Companion and social robots are helping older adults fill this void ,
decreasing anxiety and loneliness , while providing peace of mind to family caregivers who can ’ t be with them . For example ,
Joy for All Companion Pets has a line of furry , lifelike robotic dogs and cats , with a calming heartbeat and the ability to move , roll over , bark or purr , and respond to touch , motion , or voice .
Intuition Robotics is currently testing
ElliQ , a chatty social robot billed as “ the sidekick to happier aging .” ElliQ is like a virtual assistant combined with a small tablet , both of which perch on a charging base that can sit on a table or desk .
“ Digital companions help aging family members feel acknowledged and form a routine on their own ,” says Dor Skuler , cofounder of Intuition Robotics . “ They can supplement the work of the caregiver during a time when they aren ’ t able to be around as frequently .”
Care seniors can wear
For family caregivers who can ’ t be with their loved ones 24 / 7 , wearable devices such as
smartwatches with fall detection ,
sensors in shirts that record biometric data , and activity trackers can provide assurance that their family members are healthy and safe . For example , the new
Apple Watch Series 6 can measure blood oxygen levels , take an electrocardiogram , and alert family members if it suspects its wearer has fallen .
The voice-controlled
Kanega Watch was specifically created for older adults . If it thinks they ’ ve fallen , it buzzes and flashes an emergency message . If they don ’ t respond , it connects to a call center . It can also be programmed for medication reminders .
Garnet Persinger , 80 , of Pittsboro , North Carolina , wears her Kanega Watch all the time . “ If you live alone , you need to have an easy way to get help ,” she says .
For family members with Alzheimer ’ s , the
GPS Smart- Sole can notify caregivers if someone has wandered or gotten lost . The insert is placed in a senior ’ s shoe and tracks their location , notifying family members via text or email if the person goes beyond set perimeters .
Smart devices that help caregivers from afar
A 2018 AARP survey found that three out of four people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as they age . Smart-home technology , with devices powered by voice control , artificial intelligence ( AI ), and smart sensors , are making it safer to age at home , while keeping caregivers informed . “ Technology is getting better , easier to use , cheaper , and much better tailored to the needs of older adults and their caregivers ,” says Majd Alwan , senior vice president of technology and business strategy for
LeadingAge , an association of nonprofit providers of aging services .
The new care app
BrioCare , with voice control via Amazon ’ s Alexa , is geared to seniors aging alone . Along with curated content , video chats , and photo sharing , they get disease-specific tips , spoken medication reminders , and refill alerts , and can tell their smart speaker if there ’ s an emergency . Through a mobile app , a family member can program reminders for appointments , medication , and daily routines , or personal messages in their own voices .
Smart , connected home devices including
thermostats ,
light bulbs , and faucets can be controlled via voice command or mobile app . A
smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector will not only notify an older adult by voice or alarm , but also send smartphone alerts to caregivers and can even connect with other smart devices to unlock doors or turn on lights . And , home sensors placed around the house can alert family caregivers to a health issue . For example , if a sensor in the refrigerator hasn ’ t been triggered all day , it could be a sign that a parent hasn ’ t eaten or isn ’ t feeling well . New devices in development even use AI to
predict a potential fall , helping seniors prevent a dangerous situation before it happens and giving family critical information to determine what kind of care is needed most .
“[ Tech like this ] will revolutionize how we age , deliver , and receive aging services in the future ,” says Alwan .
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