Yeah I know what you are saying. Without technology and ability to use it can be isolating for aging people or anyone with disability or mental health issues. .Lots of people don't pick up technology unless they have a use for it. facebook picked up so they can keep in touch with kids or bridge partners or golf bookings. Email to get their club newsletters etc. Many don't even realise they are using it when they go to a retail store and us the photo processing printers and that is the good way people can transition. Many simply can't afford it or justify the expense.Technology has just become more powerful and portable and will continue to do so but a lot still requires interaction.. Government love it as govt costs of staff go down with every electronic tax return , BAS statement etc but provision must be made for lesser knowledge, finances and ability. Councils and clubs in Australia have in the past run courses and info nights often to cut down mailing and printing expense but sometime sjust sponsered by a product that they want oldies to buy Grrr. Ultruistic - Ok profit driven - hmmmm.
With all the goings on and costs in old folks homes some will want to keep independent as long as possible and technology will play a positive huge role in that but yes it can also be misused.
The " presence " monitors exist already and work by motion and you can set them for expected movement in normal waking hours in portable fobs or benchtop room alarms . No movement - alarm can be triggered - like 3 hour arvo nap OK - no movement for 6 hours and past pill time - alarm triggered. Having a IOT pill box and all these things are good but it is even better if a family member actually phones each evening or morning to say hi and to confirm all is Ok and pills taken. The interaction is positive. There will always be a fine line between caring and interference depending on the dependency of the elderly person and mental independence. I have seen the best and worst in people acting as carers in family circumstances with health and mental wellbeing let alone finances.
