Nana technology

"Nana" Technology is microchip based technology designed, intended, or that can otherwise be used to improve quality of life for older adults.

History and usage of the term

The term “Nana” technology was coined, defined, and categorized in 2004 by Andrew Carle, an internationally recognized expert on aging, senior housing, and assistive technologies. Carle additionally serves as Executive-in-Residence, Assistant Professor, and Founding Director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Carle’s goal was to bridge what he referred to as the 'divide between Geeks and Grans', in which technology companies were failing to consistently develop products of practical value to older adults, with older adults simultaneously unaware of technologies that did exist and could be helpful in their daily lives. Carle additionally felt governments were not paying enough attention to issues relevant to aging populations worldwide – both in stresses on family caregivers struggling to allow aging parents to live independently for as long as possible, as well as on the critical shortage of long term care workers in both home and facility based environments.

Andrew Carle with samples of "Nana" Technology.

A word play on the scientific field of nanotechnology, “Nana” technology is loosely directed to imply technologies for someone’s grandmother, or “Nana”. Carle was the first person to advance the use of this phrase with a formal definition, and one focused exclusively on microchip technologies, with the end result of naming a new and distinct subset of the technology services industry. Carle’s term and specific application were first nationally published in a feature article in USA TODAY on August 9, 2006 Nana Technology tools helps seniors be independent.^[1] Since that time Carle’s term and/or definition has been published, quoted, or featured in or on numerous media worldwide including but not limited to: CNN, CNBC, CBS News, Fox News, NPR, Forbes, Smart Money, Business 2.0, UPI, Agence France-Presse, KYODO News Service, and the Australian Broadcast Corporation, among others.

Categories

In addition to the term and definition, Carle has established eight categories to date for “Nana” technologies, and as they pertain to areas most relevant to individuals over the age of 65:

Health and Wellness: Including technologies such as those for managing medications, monitoring vital signs, or treating medical conditions typically affecting older adults.

Safety: Including technologies for preventing or reducing falls, monitoring for or requesting emergency assistance, or tracking or preventing wandering incidents among individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia.

Cognition: Includes technologies intended to improve overall cognitive functioning as affected by normal aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia.

Communication: Includes technologies that allow older adults to communicate electronically via phone, internet, video, or other forms of communication.

Sensory: Includes technologies that assist older adults affected by reduction or loss of vision, hearing, taste, touch, or smell.

Mobility: Includes technologies such as those that assist older adults in ambulation, transportation, or driving.

Lifestyle: Includes technologies that assist older adults in day-to-day functioning including meal preparation, housekeeping/home maintenance, bathing, dressing, etc.

Robotics/Whole Home Systems: Includes technologies that can self perform assistive tasks, and/or which combine two or more of the above categories into a single system.

Examples of Current "Nana" Technologies

Carle has released or presented multiple Top "Nana" Technologies opinion lists, which have been published in numerous national and international media. Featured below is a sample of technologies mentioned or similar to those identified during a presentation at the AARP Life@50+ National Event & Expo in Washington, DC:

MD.2 medication dispenser: A “bubble gum” style table top dispenser that releases pills at pre-programmed times, while providing audio and visual reminders. If pills are not taken within a designated time, the machine automatically telephones up to five family members, friends, or a professional call center to report the missed dosage.

Jitterbug Wireless Cell Phone: Designed with simple to see and use features, including oversized buttons, increased screen size and brightness, and a cushioned ear rest.

Celery: A service that allows older adults to both receive and send emails, without the need for a computer. Computerless Email^[2]

Loc8tor:^[3] uses small radio frequency tags and handheld unit to locate lost items such as car keys, purse, or television remote. The device can also be used to locate a car in a parking lot.

SmartShopper: A small unit that can be placed on a refrigerator. Users speak needed grocery items into the unit, which uses voice recognition to store and print out an automatically categorized list when requested.

Looj: A robotic gutter cleaner that eliminates the need to move and/or climb a ladder multiple times.

Hanna Mail Chime: Sends a wireless signal to a countertop unit when mail is delivered, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the mailbox.

GrandCare Systems: An integrated system that uses motion sensors to monitor activity, provides tele-health documentation of blood pressure, weight, and other vital signs, and creates a dedicated TV channel for the older adult – which can be programmed with information by a distant family member or friend.

Future Technologies

Carle has repeatedly referenced “Nana” Technologies being researched or developed for future application. Examples cited by Carle have included a GPS shoe^[4] that can locate individuals with Alzheimer's who become lost, a medicine cabinet featuring both face recognition and voice communication capabilities, a “smart shirt” that can monitor vital signs and administer CPR in the event of an emergency, "sensory" shoe inserts that can provide older adults with the same balance as a 20-year old, and a personal assistance robot that can hear, see, and smell.

Trademark and Copyright

The trade name "Nana" Technology(TM) is trademarked to Carle and used commercially, among other uses, as a licensed designation for "best of show" winners of an annual, national competition of technologies for older adults. No company or person may use the "Nana" Technology designation in commercial use for their products and/or personal gain without permission or licensure of such use from Andrew Carle.

Intellectual property rights for the "Nana" Technology term, definition, and categories are additionally copyrighted to Carle (2004), as originally published and presented in his course lectures at George Mason University, and in subsequent articles published by Carle. In this regard, use of the term to describe such technologies must be properly sourced, as well as meet the definition and categories established by Carle.

References

1. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/tech/graphics/nana_tech/flash.htm
2. ^ http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2006/product_33.html
3. ^ http://www.loc8tor.com/store
4. ^ gpsshoe.com

External links

• Andrew Carle - University Bio
• Podcast: Andrew Carle on Elder Tech Trends, Eldergadget.com
• Professor Names Top 'Nana' Technologies for 2010, Mason Media Blog
• 'Nana Tech' - Seniors Stay Independent With Tech Gadgets, Forbes.com
• GPS Shoe To Track Alzheimer's Patients, CNN.com
• Nana Technology (Business 2.0), phuongly.com
• Nana Technology Tools Help Seniors Be Independent, USA TODAY
• Nana Technologies, NPR/KUT
• Nana Technology, Double Tongued Dictionary
• Nintendo's Brain Age2 Keeps Your Mind Active, Nintendo World Report
• Can 'Nana' Technology Help Mom or Dad Age In Place?, Presto.com
• Nana Technology: Anatomy of Tomorrow, HCP LIVE
• Nana Technology Aiding Seniors at Home, Technology for Seniors
• Best Computer Games for Senior Citizens, Senior Journal
• Mason Professor Dubs Products for the Elderly 'Nana' Technology, The Mason Gazette