Open Infrastructure and Platform for AAL Services

In this paper we present the open health monitoring platform Smart- Assist, which combines flexible in-home and mobile sensing features with a com- prehensive social network that is designed to enhance communication between caretakers, caregivers and the community. SmartAssist supports the integration of new sensor types, algorithms, and mobile components through an integrated platform, which consists of an in-home sensor network; a web based service por- tal; and an extensible infrastructure for mobile devices. Through the adoption of open standards (Android, OSGi, OpenSocial, etc.), the system addresses issues of data protection and privacy, while simultaneously providing support for third- party extensions and context-aware services. In this paper, we will present the individual building blocks of the SmartAssist Platform as well as some illustra- tive example services. Worldwide, life expectancy has been constantly growing for many years. This fortunate development also creates challenging demands on the organisation of daily life for el- derly people and will impose significant financial and organisational challenges for the healthcare systems of our societies. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) approaches these challenges by providing technical solutions. Unfortunately, very often AAL is focused on high-tech infrastructure (sensors, ambient intelligence and actors) in order to replace human activities with (semi-)automated technical services (e.g., observation, activity tracking, automated food ordering). This view focuses on the negative aspects of grow- ing life expectancy, like loss of cognitive and physical means. Although the negative aspects of the growing life expectancy are often overemphasized, this trend represents a very positive development, leading to increasing demands by the elderly population for support mechanisms that enable an autonomous, active and fulfilling lifestyle. AAL should therefore also focus on the positive aspects of growing life spans and strengthen the existing private and professional networks and infrastructures, reducing the burden of caregivers and increasing the autonomy of caretakers at the same time, while preserving the immense skills and experiences of the group of elderly people for our society. Especially, AAL could be used to extend the autonomous life time in the elderly person's own household and delay or even prevent the transition to a nursing home. This goal can only be reached by a coordinated and supported action of many