This article originally appeared in the fourth issue of SenbridGe Sees in Spring 2018 and was written by David Stoller, Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation.
At SenbridGe Spring’s 2018 Tech showcase, Baycrest’s Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation will highlight the growth and evolution of innovative solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for the world’s aging population.
Featured innovations that demonstrate an exciting and important push towards understanding and addressing the lived challenges and experiences of our aging population included:
Connected meditation assistance tools for brain health and quality of life, in high-risk older adults and caregivers
Interaxon’s Muse is a consumer EEG technology designed for use in acquiring the skills, and realizing the brain health benefits, associated with meditation practice. The Muse headband connects to a smartphone and engages users in an immersive audio brain-feedback experience to develop a healthy habit of mindfulness. This CABHI-funded project is testing the utility of Muse as an intervention tool for older adult patients and their caregivers. The principal aim is to test the viability of the Muse platform within the clinical setting to determine if the solution can improve quality of life (for caregivers and patients) through technology-assisted meditation.
Virtual Reality (VR) Dementia Simulation
By improving caregiver empathy and understanding through virtual reality, we can improve healthcare provider and lay person care provision for people with dementia. For this VR proof of concept, the project team is focusing on developing 360-degree videos to trial with formal and informal caregivers. The goal is to determine if the use of VR simulation will increase caregiver awareness, understanding, and empathy levels by, to some degree, “entering” the life of someone with dementia.
Keeogo-Rehab ™ Dermoskeleton ™
Worn on the lower body, Keeogo reads an individual’s body position and movements, and interprets their mobility intentions to help them along the way. Keeogo does not initiate any movement but waits for the individual to lead. Once they make the first move, it provides the leg power needed at any given time according to the activity. Such a solution can help older adults maintain their independence as they age, thus helping them age in place, rather than moving to a long-term care setting. This CABHI-funded project seeks to acquire both quantitative and qualitative evidence that supports the use of exoskeleton gait training in a clinical setting.
Also in this issue:
Diversity and Decision Making: A Recipe for Success Calling Canadian Businesses: Innovate to Improve the Aging Experience Let's Get Physical: Ontario Develops New Active Living Centres for Seniors
...and more. Click here to continue reading!
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