Upcoming Advancements in Assistive Technology Will Support the Wellbeing of Elderly

The evolution of technology has been helping the world with improved connectivity and mobility. Advancements in assistive technology and the emergence of medical devices have significantly improved independent living and accessibility for physically disabled and elderly people. Numerous assistive devices are available in the market that aid individuals in need to carry out daily activities much more efficiently with home modification and adaptation. The continual technological advancements in assistive devices propel market growth. 

Assistive devices aid in the improvement of the functional abilities of elderly and disabled individuals. It helps to restore deficient functions and allows individuals to participate in activities that would otherwise be difficult due to congenital or acquired impairments as they age. The demand for elderly and disabled assistive devices is increasing in the market with rise in the geriatric and disabled population. According to Allied Market Research, the global elderly and disabled assistive devices market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR from 2019 to 2026. The emerging economies and untapped markets offer lucrative opportunities for the industry.

Scientists and researchers are studying numerous technologies to assist elderly and disabled individuals with improved mental and physical well-being. A research team at the Center for Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering Solutions (PSG CARES) has successfully developed Gait Watch TM, a novel wearable fall prediction and gait monitoring device. Gait watch is an economical, simple, and easy-to-use gadget that aims to replace the specialized, rare, and expensive gait labs.

Gait watch monitors individuals with orthopedic, geriatric, or neurological diseases for stability issues and allows early detection and prevention of a probable fall. It also assists medical practitioners in assessing and quantifying an individual's gait wellness. Dr. L S Jayashree, Professor, Department of computer science and engineering (CSE), believes falls are the major cause of disability and morbidity among the elderly. Gait watch helps to gauge the fall risk score of an individual. The assessment model considers all possible quantitative and qualitative fall risk factors in the fall risk scores.

Market players are adopting strategic collaborations for market expansion with new launches. The toothbrush pillow, an FSA, and HAS eligible medical device is now available in the New Hampshire region. According to CDC.gov, nearly 10 percent of New Hampshire adults have independent living and self-care disabilities. The toothbrush pillow assists individuals with disabling health issues to maintain good oral health. The toothbrush pillow safely supports and balances the toothbrush until the user applies toothpaste, thus making routine tasks considerably easier for disabled individuals.

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Anthem Pleasant, inventor and entrepreneur, joined hands with the state agency and made the availability of the small device much easier and more reliable with home demonstration. The provider also offers the device for trial before purchasing on a short-term loan. Technology Act Programs (ATAP), a government-sponsored program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, facilitates the home demos of the device. Pleasant aims to supply the device to individuals with disabilities and the aging population in need by collaborating with government organizations.

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