Empowering Elderly Care with Exoskeletons
Aging is inevitable, and with it comes the need for proper care. Elderly care is a complex and challenging process, considering the loss of mobility, frailty, and other health conditions that seniors may encounter. Regular care routines help ensure comfort and safety, while an active lifestyle promotes good physical and mental health.
For years, elderly care providers have searched for ways to help seniors maintain their independence and dignity while preserving their overall health. Today, advanced technology is providing unique solutions to some of the challenges associated with elderly care. One such technology is the exoskeleton.
In this article, we will explore exoskeletons and how they are impacting elderly care positively. We will start by understanding what exoskeletons are, the benefits they offer, and how they are used in geriatric healthcare. We will touch on the various types of exoskeletons that exist in the market and how they cater to different needs of the elderly. We will conclude with a section on the future of exoskeleton technology in the context of elderly care.
What are Exoskeletons?
Exoskeletons, also known as exosuits or robotic suits, are wearable devices that support movements of certain parts of the body. They consist of a frame that wraps around a person’s limbs, giving the user an added layer of support. The frame may be composed of carbon fiber or another lightweight material, allowing for comfortable movement and flexibility. Some exoskeletons are powered by electric motors while others rely on the user’s movements to drive the support required.
Exoskeletons are designed to function as an extension of the human body. They can be programmed to support various body parts, such as the arms, legs, and back, providing assistance where needed. The devices are commonly used in medical rehabilitation, military, industrial, and athletic training. Now, with recent advances in exoskeleton technology, they are being used in elderly care.
Benefits of Exoskeletons in Elderly Care
The use of exoskeletons in elderly care offers numerous benefits. Here are some of the most compelling.
- Enhances Mobility
Exoskeletons help seniors with motor function impairments to move with greater ease and freedom. They provide the support and stability required to stand, walk, sit and carry out other activities, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents. By facilitating mobility, exoskeletons empower elderly individuals to perform daily tasks independently, boosting their self-esteem, and improving their overall quality of life. - Reduces Physical Strain
Elderly care providers face a significant challenge in providing care to seniors with limited mobility. Caretakers typically have to lift patients manually, increasing the risk of back injuries and other physical strain. Exoskeletons help reduce the physical strain on caregivers by providing the extra support needed to move patients in and out of bed, chairs, or other equipment. - Improves Cognitive Ability
Elderly individuals who suffer from motor function impairments tend to experience lower cognitive abilities. Exoskeleton devices have been proven to improve cognitive ability and overall quality of life for seniors. These devices preserve an individual’s mobility, which helps maintain their mental health and cognitive ability. - Reduces Healthcare Costs
Exoskeletons may be expensive initial investments, but they can significantly reduce healthcare costs by decreasing the number of injuries, falls, and other complications that arise from reduced mobility and frailty. Reducing healthcare costs allows the elderly individuals and their caretakers to focus on other aspects of their lives.
Types of Exoskeletons Used in Elderly Care
Exoskeletons come in different forms and are used in various ways. Here are some examples depending on the desired use case.
- Lower Limb Exoskeletons
The most common exoskeletons used in elderly care are lower limb exoskeletons. They are designed to provide support to seniors with mobility challenges. Lower limb exoskeletons help users stand upright, walk, and perform other activities with increased stability and ease. Some of the most common use cases include post-operative rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, and other conditions that lead to mobility challenges. - Full-Body Exoskeletons
Full-body exoskeletons provide support to the entire body. They offer greater degrees of control and mobility, enabling seniors to engage in more complex activities that require full-body strength, balance, and coordination. Full-body exoskeletons are used in elderly care to help individuals regain control of their bodies after significant surgeries or accidents. - Active Exoskeletons
Active exoskeletons are powered by electric motors or other advanced technologies. They provide direct mechanical assistance to the body, increasing the user’s strength and power output while reducing fatigue and physical strain. Active exoskeletons are primarily used in rehabilitation activities aimed at regaining mobility, stability, and strength in the elderly. - Passive Exoskeletons
Passive exoskeletons rely on the user’s strength and movements for support. They offer greater flexibility and comfort than active exoskeletons, making them ideal for everyday use by seniors who experience frailty and reduced mobility. Passive exoskeletons are particularly useful in aiding elderly individuals with everyday tasks that require physical strength.
Future Applications of Exoskeletons in Elderly Care
As technology continues to advance, the application of exoskeletons in elderly care will expand. Here are some predictions we have on the future of exoskeletons in elderly care.
- Increase in Technological Integration
Modern exoskeletons rely on an array of sensors and machine learning algorithms that allow for a more comprehensive, automated, and continuously improving system. These systems will integrate with other health monitoring systems, such as temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, providing real-time data and insights to caretakers, which can improve the elderly individual’s quality of life and allow for more personalized care. - More Accessibility
Exoskeletons are currently relatively unaffordable for most elderly individuals. However, with their increasing demand, modern advancements, and entry of more players into the market, the cost of these devices is set to reduce. We predict that in the future, exoskeletons will be more accessible to elderly individuals and caretakers, making access to the technology more widespread. - Enhanced Capacities
Exoskeletons are now more powerful and capable than ever before, making them ideal for intensified activities. We predict that the future will see an increase in the capacity of exoskeletons. They will be able to support heavier weights and be able to handle more dynamic environments, allowing users to enjoy a more active lifestyle than ever before.
Conclusion
Exoskeleton technologies offer tremendous benefits to elderly care providers and caretakers alike. They help seniors with limited mobility regain their independence and improve their mental and physical well-being, while reducing the burden of care for their caretakers. With the continued evolution of this technology, we expect to see greater accessibility and more widespread use of exoskeletons in elderly care. The healthcare industry will benefit significantly from the adoption of exoskeleton technology, and we are only just scratching the surface of the potential impact these devices can have on improving the quality of life for seniors.