Connected Communities: Technologies to Foster Aging at Home

Date & Time

Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 9:20 AM PDT  

Location

Orange County 3-4  

Description

According to the United Nations, all countries are facing growth in the proportion of seniors to their overall population. As people age, their needs change. Many seniors encounter difficulties related to social isolation, communicating with friends and family, access to care and support, community participation, risks of falling, medication management and independence. A more accessible home has the potential to promote connectedness and reduce isolation, increasing the opportunity for seniors to age in place. There is an array of assistive technologies (AT) available that can be integrated with mainstream technology to allow the sound of a voice, the power of touch, the press of a button or the blink of an eye to provide increased safety, socialization and independence. Technology can be a bridge to support the strategy of “aging in place”. The aim of our research was to pilot learning modules that would provide seniors with education and guidance on the safety, security, usefulness, access, availability, and cost-effectiveness of smart home technologies. The series introduced the applicability of smart home products within one’s daily routine. Mixed methods research was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of the program specifically in relation to independence, social isolation, technology use, perceptions of safety and comfort.  

Audience

• Information & Communications Technology
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation
• Insurance

Audience Level

Intermediate  

Session Summary (Abstract)

For many, remaining in their homes as they age is preferred. Attendees will learn how our Smart Home Suite inspired the development of an education series introducing the use of these products to seniors.  

Primary Topic

Independent Living  

Secondary Topics

• Digital Accessibility
• Emerging Technologies
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation

 

Session Type

General Track  

Presenters

• Marla Calder
  Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation
• Krista MacMillan
  Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation
• Emma Croken
  Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation

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