Innovations in geriatric care: leveraging technology to meet the needs of an aging world, a narrative review

TL;DR

This review explores how technology like telemedicine and AI can improve healthcare for older adults facing chronic conditions and aging challenges.

Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of recent technological innovations tailored to enhance geriatric care delivery.

Findings

Telemedicine reduces hospital visits and improves continuity of care for older adults in remote areas.

mHealth apps help older adults manage chronic conditions and stay connected with caregivers.

AI and robotics offer personalized care and support for physical and cognitive needs of elderly patients.

Abstract

The rapid global increase in the older adult population presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems worldwide. This demographic shift is accompanied by a growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, and other geriatric syndromes, underscoring the urgent need for innovative, age-sensitive healthcare solutions. Traditional healthcare models often fall short in addressing the complex, multifactorial needs of older adults, highlighting the need for a transformative approach to care delivery and management that integrates personalization, continuity, and technological innovation.

This article is a narrative review that synthesizes recent literature published within the last ten years, drawing from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to explore cutting-edge advancements in geriatric care, with a focus on telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and wearable technologies. These innovations offer promising avenues to improve healthcare accessibility, enhance patient outcomes, and alleviate the burden on caregivers. For instance, telemedicine facilitates remote consultations, reducing hospital visits and ensuring continuity of care for individuals in remote or underserved areas. mHealth applications empower older adults to actively manage their health, monitor chronic conditions, and stay connected with caregivers. Robotics and AI-driven systems provide physical support, cognitive stimulation, and personalized care planning, thereby enhancing independence and emotional well-being. However, successfully integrating these technologies into geriatric care requires addressing several challenges, including technical limitations, data privacy concerns, and disparities in digital literacy. A major hurdle lies in ensuring that these solutions are user-friendly and tailored to the diverse physical and cognitive needs of older adults.