Line up to learn your longevity likelihood.  Aren't you just loving the opportunity we will soon have to download that free genetic marker test kit, the one that with 77% accuracy will tell whether we will live past 100?* Boston University scientists have 'no plans to profit' from the results, but they could make the kit available later this summer. (Warning: analysis of the results will be costly.) I am so struck by how the law of unintended consequences could play out, especially in areas of insurance -- as with a home test kit for Alzheimer's, people might be more likely to purchase long-term care insurance. With a longevity test on the market, how long will the term need to be in term insurance? Taking it a step further, should insurance companies offer free kits as a marketing device? Should your doctor know that you've taken such a test? Should a health insurer know? What happens to rates, deductibles and lifetime caps? What kind of housing and support systems would we want if we knew we could live to 100 or more (or if we knew we would suffer from Alzheimer's)? What would our families do with that information? >>> Read more . . .

1000 Paros deployed in Japan -- and other observations about responding to robots.

Our worst nightmare -- the robotic seal enters the dementia units.

CONYERS, GA, May 18, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. (PINKSHEETS: GCKO) CEO reported today that they are very pleased with the insights and progress resulting from their ongoing elder care robot trials. They initiated these world's first personal companion robot trials late last fall focused on assisting families caring for their elderly parents.

GeckoSystems is a dynamic leader in the emerging mobile robotics industry revolutionizing their development and usage with "Mobile Robot Solutions for Safety, Security and Service(TM)." >>> Read more . . .

"If a technology ever emerges to cure the inconvenience of getting old, it’ll catch on in Japan, where a gadget-crazy population is aging rapidly."

Experimental robot to help in the store with shopping.

Japanese robotic technology helps a person stand and walk.

I was compelled to attend. AAHSA 2009 "Changing Lives" Conference -- 9000 people, 425 exhibitors. This was a beautiful (and may soon be gone) venue -- McCormick Place Lakeside Center. Gorgeous multi-story windows facing the 180 degree panorama of nearly boat-free Lake Michigan. Turn the other way, and you faced the AAHSA Idea House, an attractive and interesting layout of cool design ideas and enabling technologies for the home. >>> Read more . . .

Robots will hopefully aid Japanese seniors. Hopefully.

How social robots can be used with children and seniors.