CES Notably light on Tech Gear for Seniors

A few gadgets aimed at seniors are worth noting

Will Technology Cut the Cost of Assisted Living?

It may also offer seniors more one-on-one care.

The Outrageous Cost of Assisted Living

Rising more than 5 percent last year alone.

Excuses, Excuses: Overcoming Barriers to the Adoption of Aging-in-Place Technology

What's the holdup?

Geriatric care managers are cautious and waiting. Last week I spoke about technology for aging in place to a room full of New England geriatric care managers (and a few home care agencies and senior housing folks as well). When I talked about technology, particularly remote monitoring, filling the gap in hours covered by home care aides, they enthusiastically nodded in agreement. But when I ask if any are using this technology, I heard about interest, curiosity, upcoming pilot programs (no vendors picked yet), and the like. Ditto with the home care agencies represented in the exhibit area. I didn't hear about confident or near-term likelihood of advocacy of a specific product.

Boomers, Seniors, and Tech

Is this really the best of times?

I thought that the excitement of the first boomers turning 65 in January would have waited a few weeks closer to January, but silly me. So one boomer will turn 65 every eight seconds starting in January. Is it the beginning of one of society's great tragic periods—too few jobs, dwindling public funds for safety nets, declining health, and a fundamental recasting of the societal dependency ratio? Or will it be the beginning of a long and joyous "senior boomer" or "booming senior" marketing marathon that rises and then slowly ebbs over 30 or 40 years, when the 46-year-olds run out of money and steam?