The world of senior care is experiencing a transformative shift, led by advancements in technology and a growing focus on proactive health management. In 2024, the industry is anticipating some noteworthy developments in senior care technology that will empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
One of the most prominent spheres of innovation is the use of bio-wearables or health trackers. These devices are at the forefront of preventive wellness, allowing individuals to monitor and manage their health proactively. Let us look at five senior care tech trends to watch in 2024:
Bio-wearables and health trackers
Bio-wearables or health trackers constitute the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world of senior care technology. These devices play a crucial role in enabling individuals to know about potential health issues before they manifest as diseases. Post-COVID, people are more conscious than ever about their health, lifestyle, immunity, and overall well-being.
Bio-wearables are at the core of preventive wellness, collecting vital health information such as blood pressure, sugar levels, heart rate, electrical activity of the heart (waveforms), and sleep cycles.This data is then analysed using algorithms for better diagnosis and personalised therapies.
Improved medical records management
In a world where individuals frequently relocate for work and lifestyle reasons, maintaining consistent medical records can be challenging.This can result in fragmented and incomplete healthcare histories. Bio-wearables will close this lag by enabling healthcare professionals to access real-time health data, creating a more accurate and comprehensive medical history for each patient.This will help improve the quality of care while also ensuring that doctors have access to up-to-date information, regardless of the patient’s location.
Patient-centric healthcare
The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving towards a patient-centric model, moving away from the traditional approach of simply treating illnesses. Artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning are becoming key drivers in healthcare, enabling innovative collaborations between technology and patients.
Bio-wearables and health tracking devices are instrumental in this shift, as they empower individuals to actively participate in their healthcare. The ability to collect and share health data regardless of location enhances the continuity of care and facilitates more comprehensive medical histories and diagnoses.
Diverse range of products
The market for bio-wearables and health trackers offers a diverse range of products, catering to different preferences and needs. Well-known devices such as the Fitbit Activity Tracker, Apple Watch, Misfit, Sleep as Android, and Polar Chest Strap employ various mechanisms to monitor health metrics.
Additionally, innovative biosensing devices like the Ultrahuman tracker are gaining popularity. These devices adhere to the arm and provide real-time information on blood glucose levels, offering insights into digestion, metabolism, and sleep quality.
Ensuring accuracy and reliability
While bio-wearables and health trackers offer numerous benefits, it is essential to exercise caution and diligence when choosing these devices. Not all products on the market are genuine or scientifically validated. Users should prioritise devices that have received authoritative approvals and have undergone rigorous testing. Medical practitioners must also rely on data from scientifically accurate and reliable bio-wearable devices to make informed decisions regarding patient care.
In 2024, the senior care tech landscape will be marked by significant advancements in bio-wearables and health tracking technology. These devices are poised to play a pivotal role in proactive health management, patient-centric healthcare, and improved medical records management. As the market continues to expand with a diverse range of products, users must prioritise accuracy and reliability when selecting these devices. The future of senior care technology is about empowering individuals to take control of their health, and bio-wearables are leading the way towards a more informed and streamlined world of healthcare.
