aip tech center

Computers. Technology. The Digital age. Welcome to a new approach to aging in place – using technology to extend living in the home of our choice and contributing to the quality of our life. From computer games to challenge our brains, email and video conferencing to stay connected with family and friends to entire home ‘smart’ systems. Technology has a permanent and – exciting role in our lives. Specifically when it comes to Health, Home Automation, Security, Communications and Lifestyle.

Digital Health

Also known as E-Health, E-Caring, Telehealth, among other terms, is technology that improves connectivity, monitoring and data collection to help predict and manage social and healthcare needs of those who wish to age in place at home.

Smart Homes/Home Automation

A home with many features that are automated and devices that communicate with each other creating a system that enables normal activities of daily living.

AIP Digital Lifestyle/Communications

Broadband technologies, email, telephone – the digital house – are all essential to aging in place. Banking and shopping from home, access to entertainment. i.e., music, videos, tv, help maintain vital connectivity.

AIP technology center
featured aip tech posts

AIP Tech: Smart Home Exhibit in Chicago

Filed Under: Connected Home, Green Home, Smart Homes

A fully-functioning, smart home exhibit has opened on the grounds of Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. The home reflects “the lifestyleSmart Home Green + Wired Exhibit of a couple  looking to minimize home maintenance, maximize efficiency and settle in to a space that not only is beautiful, but functional.”

The three-story pre-fab, modular home features innovative home technologies, products, furniture and has a Smart Home Park offering techniques for urban gardening. Modular homes can be fully customized,  are factory built and can be completed much sooner than a traditional build.

Michelle Kauffman, architect, incorporated five key eco-principles into her design:

  • Smart Design: full-home automation, high ceilings, abundant light
  • Material Efficiency: Renewable/recyclable materials, modular
  • Energy Efficiency: green roof, solar panels, wind turbine
  • Water Efficiency: low-flow shower heads, dual-flush toilets, use of gray water
  • Healthy Environment: non-toxic materials, no or low-volatile organic compounds, water recycling, permeable paving materials

The Exhibit runs through January 9, 2011.

Originally Posted: 04/03/10 by AIPatHome Staff

In-Home Telehealth Study Launched By Mayo Clinic, GE, Intel

Filed Under: Assistive Technology, Computers-Internet, Connected Home, Monitors - Sensors, Telecare

During the year-long study 200 high-risk patients over the age of 60 with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, lung disease, will use a medical monitoring device to take their vitals: blood pressure, weight, sugar levels and peak air flow. This information is collected in a central database at the Mayo Clinic where the patient’s primary medical team will have secure web access. Clinicians will also be able to use the videoconferencing system to observe and communicate with their patients.

Continue Reading »

Originally Posted: 02/25/10 by AIPatHome Staff

Who Is Using Health Information Technology?

Filed Under: Computers-Internet

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics survey 51% of adults aged 18-64 had used the Internet to look up health information during the past 12 months with women taking the lead.

Continue Reading »

Originally Posted: 02/16/10 by AIPatHome Staff

Can X-Box, Computers and Cell Phones Improve Healthcare?

Filed Under: Assistive Technology, Computers-Internet, Lifestyle

Microsoft thinks so and is looking for new ways to use technology to improve personal health care using X-Box, computers and cell phones.

Continue Reading »

Originally Posted: 02/11/10 by AIPatHome Staff

Is the UK out in front of others, including the US, when it comes to smart homes, telecare and telehealthcare technology adoption?

Filed Under: Assistive Technology, Commentary, Monitors - Sensors, Smart Homes, Telecare

George MacGinnis on the difference between telecare and telehealth: In terms of telecare we think of tele-social care. The main focus is on managing risks to peoples’ lives. They might have a panic button, a fall sensor and these might be people who are suffering from dementia. There are risks that they might leave the oven on and create a fire, so there are remote control fire detectors or remote gas shut off valves, etc. Whereas [telehealth] is much more about chronic disease management: Diabetics might be checking their sugar, others might be checking peak flows, blood pressure or weighing themselves and answering questions about their health.

Continue Reading »

Originally Posted: 12/18/09 by AIPatHome Staff
age in place at home - it's where you want to be.