Aging Services Technologies: A Study in Contradictions

At first glance, this issue of Tech Time may appear to be a study in contradictions. But those contradictions hold a key lesson for the field of aging services technologies.

On the One Hand: Positive Roles for Technology

On the one hand, our August newsletter features an impressive collection of articles demonstrating the increasingly important role that innovative digital solutions are playing in field of aging services. 

Consider, for example, how: 

  • Startups like CareLinx and Honor are working to use technology to increase quality and efficiency in the home care sector. 
  • A new mapping project from the Federal Communications Commission underscores how the availability of broadband connectivity is associated with better health status in both rural and urban areas. 
  • A 10-year study showed that a new type of computerized brain training could reduce a player’s dementia risk by 48%. 

Clearly, technology is really beginning to make a big difference in the lives of older adults. That’s very good news for providers of aging services and the older people they serve. 

On the Other Hand: Low Use of Tech Among Elders

The contradiction I referred to earlier comes from the conclusions of an important new study that appeared recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers found that older adults are not embracing digital health technology in great numbers. 

In fact, the majority of older adults, especially those who are poor, are not taking advantage of technology, including the solutions CAST members are working so hard to develop and promote. 

That’s not good news, by any means. But it doesn’t diminish the value of technology, in my view. It only means that we need to work harder to get the right technology into the hands of older people who could benefit the most from it.

I agree with the study’s lead researcher, who suggests that we need to put much more effort into developing “usable technology platforms … for seniors who are not adept at using mobile and computer technology.” 

CAST has long called for technology developers to work more closely with consumers when developing their “next big ideas” for aging services technologies. These companies have so much to offer older adults on the technology front — including a wide range of solutions that enhance social engagement, improve care coordination, or facilitate the management of chronic disease.

This study reinforces the need for these technology developers to include older consumers in the early stages of the design process and really listen to what they have to say. Only then will our technology solutions become useful, usable — and used.

Having said that, I also firmly believe that one of the primary reasons for lower technology usage rates is low awareness among older adults, their caregivers, and providers. We should double our efforts to raise awareness about the availability, efficacy, and effectiveness of these solutions, which is what CAST is striving to do through its technology planning and selection tools.

Updated Medication Management Portfolio

Speaking of technology selection tools, CAST has just updated its Medication Management portfolio, which is designed to help long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) provider organizations identify and select products designed to reduce medication-related errors and improve coordination and communication across the various phases of medication management.

The updated portfolio includes the following components: 

 

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to review this portfolio of tools and put it to use as you plan for and select your next medication management solution.

16 Reasons to Attend This Year’s Annual Meeting

CAST will be front and center Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 when the LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO brings 16 technology-related sessions to Indianapolis, IN. 

CAST Partners, Supporters, Patrons, Associates, and staff members will share their expertise and experiences during Annual Meeting sessions focusing on a wide range of technology topics, from telehealth and data security to resident engagement and dementia care. 

I hope you’ll take a look at the list of our 16 technology-related Annual Meeting sessions — and register today for the Annual Meeting.

Also in This Issue

This issue of Tech Time is filled with lots of great news about LeadingAge Partners engaged with CAST, CAST Supporters, and CAST Business Associates.

I want to call your attention to a new CAST case study exploring how PointClickCare, a LeadingAge Silver Partner with CAST Focus, helped Avante´ successfully adopt and utilize the advanced functionalities in its electronic health records system. 

In addition, be sure to read about how: 

Feel Free to Contact Me 

I hope you enjoy these and other articles in this issue of Tech Time. Please contact me with any questions for comments.