BOCA RATON, FL - Over the past thirty years, traditional medical alert systems have enabled seniors and other individuals to live independently, with the ability to notify emergency personnel of problems with a pendant, watch or other electronic device. The limiting factor to this technology, however, has been the requirement of users to remain within close proximity to a receiver or base unit, inhibiting the ability to travel outside of a few hundred feet from their home.
The Business of Aging -- or Aging and Implications? Just came back from a stimulating conference in a delightful and sophisticated city -- Toronto. Sponsored by the Government of Ontario and the MaRS Discovery District, this conference was titled 'The Business of Aging'.
I have heard from a number of folks in recent months about the businesses they are starting, some number of whom have published what they want to do or are doing on the Forum link on this site. So I would like to ask and answer a few questions about doing so. In particular:
Concord resident Jim Reynolds last month opened Caring Companion Connections, a home services agency that adds a 21st century twist to in-home elder care.
CCC’s caregivers, known as Companions, use smartphones, such as BlackBerrys, to upload photos, activity logs and daily reports to a Web portal tied into a landline at the client’s location and viewable by loved ones in other cities or towns.
As we celebrate our holidays (or don't) -- maybe surrounded by our aging parents (or maybe not) -- let's give some thought to how older people connect with others, stay safe and well, and keep on contributing to the world around them. Here are five reminders about care about our older relatives, things we can all initiate, that have some technology elements. This advice is, of course, easier to give than it is to follow.
