AGEING GRACEFULLY: How MedTech innovations are helping older Australians live better

It’s no secret that the Australian population is ageing,?with older Australians a growing proportion of our societal fabric. The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare found that?in 2017, 15% of Australians were aged 65 and over, a figure projected to increase steadily over the coming years.

While our population may be ageing, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that people want to do so on our own terms, retaining the lifestyle they have become accustomed to and not letting go of their freedoms. Australians want to stay active, independent and in control for as long as they can. This means continuing to be both socially and physically active, as well as being able to stay in their own homes.?

According to?Johnson & Johnson,?people over the age of 65 years use approximately seven times more health care-related products and services than younger people.

Advances in MedTech are crucial for staying self-sufficient for longer, and are the key contributor to preserving the independent lifestyle older people desire.?

Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Robotics and other cutting edge technologies are the key to retaining autonomy.

MedTech has come a long way since the development of clunky, fall pendants that older people were ashamed to wear, and protruding hearing aids that were clearly visible. Older people want attachments that offer solutions, not stigmas.

Emerging wearables of the modern era are discrete, and often stylish. The latest cutting edge Virtual Reality home help isn’t something to hide, it’s something to brag about with friends over coffee.

Here are some of the latest breakthrough trends that are popular in MedTech which have made growing older gracefully much easier.

Fall detection watches

Up to 70% of hospitalisations for elderly people occur because of falls.

A medical alert watch is ideal for anyone who wants to continue living in their own home for longer. With GPS technology to keep the wearer connected to friends and family, help is always at hand.?These attractive devices can also track vital signs like heart rate, as well as physical activity and sleep quality. They can also provide reminders to take medication reminders.

Replacing embarrassing looking pendants, cloud-enabled fall detection watches like?MePACS Solo?have better functionality and appeal.

Virtual reality to combat Alzheimer’s

Founded in 2017,?Neuro Rehab VR?provides a virtual reality experience for older patients undergoing physical therapy following a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury or who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases.

Virtual Reality can also be used to train carers to see through the eyes of their patients as illustrated by?Embodied Labs, who use immersive training platforms to embody the perspectives and conditions of their patients, gaining immersive insights they wouldn’t be able to get from training tools.?

Wearables?

Facett?is the world’s first modular self-fit hearing aid, designed in Australia by RMIT’s Dr Leah Heiss. The elegant hearing solution has won numerous high-profile design awards due to its sleek appearance. Dr Heiss also designs SOS jewellery, stylish diabetes accessories and a range of other high fashion functional MedTech devices.

Amplifon?develops the latest in cutting edge hearing technology that are so small they can barely be seen, can be charged overnight, also provide biometrics and connectivity with smartphone devices.

Telehealth

The pandemic has seen Australians adapting to the technology associated with telehealth and remote consultation. This culture shift has seen improved accessibility for the vulnerable, or those living in remote areas.?

In order to receive care and consultation with the same regularity, Australians have had to adapt to technology and new ways of thinking, regardless of age. While it has been a move away from the norm for older Australians, the 50+ bracket have stepped up to the challenge, and in some cases reaped better benefits.?

The CareSide, a home care service provider based in Western Australia, has published a?report?on Australians' perception of telemedicine, gauging their comfort with its technology and preference between teleconsultations and in-person visits.

In the report, 56% of respondents aged 65 and above and 83% of those aged between 40 and 64 indicated that they were comfortable using telemedicine and remote consulting.

The Australian government has been providing telehealth services since last year March. It has?extended its provision until the?close of 2021?with an additional A$114 million ($88 million) budget.