The Evolution of Tech for Disabilities and the Elderly

By -

Source: https://dotincorp.com/shop/product/dot-watch-1-a/ 


I have previously touched upon the subject of how smart tech has been and is currently being developed to improve the quality of lives for those with additional needs. These pieces of technology are being designed to blend in with everyday items, like watches, while improving the lives of individuals.

In the UK alone, there are around 2 million people that live with sight loss. Statistics also show that by 2020 this will increase to around 2,250,000. There are various companies that have already started developing watches that will improve the quality of life of those suffering from sight loss. The brand Dot has created a sleek, modern watch, which connects to the user’s phone and vibrates and translates text messages and notifications into braille.

Even more recently than smart watches, are devices like Alexa from Amazon. These voice-activated technologies have huge potential to assist the elderly and the disabled in their everyday lives.

Last month, SNL created a sketch, highlighting the struggle of the older generation trying to use Alexa, Amazons voice activated home assistant. This prompted a huge twitter conversation into how Amazon should create a viable version for the elderly.

Recently at TechCrunchDisrupt NY 2017 Hackathon, there was a discussion with regards to how this could become a reality, and how this device could have the capabilities of providing support.
The ‘elderly Alexa’ will be able to interact through daily reminders and provide the names of medication the user requires. It will also answer queries about medications the user has, ensuring they take the correct dosage of medication, whether it is in the form of tablet or liquid medicine.

This piece of tech will also send an email to allocated family members so they can track their care. However, the device won’t just be for the elderly, it will be for anyone who requires additional care.

Source: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/merch/2016/ALEXA/CP/TEST/alexa-cp-echo.jpg


The UK has more than 11million people who are hard of hearing, with more than 70% of over 70 year olds suffering from hearing loss. Although hearing aids are a brilliant invention, communicating with big groups can be hard, preventing individuals from living a good quality of life.

For these individuals, too much conversation can be overwhelming and difficult to follow, which could lead to the sufferer choosing not to go out and socialise with others.

With the innovative mobile phone app, Ava, joining in with big group conversations has become easier for anyone suffering with hearing loss. The app translates speech into colour coded text, so the individual can be more involved and participate in group conversations.

With creators broadening the horizons of current products, assistive apps and devices could be the breakthrough technology needs to really start benefiting the everyday lives of those with additional needs. It will be interesting to see what heights innovators can take this to, and how they will contribute to people’s lives. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Movie Moments with Hot Air Balloon Rides

By -
Image
Having recently booked my first hot air balloon ride I have started to notice just how many are featured in my favourite movies. In reflection, this is probably where I got the idea from! Subconsciously developing the romantic idea of soaring above the world. In the spirit of my new plight for air balloon flight (you like what I did there?), here are my top five hot air balloon movie moments: 1. The Ugly Truth Spoiler alert for anyone who has not seen this movie! For everyone else, I thought I would cover this one off early and quickly confess that I, man and ambassador of all that is masculine, did enjoy The Ugly Truth. Okay, so it is effectively a ‘rom com’ but this dude, played by the undeniably commanding Gerard Butler , is my hero. He is convincing as a ladies man who knows it all and calls women on all of their over analytical issues. The moment when they argue in the hot air balloon and he appears to have finally ‘tamed the shrew’ – a very pretty shrew played by the s
Read more

How To Throw the Ultimate Uni House Party

By -
Image
Prepare To Party What makes the ultimate Uni House party one to remember? To be honest, it’s probably the top class shenanigans that carry on into the wee small hours. The ones that make Uni life headlines, are talked about for weeks afterwards and then reminisced about years down the line when you might have forgotten the names, but never the faces. However, the best way to get you and your mates to let your hair down and forget the pile of essays waiting to be written, is to get properly prepared and put a bit of effort into creating a wicked atmosphere. Now, I may be teaching a grandmother to suck eggs here but let’s run through a few pre party essentials.  Love Thy Neighbour Tell the neighbours you are having the party and tell them well in advance. Sounds obvious I know, but the amount of parties I’ve been to  that have had neighbours coming round during the party screaming bloody murder are too many to mention. Be nice to them, take them a cake when you go round, b
Read more

Staycation: Embracing the Sun in the UK

By -
Image
With the awesome weather blessing the UK, it is most definitely calling for a staycation. Often less stressful and cheaper than going abroad, these locations are bursting at the seams with attractions for you to fill your time with! London Source: Bendavisual on Unsplash Why fly yourself to Venice, Italy this Summer, when you could visit Little Venice in London at a fraction of the price? Take a trip in a water taxi which resembles the traditional gondolas in the Italian city. Enjoy waterside cafes, pubs and restaurants during the summer months. Whilst enjoying the air of Italy around London, you can also enjoy the extravagant Georgian architecture and great outside spaces. If you are from out of the UK, you simply cannot leave without a taste of a British delicacy — pie and mash. This classic dish should be enjoyed in the East End for authenticity or in a higher end restaurant for a gastronomic rendition of the delicious dish! Manchester This City is home to some amazi
Read more