This New Technology Can Quickly Track Lost Dementia Patients
Ellen Smith — May 8, 2017 — Life-Stages
References: japantimes.co.jp & mashable
A new technology developed in Japan is helping to locate lost dementia patients. The portable tracking device dubbed the 'Mimamori' is the size of a thumb tack and has been successful in bringing home lost and missing dementia patients. In trials, the device showed significant progress, as it was able to track down missing dementia patients in roughly half the time it took without the device.
Japan is home to the world's most aged population, and with its largest demographic – the post-war Baby Boomers – aging, the country expects that by 2025, one in three people will be older than 75.
In order for the tracking device to succeed, the manufacturers need city-wide cooperation. The tracks function via Bluetooth, so people wearing the devices must be within a certain radius in order to be located. If more people download the app, the radius can widen, and the chances of finding a missing person can grow exponentially.
The manufacturers are hoping to have their devices implemented in hospitals and nursing homes in order to ensure the safe return of lost dementia patients who may have wandered off.
Japan is home to the world's most aged population, and with its largest demographic – the post-war Baby Boomers – aging, the country expects that by 2025, one in three people will be older than 75.
In order for the tracking device to succeed, the manufacturers need city-wide cooperation. The tracks function via Bluetooth, so people wearing the devices must be within a certain radius in order to be located. If more people download the app, the radius can widen, and the chances of finding a missing person can grow exponentially.
The manufacturers are hoping to have their devices implemented in hospitals and nursing homes in order to ensure the safe return of lost dementia patients who may have wandered off.
Trend Themes
1. Portable Patient Trackers - The success of the Mimamori highlights an opportunity for the development of other portable devices to aid in the tracking of patients with various conditions.
2. Bluetooth Location Technology - Advancements in Bluetooth technology could lead to the development of more efficient location tracking devices for both healthcare and non-healthcare related applications.
3. Aging Population Solutions - Technologies aimed at aiding the elderly, such as patient trackers, will be in high demand as populations age and demographic shifts occur globally.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from developing and utilizing patient trackers to ensure the safety and well-being of patients with various medical conditions.
2. Technology - The technology industry can develop new and improved trackers and location devices that utilize Bluetooth technology for healthcare and non-healthcare related purposes.
3. Aging Care Services - Aging care service providers can implement portable patient trackers to increase the safety and security of their patients, leading to potentially higher satisfaction rates and a competitive advantage.
3.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
