SMART HOMES TOUTED AS WAY TO WATCH OVER LOVED ONES
Rendever, a virtual reality company, looks to solve the problem by taking people to places all over the world via computer-generated simulation. Its VR platform, which uses Samsung devices, is designed specifically for seniors.
“When the ability to travel goes away, it can be really tough,” said Kyle Rand, chief executive officer for Rendever. “We see social isolation, we see depression. These things combined lead to cognitive decline, increased risk of dementia.”
By typing an address into the platform, a person is taken to a place that is special to them — perhaps a childhood home or a former school, anywhere covered by Google Maps.
In addition, the device allows multiple users to be synched to the same trip. “They’re all experiencing the same thing,” Rand said.
Smart devices
An array of smart gadgets can make life more convenient, safer and alert family members or emergency services if help is needed.
Take the Double 2 Telepresence Robot by Double Robotics. The user can control the robot, which is outfitted with an ipad, via remote control, keeping an eye on a loved one and communicating via video.
Other sensors in the home can detect carbon dioxide levels, smoke, water, broken windows and open doors.
“The smart home is a great way to watch over your loved ones,” said Juergen Barbusca, a Cox Communications spokesperson. “This gives a caregiver the opportunity to monitor basically everything around the home. It lets them know that everything is OK.”
Smart kitchen
Smart appliances like coffee makers and slow cookers can make whipping up a meal easier than ever.
One such kitchen helper, the Anova sous vide precision cooker, attaches to the side of a pot, circulating and heating water to an exact temperature while cooking food that is sealed in a bag or glass jar and dropped into the pot. The gadget can be controlled via a smartphone app.
“A lot of time when older people live by themselves, they don’t have a reason to cook for more than one,” said Whitney Bond, a cookbook author and food blogger. “This is a great way to cook a steak for one, making a healthy meal, keeping them away from microwavable meals, which are high in sodium and aren’t hearthealthy.”
“This is also great for those who might be disabled, because you can control it from your smartphone,” she said.