Goals Regarding Aging and Digital Health Transformation
The aging population can live longer and keep their independence thanks to advancements in healthcare and technology [1]. Furthermore, 93% of those surveyed disclosed the desire to age independently from their home, regardless of their income and age [1]. Therefore, digital health transformations must promote independence and assistive care for the senior population, so they can maintain their quality of life. Furthermore, almost half of respondents reported using health technologies to assist in daily activities that are affected by the general aging process. Furthermore, 88% of respondents said assistive technology was able to improve their quality of life and allowed them to feel not only independent but safe as well [1]. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate these goals when designing technologies geared toward the aging population, so they can continue receiving the care they need from the comfort of their homes.
The Road Towards Healthy Aging
Although people are living longer than before, there is still doubt whether people are living a healthy life. A person may live ten years and even more with medium or poor health conditions [2], which will affect their quality of life. There are various methods to unleash the full potential of aging healthily. First, it’s important to invest in preventing disease, both clinically and non-clinically [2]. This can be done by improving access to care, but also by improving social determinants and financial hardships [2]. Another shift needed is improving how data is collected and measured [2]. For instance, standardized data is needed so we can analyze changes in the aging populations and if there are shifting priorities [2]. However, this must be done in a way that protects patients’ data.
The third shift is promoting interventions that promote quality of life. This can be seen with healthier diets, encouraging physical activities through stimulating devices, and even providing access to preventive measures [2]. Another shift is to unlock technologies that improve the general infrastructure of healthy aging [2]. This can be done through programs for retired populations that allow them to volunteer or even have second career options [2]. The next shift is to empower the senior populations to achieve their full potential [2]. This can be done with resources that provide education regarding health tools and prevention options. Furthermore, promoting a sense of community in the aging population is also crucial to promoting engagement toward a healthy lifestyle. Overall, digital health can fill the gaps and encourage older patients to choose and access healthier choices.
Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Health
Currently, monitoring older patients often involves wearable sensors that must be paired with other technologies such as phones and tablets. However, it would also be useful to incorporate sensors that are not wearable, but instead provide monitoring services from a patient’s home [3]. These can look like sensors that monitor older patients’ postures, sensors that detect falls, and even sensors to detect the progression of various chronic diseases [3]. This allows patients to monitor their health from their homes and gives them a sense of independence. Overall, digital health solutions will have to incorporate smart home systems that monitor, prevent, and diagnose diseases in aging populations. Therefore, digital health solutions must be created with the older populations in mind so they can gain the tools needed for a healthier life.
HITS
HITS collaborates with clinicians in the development of health informatics for all populations. We provide patient-centric tools that promote safe, timely, and equitable care. We tailor software and project management support products to meet our customer’s needs by incorporating human-centered solutions at every step. HITS also focuses on transforming health care by analyzing integrated medical solutions and evaluating information systems. Our goal is to enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship. Finally, HITS encourages and promotes secure and safe access to relevant electronic health information data.
References
- https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/more-older-adults-plan-to-use-digital-health-technologies-as-they-age-in-place-
- https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/living-longer-in-better-health-six-shifts-needed-for-healthy-aging
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02391-8#:~:text=While%20wearable%20sensors%20have%20become,of%20older%20adults33%2C34.
