AARP National Event & Expo Highlights Technology for Seniors

“Nana” Technologies©

The newest technologies for seniors, as well as a preview of “sci-fi” technologies for the future will be featured during special events at the “Life@50+” AARP’s National Event and Expo, September 4-6, 2008 at the Washington, DC Convention Center.

The events, to be conducted as part of Technology Pavilion activities, will include a “Nana” Technology booth with samples of current products, as well as companies exhibiting additional technologies throughout the Exposition Hall.

In addition Andrew Carle, who coined the term “Nana” Technology to describe technologies for older adults, will provide a daily presentation for attendees and the media discussing issues of “global aging”, the critical shortage of family and professional caregivers, and the role such technologies will play in meeting the needs of aging Baby Boomers.

Technologies scheduled for display or review, include:

· Radio frequency tagging devices that can locate lost keys, purses, or provide the location of a car in the parking lot.

· “E-mailboxes” that allow seniors to participate in receiving and sending emails, photos, and cards on the world wide web – without the need of a computer.

· “Brain Trainers” that can delay or address age related cognitive impairment.

· Home “Health & Wellness” systems that can discreetly monitor for unusual activity, including falls, and provide alerts to family or professional staff.

· Lifestyle products, including mailbox alerts, senior friendly cell phones, and voice activated assistive devices.

· Future technologies to be reviewed by Carle include a “smart shirt” that can administer CPR, a GPS “tracking” shoe for individuals with Alzheimer’s who may become lost, a “personal assistance” robot, and a “Magic Medicine Cabinet” capable of communicating with users to prevent medication errors, monitor vital signs, and schedule an appointment with a physician.

Carle is President of Carle Consulting and a national expert on senior housing, care, and technology. His work has been featured in or on USA TODAY, UPI, The Washington Post, Business 2.0, National Public Radio, Fox Morning News, Agency France Presse, and the Australian Broadcast Corporation, among others.

He additionally serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He will present on the Technology Pavilion stage at 4:30 pm on September 4th, then at 12:30 pm September 5th and 6th.

For more information on the Exposition go to: http://www.aarp.org/aarp_benefits/natl_events/dc/registration/
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