On July 1, the theme day "Self-determined life in old age through assistance technology?" took place at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
The demographic trend, which has progressed significantly in some regions, combined with the shortage of care professionals, is making the majority of the population want to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. But what can state-of-the-art technologies contribute to overcoming the associated challenges?
The Ambient Assisted Living Laboratory (AAL), a laboratory set up as an age-appropriate model apartment in Görlitz, together with ScaDS.AI, a research center for AI and Big Data from Dresden/Leipzig, addressed this question during a theme day at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, 32 visitors had the opportunity to try out assistance technologies for life in old age for themselves and learn about the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. The Director of the Institute for Health, Ageing, Work and Technology at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff, opened the event and gave a presentation on the importance and possible applications of assistance technologies. This was followed by a presentation of current aids, such as sensor mats, GPS soles and smart home technology and VR glasses, which visitors were able to test and evaluate. The technologies presented are part of the AAL laboratory, which contains an optimal facility for older people. The technology provides greater comfort and safety in the home. Users can cope better with everyday life and relatives also benefit from greater 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(at)hszg.de or visit the lab for advice.
