GiraffPlus: elderly living at home longer

Technology is getting closer to us, and is also getting more personal. The time of the Model T Ford (“Every consumer can choose any color for their car, as long as it’s black”) is far behind us. Technology will eventually even become vital to everyone of us. The GiraffPlus-project is a EU-supported project that the importance of technology in our society shows. Or in this particular case, for the life of elderly people in our society. This project helps the elderly to live at their own homes longer instead of moving into a resthouse.

The GiraffPlus project is currently pilotted in various European places. In the video whoen below you can see how an Italian grandmother (and blogger) can save herself in her own home thanks to the project. In her house and on her body several smart sensors are placed. This way docters or relatives can see anything is wrong with gramndma. Through a telepresence robot she can communicatie with a doctor, or a relative for questions, help or social talk. This way it is possible for ‘Nonna’ Lea to live an independant live in her own home.

Enhancing the social context for the elderly

This kind of technology emancipates the elderly in our society. They can longer participate in our society, which releaves the pressure on nursing homes. Also, they will get familiar with technology. This means that they remain independent for a longer period of time but also they enhance their social context. No more loneliness, because Grandma has over a 100 friends on Facebook. We are going to follow here at Extend Limits. Projects like GiraffPlus are the future.