The MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest (Seattle, WA) has authored an excellent–and free!–report on how boomers will be eagerly adopting–and shaping–technology in the form of personal connected health devices, applications and services. Boomers currently aged 46-64 (and turning 65 this year) are top consumers already of technology and social networking. And the health need is obvious, with 67% already managing one or more chronic conditions. They also outline opportunities (device integration, mobile/smartphones plus a case for industry leadership in the Northwest) and barriers (who pays and how much; siloed data; interoperability; data security and privacy) This compilation of expert opinion, trend and statistical analysis is a short (18 pages) and essential read. Boomers, Technology & Health: Consumers Taking Charge! (download PDF)
Updated 11 Jan: If you live in the Seattle area, the MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest will be holding a panel presentation and event on 19 January featuring this study and speakers from Intel, Peace Health, Hoaloha Robotics, Medify and Maveron. More information and registration here.