Home > All articles Is technology a key to aging in place? Older adults have positive attitudes toward using technology so they can function independently at home, even though they may not be sure what those technologies are. Opinions about technologies, such as home security services, sensors to detect falls and devices to regulate temperature, lights and appliances, were collected in a survey of 907 people ages 65 years and older. Three-fourths of older adults supported the use of telemedicine to diagnose or monitor health conditions remotely, for example, by having a cardiologist diagnose or monitor a heart condition using information transmitted electronically from the primary care physician's office or their home. More than 9 in 10 support the use of telepharmacy allowing their doctor to monitor their medications and send prescriptions to the pharmacy. With the exception of door or window alarms, fewer than half were aware of electronic devices that regulate the house's temperature, lights and appliances (40%), activity monitors (35%) and sensors to detect falls (21%). They were very aware of personal emergency response systems (91%), and unaware of electronic pill boxes (13%). However, they expressed a strong interest in using television-based and Internet monitoring with provider communication and the electronic pillboxes. The major barriers to using these technologies were cost and perception of need. "The ground is fertile for the use of caregiving technology to flourish," said Elinor Ginzler at AARP. "Almost nine in 10 older Americans want to be able to stay in their own homes and they are willing to use technology that can help them do that. Cost, however, is the elephant in the room-how to pay remains a big obstacle." SOURCE: AARP (March 28, 2008) & http://www.icaa.cc   By K.S. Date 14-04-2008 Print this article | Send to a friend | React to this article