Bridging tradition and innovation: The role of technology in enhancing geriatric care in India

Meet Mrs. Sharma, a 75-year-old living alone in Delhi. Despite her children residing abroad, she maintains her independence with the help of technology. A wearable device on her wrist continuously monitors her heart rate and blood pressure, alerting her doctor if anything unusual happens. Sensors placed around her house ensure she doesn’t have to worry about falls, as her family and medical professionals are immediately notified if she does. Thanks to these innovations, Sharma feels safe and connected, even in her solitude.

This scenario is not just a distant dream but a growing reality for many seniors in India, where technology is stepping in to bridge the gap between traditional care and the evolving needs of an ageing population.

The Importance of Technological Integration in Senior Care

As of 2024, India has approximately 138 million people aged 60 and above, with the number expected to rise to over 200 million by 2030. As the Indian population continues to age, the traditional family-based care system is increasingly challenged. With smaller families and greater geographical distances, the need for an evolved geriatric care system is becoming more apparent. Integrating technology into senior care offers a solution by enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care provided to seniors.

Gadgets and Good Health

As the Indian population ages, technological advancements such as telemedicine and wearable devices are becoming increasingly vital in geriatric care. Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for seniors, particularly those with mobility issues or chronic health conditions. Various online platforms enable seniors to consult doctors from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for frequent and potentially strenuous hospital visits. The convenience of telemedicine not only saves time but also ensures that seniors have continuous access to healthcare, which is critical for managing chronic conditions.

Wearable technology further enhances geriatric care by providing continuous health monitoring. Devices such as smartwatches can track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. In addition to monitoring, these wearables are equipped with fall detection sensors that can automatically send alerts to caregivers or emergency services, ensuring prompt assistance when needed. The global market for wearable medical devices is projected to reach $16 billion by 2024, with significant adoption among seniors. Beyond fall detection, these devices help manage chronic conditions by reminding seniors to take medications, track physical geofencing, and monitor sleep patterns.

Together, telemedicine and wearable technology empower seniors to take control of their health while providing caregivers with valuable insights into their loved ones’ well-being. This combination enables more proactive and personalised care, bridging the gap between traditional care practices and the evolving needs of an ageing population.

Smart Homes: Enhancing Safety and Independence

Smart homes are not a dream far away technology, including motion sensors, automated lighting, and voice-activated assistants, can significantly enhance the safety and independence of seniors living alone. In Kerala, there are companies experimenting with IoT devices into the homes of seniors to monitor their daily activities and alert caregivers to any unusual patterns, such as missed meals or medication. These systems allow seniors to live independently while ensuring that help is always at hand if needed. A report by Redseer Strategy Consultants states that India’s smart home market is expected to surge to Rs 36,000 crore by 2028. So things will only get better hereon.

AI, Robotics, and Holograms

Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and holographic telepresence are set to transform geriatric care, offering personalised, proactive, and immersive support to seniors. In Japan, where an ageing population challenges healthcare systems, caregiving robots assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and transferring, using AI and sensors to provide tailored care. Companion robots like Softbank’s Pepper offer emotional support, engaging in conversations and sensing emotions to combat loneliness.

Holographic telepresence adds a new dimension to elderly care by creating 3D virtual presences that enable remote consultations, surgical assistance, and mental health support. This technology bridges geographical distances, allowing specialists to diagnose and treat patients remotely and offering therapy sessions that reduce isolation and stigma.

As India begins to explore these advanced technologies, the potential to revolutionise eldercare is immense. AI-driven insights, robotic assistance, and holographic interactions could soon enhance the quality of life for seniors, providing essential support to their families and caregivers.

Incorporating Technology

Despite the clear benefits, integrating technology into senior care in India comes with its challenges. Many seniors are not tech-savvy and may find it difficult to use advanced devices or platforms. As for senior care, it has only just begun to emerge as a viable market for startups. Additionally, the cost of technology can be prohibitive for lower-income groups, limiting accessibility.

To address these issues, it is crucial to develop user-friendly, affordable solutions tailored to the specific needs of the elderly. Training programs for seniors and caregivers on how to use these technologies can also help bridge the gap. Furthermore, government initiatives that support the adoption of technology in geriatric care, such as subsidies or tax incentives, could play a vital role in making these innovations more accessible.

Beyond immediate applications, technology also plays a pivotal role in advancing research in geriatric care. By leveraging data collected from wearables, telemedicine platforms, and other tech-enabled tools, researchers can gain valuable insights into ageing, chronic disease management, and the effectiveness of various care strategies. This research can, in turn, inform the development of better, more targeted interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for seniors.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Geriatric Care

As India faces the challenges of an ageing population, the integration of technology into geriatric care offers a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life for seniors. The future of geriatric care in India lies in the successful integration of technology into traditional care practices. The goal should not be to replace human caregivers with technology, but to use these innovations as tools that complement and enhance traditional care practices while respecting cultural values and the emotional needs of seniors.

By leveraging telemedicine, wearable technology, smart homes, AI, and the entrepreneurial spirit of startups, India can provide its ageing population with the care and support they deserve. However, this journey requires collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that these innovations are accessible, affordable, and aligned with the needs of seniors and their families. Technology has the potential to transform senior care, but we must remember that at the heart of every innovation is a human being who deserves dignity, respect, and love. This ethos should guide the future of geriatric care in India.