International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
David Ling Sien Ngan
Malaysia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Phys Med Rehabil
Statement of the Problem: Keeping in mind the elderly have impaired sight, hearing, touch, coordination, memory and cognition, some gadgets look intimidating to operate, or lesser functionality than comprehensiveness. There are so many hi-tech gadgets to assist elderly. Some expensive, difficult to learn interface or its function cannot be seen or selected easily, duplicating applications between marginally improved gadgets, non-user-friendly, fast-evolving yet-to-mature but getting outdated fast, or too miniaturised button to see & handle. Elderly will have difficulty to choose which technology gadget is useful for his individualised scenario, such that money spend is worthwhile for a single gadget that can meet several needs, compared to buying multiple gadgets with each covering one to two functions. Technology used include timer like alarm clock to remind routine chore like taking medicine, GPS for position identification if lost, 5G for heavy realtime data integration like driverless car, flying taxi, chef cooking-robot. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Utilising a commonly used qualitative & quantitative analysis by reviewing literature, clinical history taking, interview & observation over charity event, and forming focus group to gather data. Using the security framework & lenses of analysis of the social science/behaviour to understand what are the gadget acquired by the elderly, its performance, relevance, functionality & efficiency, if it can be optimised for as many a conditions it can solve for the elderly. Finding: The elderly cohort used hi-tech gadgets ranging from simplest single function per gadget, to multi-functions latest-evolving unsubstantiated fancy allin- one gadget, low-cost generic product to expensive branded and, simple-to-operate to complex multi-tiered security-enabled interface gadget. In a vast sea of choices and array of gadget, one really need to study each in its own merit, possibly assisted by care professional in the acquisition for functionality, sustainability, and economic senses. Conclusion & Significance: Elderly has compromised cognition and economic resources to decide which innovation gadget is best tailored for individual case. It is highly necessary that professional come to assist in choosing and recommend choices for them rather than left to the trade vulture promoting every single gadget. A suitable gadget(s) will ensure higher degree of independence living and security assurance on their confidence even in the face of fragility of age. Recommendation: Best to ensure government institution, professional body, social worker, and NGO provide an independent unbiased interest on the gadget, what it can do, sustain, maintenance, cost and functionality, in helping elderly or their relatives to decide on gadget suitability in leading an independent, confident and quality life of each elderly.
Dr David Ling Sien Ngan, is the committee member of KL Academy of Social Sciences, has his expertise and passion in improving healthcare delivery and health security of the individual, community & national economic wellbeing, especially through financial planning. He analyse not just as a doctor but through the lens of social scientist from the security perspective as a strategist and policy planner, where much work is done through qualitative analysis via very extensive literature review, augmented by clinical interview and physical assessment. Ageing challenges face more security dimension than just medical and, a constructivist society has a better security provision