The World Health Organization defines “super-ageing” societies as countries with more than 20% of their population over 65 years old. Japan is a typical example: In a country that is home to a record 80,000 centenarians, about 29% of the population is 65 or older, and by 2036 elderly people will represent a third of the population.
Trends in Europe are not too far. In the UK, there are now more people aged 65 and over in England and Wales than children aged under 15. Senior people have surged by 20% over the past decade. In the US, about 10,000 people daily turn 65 and the percentage of people over the age of 85 is predicted to double to 14 million by 2040, in part because Americans are living longer. In 2050, 84 million elderly people will live in America.
From pension to labour shortages, super-ageing societies pose a global economic and labour market risk over the next decade and beyond, even for countries still benefiting from their demographic dividend. The impact is specifically strong in healthcare, as it becomes increasingly difficult to grant quality assistance to elderly people and cronic patients.
That’s why the debate around AgeTech – technology designed to meet the needs of older adults and those who care for them – turns up. In a patient-centered care approach, latest digital and sensor-based technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics can add value in supporting diagnosis, treatment and assistance.
Bed sensor systems are increasingly used in hospitals, clinics, nursing, and care houses: they do not replace nursing staff but can ease the burden on personnel and make some routine tasks quicker and simpler, with benefits for patients too. By integrating high-precision sensors to measure some vital parameters and referential body weight, these solutions contribute to the effective monitoring of patients’ conditions, save some workload of the nursing staff and spare the recipients’ inconvenience.
At the upcoming Expo 2025 which will be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, MinebeaMitsumi will be a special sponsor of the PASONA NATUREVERSE Pavilion by Pasona Group and will exhibit a concept bed that uses its Bed Sensor System™ to allow users to experience the future of sleep. This innovative beds does not require any measuring equipment to be placed on the user’s body. Sensors are simply installed under bed legs, are non-invasive and non-contact yet capable of accurately measuring physical conditions such as body weight, body movement, respiratory rate, and heart rate. It also uses various mechanisms and ambient lighting to ensure good quality sleep and a comfortable awakening experience, recreating the future of sleep optimal for each individual user.
AgeTech and smart technologies are not the silver bullet for the super-ageing society, but they can make longevity somewhat more comfortable and support medical care when needed.
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