A study entitled “Digital Health for Aging Populations” caught our attention recently for its comprehensive approach as well as for its forward-looking vision. The study, conducted by Chen and colleagues, explores the complex issue of how digital technologies can assist the elderly. The book is notable for both its comprehensive exploration of the subject and its visionary outlook.
The vision of the study is a network of sensors connected to the internet that are placed on the body of older adults and in their homes. These sensors will monitor the health of these individuals. These sensors would gather a wealth data that would be analysed using machine learning algorithms. What is the goal? The goal is to coordinate with remote caregivers, autonomous wearable therapeutic devices and provide optimal healthcare.
This vision is compelling and aligns with the many discussions we have had on this platform. We have previously discussed similar topics and the main barriers that prevent seniors from participating in the healthcare revolution. We identified three key cornerstones in our investigation of this topic:
- Technology Innovations Targeted: Sadly, very few technologies are specifically geared towards seniors. They are often accompanied by prejudices which can limit their effectiveness. If we want to see real progress in this field, it is important to address this barrier.
- Even when the technology is specifically designed for seniors, it is often too expensive. This creates an important barrier to entry, preventing many senior citizens from taking advantage of these potentially life-changing technology.
- Support for implementation: Even when technology is designed and affordable for seniors, they are often not given the support necessary to effectively use the technologies. The lack of support for seniors can make it hard to fully engage and benefit from the technologies.
These discussions confirmed what we already knew: There is a growing demand for digital health technology designed for seniors. The market gap is growing as the number of senior citizens increases and their care needs increase. Developers and providers are interested in creating digital health technologies that are specifically tailored for seniors.
As our healthcare systems improve, we are focusing more on the quality of life. While it is appealing to think about living beyond 80, 90 or even 100, the quality of these years is just as important as their quantity. In many countries the life expectancy is well above 80 years. We should focus on maintaining physical, cognitive and social well-being as well as preventing age related decline.
We’ve seen some technological innovations which promise to assist in achieving these goals. Among them are methods that aim to preserve mental and cognitive well-being, prevent muscle decline, and aid our senses. These technologies are a glimpse into the future and align with the vision of Chen et. al.
Its main idea, which discusses how health parameters should and can be measured to diagnose or prevent diseases in older people is commendable. The study also analyzes existing technologies that can be used for this purpose. This comprehensive approach represents a major step forward in understanding how technology can improve elderly care.
We must not overload the elderly’s homes (whether they are in an institution or at home) with technology. Healthcare, caregivers or elderly people should never have this goal. The focus should instead be on using the technology to improve care and quality of life rather than to add additional burdens or complexity.
These technologies, as always in digital healthcare, should be used to help the patient and caregiver build a stronger relationship. The technology should be used to facilitate care and not as a barrier. It should be used for improving the quality of the life of the elderly and helping them live their golden years in dignity, independence, joy, and with pride.
The Medical Futurist published the article Top 18 technologies for the aging population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda acupuncture and homeopathy are the five alternative medical systems.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that all diseases have natural causes but not always symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat ailments. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person and not just one body part. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine also includes treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Holistic medicines are also used by millions of people around the world who suffer from various kinds of diseases. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic doctors consider the whole body and not just the individual organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatments that aren’t recommended by mainstream medical professionals but have proven to be effective for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include vitamins, minerals and herbs, as well as amino acids, enzymes and probiotics.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
There is no consensus among health care providers regarding the best approach to integrating CAM into patient care.
Many CAM treatments are based off theories that have been around for thousands years. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Other CAM methods may have therapeutic effects on conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoidarthritis.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, more and more people are turning to CAM practitioners for relief from common illnesses.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Is holistic medical safe?
Holistic Medicine isn’t as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What can a holistic physician do that a traditional practitioner cannot?
A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.
A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This helps them find the root causes and to take preventative steps and long-term care. Holistic doctors also use herbs and essential oils to treat illnesses. They offer nutritional and dietary advice to help you live a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, holistic doctors offer therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and many others.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Top 18 Technologies For The Aging Populations
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/top-18-technologies-for-the-aging-populations
Published Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda acupuncture and homeopathy are the five alternative medical systems.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that all diseases have natural causes but not always symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat ailments. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person and not just one body part. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine also includes treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Holistic medicines are also used by millions of people around the world who suffer from various kinds of diseases. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic doctors consider the whole body and not just the individual organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatments that aren’t recommended by mainstream medical professionals but have proven to be effective for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include vitamins, minerals and herbs, as well as amino acids, enzymes and probiotics.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
There is no consensus among health care providers regarding the best approach to integrating CAM into patient care.
Many CAM treatments are based off theories that have been around for thousands years. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Other CAM methods may have therapeutic effects on conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoidarthritis.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, more and more people are turning to CAM practitioners for relief from common illnesses.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Is holistic medical safe?
Holistic Medicine isn’t as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What can a holistic physician do that a traditional practitioner cannot?
A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.
A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This helps them find the root causes and to take preventative steps and long-term care. Holistic doctors also use herbs and essential oils to treat illnesses. They offer nutritional and dietary advice to help you live a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, holistic doctors offer therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and many others.
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