Across the globe, the demographic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, as the proportion of aging individuals continues to rise. The aging population is becoming a dominant worldwide demographic, prompting discussions on how to effectively address the needs and challenges associated with an older society. The IEEE Standards Association Industry Connections AgeTech Activity (IEEE AgeTech) is addressing this global issue by developing standards for products and technologies that support people as they age.
Where it Started
IEEE Spectrum recently reported on the initial formation of the activity. IEEE got involved with AgeTech after sessions presented at the 2024 IEEE Life Members Conference, according to IEEE Life Fellow George Arnold. A discussion about what IEEE could do to address the issues led to a suggestion that age tech standards might be needed, Arnold says.
“For the most part,” he says, “solutions have been designed for older people without their input, or being adequately tested on them.”
Arnold, along with Senior Life Member Michael Andrews and Life Member Kirpal Singh Khalsa—the conference’s organizers—got to work. “Many IEEE Life Members are now retired and still want to be involved. Helping IEEE develop AgeTech for practical use is a great way to stay technically and professionally engaged, and to help other senior citizens improve their quality of life.”
Study Groups
The IEEE Standards Association’s development process serves as the benchmark for reviewing and adopting products, services, and technologies. IEEE AgeTech has created four study groups to help guide that endeavor:
- 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 the use of 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.
Education Hub
Another part of this initiative involves education and creating a resource for AgeTech information, specifically through the AgeTech Resource Hub (ARCH). ARCH’s goal is to create a curated list of resources that can support the development of AgeTech standards proposals and related items.
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.
Early Adopters 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 creating AgeTech solutions. Sign up or send queries to [email protected]
Growing Participation
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.
Interested in discovering more?
For additional information, visit the IEEE AgeTech site or email [email protected]
To stay connected and receive upcoming meeting notices, please fill out the AgeTech Interest Form and become an active participant in the IEEE AgeTech initiative.
