1 April Simmons February 20, 2017CS 8803AT Assistive Technology Aging April Simmons February 20, 2017
2 Outline Definition Causes Physiological EffectsPersonal, Familial & Social Effects AT Use & Acceptance
3 Definition: Stages of Life0-2 years: Infancy 2-12 years: Childhood 13-18 years: Adolescence 18-25 years: Young Adulthood 25-40 years: Adulthood 40-60 years: Middle Age 60+ Old Age 60-65 Later Adulthood 65+ Old Age 65-74 Young-old 75-84 Middle-old 85+ Old-old
4 Causes & Effects Causes Why does aging cause changes in the body?Being born Living past 60, or 65 Why does aging cause changes in the body? No definitive theory Damage is a popular theory Aging affects everyone differently Genetics, gender, race, lifestyle, attitude 3 Types of AT
5 Anatomical Changes: Effectsbone loss results in: susceptible to fracture and osteoporosis shrinking with age joints become less resistant vulnerable to injury and to arthritis decrease in strength, size and endurance of muscle tissue diminished skin cells skin becomes thinner and less elastic leads to wrinkles, bruising and tearing easier, longer to heal, more vulnerable to infection, less able to get Vitamin D from the sun TIME CHECK: 10 min As you age, you lose more bone than you make Bones become thin and susceptible to fracture Can lead to osteoporosis which is a condition of progressive bone less that is painful, disfiguring and debilitating vulnerable to injury from wear and tear repetitive motion and stress arthritis: characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints
6 Anatomical Changes: FactorsGenetics bad habits: smoking, drinking, sedentary lifestyle intake of calcium and vitamin D some medications and medical conditions regular weight-bearing exercise good posture sun exposure and sunscreen use Genetics can play in play a part in whether you get osteo. Caucasian and Asian women are more likely. Certain medications and medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can accelerate bone loss On the flip side, regular weight-bearing exercise helps reduce bone less, reduce joint pain and stiffness, retain muscle strength and endurance "Inactivity wreaks much more havoc on muscles than time does” sun can cause skin damage like brown age spots and skin cancers but too much sunscreen can block your skin's ability to use the sun to produce vitamin D
7 Anatomical Changes: AThelp the elderly stay active e.g. more recovery time, location of equipment, alternate exercises help with painful movement e.g. lifting chairs, walk-in tubs help with reduced height e.g. re-arranging cupboards
8 Cardiovascular Changes: Effectsincreased stiffness of the chest wall diminished blood flow through the lungs reduction in the strength of the heartbeat although the body compensates by pumping more blood per beat takes longer to recover from stress, shock, surprise, exertion artery walls slowly thicken and become less elastic more vulnerable to normal wear and tear buildup of plaque restricts flow of blood to the heart and brain greater risk for stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney failure, etc. diminished circulation less able to regulate body temperature more susceptible to hypothermia &heatstroke less able to perceive cold blood vessels in skin don't have youthful ability to conserve heat may not be able to shiver which is heat-producing lack the ability to dissipate normal body heat decreased sense of thirst, so may suffer from lack of fluid
9 Cardiovascular Changes: Factorsdiet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol and low in fiber sedentary lifestyle elevated total cholesterol levels, esp. LDL gender stress technological advancement of the country you live in LDL is low density lipoproteins, the "bad" cholesterol leads to plaque buildup thought that estrogen may help keep blood cholesterol lower risk of heart attack and stroke from clogged arteries but after menopause, women's risk rises steadily each year They don't know why high blood pressure is more likely with age Studies show that less technologically advanced countries have virtually no high blood pressure with advancing age, while industrialized nations such as the United States show a steady increase.
10 Cardiovascular Changes: ATstroke detection Samsung EDSAP (Early Detection Sensor & Algorithm Package) BURL concepts temperature regulation e.g. Nest thermostat regular reminders to drink water e.g. high tech water bottles healthy eating E.g. Samsung WELT TIME CHECK: 20 min Around 66 % of people who have a stroke die or are left with permanent physical disabilities EDSAP is still a prototype a headset that records electrical impulses in the brain mobile app that analyzes the brainwaves, determines likelihood technology could eventually be built into glasses, hairpins BURL concepts: portable battery powered ultrasound device for detecting and potentially treating strokes Samsung WELT It measures your waistline and sends alerts when you overeat. It tracks the steps you take and the amount of time you’ve remained inactive, and provides actionable insights based on these measurements
11 Gastronomical Changes: Effectschewing becomes more difficult, chew more slowly, may not chew as efficiently esophagus doesn't contract as forcefully wallowing larger pieces of food takes about 50 to 100% longer to make its way to your stomach more vulnerable to choking some don't produce enough or any stomach acid due to gastritis faulty vitamin B12 absorption anemia, irreversible nervous-system impairment, risk factor for heart disease prone to gallstones prone to lactose intolerance gut/colon becomes sluggish and less toned vulnerable to constipation liver shrinks handle certain medications differently prone to ulcers kidneys shrink
12 Gastronomical Changes: Factors & ATslowing down and chewing food thoroughly amount of fat in diet consuming dairy products with food, or smaller amounts drinking plenty of fluids AT: apps for detecting lactose e.g. Dairy Free Fast Food TIME CHECK: 26 min fluids helps preserve kidney function
13 Immunological Changesdecreased immunity by impairing production of antibodies shrinking thymus gland increase possibility of confusion in immune system body will turn against itself and destroy its own tissues autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus Factors: eating healthy, exercising, good habits AT: help with moving around, performing (I)ADL's reachers orthotics replacing small switches and doorknobs rearranging the house thymus gland: produces hormones that keep our immune system intact
17 Sensory Changes: Hearing Loss hearing loss at all frequencies reduced ability to detect changes in pitch of sounds makes your speech less understandable Factors: gender walls of ear canal thin out eardrum thickens hair cell loss in the inner ear Factors: nerve damage, injury, exposure to loud noise, certain medications AT: anything that helps with hearing Men are more prone to hearing loss
18 Sensory Changes: Smell & Tastelessened sense of smell trouble savoring the flavor of food Factors: zinc deficiency damage from infections some medication AT: (see previous discussion) sense of small changes vary from person to person your sense of taste for sweet, salty, bitter, and sour foods may be remarkably intact until you're well into your seventies?? zinc deficiency can cause a decreased sense of taste some damage from infections such as flu, colds can be permanent
19 Cognitive changes memory lapses information processing slowstrouble multitasking may lead to: mild cognitive impairment (MCI) Alzheimer's Affected by: physical activity, healthy diet, mentally stimulating activities, social interaction, high blood pressure AT: (see previous discussion) Alzheimer's includes trouble with language or recognizing objects social interactions wards off depression and stress which can contribute to memory loss smoking in middle age and older might increase your risk of dementia
20 Interactions with DisabilityAge-acquired disability Aging with disability TIME CHECK: 40 min
21 Personal, Familial & Social EffectsPersonal effects Ability to perform ADL, IADL, EADL Independence & dignity Self-concept AT: ADL technologies, whole home technologies Familial effects Caregivers, role in the family AT: aimed at caregivers, virtual visits, afterwards Social effects Reduced social opportunities AT: increased mobility, virtual visits Instrumental activities of daily living
22 AT Use & Adoption Design SES Gender Race Culture
23 AT Use & Adoption - cont’dHuman Barriers Lack of information and knowledge Safety concerns Failing to meet perceived needs Concern of losing functional capabilities AT Barriers Complexity of AT AT experienced as obstacles Device Failure Context Barriers Financial Limitations Physical Environment Limitations Actually AT can help reduce functional decline And improve well-being by promoting independence And reduce depressive symptoms And increase levels of social participation
24 Benefits of Aging Less negativity – higher self esteemGreater emotional stability Clearer priorities Wiser perspective Better able to see big picture Brain plasticity Knowledge AT needed: has fun with aging Let’s put the “It’s On” back in gerONtology! Science now knows that our brains continue to grow neurons as we age and can reshape itself in response to what it learns Retirement Senior Discounts Wisdom Perspective Not giving a sh*t
25 Questions? Old age is no place for sissies. -- Bette DavisAge is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. -- Mark Twain or Jack Benny Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative. -- Maurice Chevalier Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney Questions?
26 References ry/documents/life_span_chart_final.pdf process/aging.htm changes-and-symptoms?page=43 depth/aging/art ?pg=2