Technology is like an interesting challenge for every age— the more familiar you feel with a rung, the faster you want to set foot on to your next fascinating discovery. As you ascend to cutting-edge AI tools and machine learning, the older generation, too, isn’t far behind— a generation that was once overwhelmed by technology has now joined the digital revolution, embracing innovation like never before. A crucial aspect of their life that can improve significantly with digitization is healthcare. A recent study found that mature adults are opening up to the idea of health tech; they’re willing to put their faith in the power of futuristic innovations and monitoring systems for the elderly, to take on a more active role in managing their health.

Care from the comfort of your home 

An early diagnosis can make a life-saving difference— it can help healthcare providers make more efficient treatment decisions and enable people’s recovery and capability to live better. Similarly, the opportunity to minimize visits to hospitals and health clinics can be priceless for someone dealing with a health condition. Innovations like point-of-care tests that enable testing in remote locations and deliver laboratory quality results in a matter of minutes are helping people get tested without having to find their way to a clinic or laboratory. For elderly people with mobility issues, those living in areas with limited access to a reliable laboratory, or immunocompromised people prone to infections, the option to perform self-tests at home with the assurance of accurate results, can make a world of difference— this makes it possible for elderly patients to receive care at home for certain conditions that may otherwise have needed hospitalization.

Connecting the dots

Be it at home or in a clinical setup, monitoring is never simply about reporting numbers… it is an integral part of care that defines the future of your health. But no one likes being reminded of their health condition or being asked to get tested multiple times a day, even though this may be a practical necessity. Health technology can make discreet monitoring possible for the elderly, with intuitive biosensors and monitoring systems. Advanced aides like continuous glucose monitoring systems and minimally-invasive remote monitoring cardiac devices painlessly track your health data, allowing you to go about your day. They keep you connected to your caregivers and healthcare providers, giving real-time updates, alerting them and you to any irregularities or abnormalities that may need immediate attention. This gives older people a chance to become more self-reliant, while caregivers, too, can breathe easy without the worry of having to deal with an inadvertent health episode. The data helps physicians understand each patient better and offer a more personalized approach to care. 

Looking beyond the pill box

Adhering to your treatment plan is non-negotiable to ensure good health and to avoid any critical episodes, especially for people with a health condition. As you age, a new addition joins the contents of your bedside drawer— a pill box! But even with the carefully allocated schedule, it is easy for older adults to delay or miss out on their medicine dose, or on following their doctor’s advice. Health tracking apps can be the aid you need to support your health— these digital tools provide you with the latest information on your medical condition, and keep track of your routine with regards to your physical activity, medication, and nutrition. They reward positive behavior patterns and gently nudge you with reminders and alerts when you seem to stray from your routine, making it easier for senior citizens to stick to their schedule and practice healthier habits such as logging in medications and meals.

Nurturing an active life

The familiarity with technology paves the way for elderly people to realize the benefits of other health innovations— the data and insights they derive from their device can make them more aware about your health condition and the need for a healthy lifestyle and nutrition intake. This allows them to open up to other enablers of healthy aging like scientific nutrition.

Nutrition is one of the vital cogs in the wheel of good health, empowering you to live a more active life. A life of independence and dignity is a basic human desire, and there’s no reason to have to compromise on it as you age. The ability to take charge of your health can empower you to unlock the potential to a vibrant and fulfilling life. Health technology is making this possible, by keeping you connected to your healthcare providers and helping you manage your health condition better. Advanced diagnostic tools, monitoring systems for the elderly, health tracking apps and scientific nutrition enable healthy aging, giving you the confidence and peace of mind to explore all that life has to offer, on your own terms.