Modern medicine is redefining old age and may soon allow people to live regularly beyond the current upper limit of 120 years, experts said on Wednesday. It used to be thought there was some inbuilt limit on lifespan, but a group of scientists meeting at Oxford University for a conference on life extension and enhancement consigned that idea to the dustbin.
Happy 150th birthday: a new era looms for old age
March 17th, 2006Pennsylvania Senior Alert System Act
March 13th, 2006The proposed Pennsylvania Senior Alert System Act is under review in the state House. The measure would require guardians or health care providers to notify authorities of any missing person over age 18 with a condition that leaves him or her confused or dependent on others. Read more.
£3m waste of space
March 13th, 2006Cheshire West PCT spokeswoman said the Royal College of Physicians report on the way older people’s services should be provided, and the recent White Paper, ‘had to be taken into consideration before we settle on a preferred option for the long-term use of the new unit which delivers best value for patients and the public purse.’ Local newspaper report.
Guardian interactive health mapping
March 13th, 2006Cool quick guide to health inequalities. You need to be able to use flash on your computer to use it. Link to Guardian Society website.
Buy telecare online
March 13th, 2006And while you are shopping for an emergency alerting device, why not pick up a stun gun or taser, too? Read more.
Phillips Telemedicine site
March 13th, 2006As we recently noted, Phillips is starting to make a stronger play in the telemedicine/telehealth arena. Here is a link to its home site for these products.
ALRT medicine compliance system
March 13th, 2006ALRT medicine compliance system: “Ideal for patients with COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, AIDS/HIV, psychiatric conditions or dexterity issues (tremors, severe arthritis), mild to moderate dementia as well as patients with complicated medications schedules, such as congestive heart failure and organ transplants.” Read article.
Tracking hospital patients
March 13th, 2006Interesting development that uses ultrasound sensors rather than radio devices to track patients around a hospital. Read more.
And patient and equipment tracking using wide-band RFID tags. Online article.
Telemedicine for sub-Saharan countries
March 13th, 2006‘Due to an increasing population, a global shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals, as well as increasing health costs, Telemedicine is perceived by many to be a lifejacket held-out to a society immersed in the turbulent sea of healthcare.’
An odd metaphor for a sub-Saharan project, but a worthwhile project nonetheless. Read on.
And for contrast, telehealth in Saskatchewan, Canada. Read on.
Saved by sensors in home
March 8th, 2006Great local good news story. Read more.