How is Technology Boosting Our Quality of Life as We Age?
Technology has always been at the forefront of medical advances, changing the way that patients are diagnosed and treated, and even the way that nurses train. However, technology has now started to change how the public can interact with healthcare and medical professionals.
What new technology can help senior’s quality of life?
This article will focus specifically on the technologies can currently be used to boost the quality of life of seniors and to ensure that they receive the care that they need.
Ordering supplies over the phone
The boom in telephone and mobile usage has led to an increased focus on using them for medical reasons. For instance, rather than having to go to the doctor’s surgery in order to pick up and order prescriptions, seniors can now order medical equipment, such as essentials like incontinence supplies, over the phone. Many of these services also offer to deliver reminders that can prompt you to order equipment when you need it. This service can boost your quality of life by ensuring that you are able to focus on living your life to the full, without having to worry about appointments or remembering to schedule in your medication.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is one of the largest forms of technology that is starting to have an impact on medicine. For instance, there is now software that can be used to help to educate carers by simulating the world from their loved one’s perspective. This can be particularly useful in cases of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, when seniors may not be able to describe their experiences to others. This can then improve the care and compassion that they receive.
Artificial intelligence and robotics
Artificial intelligence and robotics are also being used prominently in order to increase the quality of life of seniors. For instance, seniors are now able to download apps that can remind them to take medication, which can help them to stay in communication with loved ones, and which can prompt them to perform actions that may benefit their health, such as going for a walk.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine grants older people access to specialists who they may have to wait a long time to speak within physical surgeries. This also ensures that they can access healthcare, even if they live in a remote area.
How can you start to use this technology?
One of the barriers to introducing this technology is the fact that many seniors are not computer literate. If you are struggling to use telehealth technology, you should consider signing onto local computer literacy classes in order to combat the issues that you have with particular software.
Fortunately, many healthcare providers can explain to you the different technologies that are on offer to you and take you through how to use these. If you are interested in digital health and believe that this may benefit you, you should chat to your GP about this immediately.
You may also need to invest in the necessary equipment to access these services. For instance, smart devices can allow you to use applications and to make phone calls remotely or by voice, and you will need a fast internet speed and a computer and mobile phone in order to make video calls and appointments.