Smart Advances in Healthcare for Geriatric Patients

Biomedical science is recognizing the value and importance of applications utilizing SMART technologies in the care and treatment of our aging population. Improved health and social care over recent years has increased life expectancy worldwide. As a result, nearly 7% of the world’s population is now over 65 years of age. The proportion of older people is predicted to rise approximately 20% by 2050 worldwide [1]. The increasing number and proportion of older adults requires a greater focus on policies and resources to meet the needs of this growing global population. Smart home technologies encourage and allow aging individuals to live longer in their own homes.


Review
Biomedical science is recognizing the value and importance of applications utilizing SMART technologies in the care and treatment of our aging population. Improved health and social care over recent years has increased life expectancy worldwide.
As a result, nearly 7% of the world's population is now over 65 years of age. The proportion of older people is predicted to rise approximately 20% by 2050 worldwide [1]. The increasing number and proportion of older adults requires a greater focus on policies and resources to meet the needs of this growing global population.
Smart home technologies encourage and allow aging individuals to live longer in their own homes.
When we speak of this technology, SMART stands for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. Recent clinical research [2][3][4][5] has identified the value and benefits of wearable SMART technology for various populations raising the question as to whether there may be beneficial use with individuals in treatment for health-related conditions. Wearable SMART technology employs digital technologies to collect health data from individuals in one location, such as a patient's home, and electronically transmits the information to healthcare providers in a different location like a primary health care center for assessment, monitoring and compliance [3].
In consideration of these applications there are several home systems and devices that can enable seniors to live in their own homes longer. Seniors have benefited from remote monitoring types of technology to aid them in having quick access to emergency networks. Seniors with early stage Alzheimer's Syndrome or similar neurological conditions have benefited from these automated home features. These devices can help foster a safe and independent living environment. Personal wearable SMART technology devices are already available and the subject of research beneficial to a growing geriatric population. Among these is the Apple "iWatch" which offers close to a dozen different sensors, tracking the wearers' health and fitness metrics in terms of steps taken, calories burned, blood glucose, sleep quality, blood pressure and heart rate. There are several customized services available for families who have a senior family member needing monitoring.
Applications to create a "SMART Medical Home" [6] will impact the care and treatment of seniors and aid caregivers who may benefit from computer based technology in their homes to provide necessary monitoring of behavior and maintain health and wellness for the aging population worldwide.
Specialists in the aging community are engaging biomedical professionals in recognizing the value and benefits of utilizing SMART tech¬nology options in providing clinical care [7]. E-health, which is the use of telemedicine and telecommunications for healthcare practice, is utilizing technology-based diagnostic and treatment strategies that have the potential to deliver benefits to a broad range of individuals who experience complex medical conditions [3,5,8]. SMART technology is a form of synchronous or asynchronous healthcare delivery that may serve as an adjunct to standardized forms of clinical treatment intervention. SMART technology incorporated into the collaborative efforts of biomedical science and practice clinicians provides a significant pathway in the prevention, early detection, and treatment intervention strategies for geriatric patients [5]. The use of SMART technology in self-monitoring compliance, health, wellness and behavior change with patients motivated to utilize SMART technology in complying with prescribed clinical treatment continues to contribute to biomedical science.