Building a Better Future for Elders

1. Building a Better Future for Elders
Prof. (Mr.) Asokan R.
KINS, KIIT Deemed to be University,
Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

2. Assets
Older adults possess valuable knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

3. Outline
1. Changing demographics of the older population
2. An increasing number of older adults
3. Why believe "senior care" is outdated and limiting
4. Vision for a better future for older adults
5. Importance of respecting the individuality and autonomy of older adults
6. Diverse needs and challenges faced by older adults
7. Unmet Needs of Diverse Older Adults
8. The increasing older population creates challenges
9. Statistics to illustrate the Abuse of older people and challenges
10. Building a Better Future: Innovative Solutions

4. What is senior care?
Senior care encompasses all of the services that can be provided to
seniors in a nursing care facility, at home, and everything in between.

5. Changing Demographics of the older population
 India has been adding a progressively increasing number of elderly to
its population.
 This is happening with increasing life expectancy and decreasing
mortality.
 The elderly population has its vulnerabilities based on education,
socioeconomic condition, gender, place of residence, etc.1

7. An increasing number of older adults
• India’s elderly population is predicted to double by 2050 and overtake the
number of children in the country, according to the United Nations Population
Fund.
• The number of people aged 60 and above will increase from 149 million in 2022
to 347 million in 2050.2

9. • Predictions from the United Nations agency showed that although India’s
overall population will increase by 18% from 2022 to 2050, its elderly
population will jump by 134%, and those aged 80 and above will leap by
279% during the same time.
• “By 2050, one in every five individuals will be elderly in India,” the
UNFPA said.
• India is not alone and the rest of the world will experience the same issues.
• The number of people aged 60 years and above worldwide is forecasted to
double and hit 2.1 billion by 2050.2

10. Why "senior care" is outdated and limiting
• Traditional senior care may primarily address physical health and medical
issues, neglecting the emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of older adults.
• Senior care facilities might prioritize standardized routines and procedures, limiting
individual preferences and autonomy.
• Care facilities might restrict freedom of movement, social interaction, and
engagement in meaningful activities.
• Limited use of technology to support daily living, manage health, and connect with
others.
• The term "senior care" itself might carry negative connotations of dependence and
loss of independence.
• Societal biases could lead to older adults feeling isolated or undervalued within the
care system.3

11. Vision for a better future for older adults
1. Imagining the future for older adults (over 65) in 2050 is difficult because
everyone ages differently.
2. Technology like robots and communication tools could help them live
independently, stay healthy, and be more social.
3. But there are also risks, like feeling more isolated or left out if don't know
how to use the technology.
4. To make sure the future is good for older adults, we need to start now.4

12. Importance of respecting individuality and autonomy
Studies show that maintaining a sense of autonomy is an important
factor in keeping the older population living a satisfying life.
“Autonomy is the ability of the individual to make and carry out
decisions about how, with whom, when, and where to spend one’s time”
(Bennett et al, 2015).5

13. Alternative focus on empowerment, well-being, and active
participation in life for the elderly
Encouraging older adults to engage socially and economically fosters well-
being and benefits society.6

14. Diverse needs and challenges faced by older adults
Social Isolation
Financial Insecurity
• Lack of employment opportunities.
• Increased vulnerability to fraud.
Reduced Mobility
• Limited ability to enjoy hobbies and live independently.

15. Caregiving
• Family caregiving can be stressful and demanding.
• Caregivers need support, resources, and training.
• Professional care might be needed for complex medical needs.
Healthcare Access
• Navigating healthcare can be difficult for chronic conditions.
End-of-Life Planning
• Open and supportive discussions about end-of-life options are crucial.
• Assistance needed for financial and care-planning decisions.7

16.  The findings of this review also emphasized the importance of developing
care models and support services based on the needs of older people.8

17. Unmet Needs of Diverse Older Adults
1. Health: Access to quality care and healthy environments.
2. Transportation: Reliable and affordable options for mobility.
3. Housing: Safe, accessible, and affordable living spaces.
4. Education: Opportunities for lifelong learning and skill development.
5. Social Support: Combating isolation and fostering meaningful connections.
6. Financial Security: Addressing poverty and economic challenges.
Call to Action:
Broad policies and programs are needed.9

18. The increasing older population creates challenges
• Both developed and developing countries.
• Traditional family and community support is declining in India due to:
• Urbanization
• Nuclear families
• Women working

19. Statistics to illustrate the Abuse of older people
• Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in
community settings.
• Rates of abuse of older people have been high in institutions such as nursing
homes and long-term care facilities.
• Rates of abuse by older people have increased during the COVID-19
pandemic.

20. • Abuse of older people is predicted to increase as many countries are
experiencing rapidly aging populations.11

22. Preventive Strategies
Provide services to relieve the burden of caregiving;
Money management programs for older adults vulnerable to financial
exploitation;
Helplines and emergency shelters;
Multi-disciplinary teams, as the responses required often cut across many
systems, including criminal justice, health care, mental health care, adult
protective services, and long-term care.12

23. Building a Better Future: Innovative Solutions

24. The Changing Landscape of Elderly Care
Shift in Elderly Care Landscape – traditional to personalized care
CarePredict's Tempo Wearable Device: tracking seniors' daily activities and
behaviours.
Honor's Online Caregiver Platform: Individual needs and preferences, offering
personalized and reliable care.
Silvernest's Inclusive Communities: Individuals seeking affordable housing, fostering
intergenerational connections, and reducing senior isolation.
CaringBridge's Digital Platform: to create personalized websites for updates on
elderly loved ones' health, enhancing communication and support networks.

25. Leveraging Technology
Telehealth Solutions for Remote Care
Smart Home Technology for Safety and Independence
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Social Engagement
Personalized Medication Management
Smart pill dispenser offers reminders and alerts for medication doses
Reduces medication errors and improves adherence

26. Enhancing Communication and Connection
Virtual Reality (VR) for Social Engagement:
Combats loneliness, stimulates cognitive functions and triggers positive
emotions.
Telemedicine and Remote Health Monitoring
Voice-Activated Assistants for Communication and Companionship
Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant assist seniors with hands-free
tasks.
AI-powered companion robot designed for seniors
Social Media and Online Communities
Facebook and online communities offer, Enhanced social connections

27. Promoting Independence and Mobility
Home Monitoring Systems
Smart wearable devices
Advanced algorithms detect changes in behavior
Real-time data and insights
Transportation Solutions
Enabling Seniors to Stay Active and Mobile.
Platforms for seniors to request rides.
Seniors connect with drivers for assistance.

28. Aging-in-Place Technologies
Smart home platforms.
Integration of devices enables remote control of home appliances.
Personalized Care Management
Personalized companion care and medication management.
Tailored support empowers seniors

29. Smart Home Solutions
Remote Monitoring Systems
Smart home solutions use sensors.
Alerts are sent to designated caregivers or monitoring centers for
prompt assistance.
"Caregiver Tech" and bed sensors for real-time monitoring.
Voice-Activated Assistants
Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home assist.
Tasks include turning on lights, adjusting thermostats, and making
phone calls.

30. Medication Management Systems
Smart home solutions like "MedMinder".
Smart pill dispensers.
Smartphone apps send reminders and alerts.
Smart Safety and Security Systems
Video doorbells and motion-activated cameras.
Smart locks.

31. Health Monitoring
Remote Health Monitoring
Integration of health monitoring devices and telemedicine services.
Wearable devices, Glucose monitoring systems alert
Remote consultations.
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
PERS devices with GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way
communication

32. Cognitive Stimulation and Mental Well-being
Brain Health and Cognitive Stimulation
Online platform offering brain-training games and exercises.
Scientifically developed brain training exercises for cognitive skills.
Brain fitness exercises like puzzles, memory games
VR technology with physical activity
User-friendly interface

33. Nutrition and Wellness
Personalized Meal Plans & Supplementations
Specialized supplements.
Formulations focus on improving bone health.
Innovative technologies allow seniors to monitor nutritional intake
Through virtual counselling services

34. Financial Management Tools
Budgeting and Expense Tracking Tools
Tools provide real-time spending updates.
Seniors can set budget goals, track progress, and receive alerts.
Retirement Calculator
Apps like reminders for payments
Retirement planning services

35. Summary

36. Any Doubts

37. Conclusion

38. References
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vulnerabilities, and healthcare challenges. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2021 Jan;10(1):72-76. doi:
10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1794_20
2. Jacob, C. (2023, October 1). India's elderly population will double and overtake the number
of children by 2050. The National. Retrieved
from https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/2023/09/28/india-un-elderly-population/
3. World Health Organization - Global Strategy on Ageing and Health:
https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241513500
4. Rogers, W. A., & Mitzner, T. L. (2017). Envisioning the future for older adults: Autonomy,
health, well-being, and social connectedness with technology support. Futures, 87(1), 133-
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39. 5. Smith, L. (2023, April 26). The Importance of Autonomy in the Well-Being of the Older
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6. Ng Yun Hui, S., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Towards an alternative design culture to empower
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7. Smithlife Home Care. (2020, August 30). What are the Biggest Challenges and Problems
for Elderly People in Our Society? Retrieved from
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40. 8. Abdi, S., Spann, A., Borilovic, J., de Witte, L., & Hawley, M. (2019). Understanding the care
and support needs of older people: A scoping review and categorization using the WHO
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11. World Health Organization. (2022, June 13). Abuse of older people. [Fact sheet]. Retrieved
from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people

41. 12. Elder Abuse: Global Situation, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies. Pillmer K, Burnes
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42. Thank You