Keeping an Eye on Older Parents to Help Them Age Well

New York Times, July 29, 2010 Heading:

"Monitoring Mom and Dad."

Caption beneath heading:"HOME TECH New products for aging in place."

"Big Brother,"--well actually grown children--adult brothers (and sisters) using technology to keep track of their aging parents' every--well almost every--move?? From afar?

According to yesterday's NY Times Home section, the technology to do just that is here. And the rationale for using it seems to be that it provides an option for older parents to age in place instead of in assisted living. Why? Because their children have the ability to monitor important specifics of parents' daily activities when at home. Much less expensive than assisted living. And can make children feel better connected.

"Aging in Place," and making cities more "senior friendly" are important aspects of Tuesday's post. And yesterday's Home section articles are so relevant, I'm writing this post a day early. The NY Times Home section's articles, understanding that most people want to age in their homes, introduces what will undoubtedly become big business: technology to help older people stay in their homes longer, even with issues that would normally signal "assisted living." This could be another breakthrough to not only help aging parents, but to help them age well.

I already have an email saying that Rye, NY's aging in place program is called "Sprye in Rye." I'm wondering how the Spry Rye Seniors view these articles and the various technological devices that keep an eye on seniors.

Link to the first article, then link to the technology article and tell us what you think.

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Note: You can now, I think, make comments on this blog. However, my replies don't work. And while I don't like to abandon an old lover (blogspot) and although it's not quite ready, visit my new site http://helpparentsagewell.com. Same blog, the comments and replies work, more bells and whistles, only photos and finishing touches remain to be done. I'd hoped to wait until everything was finished before asking you to switch over, but perhaps the time has come, especially if you want to read timely replies to your comments.
that said--

Reply to Inger
Thank you for your comment on Tuesday's post. "Adult day care" is clearly another option to help parents age in place, although I've never liked that term, do you? It seems diminishing--as if similar to child day care and doggie day care. Wouldn't it be great if there was a more dignified term? Yet my post today features "monitoring" parents from afar, which can also feel diminishing to anyone with pride. Bottom line: when something's mutually agreed upon (not forced upon) by parents and children it's a win-win. Good luck in your important work. Stay in touch. Susan