Digital Health Technologies and Aging: A Q&A with University of Florida Professor Michael Bice By Cody Smith
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ichael Bice, a University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Professor, has studied the technological advancements impacting the elder care industry. This year, Bice spoke at LeadingAge Florida’s virtual 57th Annual Convention and Exposition, discussing artificial intelligence, virtual care, and care robots. Ahead of the convention in this exclusive Q&A with Senior Living, Bice discusses the major technology areas changing the elder care industry.
What are the main digital health technologies impacting the eldercare industry today? The basic building block of all the digital health technologies is artificial intelligence, which is an umbrella term for any computer program that does something akin to intelligent human behavior. There are five different forms of digital health technology which are available to support the elderly population. The first are care robots, which include robotic pets (these tend to be very popular), ro-
bot care companions, and nurse assistant robots. These latter robots are appearing during COVID-19 as they play a major role in cleaning and disinfecting rooms. Another kind of elder technology is the Internet of Health Things (wearables and devices). These technologies help people manage medications, respond to falls, and keep track of their vital signs. Another technology is virtual reality, which is a completely immersive experience that can be used for therapeutic as well as recreational purposes. There’s the voice activated devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. And fi-
SENIOR LIVING •
S U M M E R/F A L L 2020
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