Introducing Mobile Aloha - Technology Easing Our Old Age

Here’s hoping we enjoy many years of happy retirement, pottering along, staying independent for as long as possible.  Keeping active, maintaining a busy social life, no doubts helps us stay hale and hearty but, as time goes by there is a good chance our mobility will decline.  At the extreme this can mean being “bed bound” at which point we will need 2 carers per visit to help us get up and/or move position in bed.  At this point of high dependency, our independence is all but vanished.  It is a grim prospect.

If you have 5 minutes however Google Mobile Aloha.  This is a robot created by Stanford University engineers.  It is a low-cost,  mobile robot that quickly learns to do complex household tasks.  Powerful imitation learning algorithms help it learn physical actions and then perform the task independently.  So far, the researchers have taught Mobile ALOHA to autonomously put away a cooking pot in a cabinet, call an elevator, push in chairs, sauté shrimp, and clean up a wine spill. Future versions of the robot may be smaller with greater freedom of movement, and be easier for non-experts to operate.

Faced with the loss of mobility, imagine how liberating it would be if we could instead rely on an autonomous robot to help us get in and out of bed, move about the house, and complete domestic chores.  Such technology could not replace human touch and human companionship, but it is easy to envisage, in the not too distant future, Mobile Aloha becoming a huge help in alleviating the challenges of old age. 

Whilst it will be some time before such robots will be commercially available, technology available today is already making a difference to the quality of life of the elder generation. 

In terms of healthcare, fitness trackers can monitor heart rate, physical activity and other vital signs. This real-time data can help early detection of diseases such as heart disease or diabetes.  Zoom calls make it easier for older people to consult with their GP from the comfort of their own homes.

Smart homes offer solutions for older adults who wish to remain in their own homes.  Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, can remind them to take their medication and make sure they do not miss upcoming appointments.  Home automation systems can control lighting and temperature  whilst stairlifts, robot vacuums and smart door locks can work together to reduce the physical strain on the older person allowing them to stay safe and happy in their own home.  

Many older people live in social isolation.  Technology can help bridge the gap by increasing social connectivity.  Video calls enable older adults to stay in touch with family and friends. Finally cognitive training apps and brain games can help slow cognitive decline by keeping the mind active.

Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich are experts in elderly care including dementia care.  Safety is our Number 1 priority.  Call us today to find out more how we can support you or your loved one including ideas for affordable technology solutions, all highly effective in helping you or your loved one stay safe at home for as long as possible.