ORONO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- UMaine students and professors are developing technology that could help Maine's elderly live in their homes longer.
"The aging phenomenon is staring us right in the face" Professor Lenard Kaye said. "its time that we respond".
They are currently using a sensor developed by engineers at the school. The same sensor technology will be used by NASA this summer. By placing these sensors on the floor of the lab, students are able to track movement. That movement could be someone falling in their apartment. Technology like this would help someone who lives alone in their home in an emergency. If they were to fall, the motion would be tracked, and rescue or a loved one would be notified immediately.
The sensors are also helping students who are studying brain and sleep patterns. Those who have early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, tend to sleep in a unique way. This technology will help in the early detection of those diseases.
"We feel that Maine is an excellent place to study participants" Professor Marie Hayes said. "Then maybe offer interventions to the medical community".
The students are hoping to start using the technology in the community in the next month.