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Marian Wan, Shabbir Syed-Abdul, Luis Fernandez-Luque PhD, e-Patient Dave deBronkart, Megan Liu, Kai-Wei Ke, Naomi Lin, and chia-han hsieh

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for this course but an interest in healthcare, technology or Taiwan would be useful. You can use the hashtag #FLactiveaging to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to geriatric care
  • Knowing the real problems while ageing and how to participate
  • Introduction to health technologies (Internet of Things)
  • Learn about developing useful health tools

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Reviews summary

Iot and aging: a foundational overview

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and well-structured introduction to the Internet of Things within the context of active aging. Learners commend its clear lectures, relevant case studies (some from Taiwan), and valuable insights into geriatric care challenges. While it provides a strong multidisciplinary overview for healthcare professionals, students of gerontology, and those new to IoT, some with prior technical backgrounds note its limited technical depth. It focuses more on the 'why' than the 'how' of IoT implementation, making it ideal for those seeking to understand the potential of technology in aging without deep engineering specifics.
Instructors are knowledgeable and present content clearly.
"The content was well-organized, and the instructors were very knowledgeable."
"The instructors are clear."
"The course materials were easy to follow."
Insights from real-world scenarios, including Taiwan context.
"I found the lectures clear and the examples relevant, especially those from Taiwan."
"I particularly enjoyed the modules on developing health tools and the practical case studies."
"Learned a lot about the challenges of aging and how technology can help. The case studies were very insightful."
Highly suitable for those new to IoT or healthcare technology.
"It's not overly technical, which was perfect for me. The 'knowing the real problems' module was particularly impactful."
"Good if you're a complete beginner to IoT."
"It's a good starting point for non-tech people."
Excellent for a high-level overview of IoT in aging applications.
"This course provided a good general introduction to IoT in active aging. I found the lectures clear..."
"Comprehensive overview of IoT applications in aging. I learned about relevant issues and potential solutions."
"Good course for a multidisciplinary approach. It links healthcare and technology effectively."
Lacks practical 'how-to' for experienced tech professionals.
"The course is okay, but I expected more technical depth. It felt a bit too high-level for someone with an engineering background."
"Disappointing. The information felt somewhat generic and didn't provide enough actionable insights for me as a developer."
"While the aging concepts were interesting, the 'Internet of Things' part felt more like an overview than practical application."

Career center

Learners who complete Internet of Things for Active Aging will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 26 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Internet of Things for Active Aging.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of aging, covering topics such as cognitive aging, emotional aging, and social aging.
This compelling narrative tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells (HeLa cells) on medical research, raising crucial ethical questions about consent, race, and scientific advancement. It must-read for understanding the historical and ethical complexities intertwined with medical breakthroughs. It is valuable for providing background on bioethics and the history of medical research.
Tells the poignant story of a Hmong family and their interactions with the American healthcare system, highlighting the profound impact of cultural differences on patient care. It classic in medical anthropology and a must-read for understanding the importance of cultural competence and communication in healthcare. It is valuable for providing a deeper understanding of the social and cultural determinants of health.
Dives into the contemporary topic of artificial intelligence in healthcare. It explores how AI can revolutionize diagnosis, treatment, and the patient-physician relationship. It is highly relevant to the provided course names and offers insights into the future of healthcare delivery, suitable for those interested in technology's impact on the field.
Gawande explores the power of checklists in improving performance and reducing errors in various fields, including healthcare. is considered a must-read for its practical insights into improving patient safety and quality of care. It offers valuable lessons applicable to healthcare professionals and administrators.
Investigates the hidden costs and opaque pricing in the American healthcare system. It is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about healthcare affordability and transparency. It offers insights into the economic forces driving healthcare costs and potential solutions, suitable for anyone interested in the financial aspects of healthcare.
Focuses on the practical implementation of AI in healthcare from a leadership perspective. It is highly relevant to contemporary topics and provides a strategic framework for integrating AI solutions within healthcare organizations. It is particularly useful for professionals and graduate students interested in the operational aspects of AI in healthcare.
Examines successful healthcare models in other countries and proposes solutions for fixing the US healthcare system. It is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about healthcare reform and provides practical insights for improving value and reducing costs. It is suitable for professionals and policymakers interested in healthcare innovation.
This foundational text in the field of biomedical ethics, outlining key principles that guide decision-making in healthcare. While not a recent publication, it timeless classic essential for understanding the ethical dimensions of healthcare practice and policy. It must-read for students and professionals at all levels. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
Aims to demystify AI, machine learning, and deep learning for a healthcare audience. It is highly relevant to the contemporary courses listed and is useful for gaining a foundational understanding of these technologies and their applications in healthcare. It is suitable for a broad audience, including those without a strong technical background.
Provides a practical guide to building IoT projects using Python. It covers everything from hardware selection to data analysis.
Explores the impact of digital technologies, such as mobile devices and big data, on healthcare and the empowerment of patients. It is highly relevant to contemporary topics like digital health and data science in healthcare. It provides insights into how technology is changing the patient experience and the delivery of care.
Through a series of compelling essays, Gawande explores the inherent uncertainties and fallibilities of medicine and surgery. deepens understanding by offering an honest and insightful look at the realities of clinical practice, medical errors, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. It is valuable for gaining a nuanced perspective on the delivery of care.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of health economics. It is essential for understanding the economic forces that shape healthcare systems, markets, and policy. It is commonly used in undergraduate and graduate health economics courses and serves as a valuable reference tool.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the structure, organization, and delivery of healthcare in the United States. It is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate healthcare administration programs. It provides essential background knowledge for understanding how the US healthcare system functions.
Provides a practical introduction to US health policy, focusing on its impact on clinical practice. It is valuable for understanding how policies are made and how they influence healthcare delivery. It is suitable for students and professionals who need to navigate the policy landscape in healthcare.
Offers a comparative perspective on healthcare systems around the world. It helps broaden understanding by examining how other developed nations provide healthcare to their citizens. It is valuable for understanding different models and challenging assumptions about the US system, suitable for a wide audience including high school and undergraduate students.
This biography of Paul Farmer highlights the challenges and complexities of delivering healthcare in resource-poor settings. It deepens understanding of global health inequities and the dedication required to address them. It is an inspiring and insightful read for anyone interested in global health and the social determinants of health.
Provides a deep dive into the technical aspects of the Internet of Things. It covers networking technologies, protocols, and use cases for IoT.
Discusses the future of the Internet of Things. It explores the potential benefits and challenges of IoT and provides recommendations for how to prepare for the future.
Discusses the security challenges posed by the Internet of Things. It provides an overview of the threats and vulnerabilities associated with IoT and recommends strategies for mitigating these risks.
Considered a classic in healthcare literature, this book provides a detailed historical analysis of the development of the American healthcare system and the medical profession. While not a recent publication, it offers crucial context for understanding the current landscape and is essential reading for those seeking a deep understanding of healthcare's evolution. It is more valuable as additional reading for historical context than a current reference.
Provides a friendly and accessible introduction to the Internet of Things. It covers all the basics, from what IoT is to how it works.
Explores the economic and social implications of aging, and how businesses and governments can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing population of older adults.

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