Courage for technology!
On July 1, the theme day titled “Independent Living in Old Age Through Assistive Technology?” took place at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
The significantly advanced demographic trends in the region, combined with a shortage of nursing staff, are driving a desire among a large portion of the population to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. But how can state-of-the-art technologies help address the challenges that come with this?
The Ambient-Assisted-Living Laboratory (AAL)—a lab in Görlitz designed as a model senior-friendly apartment—addressed this question in collaboration with ScaDS.AI, a research center for AI and big data based in Dresden/Leipzig, as part of a theme day at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, 32 visitors had the opportunity to try out assistive technologies for aging in place for themselves and learn about the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff, Director of the Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology, and Work at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, opened the event and, in his presentation, discussed the importance and potential applications of assistive technologies. Following this, the latest assistive devices—ranging from sensor mats and GPS-enabled insoles to smart-home technology and VR headsets—were presented, and visitors were able to test and evaluate them. The technologies presented are part of the AAL Lab, which features an optimal living environment for older adults. The technology is designed to provide greater comfort and safety within the home. Users can better manage their daily lives, and their family members also benefit from their increased independence.
In addition to senior citizens, the participants also included care facility staff and representatives from housing companies . They can also benefit from the use of technology, as some of the assistance technologies also relieve the burden on care staff in their work, for example through the warning functions for fires and flooding in homes.
Afterwards, visitors had the opportunity to engage more intensively with artificial intelligence. One highlight was the interaction with an AI chat bot, through which participants received AI-generated images or immediate answers to questions posed. This brought an eventful day to a close, highlighting various ways in which the ageing population can become more independent through the use of technology.
Further information events and the acquisition of cutting-edge assistance technologies in the AAL lab are planned for the future. Anyone interested in technologies for the elderly can find out about future events at aal-gat@hszg.de or visit the lab for advice.
2nd floor
