With an advancing world like we have today, it is not far fetched to think about the future of Technology and its ability to replace human interaction. Elderly individuals may experience this shift in their lifetimes, but to which extent? Many experts believe that technology is on the rise of making it possible to emulate life and soon we may have companions and health systems that keep us in check. The question is: Will technology ever fully replace the human touch? This may never be answered completely until we really get close to creating an automated technology that has the capacity to think for its own self.

The human touch is somewhat of a vague term. It encompasses the whole of the human’s ability to care for, create for and express for our elderly. There is technology on the rise that can take on certain needs of an elderly individual, making it less of a need for the human touch, especially when a machine can do some things in a more efficient manner. A nurse can take your vital readings quite quickly in an emergency, sure they can make some mistakes, but they are right for the most part. Machines will be able to keep a constant check on your vitals one day and take steps to correct problems on the fly.

Technology wouldn’t really have a touch, more of an application. Creating systems to monitor and control your daily functions may not always be a good idea. Although technology is showing great promise in medical alarm technology and advance warning systems, they may not have the capacity to release the details to those who come and help you. Making sure to have a nurse or someone close around you to give those details in an emergency may save your life. Elderly care technology will improve with time and allow for many chances for elderly independence.

The truth is that nothing could really compare to the human touch. Technology can get close, but never able to fully replace the human touch. The future can go in any direction, but without the proper human interactions that people like the elderly need, technology will never compare with the human touch. Many people argue that technology will allow for even better health in the elderly, but what is better health when you have no one to use your health with? It would be a lonely and unhealthy place for the mind without the interactions of the human touch.