ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new report, Outthink Aging, from IBM and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ Foundation – a public, national foundation with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives - reveals that meeting the needs of a growing aging population will require new technologies, partnerships, ideas and business models. The report also discusses how technology such as cognitive computing will empower seniors to live longer, healthier and more independent lives by preventing fraud and abuse, providing greater social connectivity and improving access to vital information and services.
The report outlines the challenges of meeting the needs of the aging demographic and gives recommendations for three core areas where the intersection of mobile devices, cognitive computing and providers could have the greatest impact on the essential concerns of older adults, including:
- Health: Access to high-quality healthcare encouraging both physical and cognitive well-being
- Connection: Capability to stay in touch with loved ones and maintain an active role in their communities
- Security: Ability to live safely in one’s home and have protections against theft and financial fraud
- Dignity and Independence: Respect and control over direction of their lives
“Technology is fundamentally changing the way we live and can dramatically improve our lives as we age,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Tech innovation will allow seniors to live healthier, more connected lives and keep them more engaged with their families, healthcare providers and communities.”
“The collaboration between IBM and the CTA Foundation is an excellent example of the new types of relationships that will be necessary to meet the needs of the growing aging population," said Dr. Ruoyi Zhou, director of IBM Accessibility Research. “The results of the study outline new and innovative ways in which cognitive computing will benefit millions of seniors around the world."
Outthink Aging also describes the potential relationships and innovative business models needed to create a new ecosystem that can effectively deliver scalable, integrated technology-based solutions to address these larger and more complex issues.
Additionally, the report shares some of the key concerns and challenges of aging:
- 47 percent of respondents worry most about losing their memory and suffering from dementia as they age
- 38 percent believe smart homes and the Internet of Things will best help manage the aging process
- 35 percent believe discussing assisted/long-term care is the most difficult conversation to have with their parents
“Technology does not replace the human element, but it’s a tool that will enable the growing aging demographic and caregivers to better our lives as we age,” said Stephen Ewell, executive director of the CTA Foundation. “New partnerships between industry, nonprofits, academia, government and the general public will form to accomplish these goals. The CTA Foundation looks forward to working with IBM, the broader technology industry and stakeholders to find ways to implement these innovations and revolutionize the way we age.”
According to other research from the CTA Foundation, the U.S. market for active aging technology now encompasses 85 million Americans – more than one quarter of the national population. That market represents a $24.4 billion market opportunity in 2015 that is expected to grow to $42.7 billion in 2020 – a 12 percent compound annual growth rate over the next five years for tech products that support a proactive way of living, balancing growing older with the active pursuit of quality of life.
The IBM and CTA Foundation project was launched at CES® 2016 to look specifically at how cognitive computing can help improve the way we age or experience disability. At CES 2017, active aging tech will be on display in the Accessibility Marketplace featuring technology that can facilitate connections; enhance learning, communication and/or mobility; and help improve the overall quality of life for people with disabilities.
To access the full report visit: CTAFoundation.tech or the IBM Accessibility page.
About the Consumer Technology Association Foundation
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation is a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association. It was established with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. The Foundation is focused on strategic support of programs to impact these communities and has launched its first series of grants in 2012. It also serves to facilitate dialog between industry, consumers, government, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders around important issues. For more information on the CTA Foundation please visit CTAFoundation.tech.
About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Consumer Technology Association also owns and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.
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