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IEEE AgeTech Initiative

IEEE AgeTech logo.Help find solutions. The aging population is a significant and growing segment of societies globally. Now an IEEE Future Directions Initiative, IEEE AgeTech is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, independence, and overall well-being for older adults and individuals with accessibility needs. It includes, but is not limited to, technological innovations in health monitoring, smart homes, robotics, mobility, caregiving, and digital accessibility and literacy. IEEE AgeTech seeks to connect researchers, technologists, end users, and advocates to facilitate the thoughtful design, development, and deployment of AgeTech products and services.

IEEE became involved with AgeTech following discussions at the 2024 Life Members Conference, where the need for age-tech standards was identified. Senior Life Members George Arnold and Michael Andrews, and Life Member Kirpal Singh Khalsa, the conference organizers, initiated efforts to address this gap. Arnold noted that many retired IEEE members wishing to stay engaged could develop AgeTech to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens.

Visit the website for the IEEE AgeTech Initiative →

Encourage Technology Innovation

IEEE AgeTech Approaches infographic.Transforming abstract ideas into tangible solutions is what IEEE has been doing for 140 years. Beyond mere utility, fostering a culture of innovation creates new industries and high-value job markets. Currently, IEEE Life Members are active in:

  • Developing roadmaps for standards, data, research, and innovation needs
  • Incubating standards and guidelines to address global challenges to adoption and design effectiveness
  • Creating workshops
  • Supporting the Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition

Provide Knowledge and Guidance

By establishing robust resource frameworks and accessible knowledge bases, IEEE Life Members are accelerating the learning curve from theory to execution. Currently, IEEE Life Members are active in:

  • AgeTech Resource Hub (ARCH)
    ARCH’s goal is to create a curated list of resources to support the development of AgeTech standards proposals, product innovations, system realizations, policies, procedures, and related materials. The education group will also be utilized to disseminate findings, organize meetings, deliver talks, and promote other efforts supporting the AgeTech initiative. It has an international scope and will collaborate with other organizations, both within and outside of IEEE.

  • Webinars with External Partners

  • AgeTech Tester Network
    Early adopters are needed for testing programs. Have you ever wanted to try out new technology before it becomes available on the market? Or use your professional skills to help companies find the best solutions? The IEEE AgeTech activity is exploring opportunities for early adopters to participate in testing programs with innovative companies developing AgeTech solutions. Sign up or send queries to [email protected].

Participate in Committees

The IEEE Standards Association’s development process served as the benchmark for the Future Directions AgeTech committees. While the term AgeTech spans a wide spectrum of technologies, IEEE AgeTech will initially focus on the following technology areas:

  • Healthcare and Wearables for the Aging
    Smart devices are designed to monitor vital signs, activity levels, and health conditions in real-time.

  • Intelligent Home Solutions for the Aging
    Technology-enabled systems that are designed to enhance safety, comfort, and independence for older adults.

  • Robotics for Caregiving
    Involves using assistive robots to support older adults with daily activities, health monitoring, and companionship.

  • Wearable Robotics for the Aging
    Robotics such as exoskeletons and powered orthotics are designed to assist with mobility, strength, and balance.

Learn more about the status of Technology Standards for the Aging (AgeTech) →

Collaborate Globally

IEEE AgeTech has an international scope and will collaborate with other organizations, both within and outside of IEEE. In addition to the IEEE Life Members, the IEEE AgeTech activity is collaborating with participants from at least 27 countries and approximately 20 different IEEE Technical Societies and Councils.

Engage with IEEE AgeTech →
Visit the website for the IEEE AgeTech Initiative →

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