From CES: 10 New Technologies for Seniors in 2009

I recently attended the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas—the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow—and scoped out some interesting offerings for seniors featured at CES and its special track, Silvers Summit. As promised, here’s a look at ten vendors and their products from CES that I hope to learn more about over the coming months. Many of the other vendors I spoke with sounded interested in tweaking or creating products for the aging market. But the CES offerings listed below already address the senior market. In brief:

1. Audéo. Identified as a “personal care assistant,” this stylish hearing aid from Swiss hearing aid company Phonak Group is probably designed for young people, but could make wearing a hearing aid far more appealing to seniors. Available in multiple colors and styles that uses two digital microphones to filter out room noise. Learn more at HearingPlanet.

2. ClearSounds. A line of telephones for the hearing-impaired from a woman-owned Illinois company. Includes amplified telephones, neckloops for cell phone users, portable phone amplifiers, wireless TV headsets and alarm clocks. Tag-line: "Hear how good life can be." Learn more at ClearSounds.

3. Doro. A line of attractively designed phones for seniors. Land line phones have lightweight receivers for those who find traditional phones too heavy, uncomplicated mobile handsets with good easy-grip buttons, FM radio and speakerphone. Possibly a good choice for seniors with limited mobility. Doro also has amplified products. Tagline: “Makes life easier”. Learn more at Doro.

4. Vidtel. Just launched. A video phone and service combined. Users can receive audio and video messages (video requires another Vidtel user, like D-Link). The product requires an Internet connection but no PC, it has the ability to zoom in and zoom out, and you can see both sides of the conversation on your screen. Tagline: “Video calling made easy.” Learn more at Vidtel.

5. Myine Electronics. Just launched. Commercial-free FM radio, Wi-fi Internet radio “manufactures high-quality electronic audio products that make music accessible to consumers with limited time or technological sophistication.” Learn more at www.myine.com.

6. IngeniumCare. Not yet launched. Colorado-based home monitoring solution, with wireless sensors configured through the home, which tracks and monitors health status and activities. Partnered with Control4 home automation controller as well as a wireless touch screen, wireless network camera, and wireless motion sensor. Also will incorporate wearable pendant/badge with fall detection and geo-location. Learn more at www.ingeniumcare.com.

7. HaloMonitoring. Just launched. This wearable personal emergency response system with fall detection sends an alert without prompting by the wearer, via phone, email or text message. Tagline: “Independence redefined.” Learn more at: Halo Monitoring.

8. MedSignals. Woman-owned business. Electronic pillbox and reminder container with 4 bins for 4 drugs (also has a multi-pack option), displays messages, including food warnings. No Internet is required; it can be configured directly or through the Web, connecting statuses to the Web by auto-dialing an 800-number. Learn more at MedSignals.

9. GenerationOne. A mobile, customized personal health solution, this telephone-based personal health management network enables consumers to use the phone network to help manage their own chronic conditions through employer health plans and with their health care provider networks. Tagline: “Manage Your Health, Don't Let It Manage You.” Learn more at GenerationOne.

10. HeartMath. Makes the emWave Personal Stress Reliever (PSR), a winner in the CES “Last Gadget Standing” competition, works when you “place your thumb on the sensor or attach the ear sensor. After your pulse is detected, a breathing pacer synchronizes to your heart rhythms, enabling you to reach a higher level of coherence.” Learn more at HeartMath.

Silvers Summit and CES are yet two more solid indicators that the time is now for the emergence of technology vendors who will enable boomers and seniors to remain in their homes as they age. As this market solidifies, technology (and related services) will fill out the categories of products that allow us to stay engaged with others, remain safe and secure at home, help us become and remain healthy, and keep us learning and contributing to society. I guarantee it...

Posted in Aging in Place Technology, Get Organized: Tools for Caregiving, Home Safety & Fall Prevention, Safety Equipment & Gadgets