By Andrew Parker, iTOK
The new year always starts with CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where the newest technology is introduced for the world to see.
These flashy electronics, such as virtual reality goggles and digital shoe insoles, illustrate how far technology has advanced and what we can expect in the future. Today, however, technology continues to permeate our lives, and companies are creating even more products to make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few examples of technologies that I think will be popular among aging adults this year:
Wearable Technology – Whether you want to keep count of the number of steps taken each day, track sleep patterns, or record how many calories are in the foods you’re eating, the options for aging adults and health tracking are almost endless. Since 15% of Baby Boomers already use smartphones and the number is climbing steadily, 2015 is the year that they start exploring health apps and the accompanying gadgets. There are even versions made by famous fashion designers or embellished with Swarovski crystals, making the wearable technology as beautiful as it is practical!
E-readers – Whether it’s a Nook or a Kindle, e-readers offer many benefits to Baby Boomers. The gadgets are light to carry, offer customizable font sizes, and often come with a backlight for easy viewing. In April, Pew Research discovered that 27% of seniors use e-readers. With new high-tech solar covers being announced this week, more books and magazines becoming available each day and touchscreen versions making use more intuitive than ever, that number will likely increase this year.
Social Networks – As aging adults become more comfortable interacting online, they are likely to explore social networking websites beyond Facebook such as Pinterest for inspiration, from new recipes to home décor and fashion ideas, YouTube for funny videos or how-to tips, and OurTime for 50+ dating.
There’s no reason why aging adults shouldn’t dive headfirst into the newest, most exciting products that technology has to offer in 2015. There are even companies that offer personalized technology advisors for Baby Boomers who may need support in choosing the right gadgets or getting new devices set up, so there’s no excuse for not buying that tablet or smart watch you’ve always wanted!
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