No matter how many songs and commercials spout the living forever and remaining young theme, aging is an inevitable part of life. While it is possible to embrace the changes and age with grace, there are some health issues that can arise that come with the need for a little assistance to perform tasks and remain active and independent. Assistive technology is one way to help ease the aging process.
Aging
Biology-online.org defines aging as "the gradual changes in the structure and function of humans...that occur with the passage of time, that do not result from disease or other gross accidents and that eventually lead to the increased possibility of death." Aging is a natural process that cannot be avoided. The process affects individuals differently and at a different rate based on factors like genetics, overall health state and environmental factors
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is any sort of tool or service that helps someone who is older or disabled continue to perform normal activities they have always done, but now may need to do differently due to the effects of age or disability. These tools may be called adaptive devices as they help the person adapt to their new way of life. Assistive technologies have a spectrum from something simple like a walker to scooter to navigate large spaces.
Issues
As people age there are certain health issues that create the need for assistive technologies. The bones, muscles and joints of the body begin to shrink in size and density with the aging process. Losing density weakens bones, which means they are more susceptible to breaking and the muscles, tendons and joints lose strength and flexibility. This makes tasks like walking, opening jars, standing for long periods of time and general movement harder. Bladder control is also affected by incontinence. Eye sight decreases with age. The eyes have more trouble adapting to different light levels and are sensitive to glare. Hearing is also affected and general conversation and high frequencies are harder to hear.
Types
Eldercare.gov provides a listing of assistive technologies that can help the aging. Adaptive switches modify existing switches to things like air conditioners, computers and telephones and can be used by the voice or mouth. A telephone amplifier can be implemented to help send and listen to messages. Homes can be modified by building ramps, adding handles or handrailings or changing shower equipment to allow for sitting during showers. Mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers are also forms of assistive technology. For the blind or hard of hearing sensory enhancements like a telecaption decoder for TVs are forms of this technology.
Considerations
Using assistive technologies is one way that the elderly can continue to live on their own without having to go to a long-term care facility. For some, these aids are necessary for everyday function. A needs assessment is imperative to decide what items are most critical for an individual in terms of high or low technology. Consideration should be given to the tasks that where help is necessary, how up-to-date the technology is, will needs change in a short period of time and does the technology meet one or more needs.
