Technology can improve the senior living experience in multiple ways. From AI-powered tools that improve senior dining to radar-based fall prevention, the latest tech in senior living is creating new possibilities for safer and more enjoyable experiences for residents and their caregivers.
The Importance of Tech in Senior Living
The Population Reference Bureau says there were 58 million Americans aged 65 and above in 2022. By 2050, this number is projected to hit 82 million – an increase of 42%.
As the senior population surges, providing the care these people require will become an even greater challenge. New tech could help free up time, allowing senior living staff to focus on providing care. In addition, technology can help meet the social, mental health, and physical needs of an increasingly diverse senior population.
Generative AI in Senior Living
Since ChatGPT launched in 2022, multiple new generative AI tools have hit the market. Some of these could be useful in the senior living sector.
HealthTech explains how generative AI large language models can reduce administrative tasks for senior care staff by automating things like data entry and scheduling. Plus, seniors can use voice assistants based on large language models to find information and navigate technology without needing to deal with tablets or smartphones – something that may be challenging for seniors.
Radar-Based Fall Prevention
The CDC says more than one in four seniors falls each year. Some of these falls are life-threatening – approximately 3 million result in emergency department visits each year – but around half are not even reported to the senior’s doctor. Unfortunately, even these falls may be serious. Plus, falling once doubles a senior’s risk of falling again.
For senior care staff, monitoring and preventing falls is an ongoing challenge, especially when falls occur in private rooms. Helpany has a new solution: the company offers a radar-based motion monitoring tool. The device enables round-the-clock motion monitoring and provides caregivers with information on risk factors, such as when residents are wandering at night, sedentary for longer periods, or changing walking speeds.
Robot Pets Provide Companionship
Pets provide seniors with many mental and physical health benefits. Unfortunately, some seniors are unable to take care of pets, meaning pet ownership is not always possible. Robot pets are providing an alternative. These animatronic dogs and cats feel and sound like real animals, which is soothing.
In a pilot study by the New York State Office for the Aging, 70% of seniors who received animatronic pets reported a reduction in loneliness and 75% reported a reduction in pain. The office launched an animatronic pet initiative to give animatronic pets to seniors experiencing social isolation. Since 2018, more than 31,000 animatronic pets have been distributed in the initiative.
And if dogs and cats aren’t your style? According to Interesting Engineering, researchers at Aberystwyth University have developed a robotic pet dragon. The dragon does more than provide companionship – it also monitors a person’s movement and provides data to caregivers.
Virtual Reality for Seniors
Virtual reality allows people to experience three-dimensional and lifelike simulations. By donning high-tech virtual reality goggles, people can experience things they would not be able to in their daily lives. For seniors who are struggling with mobility problems and social isolation, virtual reality is a gamechanger.
Stanford University conducted a study to see how seniors experience virtual reality. Although older seniors reported lower levels of enjoyment, enjoyment was high overall. Caregivers also reported a positive effect on their relationships with seniors. According to AP News, some seniors reported extremely high satisfaction, saying their virtual reality sessions brought back old memories or stimulated all their senses.
Senior Dining Technology
Mealtime is an important aspect of life for seniors – it’s a chance to engage the senses and socialize with others. However, if seniors are unhappy with their food options, their nutrition and overall health may suffer.
The senior population is becoming more diverse, which is leading to more diverse food preferences. Technology can provide better meal personalization. Restaura has developed an AI-powered tool to analyze feedback from seniors, making it possible to tailor dining experiences based on real-time feedback.
Tech in senior living helps residential care facilities take care of staff and residents alike. So does insurance. Tangram provides residential care facility insurance through the Personal Care & Assisted Living Insurance Center (PCALIC). Learn more.
