Living Longer, Living Better
By Kojo Nnamdi Show,Publication Date: March 30, 2009
Broadcast interview with Majd Alwan, Director of the Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST), who discusses assistive technologies (AT) for aging-in-place. During the 52-minute program, Mr. Alwan describes technologies enabling the growing population of seniors, referred to as the “Silver Tsunami,” to age safely while remaining at home. Simple technologies such as fall detectors and talking clocks are discussed, as well as “therapeutainment,” systems such as the Nintendo Wii which provide cognitive stimulation and exercise combined with entertainment. Also described are technologically advanced ATs such as home monitoring systems, which can comprise motion detectors, behavior monitoring, and medication prompting. Barriers to seniors’ acceptance of monitoring services explored are denial of need and fear of intrusion of privacy. Suggestions for overcoming these barriers include presenting monitoring systems as an alternative to assistive living, or introducing them in combination with balance and strength exercises and home modifications such as removal of thresholds and other obstructive objects. The cost of monitoring services is outlined, and reimbursement programs are described, such as those of the Veterans Administration and Medicare, which reimburses the cost of health-monitoring services for 60 days post hospital discharge. Mr. Alwan also discusses issues with listeners calling in such as the distribution of information about AT through senior centers; finding AT information on the Internet, of which ABLEDATA was a suggested resource; and the mining of data from electronic health records to improve patient diagnosis.
Published by: WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio (Website:http://wamu.org/)
Link to text: http://wamu.org/programs/kn/09/03/30.php#25490
Link to audio: http://wamu.org/audio/kn/09/03/k2090330-25490.asx
