Universal Design and Smart Technology with Assistive Devices in Public Spaces Midterm Paper
The midterm paper serves as your midterm exam. You will show your knowledge and learning in your writing. Each week we will sequentially learn about the given topics.
Older adults want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. According to AARP, nearly 90 percent of older adults want to stay in their homes and community as they age. Aging in place means you will not move into a smaller home, assisted living facility, or retirement community. Instead, a person aging in place can visit and utilize the same community amenities and shops they have frequented during their middle years. Aging in place does not occur in a vacuum. Public amenities and spaces are vital to older adults’ ability to age in place.
In order for public spaces to cater to the needs of older adults, designs to help with safety and mobility to accommodate the aging body are necessary. Aging in place is a popular choice because one can continue an independent lifestyle and remain active in their local area. Instituting simple universal designs in public spaces can help older adults continue to live successfully, with comfort, safety, and independence at the forefront.
Assistive technology is often incorporated into smart technology designs to help with day-to-day living. Assistive technology refers to adaptive, assistive, or rehabilitation products. These include devices designed to provide greater independence to those with disabilities or limited abilities. Assistive Technology products can assist people with a variety of tasks improve their quality of life, and allow many to remain at home. In our day of modern technology, the topic of aging in place has become a hub of inventive ideas to allow older adults to remain in their own homes.
For this midterm paper, you will investigate aging in place in public spaces with universal designs, smart technology, and assistive technology. Your goal is to convey your understanding of each using information from your text, lectures, existing companies, and past studies from journal articles. Share the guidelines for universal design and investigate low-tech and high-tech solutions for smart technology that can accommodate aging adults. Having an aging adult in mind helps. Therefore, in your paper, you can refer to a grandparent, parent, or other loved one when explaining these concepts relating to public spaces.
Paper Format:
1) APA Guidelines with cover page, reference page, margins, double-spaced, font, subheadings, and in-text citations (no abstract needed)
2) 8 pages (page count includes correct format for the cover page and one page of your reference page)
3) Scientific Journal Articles (at least 3)
4) Websites from existing companies (1 minimum but a maximum of 3)
What to Include (you may include some or all points listed below):
1) Introduction that explains the premise and foundation of aging in place, universal design, smart technology, and assistive technology concepts. Include their inception and rationale for use.
2) Universal design, smart technology, and assistive technology in the community.
3) Share existing designs in public spaces or private buildings. Think of your local community and share accordingly. Embed images (no more than 6cm by 6cm) and describe the incorporation. Focus on one public space with images.
4) How universal designs, smart technology and assistive technology help aging adults in public spaces.
5) Share any challenges universal design or smart technology may pose for aging adults.
6) Conclusion that summarizes the main points from the body of your paper and sums up your own newly formed thoughts based on your research.
You must demonstrate a clear understanding by being fully descriptive in your writing. Be sure to explain clearly. Cite the text, websites, and journal articles within your paper. Your writing should demonstrate proper use of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and a logical flow of ideas. Click hereLinks to an external site. to view a sample paper in APA format.