Active Agers Want Wearable Health Technology

Wearable technology has come a long way since the 1970s, when Hewlett Packard’s calculator wristwatch hit the market. In the 12 years since the original Fitbit tracker was released (2009), wearable health technology devices have only increased in popularity and functionality.

The global wearable medical devices market size, valued at USD $16.6 billion in 2020 is expected to grow to roughly $112 billion by 2028 (source: Grand View Research).

Knowing that marketing for technology and fitness products traditionally laser-focuses on young tech-savvy individuals and often overlooks older adults, Age of Majority wanted to learn more about the adoption of wearable health technology among this population.

Key Takeaways

Older consumers are clearly interested in wearable health technology and products and companies are missing the boat by ignoring this group. Active Agers are turning to wearable technology to help manage multiple facets of their lives, including their wellness.
Companies should consider how products can address the current and future needs of older adults in context of their changing lives — to support everything from how they monitor their sleep and vitals to how they manage their diets and exercise routines.

METHODOLOGY

Active Agers, who are members of Age of Majority’s Revolution55 community (all ages 55+), were asked about their current and anticipated future use of wearable health technology devices, and their attitudes about these devices.

759 participants responded to a survey that was conducted between May 14 – 27, 2021.