Background and Objectives To provide an updated review article studying the applicability and effectiveness of sensor networks in measuring and supporting activities of daily living (ADLs) among non-demented older adults.
Research Design and Methods Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, INSPEC, and the Cochrane Library, from October 26, 2012 to January 3, 2018 for empirical studies, measuring and supporting ADLs among independently living, non-demented older adults, investigating wireless sensor monitoring networks.
Results The search queries yielded 10,782 hits of which 162 articles were manually reviewed. Following exclusion criteria, 13 relevant articles were retained. Although various types of sensor networks with different analyzing algorithms were proposed, from simple video monitoring to complex sensor networks distributed throughout a house, all articles supported the use of wireless sensors for identifying changes in activity patterns.
Discussion and Implications Wireless sensor networks appear to be developing into an effective solution for measuring ADLs and for identifying changes in their patterns. They offer a promising solution to support older adults living independently at home. However, there is too much focus on technology, and practical usefulness still needs to be further elaborated. Sensors should focus on ADLs that are sensitive to the earliest signs of cognitive decline, as well as quantitative markers, such as errors in the execution of ADLs.
