NASA scientists may have created tech that can help seniors. What was first a way to help astronauts get balance after long flights in zero gravity, is now tech could prevent falls.
NASA Tech Could Prevent Falls
It’s an iShoe insole that has sensors that read how well a person is balancing. It can gather information for doctors before they fall.
Erez Lieberman, a graduate student, developed it while working as an intern. He says that there will be a lot of warnings before a fall will happen. Like how high cholesterol is and elevated blood pressure points to a coming heart attack.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation guesses that around 300,000 people suffer hip fractures every year. 24% of hip fracture patients 50 and older die within a year of the fracture.
It has 6 sensors and isn’t an instant alarm, though it will set out a signal that the wearer fell. It’s more a data recorder that you can bring to a doctor.
Lieberman says that the iShoe insole will cost around $100. Though it will be a while before it hits the market. More testing has to be done.
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