How Should Healthcare IT Respond as the Baby Boomer Generation Turns 60?
Latest research indicates that as the baby boomers collectively cross the 60-year threshold, the tasks ahead are formidable.
According to a report by the global research firm Frost & Sullivan, the population aged 60 and above is likely to become the driving force behind the growth of the global healthcare market over the next five years. The company estimates that by 2020, 22% of the world’s population will be aged 60 or older. Researchers believe that to encourage independent living among the elderly, IT service providers need to support the development of smart homes and communities and fully leverage technology-based eldercare solutions.
This report identifies three market trends that can help older adults engage in healthcare activities:
Extensive adoption of remote monitoring devices. This is highly beneficial for private physicians, nurses, and family members, and will also assist elderly individuals who prefer to remain in their own homes.
Assistive technologies based on information and communication technology. This includes computer-based or other electronic communication aids, object locators, and reminder systems, which will drive the development of medical IT applications for the elderly population.
Use of robotic care support systems. This will become an excellent model for elderly care.
Researchers have pointed out that the elderly population’s demand for specialized medical technologies will create long-term development opportunities for providers of wireless networks, IT services, and software solutions. As a result, service providers are now making concerted efforts to address this trend.
“Wearable devices are increasingly becoming an integral part of the lifestyle of older adults,” said Shuba Ramkumar, Senior Research Analyst for Information and Communications Technology at Frost & Sullivan, during a press conference. “While wearable devices or GPS trackers alone do not provide better care, they facilitate remote monitoring of the elderly and help prevent serious incidents. For example, they can prevent individuals with memory impairment or dementia from wandering off, thereby reducing the risk of self-harm.”
However, Ramkumar added that regardless of whether such devices operate over low/high bandwidth or within short-/long-term ranges, “seamless connectivity” is particularly critical for the precise functioning of the elderly care ecosystem. In the healthcare sector, the normal operation of medical devices and the integration of assistive living technologies both rely on solutions addressing connectivity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance.
According to the report, the primary barriers to entering the end-user market today are the deployment of community and technical infrastructure, as well as compliance with relevant regulations governing data collected by devices. However, measures such as the development of stringent information security regulations and collaboration with medical technology companies can help overcome these challenges.
“IT service providers must collaborate with large private and public aged care institutions to design and deploy solutions integrated with healthcare systems,” said Ramkumar. “Residential care communities should also provide end-to-end IoT platforms that enable smart devices to communicate with each other to monitor patient activity. These solutions are essential for integrating home/residential care systems with central healthcare systems to automate the delivery of medical care services.”
Frost & Sullivan’s report also endorses the concept that Eric Dishman, Head of Healthcare Innovation and Policy at Intel, has been discussing and advocating for years. In Dishman’s view, the aging of the “baby boomer” generation necessitates new healthcare delivery models, while simultaneously creating new market opportunities.
As early as 2004, Dishman testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. He pointed out that the world is aging rapidly, while healthcare systems are far from meeting the demand for medical innovation in aged care, particularly the need for “home-based” care among the elderly.
He urged senators to use their imagination: “Imagine detecting swelling in the feet of older adults through a pair of socks and sending this information to caregivers; imagine a ‘smart’ cat that can soothe agitated patients with dementia through its purring; Envision’s insole tracker can monitor irregular gait patterns in older adults to help prevent falls. These examples are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to innovation in elderly care—from an overburdened safety net to highly efficient preventive systems, innovation is everywhere.”
Compiled by Chen Xin
Editor: Mo Renying