Allison Walker, Generation To Generation
 

The same thing astronauts use to get their "earth legs" back could help prevent older adults avoid catastrophic falls.

The "iShoe" looks like the insole of an ordinary sneaker. The hope is sensors inside the device will detect balancing problems.

From there, specialists could strengthen the weak areas on their senior patient, using physical therapy to improve their balance.

The iShoe was developed by Erez Lieberman, a former NASA intern.

Scientists wanted to help astronauts regain balance after extended flights in zero gravity, but said their research could also prevent seniors from falling down and severely hurting themselves.

The iShoe is supposed to detect warning signs of a fall, similar to how high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure point to an coming heart attack.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation said nearly one-quarter of hip fracture patients ages 50 and older die within a year.

The iShoe is not yet on sale. Once its makers get federal funding, the iShoe could be for sale in a year and a half for about $100.

To see more Generation to Generation stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

 
Comment on this story.