scholarly journals Monitoring the Health and Residence Conditions of Elderly People, Using LoRa and the Things Network

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 1729
Author(s):  
José Paulo Lousado ◽  
Ivan Miguel Pires ◽  
Eftim Zdravevski ◽  
Sandra Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Mobile Network ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Network Coverage ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Physical Isolation ◽  
System Prototype

The rapid development and widespread use of information and telecommunication technologies do not mitigate, in many situations, information exclusion, nor the physical isolation of people—mainly that of the elderly living in remote locations, whose mobile network coverage is deficient or non-existent, preventing them from accessing health care, be it routine follow-up procedures or emergencies. Addressing this, we raise the question that guides our study: how can we monitor the elderly’s residence and health conditions, detect falls, and track their movement in the vicinity of their homes in a non-intrusive manner? To answer this question, we present a system prototype that uses affordable, low-cost, and low-energy equipment with media and data processing, supported by LoRa (Long Range) and ESP32 microcontrollers, coupling several sensors. As a result, it is possible to monitor sensors that predict and detect falls or other risk events for the user, e.g., fire, with authorized persons and entities, family members, civil protection, and security forces accessing the gathered data, assuring their security. We conclude that the system could decisively improve people’s quality of life, particularly those of the elderly who live in remote places with greater vulnerability.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Support for Elderly People Using LoRa Communication Technologies: IoT Concepts and Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
José Paulo Lousado ◽  
Sandra Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Health Organization

The pandemic declared by the World Health Organization due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) awakened us to a reality that most of us were previously unaware of—isolation, confinement and the massive use of information and communication technologies, as well as increased knowledge of the difficulties and limitations of their use. This article focuses on the rapid implementation of low-cost technologies, which allow us to answer a fundamental question: how can near real-time monitoring and follow-up of the elderly and their health conditions, as well as their homes, especially for those living in isolated and remote areas, be provided within their care and protect them from risky events? The system proposed here as a proof of concept uses low-cost devices for communication and data processing, supported by Long-Range (LoRa) technology and connection to The Things Network, incorporating various sensors, both personal and in the residence, allowing family members, neighbors and authorized entities, including security forces, to have access to the health condition of system users and the habitability of their homes, as well as their urgent needs, thus evidencing that it is possible, using low-cost systems, to implement sensor networks for monitoring the elderly using the LoRa gateway and other support infrastructures.

scholarly journals An Association of Quality of Life and Ageing Perceptions Among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Louise -Onoria ◽  
Raymond Odokonyero ◽  
Bruno Giordani ◽  
Dickens Akena ◽  
Emmanuel Mwesiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Positive Perception

Abstract Background: Uganda’s population, though, largely characterized by young people, has seen the number of people aged 60 and over grow from 686,000 twenty years ago, to 1,433,596 in 2014. Effective caring for the well-being of this population requires strategic and deliberate planning that involves quality of life (QoL) assessments. QoL assessments among the elderly are important in evaluating the efficacy of strategies, such as health interventions, welfare programs, health care, and well-being of the elderly. However, elderly in Uganda face several challenges, ranging from loneliness, poor housing, lack of social and financial support, and poor health. These may negatively affect older persons’ quality of life and consequently their perceptions and attitudes towards aging. Methods: The study was carried out in 2019 in the communities of Nansana and Busukuma town councils in Wakiso district, Uganda. The participants were 380 people 60 years and older. To establish the association between perceptions of ageing and QoL, this study utilized a locally adapted version of the Older Person’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) and the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). The OPQOL assesses three domains of QoL: Health QoL (HQoL); Social economic QoL (SQoL); and Psychosocial QoL (PQoL). The B-APQ assesses perceptions about physical age, participation in social activities, and perceptions about ability to regulate emotions as one ages. Pearson’s Chi-square tests were used to characterize the relationship between the perceptions and quality of life.Results: The majority of the respondents, 61% (95%CI 56.7-64.8), had negative perceptions towards ageing. Eighty six percent had poor HQoL, 90% poor SQoL and 83% poor PQoL. There was a significant association between good HQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 7.3670, P = 0.007) as well as with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 18.1803, P<0.001). There was a significant association between good SQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 5.3472, P = 0.021), as well with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 10.5128, P<0.001). A significant association between good PQoL and positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 9.2414, P= 0.002).Conclusion: Positive perceptions of ageing are associated with good QoL. Directly addressing perceptions of ageing could be a low cost and effective strategy to improve the QoL of older persons in SSA

scholarly journals Effect of a Sleep Hygiene Education Program Using Telephone Follow-up Method on the Sleep Quality of the Elderly

Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-495
Author(s):  
Maryam Moradi ◽  
◽  
Hamideh Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Reza Noori ◽  
Kokab Basiri Moghadam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sleep Hygiene ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hygiene Education ◽  
And Control

Objectives: Low quality sleep is one of the most common problems in old age. The present study aims to determine the effect of a sleep hygiene education program using Telephone Follow-Up (TFU) method on the sleep quality of the elderly. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 eligible elderly people aged 60-74 years who were selected using a systematic random sampling method and were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a one-hour face-to-face education session on sleep hygiene. The TFU were carried out two times per week in the first month and once a week in the second month after intervention. The control group received routine care. The data collection tools were a demographic form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The PSQI was completed for both groups immediately after the second month. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean PSQI score before intervention in the intervention (8.02) and control (7.47) groups (P=0.32), but after the intervention, the mean PSQI score in the intervention group (5.42) was significantly reduced compared to the control group (7.67) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Sleep hygiene education program based on TFU improves the sleep quality of the elderly. It is recommended that health care providers use this method to improve the sleep quality of the elderly.

scholarly journals Peningkatan Mutu Sumber Daya Manusia Lembaga Pendidikan Isalm Berbasis Sustainable Development Goals Di Yayasan Pendidikan Anak Saleh Kota Malang

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Anwar Sa'dullah ◽  
Triyo Supriyatno
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Childhood Education

The dynamics of the development of educational institutions in Indonesia cannot be stopped, let alone limit the rapid development of institutions. Not a few institutions have closed down due to the lack of interest in the community to send their children to school. The problem basically concerns the quality of the institution, especially human resources who play a role as the subject or manager of the institution. For quality institutions, it is certain that they will not be displaced by global developments and the demands of the community for quality education. The research method of this article is qualitative research with a descriptive analysis approach. This type of research is a case study with a multi-case design considering the choice of two research institutions even though one shelter, namely early childhood education and primary school Anak Saleh Malang City. The results showed that early childhood education has four strategies in improving the quality of human resources, including: training, professional development, career development, and performance appraisal. One of the four strategies has the theme of developing human resources through workshops on the responsibilities of employees in schools and families. Meanwhile, the Saleh Children Primary School has three strategies for developing human resources, namely: monitoring, evaluation and follow-up. Among the three strategies, one of the activity designs is the awarding of employees through employee and teacher months including the involvement of parents in follow-up programs. Keywords: Quality, Human Resources, SDGs, Saleh Children

Cochlear Implantation in the Elderly: Results and Quality-of-Life Assessment

2002 ◽  
Vol 111 (10) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid R. Djalilian ◽  
Sharon L. Smith ◽  
Timothy A. King ◽  
Samuel C. Levine
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Test Results

To assess the efficacy, quality of life, and complication rate of cochlear implantation in patients over 60 years of age, we performed a retrospective chart review of 31 cochlear implant patients more than 60 years old at the time of surgery (mean, 70 years; range, 62 to 86 years). All patients had improvement in their audiological test results after operation. Twenty-eight patients (93%) are regular implant users at a median follow-up of 12 months. Major complications occurred in 2 patients (6%). We conclude that cochlear implantation in the elderly population has excellent results, with a complication rate similar to that in patients less than 60 years old, and yields an improved quality of life.

Aggression and Violence in the Elderly

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reva B. Klein
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Family Education ◽  
Degenerative Disorders ◽  
Specific Disorders ◽  
Education Support ◽  
Work Up

Aggression and violence are often overlooked in the aging population. Changes in personality, behavior, and mood are well known in psychiatric disorders, but they are also seen in neurologic conditions, often where there is alteration in brain chemistry, as in metabolic disorders; or alteration in brain structure, as in degenerative disorders, strokes, subdural hematomas, and tumors; or with alteration in brain function, as in epileptic and nonconvulsive status. This chapter provides an overview of specific behaviors, the underlying neurochemistry and pathophysiology behind specific disorders, and some treatment approaches. The consequences of unrecognized and untreated behavioral changes in the elderly can have dire consequences on quality of life—for example, leading to early institutionalization. Regular follow-up that includes questions about behavior would allow for early work-up and treatment to prevent out-of-control escalation. Family education, support, caregiver relief, and prevention of complications can go a long way in improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

scholarly journals A Multi-Agent Gamification System for Managing Smart Homes

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Winnicka ◽  
Karolina Kęsik ◽  
Dawid Połap ◽  
Marcin Woźniak ◽  
Zbigniew Marszałek
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Mobile Network ◽  
Smart Homes ◽  
Entire Solution ◽  
Additional Advantage ◽  
Fifth Generation ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Internet Of Things

Rapid development and conducted experiments in the field of the introduction the fifth generation of the mobile network standard allow for the flourishing of the Internet of Things. This is one of the most important reasons to design and test systems that can be implemented to increase the quality of our lives. In this paper, we propose a system model for managing tasks in smart homes using multi-agent solutions. The proposed solution organizes work and distributes tasks to individual family members. An additional advantage is the introduction of gamification, not only between household members, but also between families. The solution was tested to simulate the entire solution as well as the individual components that make up the system. The proposal is described with regard to the possibility of implementing smart homes in future projects.

scholarly journals The use of the thermographic examination in non-specific low back pain in elderly: controlled study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Gabriela Santos Xavier ◽  
Danillo Barbosa ◽  
Mariane Pereira Batista ◽  
Mônica Beatriz Ferreira ◽  
Ivo IIvan Kerppers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Inflammatory Process ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Pain In The Elderly

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects an important part of the population worldwide and contributes to increased spending on medicines and imaging tests. An alternative in the diagnosis of nonspecific CLBP is the thermography examination, since it has low cost, good sensitivity and specificity in inflammatory processes. Objectives: The present article aimed to evaluate non - specific CLBP in elderly patients using thermography (TermoScanTD200) and the instrument of inability of Oswestry. Methods: The study included 120 subjects with a mean age of ±78.8 years. Results: the results of the column disability assessment reported that 60% of the sample reported moderate disability and 3% of the sample reported disability. In the thermography examination, 40% of the sample presented alterations in the lumbar 5 (L5), 20% showed changes in lumbar 3 (L3) and lumbar 4 (L4) and 10% of the sample presented changes in lumbar 1 (L1) and lumbar 2 (L2). When comparing lumbar spine follow-up with type of inflammatory process, it was observed that 40% of the sample presented a prevalence of acute inflammatory process in the lumbar 5 (L5), and 30% of the sample presented a prevalence of sub-acute inflammatory process in lumbar 3 (L3) and 40% of the sample presented a prevalence of chronic inflammatory process in lumbar 5 (L5). Conclusion: In view of the above, it is suggested that the thermography examination is an important tool in the diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain in the elderly.

scholarly journals Clinical and Etiological Characteristics of Epilepsy in the Elderly: A Hospital-Based Study from a Tertiary Care Referral Center of Niamey, Niger

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 571-575
Author(s):  
Hamid Assadeck ◽  
Moussa Toudou-Daouda ◽  
Zakaria Mamadou ◽  
Mahadi Moussa-Konate ◽  
Fatimata Hassane-Djibo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Tertiary Referral Center ◽  
Referral Center ◽  
Epilepsy In The Elderly ◽  
Clonic Seizures ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the management of epilepsy in the elderly at a tertiary referral center in Niger to obtain a comprehensive understanding to determine the intrahospital deficiencies to improve and to make recommendations in terms to improve the management of epilepsy in the elderly in Niger. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the National Hospital of Niamey (Niger) over a period of 5 years from May 2013 to May 2018, collecting all cases of patients aged 60 years or over diagnosed with epilepsy by neurologists. From the registers of consultation, we collected and analyzed for each patient the demographic, clinical, etiological, and therapeutic data, as well as the outcomes during follow-up visits. Results Of the 4,576 patients of all ages seen during the period of our study, we included 62 patients aged 60 years or over diagnosed with epilepsy with a hospital frequency of 1.35%. The mean age of patients was 65.82 ± 5.72 years (range: 60 and 83 years) with a predominance of the male sex (sex ratio at 1.6). Patients aged 60 to 64 years were the most represented (43.5%). Generalized tonic–clonic seizures were the most frequent (41.9%), followed by focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (25.8%). All patients underwent electroencephalogram. Only 30 patients (48.4%) underwent brain imaging, and mainly brain computed tomography scan. The etiologies included poststroke epilepsy (25.8%), brain tumors (3.2%), cerebral toxoplasmosis (3.2%), and cerebral meningioma (1.6%). We found 41 cases (66.1%) of epilepsy without definite etiology and with an incomplete workup. Carbamazepine and phenobarbital were the only two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used. Conclusion The present study shows limited access to newer generation AEDs and diagnostic tests of epilepsy in Niger. Considerable efforts should be made to facilitate for people living with epilepsy the accessibility to diagnostic tests and the newer generation AEDs to improve the quality of epilepsy management in Niger.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document