A new study may help senior citizens live longer and healthier lives in their own home.
Researchers at the University of Washington are using small, inexpensive sensors to track things like room temperature, humidity levels, light and motion in order to help older adults make beneficial improvements to their living conditions.
The goal of the sensors will be to track irregularities. A UW researcher and PhD student explains, “Especially with motion tracking you're able to get the general pattern of your daily life: seeing how long you sleep, how often you wake up, get up, how active you are. If you're seeing a decrease every month in your activity level, it may be something you want to talk to your provider about.”
Similarly, humidity levels in one's home can contribute to sleep apnea. By tracking, and thus regulating, humidity levels, those using the sensors will be able to get a better, sounder and more beneficial sleep (and sleep pattern).
Researchers hope that Medicare and private insurance might cover the approximately $50 sensors in the future, so that senior citizens across the nation will have access to them.