FSU Discovery Days panel on aging and technology engages the community, discussing challenges and opportunities

Florida State University researchers and a guest speaker from the University of Pennsylvania considered the challenges and opportunities that technology and artificial intelligence hold for the elderly in health care during a panel discussion organized by FSU Center for Long-Term Health.

The event of Oct. 9, held at the Tallahassee Senior Center, was part of FSU Discovery Days, a week celebrating FSU’s research, innovation and creativity.

“Events like this allow us to connect directly with the community, hear their opinions and better understand their needs,” ISL Interim Director Zhe He said. “Technology can improve the lives of the elderly, but it is important that we solve their problems and concerns. This event isn’t just about showing progress – it’s about ensuring that technological innovations are accessible, easy to use and aligned with the real needs of the people we aim to support. ”

Special guest George Demiris, Mary Alice Bennett University Professor and Penn Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, kicked off the event with his speech “Aging and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities.” Demiris highlighted research that focuses on various technologies that can support aging while addressing issues such as self-isolation and health monitoring.

Demiris talked about how artificial intelligence and wearable technology can be integrated into smart homes, allowing health care providers and families to collect valuable health information about elderly patients that can be used to help monitor behavior and health patterns both consistently and non-invasively.

Demiris said: “This technology can help us understand how a person lives in his house. We can see if there is a person who does not rest at night, or if he is constantly walking around his house.

This type of data collection can provide care teams with information to create customized, comprehensive care plans to best match each patient’s needs.

After Demiris’ speech, he was joined by a group of FSU researchers including himself, FSU’s Center Director Claude Pepper and Associate Professor of Sociology Dawn Carr, FSU Information Professor Mia Liza A. Lustria and Prof. of Sociology and Director of the Pepper Institute on Aging. and Public Policy Miles Taylor.

The team answered questions from members of the public about data collection integrity, patient care standards and current research.

“We need to recognize that aging is different, and technology must be adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual,” he said.

Later that day, Demiris also gave a talk, “Artificial Intelligence and Aging: Examples and Lessons Learned” at FSU’s Claude Pepper Center.

The FSU panelists are part of a research team that was awarded a $1 million grant earlier this year from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop LabGenie , a tool to help elderly patients better understand outcomes. of clinical laboratory health tests.

FSU Discovery Days events continue through Saturday, Oct. 12. For a complete calendar of events, visit discoverydays.fsu.edu.