For many seniors, the prospect of losing their independence is terrifying. Fortunately, new technologies involving algorithm-driven artificial intelligence (AI) are making it possible for seniors to stay at home without sacrificing their health or their access to quality care.
A. Hasan Sapci, MD, assistant professor of healthcare informatics, assessed emerging elder-care technologies in “Innovative Assisted Living Tools, Remote Monitoring Technologies, Artificial Intelligence-Driven Solutions, and Robotic Systems for Aging Societies: Systematic Review,” published in 2019 in JMIR Aging. “These technologies allow clinicians to collect real-time data using remote monitoring technologies, wearable devices, sensor networks and smart homes,” he explained. This data can help clinicians quickly identify and address health issues in patients who live independently.
In addition to promoting independent living, these technologies may also enhance the quality of care people receive. “Several novel sensors and customized data analytics solutions use deep learning to construct a prediction model,” Dr. Sapci said. “Determining trends, developing customized patient monitoring solutions and implementing strategies to improve healthcare will reduce the risk of hospital readmission.” The greater the success rate of their initial treatments, the more patients will experience better health outcomes at lower costs.
If current research trends continue, Dr. Sapci believes, custom AI technology solutions could be the key to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of different aging populations.
Sapci, A. Hasan, and H. Aylin Sapci. “Innovative Assisted Living Tools, Remote Monitoring Technologies, Artificial Intelligence-Driven Solutions, and Robotic Systems for Aging Societies: Systematic Review.” JMIR Aging, vol. 2, iss. 2, 29 Nov. 2019.