Tech savvy Connecting to better health

BY JACLYN KASPRZAK

Technology has changed the way we live our lives. And for aging adults, it offers ways to remain healthy, independent, socially connected, and self-sufficient. With seven in ten American adults over seventy using smartphones, seniors are more digitally connected than ever.

“Technology has provided seniors with an opportunity to take charge of their health but also retain a continual interest in preserving their quality of life through prevention,” says Shahla Ahmad M.D., lead physician of the Age Friendly Geriatric Prevention Program at the Community Health Center of Buffalo. “This level of engagement is beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing.”

Several physical, social, and mental health related issues arise with age. Seniors who embrace technology often find themselves with autonomy that allows them to better manage these. “Seniors have been able to retain several aspects of their independence and stay at home longer,” says Ahmad. “This has helped to take a huge burden off the health care systems, nursing homes, assisted care facilities, including caregiver burnout.”

Reduced isolation

According to Ahmad, one of the biggest pandemic issues was social isolation leading to mental health problems. Tools like FaceTime and Zoom help people stay connected regardless of distance or health restrictions.

Timely health care

“The pandemic created an opportunity to accelerate technological evolution, especially in the field of health care,” says Ahmad. “Telemedicine allows seniors to comfortably reside in their homes and connect with all types of providers who have access to objective data using technology.”

Monitoring and tracking

Self-tracking apps monitor lifestyle behaviors such as proper nutrition and adequate sleep. SleepScore is an app that analyzes breathing rate and body movement during sleep, then uses the data to provide personalized advice and recommendations.

Nutrition-based apps like MyFitness Pal help adults maintain a healthy diet and nutrition.

Perhaps more importantly, “Smartphones and watches allow physicians to remotely monitor vitals, including heart rate and rhythm, physical activity status, blood pressure and blood glucose levels using Bluetooth continuous glucose monitoring (CGM),” says Ahmad.

Increased physical activity

Seniors with active lifestyles have decreased health issues and increased confidence and emotional well-being. “Studies have demonstrated that any form of aerobic and resistance exercise helps prevent progression of chronic disease and maintain muscle strength and integrity,” says Ahmad. “Inactivity is one of the major predictors for health complications including geriatric syndromes like frailty, muscular deconditioning, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and falls.” Smartphones, tablets, and other devices have all sorts of tools to engage you physically and mentally.

“With the use of smartphones, smart watches, and eHealth applications, geriatric patients can self-monitor their progress in real time,” Ahmad says. “This includes the number of steps taken, impact of their physical activity on their weight, blood glucose levels, heart rate and several other parameters.” This information is logged to help aging adults make independent changes or informed decisions with their provider. Senior Fitness is a free, easy-tonavigate mobile app with simple and low-impact exercises like head tilts, shoulder stretches, and heel raises. The majority of exercises can be done while seated.

Fall detection

Falling can be a serious health risk for seniors, particularly if they live alone. Smart devices can detect falls and notify designated contacts or call emergency responders. To help prevent falls, Ahmad recommends motion-activated lights near staircases and bathrooms, but “if someone is comfortable wearing a device, there are pendants that have SOS and life alert features that offer fall risk detection and monitor for abnormal vitals.” These systems allow caregivers remote access to daily patterns without invading privacy. These systems include Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, LifeFone, ADT Health, and Lifeline.

Medication management

Systems like the Hero Automatic Medication Dispenser can issue reminders, dispense meds, monitor medication usage, and notify caregivers when doses are missed. Smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa can be programmed to remind you to take your medication at certain times each day.

“Medications and supplies can be recommended and prescribed electronically via EMR systems to pharmacies within minutes,” says Dr. Ahmad. “Medication adherence and overdose prevention has significantly improved with the use of blister packs in addition to pillboxes with reminder alarms.”

Emergency assistance

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are included in wearable devices like the Apple Watch. PERS connect to in-home sensors that monitor movement, activity, and other vital signs. The data is reported in real time to caregivers, family members, and emergency responders.

“Many people assume that seniors may not be interested in new forms of technology,” says Ahmad. However, most have shown they can adjust to an everevolving technological landscape. The key is to start with easier and low-tech options first.” FY