The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released their new report titled “Independence, Technology, and Connection in Older Age.” The report includes several cross-cutting and targeted recommendations spanning a wide range of technologies.
PCAST’s recommendations discuss specific applications to improve mobility, cognitive function, social engagement, internet access, telehealth, monitoring technology, emergency preparedness systems, and intentional design to help support healthy aging for all Americans.
The report suggests that HHS www.hhs.gov initiate a private-public council along with private-sector leaders from industry, academia, and advocacy organizations to provide ideas on how to advance technology to help improve the quality of life for older Americans.
The report also recommends that the HHS Administration for Community Living (ACL) www.acl.gov and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov create a national plan to ensure that all older people have broadband internet throughout the U.S.
To help expand broadband, the USDA Rural Utility Service www.rd.usda.gov operates two loan programs and one grant program focused on broadband infrastructure, plus an ongoing grant program for distance learning and telemedicine.
Older people are especially vulnerable in disaster and emergency situations. The advisory committee wants to see FEMA www.fema.gov advance national strategies to create effective communications systems able to reach isolated and vulnerable older people during emergencies.
PCAST suggests that the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) www.phe.gov, the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) www.healthit.gov, and CMS www.cms.gov promote more rapid interoperability of medical information to ensure timely access to patients in need. Also, FEMA, ASPR, and CMS should advance policies that would make medical device interfaces more consistent and interoperable.
Advances have been made in wheelchairs and other mobility necessary technologies, but Medicare payment policies inhibit access and market innovation. The Committee would also like CMS to examine current payment policies and implement changes to enable people to buy higher functioning products with some government support.
The Committee also wants CMS to set up a multiagency and industry task force led by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) www.va.gov/health, DOD www.defense.gov, DARPA www.darpa.mil, and HHS to develop a ten year roadmap for improving wheelchair functional capabilities.
Go to www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast/docsreports for the report.