Mobility Assistance Technological Devices and Impact on the Social Interaction of the Elderly

The advanced integration covers a wide array of technologies that include wheelchairs that are powered, functional electrical stimulation, prosthetic limbs, and exoskeletons that can be worn. Improved and enhanced technology is achieved through: improvement in the mechanics surrounding assistive technology; improvement on the physical interface with the user; and the user and the technology sharing control. The paper will seek to provide an overview of the advancements in assistive technology and the impact it can have in transforming the elderly who are currently suffering from mobility impairments. Introduction The population for the age continues to increase globally every year. In the same breath, there continues to be minimum exposure of the seniors to social activities. People with disabilities predominantly use the devices, people with injuries and people at an advanced age.

The mobility ATDs that are to be used by individuals is dependent on the nature of injuries sustained or the particular mobility challenge of the individuals (Elizabeth 2017). The mobility ATDs in circulation includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, crutches, walkers and canes. People who have difficulties in balancing themselves use canes or individuals who are having higher risks concerning falling. Individuals who are undergoing short-term injuries frequently use crutches to assist in mobility. Community-based services offer fitness programs, for seniors to exercise their body organs. Exercises increase the flexibility of muscles and keep the body active. They can also do volunteer work, tell stories and gather with others for meals. As a result, they get to interact with people in their age group and who have the same interests. Community services help the elderly acquire a sense of belonging in the society.

They also evaluate unethical issues caused by researchers and determine the penalties or punishment. Ethical committees also monitor researchers and their projects from the beginning until it is concluded. For example, during the period the proposal of the research is made until it is documented. Ethics committees have a task to review the existing codes of ethics and recommend changes to be done. They also help in solving conflicts between researchers. If the youth must work, then they should consider buying their elderly relatives mobility devices. To the researcher, the study will provide adequate knowledge on how mobility ATDs impact social interaction, the community will have a reason to engage in more social interactions with senior persons, and to family members, they will learn new on ways of keeping their seniors happy.

Having older adults in our society is crucial since they are a significant source of wisdom. It is, therefore, our job to ensure that they are kept happy and healthy during old age. Studies show that social interactions are essential for maintaining healthy lives. Upward Social mobility is more disruptive and easy to adapt as compared to downward mobility. Critical Review Most of the studies on mobility focus on aspects of mobility. They focus more on the physical characteristics of the person and the environment around them. Few studies are showing how technological mobility influences social interactions of the person. The two theories focus on the traditional view that mobility can only be achieved on foot. Through introduction, researchers build trust with the elderly by explaining their intentions of the study and assuring them of the confidentiality of their information.

Based on the target population of the study, questionnaires were the most accessible tools to use since they are convenient to use, easy to fill and direct to the point. Interviewing some of the elderly people enabled the researcher to read their body language. Information on how they were able to interact with the community with the aid of mobility AIDs. Secondary sources provided information on past studies on mobility aids, elderly people, their interactions and how the three variables relate to each other. of the population indicated that even with the use of mobility aids, their social circles remained the same. reported that their interactions reduced when they started using mobility aids (Levasseur et al. Mobility ATDs promotes good health. Mobility helps the muscles to stretch and relax. of the respondents concluded that when they stay in one place for a long time, they feel fatigue (Wang 2016).

They form an imaginary image in their brain which they perceive to be the reality. Lack of interactions results in loneliness and depression (Wilkinson Christopher & Antonella 2014). The research showed that 26% of elderly people have dementia while 58% indicated that they enjoy being in the company of others. Depression and dementia occur mostly to those with small or no social networks. Without the exchange of information and ideas, the brain becomes stagnant and lacks stimulation. They can visit friends and take part in social activities that favor their health. Relatives to the elderly are also able to attend to their work duties knowing that their seniors are happy. The study also showed that elderly people are connecting globally through the internet. There are forums where they meet and share ideas. Recommendations and Justification of Study Mobility ATDs has globally been associated with successful social interactions among the elderly.

This is because of the risks associated with machines. Mobility aids may fail to function causing more harm to users and may sometimes result in fatal accidents. More research should be done on how risks of mobility ATDs failure can be minimized. The researcher also recommends that further studies should be done based on how mobility AIDs impacts social interaction of elderly people. Reference List Amieva, H. van Velsen, L. Vollenbroek-Hutten, M. M. and Hermens, H. J. What is the Point of Equality? In Theories of Justice (pp. Routledge. Jensen, L. User perspectives on assistive technology: a qualitative analysis of 55 letters from citizens applying for assistive technology. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 69(1), pp. and Bédard, M. M. Importance of proximity to resources, social support, transportation and neighborhood security for mobility and social participation in older adults: results from a scoping study.

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