New device helps locate missing objects in the home

[caption id="attachment_15500" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kinsight[/caption]

It isn't just the elderly who forget where they put things, so a new invention can go a long way in helping a lot of people locate items they misplace.

The Kinsight system was developed by Shahriar Nirjon and John Stankovic.  They are two computer scientists at the University of Virginia who have invented a type of camera system that tracks people when they move from room to room in house. The information is put together with a database that consists of a description including size and shape of objects that belong in the house. This allows the system to be able to determine when objects have been moved.

To find the missing object an individual would type in the name of the object into the database, and the computerized system would be able to locate it.

Since the human memory is faulty, there have always been memory devices to aid people in recall, whether that's a note or string around a finger. Now technology has increased the capability of search using a database combined with descriptions of objects. Scientists believe they are on the threshold of some serious improvements in aiding how humans can be, more facile in memory. The questions, however, scientists have yet to answer is whether or not this new technology is able to promote human memory over time. Furthermore, measures need to be done on how long it takes for the computerized system to give the right answer.

Whatever your need is in order to live better independently, there are organizations and techniques set up to support people with a range of disabilities. Some of these techniques are useful for folks with minor problems, the everyday guy who just can't remember where he put his keys. But for those who want grassroots information and where to get it,  there are websites that provide direction and a list of ideas and devices to aid in memory. Some of these are games and tips on how to improve memory, and others are lists of technological equipment the user can wear or have set up to aid memory. The principle behind all of this is to allow people better function. And for those of us who have been known to wander around a parking lot looking for a car,  some of these tips and ideas can be handy.

Singing to improve memory and health

[caption id="attachment_14949" align="alignleft" width="150"] Alberta Hunter[/caption]

Carol Forsloff - Like to sing, but don't think you should because you don't have a "good voice?"  Or do you think you're too old to belt out that old blues song you used to love?  It turns out singing is as good for your memory as anything you can do as you grow older, so with those health benefits, it's time to sit down and make yourself heard song-style.

Music as a business is tough these days,  as economic troubles place the arts in difficult times.  But then the blues age came into and out of hard times in those roaring twenties that cut through the Depression and came out the other side to the blues artists of today.  Still if you're feeling the blues when times are tough, the best way to revive emotionally, building those mental chains, is to learn to play an instrument and start to sing.

And you're never too old.  Alberta Hunter, the famous blues singer of the 1920's and who wrote songs for Bessie Smith, the legendary songstress of some of the most famous blues songs, was still making music in a lusty voice well through her 80's, with her last song not long before she died, as she approached 90 years of age.  Her voice was clear, and her talk-singing, coupled with the clear notes that came from a still-strong voice showed that age had not dampened the lustrous blues anthems she continued to offer, including for White House functions during the administration of Jimmy Carter.

Experts tell us that singing not only improves memory but lowers stress as well.    The health benefits keep coming, as you continue to sing.

This author gave up singing more than 15 years ago, except very occasionally on long auto trips here and there.  It was that creeping age, that voice inside that said, "You're voice will crack, and then they'll know you're trying to be something you're not anymore."  The inner nudges were disregarded, those nudges that were reminders of a need for music bypassed for the humdrum workaday tasks.

Time passed, and at a local Portland party, a few notes came out unexpectedly,  then were hummed throughout the week for pleasure.  This suggestion to do more became nearly an obsession.  That obsession had come from the desolation without song.    Singing over and over everywhere brought more and more notes to include, some songs to embrace and others to change to suit voice and style.

It's your time too.  If you want to play with music, have a go.  If you want to sing, just for yourself, do it now and don't let that inner voice rob you of one of the best ways to keep moving and youthful.

Sing your song.  You'll remember it, and that song will help  keep your memory  for it, and for other things you love,  to cherish for years to come.