Gerontechnology: remote patient monitoring

Abstract

Gerontechnology is coined from two words; Gerontology which means the study of old age as well as Technology. Research in the field aims at identifying the needs of the people in their old age as well as encouraging and promoting technological innovations in products and services that address older peoples’ needs; in order to enhance personal independence, maintain health, prevent diseases and enhance leisure. Improvement in diet, health care as well as environment factors has seen an increase in the life expectancy of people. But as people become older challenges among them frail health arises. Traditionally families lived together such that it was expected as one grows old there will be his/her children who will take care of them. But in recent times there has been an upsurge in rural urban migration where the young move to urban areas in search of employment leaving their old parents behind. These are people who may not know when to take prescribed medications or monitor other vital signals. Left on their own health deteriorates very fast and at times results with preventable death. The importance for gerontechnology is increasing because of the high ageing population. This paper attempts to awareness on technological responses to monitoring health of old people. The use of remote monitoring tools to address health issues of the aged is considered.