Assistive Technology

“Assistive technology is any service or tool which can help an older person or a person with a disability perform activities that might otherwise be difficult if not impossible” (Facts: Assistive Technology). Such technologies include walkers, magnifying glasses, wheel chairs, and scooters. Based on the definition, it would appear that assistive technology is not a new conceptive.   Nevertheless, it is critical to many seniors, allowing independent living and avoidance of long-term nursing or home-health care. 

When we examining longevity in conjunction with the contemporary American lifestyle is it any wonder we are living longer?  We have clean, bacteria free water supplies in our homes, eliminating the need to seek or transport water.  We have modern waste treatment, allowing us to dispose of both excrement and landfill refuse.  Stable, predictable power supplies permit refrigeration, limiting food spoilage, and air-conditioning, preventing heat related health issues.

Assistive technologies abound and are enabling longer, healthier, more self-sufficient aging. It is often easy to become excited by unprecedented medical breakthroughs such as genome mapping and stem cell research.  However, it is actually the small, seemingly insignificant adaptations that often provide the greatest value. Consider the introduction of the first eyeglasses in Italy at around 1286 (Wikipedia).  How many discoveries or inventions would have been lost or delayed without the introduction of this assistive technology?

Christine

 

Facts: Assistive Technology.  Administration on Aging accessed on 22-August-2014, http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/Press_Room/Products_Materials/fact/pdf/Assistive_Technology.pdf.

Glasses.  Wikipedia accessed on 22-August-2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasses.