The increase in the life expectancy is one of the most important developments over the last century; it has been a challenge of the human kind to nature itself. Naturally, we would die much sooner than what actually happens to most of us.
This doesn't tell the whole story though, aging is not always a blessing of science, it also poses challenges. Is living longer an objective in itself (even if it is just by survival rather than really living)? Is it fair to have our parents or grandparents living a dependent life until the last days? What should aging be like?
The fact is, as of a certain age it is highly likely that the people will need more medical assistance, and will increasingly become unable to perform certain tasks. Because of physical problems but mostly neurological problems such as memory loss and heavier cases of dementia, there is an increasing demand for senior care.
The society has created services and means to cope with this inevitability, by providing networks of senior residences and assisted living that support the people on a daily basis. And these services have improved over time to become very important living communities, where in all comfort the seniors can enjoy an active life.
However in a certain way, people are coming back to an older habit of aging at home. The availability of technology at home creates conditions for more people to age in place. These may include communication tools to keep in touch with the relatives, to keep up with the medical plans and assistance, and overall to make sure all the needed care is provided at home.
There is a thriving business of in-home technology for seniors and many new companies are developing their offers in this area. The availability of in-home technology brings new opportunities as well to expand the quality of life of the senior population. Some of the most important risks of aging are related to the brain health and the continuous ability to use the brain accurately. Having an independent life at home depends on that.
Coming back to the initial questions, living longer shouldn't be the only objective of science. Being able to have a longer active life with full cognitive abilities should instead be the real objective. That is not only possible, but it is also very easy to achieve taking advantage of available brain training technologies. Ensuring effective training programs is the best investment one can make to continue a longer and active life.
Pedro Teixeira is Commercial and SEO Manager at CogniFit, an innovative company which develops software for measuring and training the cognitive abilities - brain fitness.
