Surveilling the Elderly

Abstract

This chapter describes the usefulness of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) implant technology to monitor the elderly, who are aging in place in various retirement arrangements, and who need to maintain optimal functioning in the absence of available, and on location, service or care providers. The need to maintain functioning or sustainable aging is imperative for countries experiencing rapid growth as a demographic trend for the elderly. The chapter also raises some concerns including the social acceptance or rejection of RFID implant technology, despite the utility of the device. These concerns include a variety of political, social, and religious issues. Further, the chapter also attempts to show how RFID implant technology could be used in combination with other emerging technologies to maintain physical, emotional, and social functioning among the growing population of elderly. What follows is the introduction and a partial literature review on emergent elderly needs, and on the utilization of RFID and other technologies.