Entrepreneurs from Israel have found or been found by Aging 2.0. The mission of Aging 2.0 extends beyond the US: they are seeking innovators and inventions from everywhere, holding events, inviting pitches and announcing finalists. Last week, 12 entrepreneurs from Israel were written up in Jewish Business News – targeting 'technologies for the myriad needs of the aging population.' Five are included here. These have some unique attributes, but also inspire questions -- which may be the 2.0 issue of aging tech/tech-and-aging. Consider the five below. The target recipient of the technology is uncomfortable with technology, may have a physical limitation (hearing or dementia), and be at risk of social isolation. For each of these inventors, next is to identify the go-to-market partner category that will move these offerings into the homes of those who benefit at a beta-tested price point, combining with already familiar services targeting the broader needs of these individuals. These are very early-stage and all text comes from the original article:
MANCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eversound (www.eversoundHQ.com), a leading provider of audio technology geared toward older adults, announced today that it will be unveiling its latest product, the GLS 2.0 wireless group listening system, at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in Denver (May 9 - 12). The GLS 2.0 joins a select group of products under consideration at the conference as part of the “Fast and Furious” new product competition.
The numbers are daunting -- must have been those rock bands in the 60s and 70s. Hearing loss is a big problem among baby boomers -- but their propensity to solve it with hearing aids? Not so much. In 2012, there were 4.5 million of those aged 50-59 with hearing loss, but only 4.5% wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids are associated with the stigma of aging -- but facts are facts. Hearing issues may be attributed to overly loud rock bands from long ago. Hearing aids are costly and typically not covered by insurance, irritating to wear -- just a few reasons cited by various sources. But those serving the boomer health market, take heed -- once boomers are seniors and take their untreated hearing loss with them into older age ranges, their gait is also impacted, and we know with gait issues comes the risk of falling -- and we know how health risks and costs rise with the frequency and severity of falls. Here are some recent technology introductions that can enhance the ability to hear -- text is from the companies' own material:
Some tech companies don’t see the senior market as an opportunity. They are the Peter Pan tech firms, the ones in which no one (including the customer) ever ages (you might know them as Facebook, Apple, Google, and Twitter). Meanwhile, from Nashville, France, and Germany, others see inclusion and extra services as good business, maybe because this market is pretty much ignored by the gang of four. Here are five companies that vary a platform or a product to make it more useful for an older adult market or service. – All material is derived from the vendor websites or press releases:
CHATTANOOGA, TN–(Marketwired – Sep 16, 2015) – Millions across the U.S. caring for aging family members will never see the home phone the same way again — a breakthrough has arrived that transforms how older seniors connect with and are cared for by their loved ones. Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), today launched ClarityLife(TM) — an innovative peace of mind platform delivered through Clarity’s Ensemble home phone.
Getting into the hearing loop arena. Again a chance to note -- the dramatic enhancement of sound for hearing aid wearers in a looped setting -- that is, a room enhanced with a telecoil loop transmitter -- in a public environment. The cost, according to the writer, ranges from a few thousand dollars to $130,000 for the entire airport.The result?
In Chicago it was all about boomers and seniors. Last week Aging in America framed several days in Chicago of multiple other related events about and for professionals in caregiving, boomers and seniors. The market-facing event that always attracts multiple executives from organizations like AARP, United Healthcare, Ziegler, Linkage, and many startups was the What’s Next Boomer Business Summit (led by Mary Furlong and now in its 12th year). Here are five technologies new and/or not previously noted from ASA and What's Next -- all information is from the companies' websites or press releases:
