As we close out Older Americans Month, we’re looking into the future of aging well. What technologies can help us stay safe, healthy, and engaged as we get older? What cool new device or service might make life easier?
NIDILRR-funded research and development in technology for access and function spans the life course, from early childhood through school and work, and into later life. We’ve highlighted several current projects that are conducting research and development to improve existing technology and identify new and emerging technology to help people aging with and into disability remain independent and able to participate in their communities.
- Accommodation Expert Support System for Aging Well (ACCESS for Aging Well) develops and evaluates an online accommodation assessment system that older adults, their families, and service providers can use while conducting community living evaluations. The system considers all personal, environmental, and contextual factors to make recommendations and prioritize suggestions based on accommodation effectiveness.
- ATA3 Toolkit for AT Awareness and Anywhere Access to Computers addresses the barriers faced by people with disabilities who need assistive technologies (AT) to use public computers in settings like senior centers and libraries. The project pilots free open-source tools and resources, optimized for use in low and near-zero-resource communities, and tests their readiness for mass adoption.
- Enhancing Driving Capacity with Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies conducts research on assistive and rehabilitation technology interventions for improving visuomotor function in relation to the task of driving — the most common mode of transportation among older Americans aging with and/or into disability. The goal is to advance technology-enabled interventions that improve complex visuomotor function and increase driving capacity in older adults with low vision.
- Enhancing Neurocognitive Health, Abilities, Networks and Community Engagement (ENHANCE II) explores how technology can support the ability of older adults with cognitive disabilities to successfully engage in daily living and community activities. Projects include an intelligent cognitive coaching system, using extended reality in activities of daily living, and an AI-driven community engagement tool, among others.
- Rehabilitation Interventions Based on Accurate Assessments with Combined Home-Hospital Rehabilitation champions innovative technologies and approaches, including robotics, for assessment-based rehabilitation. This RERC aims to improve therapeutic outcomes among individuals with neurologic disorders and older adults with disabilities. It develops and tests devices and techniques to increase the volume and effectiveness of impairment-specific therapies for people living with stroke and other neurologic disorders.
- Technologies to Support Aging Among People with Long-Term Disabilities (TechSAge) conducts advanced engineering research and development of innovative technologies to advance understanding of, or enhance environments of, older adults with long term disabilities. Projects include research on telewellness programs, self-care technologies like a robotic showerhead, falls detection systems, and smart home technologies.
These and other projects conduct research and development on technologies that support people with disabilities across the age spectrum. You can learn more about current and completed NIDILRR-funded projects in the Program Database at naric.com. If you are interested in finding solutions to help you stay independent and engaged in your community, contact our information specialists who can connect you to assistive technology and independent living centers near you!