One issue that arises as we get older is being able to maintain independence to enable us to stay in our own home. With my parents now into their twilight years it was with interest I read this article on a “Smart Spaces Center” to be set up by PSU to look into ways to assist elderly people to live safely, comfortably and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Several kinds of “smart spaces” have been defined: personal, living, information and societal. “Smart information spaces” is where nanotechnology comes in. “Nanotechnology, information technology and biomedical advances can revolutionize the way people age – if these advances are implemented seamlessly and humanely,” it was noted. “Sensors in our garments, and perhaps even in our bodies, could constantly monitor heart rate and body temperature”. These technologies could be incorporated into home environments to provide information on medical problems and care, financial questions, and safety and security concerns, as well as opportunities for social networking . The sensors in garments aspect is interesting as NanoVic was involved in a project in 2007 called “ReSkin / Wearable Technologies”. The programme, involving artists, explored interactive clothing and design pieces, one of which was an indicator in a garment that responded to the wearer’s respiration.
Hopefully this study can address some of these issues so that by the time I get to that age I can stay at home longer - just so I may continue to annoy my family! But in all seriousness, I have seen the effects of someone who was placed into full-time care and it was sad to see them lose their passion for living due to the loss of independence.
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