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Senior Trends

Artificial Intelligence—Robots!—in Assistive Technology

by Lori Deschene

The “Tech Act” of 1988—renamed the Assistive Technology Act in 1998—spawned an assistive technology revolution that brought funding to researchers and statewide programs for technological assistance. In my last post, I explored assistive technology as it applies to aging in place—including assistance with activities of daily living, health monitoring through preventative and responsive systems, and the use of sensors to track a person’s actions—or, inaction! In this installment, we’ll take a closer look at artificial intelligence (AI)—otherwise known as robots,...Read the rest of this article »

Lesbian & Gay Retirement Communities

by Lara Belonogoff

In 1969, the Stonewall Riots saw Manhattan’s West Village engulfed in brutality—and many historians mark the events as the beginning of the gay rights movement in the United States. And it was in November of 1978 that Harvey Milk, the San Francisco gay rights advocate, was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone. The ensuing White Night Riots were also a marker of the changes taking place as members of the gay community made their voices heard. Many of the...Read the rest of this article »

Cruising Your Way Past Assisted Living

by Ami Icanberry

How do you want to spend your golden years? I dream of never having to lift a finger to clean my living space. I look forward to eating savory meals prepared daily by...someone other than myself. But, mostly, I want to continue experiencing life’s riches while staying active for as long as I’m able. You might think I’ve described what many Americans consider the primary option for aging adults—long-term care facilities. While independent and assisted living facilities afford seniors many...Read the rest of this article »

Detecting & Improving Your Brain Age

by Lori Deschene

In many ways, technology has made some cognitive functions obsolete. Why memorize a phone number when your BlackBerry can do it for you? Who needs to remember names of contacts, appointments or deadlines when Microsoft Outlook is readily available? Considering how computers have done so much to alleviate the burden on our memories, it’s refreshing to hear that they’re also doing their part to help people maintain them. Professors at the Oregon Health and Sciences University conducted a small study...Read the rest of this article »

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

by Ami Icanberry

Recently, I was surprised to learn that a friend of mine was raised by her grandmother. But according to the latest statistics, I shouldn’t have been. Throughout history, grandparents have raised grandchildren, mostly as part of a family “team” effort, with the parents generally supplying the basics needed for survival. Today, however, greater numbers of grandparents are rearing children for various reasons, and the trend is only growing. The US 2000 Census reports that there are close to 2.5...Read the rest of this article »

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