Likely where AI cost benefit is being compared to human labor.
Washington DC, September 25, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, School of Health And Rehab Sciences October 13, 2023
What's Next Longevity Innovation Summit, Dec 7-8, 13, 2023
My Google blogger alerts have been blinking and beeping about the Virtual Dementia Tour, an offering from a non-profit called Second Wind Dreams. Profit from the sale of the kit (for professionals or individual caregivers) goes to programs that Second Wind Dreams sponsors -- a charity to boost focus and perception about residents in long-term care facilities. Sounds good. Nothing negative about the mission of Second Wind Dreams.The simulator kit, though, reminded me of the MIT AgeLab suit a young person can put on to 'experience' what it is like to feel old, under the theory that this may stimulate innovation among researchers.
So someone has got to say it, and I guess I am just grumpy enough to be the one. Putting goggles on, listening to a confusing tape, or struggling to move under a weighty age simulator suit -- these are the vehicles made for TV journalists, especially young ones -- who specialize in writing about a new 'experience'. But in my jaundiced view, these are distractions:
To net out my take on this (this is a blog, after all): Simulators like these are patronizing and problem-minimizing distractions from creating really helpful solutions based on observation and knowledge. The world of innovation is an amazing place -- where imagination and ideas spawn products (like Audiallo for hearing aids) that are developed and then tested with real people. No need for media-friendly simulation -- no need to personally simulate deafness to understand and provide help to those who have difficulty hearing. No need to try tasks with goggles on and racket in your ears to know that confusion is disorienting and frightening. You just have to watch the faces of people who have dementia to get it.
Watch. Think. Design. Learn. Help. Less media, more benefit.
Post script on 7/7/09:
It's been a bad month for seniors. The accidents are sad, but the press is also troublesome -- driving accidents among seniors seem to have boosted interest in the 'age simulator' suit. It is catching on with reporters who are seizing an opportunity to whip up some interest in 'describing how the suit helps with 'feeling the effects of aging' on driving and, therefore, interest in mandatory road tests. Let's see some analysis of traffic fatalities by age group -- from my casual searches, teenagers dominate. Then there are drunk drivers, and unlicensed drivers...
If insurance companies like Liberty Mutual screened driver risk out by age group, population segment, and history of behaviors and it was difficult to buy a car without a license, there would be far fewer drivers on the road.
Comments
Virtual Dementia Tour
Laurie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the Virtual Dementia Tour. I would like to add the following:
Latest Media Review on Virtual Dementia Tour™:
ABC Nightline Features the Virtual Dementia Tour (follow this link http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/AlzheimersNews/story?id=7961176&page=1)
Watch ABC Nightline co-anchor Cynthia McFadden participate in the Virtual Dementia Tour; an experience that in Cynthia’s own words “changed my life forever”. For additional information on how you or your organization can obtain a copy of this amazing “life changing” program – experienced by over 10,000 dementia caregivers! – please visit our website at www.secondwind.org.
The Virtual Dementia Tour™ is now available in both Group and Individual Editions! The VDT™ is a dementia simulation tool kit created for anyone seeking to understand the physical and mental challenges of those with Dementia. Experienced by over 10,000 family and professional caregivers, these unique, interactive products have been proven to improve communication and care. Proceeds from the purchase of any kits in this series go toward the fulfillment of dreams for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
It's an honor to be compared to an MIT program. Although I've not personally experienced the MIT Age Suit, I would welcome the opportunity! As a caregiver working in the Elder Care business for over 25 years, I have personally seen the Virtual Dementia Tour change the attitude of some of the sharpest healthcare providers. I actually felt as though it wouldn't have an impact on me because I had worked with dementia residents for so long - but after the tour, I was amazed at what I didn't know. It changed me forever and I can say without reservation that anyone working with elders in any capacity, would benefit from this experience. Community service individuals such as firemen and policemen, could also benefit in a big way!
Again, thank you for blogging on this subject. It's great to have someone out there watching those google topics beeping & blinking - and it's great that the VDT has made them blink even brighter and beep even louder!
From Second Wind Dreams
Laurie Labishak