| According to a new research study by Clarity and | | | | Trads, agrees saying ".... Independent living is a |
| The EAR Foundation, 26 rated moving out of | | | | key determinant of quality of life for seniors... |
| home into a nursing home as their greatest fears. | | | | "Seniors cited three primary concerns that could |
| These two possibilities are a much higher concern | | | | jeopardize their ability to live independently: |
| than death, which was the greatest fear for only | | | | 53 say memory problems |
| three percent of Seniors. And, the children of | | | | 23 of Seniors view themselves as very |
| Seniors also fear for their parents, with particular | | | | independent in that they receive no assistance |
| concern about their emotional and physical | | | | from their children and seem content with that |
| well-being should they have to enter a nursing | | | | 75 receive assistance with household maintenance, |
| home.For the "Aging in Place in | | | | 13 with healthcare, and 1 of Seniors said they are |
| America" study, two groups were surveyed to | | | | open to or would like to use new technologies |
| allow a comparative analysis of the attitudes of | | | | that enable independence. 54 of Baby Boomers |
| Seniors age 65 and older who are living at home | | | | are interested in new technologies that would help |
| with those of Baby Boomers who have Senior | | | | them monitor their parents' safety and well being. |
| parents.Significant key findings include: | | | | 51 would be open to the use of ambient |
| The vast majority of Seniors (89) are concerned | | | | technology to monitor the health and safety of |
| about their ability to do so | | | | their aging parents |
| A large majority (82 fear they will be sad | | | | But, only 14% of Baby Boomers have actually |
| Seniors living at home are determined to maintain | | | | looked for any technology solutions that would |
| their independence, but they report that they | | | | help them ensure the health and safety of their |
| require (and receive) limited support from their | | | | parents |
| children or other caregivers | | | | Trads concludes "From the iPod to the |
| Not only are Boomers concerned about their aging | | | | Blackberry, technology is such an everyday part |
| parents, almost two-thirds (63 have actually | | | | of Baby Boomers' lives; however they have not |
| looked for solutions that would help them ensure | | | | yet realized the potential benefit of technology to |
| the health and safety of their parents. | | | | help care for their parents. More technology |
| Peter Bell, president of National Aging in Place | | | | solutions need to be developed to allow aging in |
| Council, says "These findings tell us that, above all | | | | place, so that Boomers and other caregivers have |
| else, older Americans value their ability to live | | | | more options when trying to help our aging |
| independently..." And Clarity president, Carsten | | | | Americans. |