Technology and Innovation in an Emerging Senior/Boomer Martketplace

There are those who describe the expected impact of a large aging population as a “crisis.” Some community, business, academic, and government leaders, however, view aging demographics as an “opportunity.”

The potential benefits of this opportunity will not be realized, however, without unleashing this nation’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to create and deliver technology that responds to the “quality of life” needs of older Americans.

In the past, technologies associated with aging were generally applied to disease or disability. Today, however, aging demographics and Baby Boomer lifestyles seem to be calling for a different kind of technology. The approaching wave of wealthier, healthier and more independent Boomers is reframing the discussion of technology needs.

In response, technology and public policy will reflect greater emphasis on extending independence, productivity, and quality of life for the nation’s senior citizens. Because Boomers are themselves largely responsible for the successful development and widespread use of technology in our society, they can be expected to continue to be technology savvy consumers as they grow older.

Because Boomers are more “connected” than previous generations, technology awareness and adoption may be less of an issue than keeping abreast of the latest developments and being trained in technology products that best suit their needs and those of their caregivers and employers.

Boomers may also be more discriminating and demanding of technology, driving companies to produce more “user centric” products with greater focus on usability, usefulness, and use. Increasing emphasis on Universal Design” and human factors or ergonomic engineering and design should also assure that user’s needs and characteristics are included early in the innovation life cycle.

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