Some of the key findings from this study include that seniors view active aging technology as a way to live more independently but cost and concern over learning new technologies could be barriers to adoption. Caretakers are less concerned than seniors over those issues and caretakers, especially younger ones, can be effective advocates for using technology. Both caretakers and seniors show high levels of concern over potential emergencies and in a role reversal, the caretakers are more concerned than seniors over every day safe living.
Over two-thirds of both seniors and caretakers have concerns about privacy with health monitoring devices for seniors. With the plethora of news regarding cybersecurity breaches and how they effect nearly everyone, it’s easy to understand this fear.
Another interesting development found by the research is that health care providers are by far the most trusted source for seniors and caretakers to adopt a new technology. It’s going to be important to market to health care providers to get products and services to the intended users.
As consumer technology products continue to evolve and be adopted by more consumers, products for seniors will become more available, trusted and recommended. The biggest challenges to the adoption of active aging products are related to product management and daily usage.
To reach the senior market, consider these survey recommendations when developing and marketing your active aging products and services:
Coleen Sterns Leith is the founder and president of Marketing Matters.
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