Joyce Chow October 25, 2007

34.6 million people aged 65+ (2000 Census) Projected populations ages 65+: 54 million in 2020 and 79 million in 2050 (Kiel, 2005) Medicare covers doctor’s visits and hospitalization, but not one hundred percent. Elderly expenses increased 35% since 1990 (Kiel, 2005) Elderly Americans spend average 19% of total income and lowest-fifth income level spend 32% on out-of-pocket medical expenses. (Medscape, 2000) Medicare covers about 65% of payments Medicaid available only to the poorest elderly. (Medscape, 2000) Ages 55+ who use computers 5.5% away from home 11% at home 14.4% at any location Burt Swersey, age 71, worries about money issues. “Will we have enough to last our lifetimes and provide for our needs, including any health or nursing homes?” (Burt Swersey, 2007)

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Problem: The elderly population is growing rapidly and health care expenses are rising exponentially. Elderly health care costs need to be reduced. Vision: Provide an assistive tool that allows elderly to monitor their health when living at home, therefore reducing the amount of services the elderly pay for.

HealthConnect Electronic health care compliance assistance Remote health monitoring and maintenance system Monitor medication XX Reminders to attend health matters XX Appointment reminders XX Health Care Provider monitors patient XX Reminders if no response XX Voice Messages XX Personalization depending on patient XLimited Updates XXX Blood pressure X Emergency Help X Text-To-Speech and Voice Recognition X Dialogue X Medical Journal Log X

Decrease in health care costs Increase in jobs to monitor patients virtually Increase in number of elderly using internet Increase in number of elderly living at home

Incorporate the machine to an easy-use computer with the HealthConnect system as one of its feature Not just for elderly, but families Benefits for people who use this machine, such as subsidized prescription coverage and dental care Picture:

Elderly can learn to use computers and are looking for methods to stay connected and be informed (Kiel, 2005) We are in the Information Age where technology ceases to spur Elderly Population is increasing and life expectancy is longer (Kiel, 2005) Health Care costs too much Picture:

Brown, Stephen J. "Remote Health Monitoring and Maintenance System." Google Patent Search. 17 Mar Oct “Interview with Swersey.” 16 Oct Kiel, Joan M. "The Digital Divide: Internet and Use by the Elderly." Medical Informatics and the Internet in Medicine 30 (2005): Oct Letzt, Alan M., and Lester M. Spandorfer. "Electronic Health Care Compliance Assistance." Google Patent Search. 21 Jan Oct “Study Finds Elderly Americans Spend 19% of Income on Healthcare.” Medscape Medical News Oct Weller, Christian E. "Economic Snapshots." Medicating the Elderly Into Poverty? 9 July Economic Policy Institute. 23 Oct