Using pervasive computing for sustainable healthcare in an aging population

Abstract

Statistics have shown that not only the proportion of elderly as part of the world's population is growing, but there also is a growing deficit of the working population compared to the retired population. Therefore, the provision for age-related medical conditions will put a heavy pressure on the healthcare system. This chapter discusses how pervasive computing can be used to help to achieve sustainability in healthcare for the elderly. Mobile devices can facilitate old adults to actively seek for health and nutrition information, beware of their vital signs, and follow an active life style in a safe manner. Light-weight wearable electronic devices can provide acute care and rehabilitation services to the elderly without causing a big impact to their quality of life. A model is suggested to integrate the use of pervasive computing in health education, health management, doctor support, and monitored rehabilitation at home.