Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence


Book Description

Independent living with smart technologies Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence: The State of the Science brings together current research and technological developments from engineering, computer science, and the rehabilitation sciences, detailing how its applications can promote continuing independence for older persons and those with disabilities. Leading experts from multiple disciplines worldwide have contributed to this volume, making it the definitive resource. The text begins with a thorough introduction that presents important concepts, defines key terms, and identifies demographic trends at work. Using detailed product descriptions, photographs and illustrations, and case studies, subsequent chapters discuss cutting-edge technologies, including: * Wearable systems * Human-computer interactions * Assisted vision and hearing * Smart wheelchairs * Handheld devices and smart phones * Visual sensors * Home automation * Assistive robotics * In-room monitoring systems * Telehealth After considering specific high-technology solutions, the text examines recent trends in other critical areas, such as basic assistive technologies, driving, transportation and community mobility, home modifications and design, and changing standards of elder care. Students and professionals in the rehabilitation sciences, health care providers, researchers in computer science and engineering, and non-expert readers will all appreciate this text's thorough coverage and clear presentation of the state of the science.




Active and Assisted Living


Book Description

This is a broad introductory handbook, for academic and industry researchers, covering the major technologies and applications in Ambient Assisted Living (AAL). Set out in three main sections: Part 1 focuses on current state-of-the-art technology and critical analysis: Part 2 covers the applications of these technologies; and Part 3 includes general issues such as usability, accessibility, privacy and ethics. With contributions from around the world, topics covered include: smart homes, environmental sensors and data fusion, wearable sensors, devices and smart clothes, standards and interoperability, computer vision for AAL, reasoning systems, person-environment interaction, networks and integration platforms, assistive and service robotics, tele-care and telehealth, gait analysis, fall prevention, detection and intervention, prevention and management of chronic conditions, support to activities of daily living, mental health and cognitive stimulation, indoor and outdoor mobility, well being, social interaction and isolation, usability, accessibility, privacy and ethical issues. Active and Assisted Living is an essential resource for researchers in academia and industry developing AAL technologies. Students, healthcare practitioners and engineers, in this cross-disciplinary field, which includes robotics and automation, telecommunications, computing and healthcare, will find this handbook of use.




Handbook of Smart Homes, Health Care and Well-Being


Book Description

Smart homes, home automation and ambient-assisted living are terms used to describe technological systems that enrich our living environment and provide means to support care, facilitate well-being and improve comfort. This handbook provides an overview of the domain from the perspective of health care and technology. In Part 1, we set out to describe the demographic changes in society, including ageing and diseases and impairments which lead to the needs for technological solutions. In Part 2, we describe the technological solutions, ranging from sensor-based networks, components, to communication protocols that are used in the design of smart homes. We also deal will biomedical features which can be measured and services that can be delivered to end-users as well as the use of social robots. In Part 3, we present best practices in the field. These best practices mainly focus on existing projects in Europe, the USA and Asia, in which people receive help through dedicated technological solutions being part of the continuum of the home environment and care.




Policy and Research Needs to Maximize Independence and Support Community Living


Book Description

Living independently and participating in one's community are priorities for many people. In many regions across the United States, there are programs that support and enable people with disabilities and older adults to live where they choose and with whom they choose and to participate fully in their communities. Tremendous progress has been made. However, in many cases, the programs themselves â€" and access to them â€" vary not only between states but also within states. Many programs are small, and even when they prove to be successful they are still not scaled up to meet the needs of the many people who would benefit from them. The challenges can include insufficient workforce, insufficient funding, and lack of evidence demonstrating effectiveness or value. To get a better understanding of the policies needed to maximize independence and support community living and of the research needed to support implementation of those policies, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a public workshop in October 2015. Participants explored policies in place that promote independence and community living for older adults and people with physical disabilities, and identified policies and gaps in policies that can be barriers to independence and the research needed to support changing those policies. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.




Technology for Adaptive Aging


Book Description

Emerging and currently available technologies offer great promise for helping older adults, even those without serious disabilities, to live healthy, comfortable, and productive lives. What technologies offer the most potential benefit? What challenges must be overcome, what problems must be solved, for this promise to be fulfilled? How can federal agencies like the National Institute on Aging best use their resources to support the translation from laboratory findings to useful, marketable products and services? Technology for Adaptive Aging is the product of a workshop that brought together distinguished experts in aging research and in technology to discuss applications of technology to communication, education and learning, employment, health, living environments, and transportation for older adults. It includes all of the workshop papers and the report of the committee that organized the workshop. The committee report synthesizes and evaluates the points made in the workshop papers and recommends priorities for federal support of translational research in technology for older adults.




Assistive Technology for the Elderly


Book Description

Assistive Technology for the Elderly addresses the intricacies involved in the design and development of assisted technologies for the elderly, covering smart systems such as magnifying book contents, speaking electronic devices, alarms for doors and windows, smart alert bands, panic buttons, medication dispensers and reminders, Wander Gard, physiological parameters monitoring systems and smart home monitoring systems. This book is aimed at those who are responsible for designing assistive technology intended to be used by the elderly. It lays out the technology that is already available and covers user needs and state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. - Focuses on practical devices and technology for engineers - Offers deep coverage of sensor based assistive technologies that are elderly for people with dementia, physical disabilities and people living alone - Covers assistive technology ecosystems and offers case studies for practical application




Aging, Disability, and Independence


Book Description

Includes 15 papers submitted for the Fourth International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence (ICADI). This publication focuses on aging and disability-related services, and research development and policy. It is suitable for research and development personnel, practitioners/service providers, policymakers, and consumers.




Wireless Technologies for Ambient Assisted Living and Healthcare: Systems and Applications


Book Description

"This book provides explanations of concepts, processes and acronyms related to different areas, issues and trends in various areas of wireless technologies for ambient assisted living and healthcare, focusing on emerging wireless technologies and innovative wireless solutions for smart home environments"--Provided by publisher.




Technologies for Active Aging


Book Description

The challenge of population aging requires innovative approaches to meet the needs of increasing numbers of older people. Emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as pervasive computing and ambient assistive technology, have considerable potential for enhancing the quality of life of many older people by providing additional safety and security while also supporting mobility, independent living, and social participation. The proposed book will be a landmark publication in the area of technology and aging that will serve as a statement of the current state-of-the-art and as a pointer to directions for future research and emerging technologies, products, and services.




Advances in Home Care Technologies


Book Description

An ageing population is burdening social and healthcare services around the world, and this problem is likely to get worse as the percentage of older people continues to rise. Many governments are already responding to this challenge, and a key element in their strategies is the development and deployment of computer-based telecare and telehealth technologies to support care at home in a cost-effective manner. Human involvement in care continues to be central, but home care technologies can offer reassurance, and support routine aspects, to the benefit of all concerned. This book provides an up-to-date overview of key advances in the relevant technology, with an in-depth examination of the latest research in various home care technologies by experts in the field. The book mainly discusses the results of the Mobilising Advanced Technologies for Care at Home (MATCH) project, co-ordinated by the University of Stirling in Scotland, but work on related projects is also included. The book will be of interest to all researchers and practitioners in the fields of telecare and telehealth, policymakers in these areas, and providers of social and healthcare with an interest in technology.