ABSTRACT
AIMS: The primary objective of the SmartSenior@home study was to examine the acceptance of the SmartSenior system by older adults. METHODS: Twenty-eight partners from industry and research, including the health care sector, worked collaboratively to implement services aiming to maximize independence in old age. The prospective cohort study was conducted in Potsdam, Germany, with n = 35 older adults between 55 and 88 years of age in their apartments. All participants underwent extensive pre- and post-study visits with in-home interviews, functional assessments for cognition, fine motor skills, and mobility as well as responding to questionnaires on user acceptance and quality of life. RESULTS: The results indicate moderate-to-high user acceptance for the SmartSenior system. In particular, the services for general assistance and health, such as audio/video communication, blood pressure monitoring, and communication with a health professional, were rated as very attractive. Less used and less accepted services were those promoting social interaction and reminder services. CONCLUSION: Besides reliable functioning of the SmartSenior system, the availability of a confidant seems to be the most significant acceptance factor. As one conclusion of this trial, it is possible to develop, integrate, and test an infrastructure for ambient assisted living services in real life.
Subject(s)
Independent Living , Monitoring, Physiologic , Quality of Life , Telemedicine , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Assisted Living Facilities , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
We examined genotoxic damage and frequency of micronuclei in people living in the Bekilli and Suller districts of Denizli city who had been diagnosed with pleural plaques as a result of environmental exposure to asbestos. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 30 volunteer patients 59-86 years old who did not smoke or consume alcohol and who were diagnosed with calcified pleural plaques. We also examined 30 healthy controls with similar features, who also lived in downtown Denizli. Micronucleus frequencies, nuclear division index, and mitotic index were determined. Micronucleus frequency, nuclear division index, and mitotic index were significantly higher in patients who had been exposed to asbestos than in the controls. We conclude that asbestos had a genotoxic effect, resulting in an increase in micronucleus frequency and other changes in patients diagnosed with pleural plaques secondary to asbestos exposure.
Subject(s)
Asbestos/toxicity , Environmental Exposure , Pleural Diseases/chemically induced , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Micronucleus Tests , Middle Aged , Mitotic Index , Pleural Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of falls occur within the domestic environment. Sensor-based identification of falls in seniors' homes could help them to remain autonomous and self-sufficient in their own homes. The objective of this study was to evaluate fall detection systems within the home environment using optical and accelerometric sensor systems. METHODS: Portable triaxial accelerometers and optical sensors were used to detect falls in subjects with known problems of mobility and a recent fall history. RESULTS: Three subjects were investigated with the system. Overall nine falls occurred during the study period. Four falls were recorded by the accelerometric system and one fall by the optical system. Subjects with increased risk of falling as measured with mobility and fall risk assessments tend to fall more frequently. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is a considerably large difference between fall-detector evaluation studies in domestic environments and in laboratory trials.
Subject(s)
Accelerometry/instrumentation , Accidental Falls/prevention & control , Accidents, Home/prevention & control , Optical Devices , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Video Recording/instrumentation , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Algorithms , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Male , Mobility Limitation , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Risk Assessment/methods , Social EnvironmentABSTRACT
Demographic change is posing an enormous challenge for societies in industrialized countries: the number of elderly and chronically ill is on the rise, whereas the number of people in the work force is declining. Assistive technology can be an important factor in this process and will help to alleviate shortcomings of the present system. The following example of the joint research program "SmartSenior", which began in mid 2009, shows the stakeholders, challenges, and future trends of assistive technology for the elderly. There is potential for the application of modern technology in three areas: in the training of senior citizens' abilities and skills, in supporting the activities of daily life, and in the continuous monitoring of vital functions.
