The current status and future potential of sensors are covered in Laurie Orlov's latest report, "The Future of Sensors and Older Adults from Aging and Health Technology Watch." The report is based on interviews with experts from 26 organizations across healthcare, senior living, and technology. As the aging population faces a dwindling care workforce, sensor technology is emerging that can assist organizations that provide care and help older adults to maintain independence, according to Orlov. Today's market is comprised of environmental, safety, health and movement technologies, as sensors already enable recording and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to inform people about status and predict future changes.

Over the next five years and beyond, the industry will make more effective use of sensor technologies, and benefit from device compliance with standards, according to Orlov. Wi-Fi access in senior care will expand.  Older adults will benefit from the ubiquity of voice, AI and camera technology in their home/residence of choice. The cost of care will be rightsized -- matching care capacity and improved wages for workers. And increasingly, insurers and care providers will include the role of sensors in the standard of care.

The report includes a wealth of data on topics such as aging at home alone or in senior living; staffing challenges; types of sensors on the market today; and how sensor information can contribute to wellbeing.

To download the report, click here