CES 2024 Recap: Universal Design, Tech for Aging in Place Highlighted at Show
CES 2024 closed Jan. 12, after an exhilarating week that set the technology narrative for the year ahead. With 4,300+exhibitors, including a record 1,400+ startups from around the globe, this year’s event showcased the innovative trends shaping tomorrow and solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Consumer Technology Association also kicked off its 100th anniversary at this year’s show.
Trends and innovations also explored the latest tech promoting both accessibility and aging in place. Specifically, CES 2024 fostered a platform on universal design for the diverse tech industry to come together and converse on the next wave of innovation.
Attendees saw, heard and touched advancements in the health space, ensuring technology bridges the gaps in care through improved eye testing cameras or using AI-driven speech technology to simulate a natural voice for those with disordered speech.
Additionally, AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative highlighted groundbreaking AgeTech innovations at this year’s show. Attendees heard from experts in AgeTech, sat in on live podcast recordings and participated in fireside chats. Those stopping by AARP’s exhibit also discovered what’s next in AgeTech from 19 of 100+ portfolio startups, with a special focus on smart home technology and aging in place. Also at this exhibit, booth visitors could feel what it’s like to navigate in an aging body, via a smart home outfitted with cutting-edge technology designed specifically for aging in place.
Game-changing trends to watch for aging in place
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 2024 is set to mark a historic high in the number of Americans turning 65, with an unprecedented 12,000 individuals celebrating this milestone each day, totaling approximately 4.4 million for the year. Additionally, findings from the report reveal that 93% of older adults consider aging in place a crucial objective.
This underscores the growing importance of initiatives aimed at promoting safety and independence for the aging population.
“The technological strides being made specifically to help the lives of aging adults is truly astounding,” says (in a press release) aging expert Lisa Cini, president/CEO of Mosaic Design Studio. “Emerging technologies, such as those exhibited at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, will not only continue to play a vital role in safety and independence, but will and should become an integral part of future home designs.”
Cini’s 2024 CES tech selections include:
- Proto: This device provides an immersive holographic experience, viewers can see, hear and engage with people from anywhere in the world
- Xandar Kardian XK300: The FDA-approved XK300 sensor tracks seniors’ heart rate, respiratory rate, motion and presence by measuring micro-vibrations from the body.
- Zibrio Advantage: Designed with seniors in mind, it provides accurate data for improved balance and fall prevention, giving seniors valuable insights into their well-being,
- The Dawn House Bed: A high-tech alternative to hospital beds, the Dawn House Bed is perfect for seniors. It comes with customizable features like adjustable height, support rails, underbed lighting, voice command, remote control, and health monitoring capabilities, ensuring both comfort and health are prioritized.
- NexStride: This small device attaches to canes or walkers and provides adjustable light and sound signals to help seniors walk better and live with more confidence, enhancing their mobility and overall well-being.
CES returns Jan. 7-10 to Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on CES, visit ces.tech. For more details on AARP’S AgeTech collaborative, visit agetechcollaborative.org.
Photo by: Consumer Technology Association