Aiding Aging: Tech Tools for Doctors in Puerto Rico
A Tougher Daily Struggle
Almost 28 out of 100 older Latinos in Puerto Rico struggle with functional disabilities. This rate is more than double the national average in the U.S. These disabilities often stem from long-term health issues, but here's the catch: primary care doctors, who see these patients frequently, don't always know about tools that could help.
Enter Mi Guía de Asistencia Tecnológica (MGAT)
MGAT is a web app designed to bridge this gap. Think of it as a guide for doctors, showing videos and information about assistive technologies that can make life easier for older adults. The goal? To help them stay independent for longer.
Why Does This Matter?
As people age, they want to stay in their homes. Assistive technologies can make this possible, helping with tasks like getting dressed or cooking meals. The problem? Many doctors don't know about these tools or how to suggest them to patients.
MGAT: A Potential Game-Changer
MGAT aims to change that by acting like a cheat sheet for doctors. But does it work? Researchers wanted to find out. They studied how useful doctors found the app and how it could be improved. The results? Stay tuned—but for now, it's clear that tools like MGAT could make a big difference in the lives of older Latinos in Puerto Rico.
