Smart Utensils For the Future by Manjusri ALP
 RAHS Sep 27, 2016 12:30  | Thank you for submitting your trend! The implementation of these inventions would undoubtedly enable elderly to live a more confident and independent life. There are many of such initiatives out on the market, but a problem that remains is the costs involved with proliferating this technology to the masses. Research has shown that the lower income are facing more health concerns particularly because of their nutrition. The high cost of this technology could further exacerbate the socio-economic divide. Do you think the elderly would find such technologies too cumbersome for daily use? |
andrewang Sep 28, 2016 03:26  | Agreed on your point with regard to the lack of basic requirements faced by some. If you are considering current state of technology, manufacturing techniques and efficiency, etc, as well as initial adoption rate, we can agree that initial costs could be a factor. However, just like the humble calculator. today, it is so cheap to produce and readily available is all forms, compared to say, the first Texas Instrument calculator. As adoption rate increases, the future form and function of such devices could be the same or totally different from what was suggested by the author. If such systems were totally integrated and work almost seamlessly and non-intrusively into the life of the elderly, this could be a new norm, and possibly would not seem to be cumbersome. If such a direction were to be adopted, the market will determine what it'll look like, how it'll perform, what it can do (plus other things?). Definitely if such things become a must, there'll be a way to make the product to address the affordability of various market segments (just like the mobile phones of today). Here in Singapore, the Government has been very supportive to initiatives that could help its citizens, and the Elderly in particular. This idea could possibly be realised even earlier if the Ministry of Health or even the Ministry of Social and Family Development (maybe in collaboration with a corporate body / sponsor) sees the potential benefits and supports by overcoming the initial momentum by funding such an idea, together with its current drives to address the needs of those in the lower end of the socio-economic scale. As in all ideas, there has to be a starting point somewhere, and granted it may not be a one-size-fits all solution (in the beginning). But, a possible idea thought about to improve the lives and well-being of our elderly is one that's worth giving some thought about. This would be in line with Singapore's efforts towards becoming a Smart Nation, by leveraging technology to improve the lives of its citizens............... |