Today, we celebrated my eldest son’s sixteenth birthday. Young and old alike enjoyed the burgers, mac and cheese and Aunt Di’s made from scratch cheese cake. As little as 100 years ago, the notion of a party, encompassing four generations, would have seemed impossible. Technology, most notably miniaturization, aided in today’s celebration.
Due to her tether to oxygen, my grandmother is only able to attend family events because of her portable, re-chargeable O2 apparatus. Looking back, I’m not sure when this technology pervaded our landscape but it is not uncommon to see folks at malls, restaurants or grocery stores with small, purse size oxygen supplies. These devices offer a clear testament to how technology and innovation can improve the quality of human life.
No longer limited by the reach of flexible tubing, oxygen dependent patients are able to engage with family and friends and maintain their independence, shopping for groceries, attending doctor visits, and retaining social commitments. As our life expectancy increases, improvements of this nature will be critical to preserving both physical and mental health.
Christine
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