Exo-skeletons are already a thing in Japan, but cost is a limiting factor. I don’t expect the technology ever to be cheap, but I expect it to be cheaper and more common. This technology helps construction workers lift heavy things. In Japan it is helping older workers stay in work longer. Farmers, contractors. Only cost prevents similar technology in the kitchen and garden.
I doubt injected nanobots to rebuild us from inside will hit the market by the 2040s. Cutting environmental toxins, and pollutants like immortal plastics, should help everyone’s health, not merely old fartz. For mobility here, we can’t hail taxis - they won’t risk our rough rural road - but I expect kits to retrofit standard autos and RVs as autonomous vehicles before long. But we really need an autonomous gyroplane.
Want a simple, lo-tech way to boost your active years? Get a dog. Take walks. Breathe deep. A dog would divert the bears and mountain lions up here, too. No, don’t offer yourself to predators. Not even cute ones.
I’m 81, two years with stroke paralyzing right arm and leg. Also blind in terms of moving about. I can move my leg poorly, but can lock my knee for walking support with a cane. Balance is more problematic. I can walk around the house, including stairs. but should always have an attendant. Outside the house, it’s strictly wheelchair.
I have no idea at all how any technology would be helpful. A fixed handrail helps a lot, but not fixed, it’s just a cane. My good arm is always on the same side, so a handrail is one-way only unless walking backwards.
The only use of a robot would be as a walking attendant, and its only value would be security against falling, so it would essentially just be carrying me.
But I do need a forked device that will enable me to press Ctl and turn the scroll wheel with one hand.
It doesn’t have to be something big like a robot.
Do you use voice to text technology? That helps out I’m sure. What about using voice commands via an alexa or google home to control electronics around the house?
Also there are devices that can detect when someone falls and alert someone.
There are lots of small technologies that will hopefully make living independently easier.
Is bathing an issue? What about cooking?
Laptop is one thing I can do normally, anything you can do with one hand, and I can view enough the screen. Cant do anything while standing, good hand (left) is occupied for cane balance. With just one hand, can’t maneuver myself in wheelchair.
The falling issue is not about calling for help – it’s diminished bone density. My next fall will break my hip and leave me with no serviceable legs. Maybe styrofoam Pampers is the best technology on the horizon for that.
A machine that automatically roots out corrupt and bribed US Senators?
No, there is real help available :
a wearable belt which acts like an airbag in a car.As soon as you start to lose balance, electronic sensors are activated, and the belt immediately inflates into a pillow/airbag that cushions your fall.
In europe:
https://senior.helite.com/en/
and a different startup company, in Israel
www.hip-hope.com.
(not yet on the general market, but they have sold some of their belts in Canada and the US.)
Thanks for the above ^^^^. They look promising. But I fear that in my case, there would be a lot of false inflations. I stumble several times a day, but so far have always had quick enough reflexes to recover a 3-point stance before falling. Unlike auto air-bags, which require an actual event before deeploying.
Moderator Note
This is more a commend about politics than a response to the actual topic of this thread. If you want to complain about politicians, do so in a more appropriate thread.