Assistive Devices (p1):
Research, explorations, discussions, and products and resources relating to Assistive Devices: from Tech-enhanced Life.
Devices to help with hearing, vision, mobility and more. Hearing aids; Mobility aids; Memory aids; Vision aids.
For Older Adults, their Families, and Caregivers
— and for Companies Creating Innovations Related to Aging.
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Analysis & Exploration | Explorer Discussions | Resources and Products shared by our Explorers.
Technology & the Future of Aging
This is a live recording (slides and audio) of a talk given by Richard Caro entitled "The Future of Aging, & the Intersection of Aging & Technology". This talk was given in March 2019, at the Commonwealth Club, San Francisco.
Low Vision Aids, Adaptations, Resources
Learn about Low Vision Aids & Adaptations in this detailed overview by Dr Marlena Chu. For people with low vision, these tools can make a big difference to the ability to live independently, and to quality of life.
Alzheimer's Thermostat Design: Jeeves vs. Nurse Ratched
Thoughts about thermostats and people with dementia. Remember Jeeves, and Nurse Ratched? Imagine they were in charge of designing products for older adults. I wish we had the sort of products I imagine Jeeves would have designed for Bertie Wooster. Unfortunately, we seem to get the products Nurse Ratched might have dreamed up for the unfortunate inmates of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest".
Lighted Magnifier: Read menus in dim light
Reading under poor lighting conditions is a common problem, not only for reading menus, but also for reading in bed, or seeing small type in a poorly lit space. What is needed is some type of lighted magnifier. There are four categories of solutions for this common problem. The pro’s and con’s of each solution are detailed below, as well as in the individual product listings we link to.
Inventor Road Trip
Earlier this month we invited the inventor of a new type of walker to come along to one of the Longevity Collective circle meetings and show the older adults members of our circle the prototype of her invention and get their feedback. It was pretty interesting. This article is about the experience.
Arthritis Sufferers: Struggling with Clothing?
We have been looking for good arthritis clothing solutions. These products range from various special shoes for arthritis to a special type of arthritis bra. This article uses videos from around the web to demonstrate some of those solutions, and we add our comments and questions.
Seeking Help for an Electric-Assist Wheelchair
I am caregiver for a person with both Alzheimer's and COPD. Her mobility is very limited and requires transport in a wheelchair.
She is presently using an electric -powered chair, but sometimes shows poor judgement when encountring other people or obstacles. I anticipate a time when she... ....... Read more
Hearing Loss and Loud TV: Explorer Report
Problem: My wife has lost some of her hearing and she turns up the TV volume loud to hear.
Solution: We bought a BeHear Proxy Neck Speaker and a HearLink Plus in a bundle.
Here is my report of our experience with... ....... Read more
Hearing: TV or Movies
Ever have trouble understanding what TV or movie characters are saying over the background music? Know anyone who turns the TV up so loud that it is annoying?
We are exploring gadgets that can help in situations like this. Ideally without being ugly, stigmatizing, or super expensive — if... ....... Read more
Rollator Research, U-Step 2 and Parkinson's Disease
Last year we bought a cane for my wife to help her with balance problems with her slowly advancing Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The style of the cane was more important to her than its function. I realized then it would be better to do rollator research before the illness might force us into an... ....... Read more
Review of the Trionic Veloped
It was on this site that I first learned about the Trionic Veloped, suggested as a rollator that could go anywhere off-road outdoors, but not reviewed.
I'm 70 years of age and had a back injury 6 years ago that affects the nerves in my left leg, making it painful when I... ....... Read more
Mobility Tech: Share Your Insights or Questions
Do you (or someone you care about) use any mobility tech — like cars, or bicycles? Or canes, walkers, or rollators?
The Longevity Explorers are exploring mobility tech. We are interested... ....... Read more
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LifeGlider
The LifeGlider is an upright walking support device intended to allow movement without the fear of falling. The key point: you dont have to "hang on to it" and so can have your hands free.
Afari from Mobella
Longevity Explorers have expressed interest in more attractive designs as well as 'off road' capability in updated versions of the classic walker.
Talking Bible
The Talking Bible is a battery powered digital player using an MP3 file and is intended for use by low vision persons as well as people of all ages who enjoy hearing the Bible being read aloud.
Bellman Maxi Pro
Bellman's Maxi Pro Hearing Amplifier uses digital technology intended to help the user hear nearby conversations or enhance hearing cellphone conversations via Bluetooth.
Robin Day Clock
The Robin Day clock is designed to be easy to read with side buttons intended for use by older adults.
Roger On Microphone by Phonak
The Roger On remote directional microphone by Phonak is designed to be placed on a table to hear individuals among a conversation group or remotely to be closer to a sound source.
Bose SoundControl Hearing Aids
Bose SoundControl Hearing Aids, when used with the Bose Hear app, are intended to adjust the audio signal to the needs of the user. These are OTC hearing aids that do not require an audiologist fitting.
Olive Hearables
The Olive Smart Ear is a device that combined with a smartphone app is intended to filter out background noise for a clearer hearing experience.
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