TECH EXPO Kapiti – Staying Confident in your Home

The Kapiti Tech Expo (18, 19 & 20 June) will be relevant for our older population as new technology, focusing on independent living is showcased on Friday and Saturday at Coastlands Mall.

The Kapiti Digital Leadership Forum Incorporated (KDLF) sees Kapiti as a perfect location to pilot innovations in health care. The “Manage My Health Online Patient Portal” and the “Home Automation for Assisted Independent Living” workshops’ will be ‘must sees’ for seniors in our community and their families, as well as health and retirement professionals visiting the EXPO.

Ann Verboeket, Chair of the KDLF notes, “healthcare costs can be a barrier for older people and we are pleased to be able to highlight some of the new technology that will influence and impact on their feeling more confident about staying in their own homes longer.” Workshops and exhibitions from Altacel Lucent, and Compass Health PHO will demonstrate some of the new technology which is available now and that is also easy to use.

John Hayes, Chair of the Kapiti Coast Older Persons’ Council, focusing on the speed of change in the digital area says “a few years ago my predecessor Jill Stansfield, was trying to persuade local retailers to stock a seniors’ friendly mobile phone – a simple device that had a large display and buttons and preferably an emergency button to send off messages if you got into trouble. Now such devices are readily available – just one of the new technology devices which help people to live independently and with confidence.”

The reality is that for older people however, there is still some hesitation about new technology. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) found that while technology is a wonderful thing, it can still be daunting for a majority of those over 50. They found that while modern devices such as tablets and computers can help seniors stay in touch with networks, friends and family, the method of communication can often be bewildering. As John Hayes says “products like the RealPad, a simplified tablet for seniors, based on the requirements of its market can make all the difference. Perhaps it is time for the Kāpiti Coast Older Persons' Council to start agitating local retailers to stock products like the Realpad!”

Some of the technology that will be on display includes:

• Home monitoring systems designed specifically for senior citizens with sensors placed in the most frequently used rooms of the house to provide information for caregivers or family members.

• New and familiar medical alarms to help seniors and people with disabilities to continue enjoying their independence for longer.

• New wearable gadgets such as the Fitbit series to monitor movement and physical activity throughout the day – perfect for the senior citizen who wants to stay active.

New business applications in the health sector, coupled with technically competent young people and progressive senior citizens are leading the way towards making it a healthier community for all of us.

ENDS

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