8 tech innovations that support a healthy ageing population

We’re living longer. But are we ageing better? When do we begin to age? When do we start preparing for retirement? When do we begin to screen for life threatening conditions?

With a shift in mindset and the advancement of science, the future of healthy longevity seeks to prolong health and overall wellbeing across the life span. New solutions are being developed around the world today that will dictate the quality of longevity now and in the future.

Healthy ageing is no longer limited to the physical and medical support of the maturing population. It seeks to support emotional, social, educational and financial wellbeing of individuals.

We began our exploration by combining various recent academic research on innovation in healthy ageing. We then examined research on related companies using syndicated data sources, regardless of size and maturity, to get a comprehensive view of ageing related technology. These innovations and some related examples have been divided into eight segments based on their areas of impact in the human “healthspan” and then split across three categories representing the stages of the ageing process as shown below.

Technology can allow for more financial freedom and security in the face of longevity. Some innovations subvert the conventional idea of rigid retirement plans. Low cost and personalized financial plans provide access to retirement planning to people across economic backgrounds.

Other interesting innovations connect businesses with senior retired talent. Businesses can leverage the accumulated experience and skills of mature talents, while the latter continue to have access to professional opportunities and greater financial flexibility.

Preventing future illnesses is another important aspect of healthy ageing. It includes promotion of a healthy lifestyle, as well as early detection of ageing signs and risk factors for diseases.

While the market is currently still larger for treatment, prevention can reduce healthcare costs drastically. Digital methods to monitor and detect diseases in the early stages have rapidly developed in recent years.

AI-based technologies using biomarkers like electrophysiological data of the brain, or voice, breathing or coughing as diagnostic markers enable early detection. Through such intervention, disease progress can be arrested early or better managed.

Digital monitoring of daily vital signs provides the opportunity to manage a broad range of diseases in older adults. Advances in technology currently allow for screening of numerous vital signs at home without engaging dedicated personnel or using multiple devices. Some devices are also capable of detecting subtle changes in health status and, in case of emergency, directly connect the individual to a healthcare professional.

The provision of healthcare has experienced a revolution in recent years. A major component is access for everyone and more family-centered healthcare thus addressing intergenerational dialogue and needs in healthcare. Certain options allow for an "ageing at home" approach by engaging caregivers, families and even insurers. Creating personalized, data driven and integrative plans that can proactively predict need for medical or physical interventions has the potential to reduce long term medical costs.

Hearing loss is the top, potentially modifiable, risk factor of dementia and needs to be addressed early on to decrease fall risk, cognitive impairment, social isolation and other negative health outcomes. A new generation of hearing aids is being created, including hearing aids that are steered by the brain. Medical innovations are being developed that can even protect the hair cells of the inner ear from deterioration due to age or other reasons.

Innovations in the domain of cognitive training include activities that are based on daily life (e.g. board games), but with a twist. Individualized and more engaging, these activities are designed specifically for the needs of an ageing population.

For example, senior-friendly immersive experiences in virtual reality and added gamification elements to traditional cognitive training are creating a more interactive way for elderly people to maintain their cognitive health.

Social connectedness and lifelong learning are vital parts of a healthy lifestyle and ageing process. Connecting the two factors could have a high impact on solving public health issues such as loneliness, depression and anxiety.

Some thoughtful inventions also target a sometimes overlooked category: elderly suffering from hearing-loss or paralysis. Specialized devices use features like touchscreens, sensors, pre-saved numbers etc. to allow users to communicate with friends and family independently.

Mobility is another essential area where technology is proving to add value in older adults’ lives while boosting their confidence and independence.

Specialised ride booking is one area that can facilitate better mobility for older adults. These offer rides with drivers who are trained in basic emergency medical aid, allowing the elderly to confidently engage in everyday activities like grocery shopping, visiting friends and family etc. This enables senior citizens to lead a fuller and independent life.

Academic and syndicated data was used in this analysis. Please email poorna.iyer@medable.com for additional information and data sources.