seniors’ overall health and quality of life. Therefore, to maintain their independence and reduce their risk of injuries, seniors often need assistive devices to help them walk.
Common Types of Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are designed to support walking and help seniors who suffer from mobility impairment. The use of these devices depends on the specific requirements of the elderly. They can be especially beneficial for seniors suffering from Arthritis, Fractures, Obesity, Diabetic ulcers, Visual impairment, and Gout.
Canes
A cane is a mobility aid that provides support and stability while walking. It consists of a handle, shaft, and tip, and is made of different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. They are especially useful for seniors who are at risk of falling due to conditions such as dizziness or vertigo. Different kinds of canes can offer unique features to suit seniors’ needs:
- Quad canes: These have four feet and a wider base; they are better suited for seniors who need more support.
- Offset canes: These have an angled handle, which allows for better weight distribution and reduces strain on the wrist.
Walkers
A walker is a mobility aid that provides more support and stability than a cane. It typically consists of a metal frame with four legs and a handlebar for support. There are several types of walkers available for senior citizens, some of them include:
- Standard walker: This type of walker has four legs with rubber tips for stability and does not have wheels.
- Wheeled walker: This walker has two front wheels and two back legs with rubber tips.
- Rollator walker: This walker has four wheels, a seat, and a basket for carrying items.
- Knee walker: This type of walker has four wheels and is designed to support the knee while the other leg is used for walking.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are assistive devices that allow seniors who have limited mobility or are unable to walk to move around independently. Wheelchairs may be necessary for seniors with medical conditions that affect their mobility, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Types include:
- Manual wheelchairs: They are propelled by the user or by someone else pushing them.
- Powered wheelchair: These are electrically powered and are operated by a joystick or other control device.
- Transport wheelchair: They are lightweight and designed for easy transport, often used for travel or short-term use.