Scientists from the University of Granada say that a new technology could help seniors maintain their independent living situations even as they become forgetful or suffer from memory decline.
By putting sensors throughout one’s home, the research team says they’ve been able to create an environment that offers helpful reminders in case someone is about to forget to take their medication or leave the house without their keys.
The UGR scientists say that it works by incorporating RFID tags, which emit low-level radio frequencies, into common household objects like keys, bottles and other items.
A software system then keeps track of where the senior is in relation to those objects, utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms to offer suggestions to users. No cameras or other recording devices are used.
"The system does not modify the life of the users, but does positively modify that of the people who look after them," said lead researcher Maria Ros Izquierdo. It can also be used by those who may not yet require admission to an assisted living facility but do need some assistance to continue to live indepedently, the team noted.
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