Friday, September 10, 2010

Smart Moneys' Take on Aging Technology

Contributing editor Peter Keating, in the September 2010 issue of Smart Money, has made a useful contribution to the examination of aging technology. In his article, Peter argues that emerging aging services products fall into three categories. First, devices such as medication optimizers and telehealth systems, which keep you healthy. Second, there is technology, such as wearable devices that automatically detect falls and alert family members, which promote safety. The third kind of senior technology, such as cell phones with large buttons and bright screens, are designed to make modern gadgets easier to use.

Source: Smart Money, September 2010, pp. 38-39

GE Healthcare and Intel Form New Telehealth Company

This announcement follows the formation of an alliance between the two companies in 2009, and makes good business sense, in my judgment. Many of the players in the aging technology arena are small and inadequately capitalized for the long run. Intel and GE have the deep pockets to stay the course and become THE dominant players.

The new venture will be based in Sacramento, and be owned equally by Intel and GE. Intel will contribute its assistive and remote health technologies, and GE Healthcare will contribute QuietCare, a remote monitoring system. The new company is expected to be operational by year-end.