Active and Healthy Aging using IoT Systems

The percentage of the world population of people over the age of 65 is increasing and it is estimated that 68% of them face physical limitations and weaknesses. This impacts their movement and everyday activities, leading to an unhealthy environment. However, thanks to IoT trends, healthy aging, and elderly healthcare have never been better. Countries like Dubai and many others have adapted to IoT-based solutions to improve the life and living of elders. IoT in Dubai in the field of elderly healthcare is truly a remarkable feat and how countries use IoT solutions to benefit elders is a way forward for every society:

• Smart home security – IoT devices and sensors create cognitive system, capturing every aspect of an elderly person’s movement. These devices also help maintain ambient temperature and humidity as per the requirement of the people and constantly monitor for any variation. Unusual activity or deviation from the norm is flagged and alerts are sent to the concerned person for immediate action. These devices also can also be programmed to contact a nurse or physician in case of an emergency. thereby speeding up assistance, when required.
• Smart health equipment – Elderly health care and monitoring is very crucial to flag any abnormalities at an early stage. Wearables and smart devices help track and collect data on the health of a person constantly. This data is then collected and analyzed by the physician. These IoT devices pick out red flags in case of an emergency. Personalized diet plans, exercise regime, optimum sleep time, online appointment booking with the doctors and any more advantages make this framework irresistible.
• Smart tele-metrics – With aging elders, critical care is most important and with the digital advancements of IoT, care systems can be set up at home to monitor the vitals of the patient for immediate care. This helps the patient get their treatment and check-ups from the comfort of their home, visiting the hospital only when required.
• Smart wellness framework – With age, the physical strength tends to decrease. IoT devices help in creating a personalized exercise regime and diet plan to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This workout is also monitored to gauge the levels of stress and tiredness to eliminate any abnormalities.

All these devices might sound fancy and unnecessary, however their benefits overweight the cost and other parameters:

• Healthy and sustainable lifestyle with a better quality of life
• Lower reliance on clinic visits and support staff
• Better health and social care
• Leveraging technology to stay on tp of things
• Immediate access to healthcare and proactive diagnosis

Empowering our previous generation to stay strong and healthy is the only way to provide care and protect the aging population. Applying IoT to eldercare systems will not only keep track of their health but will also give greater peace to the entire family. And it is time to embrace technology to lead better and smarter lives!