Deteriorating bone health is part of growing old, which is why bone-density tests are part of routine health checkups for older people.
Seniors are more prone to osteoporosis, while reduced density in the vertebrae combined with fluid loss in the intervertebral discs could result in a curved posture. In the long run, this would reduce the affected person’s mobility and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The good news is that innovations in health technology could help to make life easier for the elderly. Here are a few promising developments and future prospects.
1. Osteoporosis prevention
In a way, the deterioration of bone health in the elderly is inevitable, but there are ways to slow it down. The OsteoBoost device, for example – developed by United States-based company Bone Health Technologies – is aimed at preventing osteoporosis.
This device delivers vibrations to the hips and spine, the frequency of which can be calibrated to suit the individual needs of a patient.
Preliminary studies have shown that half-hour sessions using the OsteoBoost helped maintain bone density in all participants. The idea behind the device comes from Nasa technology, which found that vibrations help prevent bone loss in astronauts.
2. Activity sensors
Activity sensors such as fitness trackers and applications have been growing in popularity in recent years. Data from these sensors could help detect and prevent bone-health issues early, and could also be used to ensure patients adhere to their treatment plans.
As technology improves, there might eventually be systems for monitoring a patient’s gait, where changes to the way they walk and move could indicate the onset of osteoporosis.
3. Adaptive interfaces
As artificial intelligence continues to develop, devices could have adaptive interfaces that are customisable according to the needs of the user.
Soon, homes could have interconnected devices that monitor the activities of a patient, and make adjustments based on their requirements and behaviours.
This would be useful in ensuring that those with bone-density, and hence mobility, issues continue to lead comfortable lives, with their condition and whereabouts constantly monitored to ensure safety at home.
4. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is very promising right now, especially with advances in communication and connectivity. It makes it possible for doctors to diagnose bone-health issues even when he or she is in a different place than the patient, and is also promising when it comes to mentoring medical professionals who are based in different locations.
This advancement is very useful since seniors with bone issues find it difficult to move around. It would be helpful for them to be able to seek medical expertise virtually, even though it might remain likely that doctors have to physically examine a patient before coming up with an accurate diagnosis.
This article first appeared in The New Savvy.
The New Savvy is Asia’s leading financial, investments and career platform for women. Its vision is to empower 100 million women to achieve financial happiness by delivering high-quality content through conferences, e-learning platforms, personal finance apps and e-commerce stores.