Use of Robotics and Technology in Elderly Care
An 83-year-old woman at a nursing home in Tokyo uses a device to help her walk, showcasing the use of robotics and technology in elderly care. The facility trials new tech to benefit patients and staff, but experts caution that while technology can assist, it is not a magic solution to filling workforce vacancies in the care sector.
Key Points
- Japan, with its aging population, is at the forefront of using technology in elderly care
- New tech like exoskeletons, digital mirrors, and walking aids are being tested at the nursing home
- Experts caution that technology is not a silver bullet for filling care vacancies
Pros
- Assists elderly individuals with mobility issues
- Can benefit patients and make tasks easier for staff
- May improve working conditions for care workers
Cons
- Expensive humanoid robots like Pepper may not bring the same benefits as human interaction
- Technology is not a complete solution to filling workforce vacancies in the care sector