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Groundbreaking technologies and design innovations can improve older people's quality of life

Published on November 10, 2009 at 3:54 AM · 1 Comment

A 2,600 foot model home unveiled today transforms the idea of aging in place by using groundbreaking technologies and design innovations that make it possible for more older adults to remain independent and at home for longer. This one-of-a-kind home is on display at McCormick Place in Chicago as part of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging's (AAHSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition from November 9-11.

The AAHSA Idea House features the best in universal design and technologies that can improve older people's quality of life while reducing health care costs, encouraging healthy behavior change, improving safety and providing caregivers with support. Most important, these features can result in better health outcomes and provide peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones.

"From sensor systems to high-tech medication dispensers to height-adjustable cabinets that lower so that people in wheelchairs can access them, technology and design have converged to make aging easier - and safer - in today's modern world," AAHSA CEO Larry Minnix said. "We are pleased to be able to bring to life a vision that can be within reach of every elder in America."

More than 90 percent of the products on display at the AAHSA Idea House are on the market today. Product highlights include:

Comments
  1. Sylvia Sylvia Australia says:

    Dot was a lady who had a brain tumour in 1998 and underwent 3 neuro surgeries. Over the next 9 years she gradually lost all living skills to the point where she had no speech or comprehension, unable to walk far, or do anything for herself. In late 2007, I took a different perspective. Regardless of her disabilities, she was still alive .. and inside her, she probably still had unexpressed dreams and hopes for her own life but was unable to physically achieve them for herself. So why not help her achieve all she could be ? I purposely planned days of doing something different. As we did each activity, it was so uplifting, we tried even more challenging activities .. the fun increased exponentially .. the interactions with people were amazing .. and it helped show that often older people miss out on so much living.

    There is an inspirational saying on the internet "That we should skid into our grave sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, our body all used up and yelling wow, what a ride!"

    That's what Dot was able to do.

    Her story: www.dotsamazingadventures.com

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News-Medical.Net.



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