Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence: The State of the Science.

Abstract

We live in a technological world with a rapidly ageing population. With age, increases are seen in cognitive impairment, motor/movement impairment, and hearing and visual impairment, leading to an increased likelihood of hospitalization for older adults. Considering the rapid growth both of North America's ageing population and of technology, it makes good sense to develop and apply smart technology to help older adults maintain or improve their heath and quality of life. William Mann's Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence: The State of the Science is a timely and informative book for researchers, clinicians, and students in rehabilitation, medicine, or engineering, as well as for people who have elderly family members and friends. The first chapter provides detailed information about older adults, disability, and technology as well as clear definitions of key terms used throughout the book. Relevant socio-demographic data and trends of ageing, disability, and technology are presented in a very accessible format for readers. What this book does especially well is to introduce and explain smart technology to help older adults with disabilities in a practical way, making it easy for readers to apply the information to their own particular field or need. The technology discussed in the book ranges from the very basic—such as walking aids, canes, and hearing aids—to the very advanced, including robots and smart houses. Some readers may find the more advanced technology a bit difficult to understand, and this information may be less relevant for older adults with limited financial means. In Chapter 4, the health conditions most common among older adults are categorized (e.g., vision, cognition, and mobility/movement problems). Assistive devices applicable to each category are listed and described, including (1) electronic reading devices for older adults with visual impairment; (2) different types of hearing aids for elderly persons with hearing impairment; and (3) wheelchairs and other self-care devices for older individuals with mobility/movement impairment. Information about the use of each device is provided, as well as pictures, descriptions, costs, and technical details. Some chapters introduce the technology or device information in an easy to read and compare tabular format, enabling readers without previous technical training to read and enjoy the book. Chapter 10 presents common causes of older adults’ injury and death (e.g., falls, fire, or medication errors). Both low- and high-technology devices that can prevent older adults from injury or death are then described. Detailed information as to how smart technology can help older adults maintain their health and quality of life is provided throughout the book. Overall, this book introduces technology for older adults with disabilities in a user-friendly way and leaves readers feeling comfortable with these new developments. Technology will likely be an important part of our future, one that can make older adults’ daily lives easier, safer, and more comfortable. This is a wonderful book, especially for clinicians, researchers, and students in rehabilitation, medicine, or engineering, to update current knowledge or acquire new information about smart technology applicable to older adults with disabilities. I am certain that it will inspire these types of readers and provide them with great ideas for their research or clinical programs for older adults.