Alex Mihailidis

The Age of AgeTech: Essays to Inspire, Change, and Challenge explores technology's role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of aging, one of the most profound demographic shifts of the 21st Century that has shaped economies, healthcare systems, and social structures worldwide. This book of essays explores the evolving field of AgeTech and its core role in shaping the future of aging. It critically examines the funding landscape for aging research, the integration of AI and robotics in elder care, digital inclusion efforts, and the ethical implications of innovation in AgeTech. The book draws from the author's personal experience and research expertise, presenting a compelling call to action for interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in transformative solutions. Designed for researchers, professionals, policymakers, and students, the book provides an accessible yet thought-provoking perspective on how technology can enhance the lives of older adults while addressing systemic challenges in healthcare and aging services. These essays provide a roadmap for those committed to shaping a future where technology enhances aging with dignity, independence, and equity.

This book introduces zero-effort technologies (ZETs), an emerging class of technologies that require little or no effort from the people who use them. ZETs use advanced computing techniques, such as computer vision, sensor fusion, decision-making and planning, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to autonomously perform the collection, analysis, and application of data about the user and/or his/her context. This book begins with an overview of ZETs, then presents concepts related to their development, including pervasive intelligent technologies and environments, design principles, and considerations regarding use. The book discusses select examples of the latest in ZET development before concluding with thoughts regarding future directions of the field.

Everyone uses machines in our daily life - cars, buses and bikes; computers and phones; washing machines and dryers. Another type of machine is an 'assistive device'. These enable a man missing a leg to walk, a woman missing an arm to hold objects and a child in a wheelchair to play a sport. 'New Hands, New Life' offers young readers the opportunity to learn how our bodies work during physical activity and what happens when they don't work properly. It shows how exciting advances in technology and science have allowed us to create assistive devices - from artificial limbs and wheelchairs to exoskeletons and robots - that make it possible for someone with a disability to make new abilities. Assistive devices are especially life-changing for a child who can overcome the challenges of a missing limb or reduced motor function to enjoy a life of learning and play that would be otherwise out of reach. Topics include: * The emergence of robotics; * Anatomy and physiology related to movement and activity, including motor control; * Why some children need help to move or do things; * Different types of challenges (e.g., walking, interacting with environment); * Diseases, trauma and disabilities that affect movement; * Working together with robots; * Making robots (robotics clubs, LEGO toys, other kits); * 3-D printing of prostheses for growing children. The book features case studies that follow the design and fitting of assistive devices. There are pictures of the labs, robots and researchers working to develop new machines, along with a brief history of prosthetics and a survey of medical-engineering work currently underway in many countries. 'New Hands, New Life' provides fascinating, illustrated coverage of a topic rarely covered for a young audience. It is an essential selection for all libraries and for many families.