NEWARK, N.J., March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced a simple way for grandparents to maintain and build ever more meaningful relationships with their grandchildren, even when they're far apart.
Press releases propagate predictive thought. Most wearables and health-related predictions reflect the universe of themselves, that is, gadget press releases and press hype about the rise in wearables, for example, among consumers. Per IDC, in 2014 "wearables and embedded sensors will become mainstream." What is mainstream, considering that only 32% of consumers are even aware of fitness trackers? Or consider that low-risk prediction: "Certain health care organizations will experiment with Google Glass." Well, maybe not so much this year -- two months before, a Fast Company article interviewed a surgeon who was experimenting, concluding that the device has a 'long way to go.'
2013 was a year in which issues percolated all around the world of older adults – health insurance and Medicare media interest dominated, but senior housing also made the news, caregiving received some exposure, and new tech to mitigate hearing and vision loss emerged. In terms of trends that could, would, and should impact the technology worlds of older adults, much has happened and more is ahead. From specific initiatives to government policy implications, the markets (money, innovation, and consumer interest) show signs of aligning in ways that can only benefit boomers and seniors. Here are trends that signal change:
CINCINNATI, Ohio, October 1, 2013 – SparkPeople, the largest online weight-loss and fitness community, today debuted the Spark Activity Tracker at Health 2.0, the leading health conference for cutting-edge innovation. SparkPeople partnered with FitLinxx, a provider of wireless health and wellness technology that motivates people to live actively and improve their well-being, to market the Spark to consumers.
BOSTON – November 25, 2013 – Young people will carve out some quality time with their older relatives during this year’s family gatherings by using their gaming and interactive skills to help grandparents find a place at the technology table.
Gothenburg, Sweden – October 4, 2013: According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, sales of smart glasses, smart watches and wearable fitness trackers reached 8.3 million units worldwide in 2012, up from 3.1 million devices in the previous year. Growing at a compound annual growth rate of 50.6 percent, total shipments of wearable technology devices are expected to reach 64.0 million units in 2017. Today wearable fitness and activity trackers constitute the vast majority of the shipments.
