Key Takeaways
- The concept of longevity has become a major focus for tech giants, who view aging as a technical problem that can be solved
- Companies like Dephy and Withings are developing innovative products to help people live longer, healthier lives
- The market for wearables and health monitoring devices is valued at over $200 billion, with nearly half of usage coming from people with chronic diseases or for preventative monitoring
- These products aim to provide personalized data and insights to help individuals make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing
Introduction to Longevity and Tech
The idea of longevity has become an obsession, driven not by the healthcare industry but instead by tech giants — corporations and engineers who view aging as a technical problem in need of a solution. This shift in focus has led to the development of innovative products and technologies that aim to help people live longer, healthier lives. One such company showcasing at CES is Dephy, whose product Sidekick tackles mobility issues from the ground up, literally. It’s an exoskeleton anchored at the ankle, designed to provide a customized boost as you walk based on your very specific gait.
Dephy’s Sidekick and Mobility
Dephy’s Sidekick is a prime example of how tech companies are approaching the issue of longevity. According to Aaron Cobb, Dephy product marketing manager, "It gives you a customized boost as you walk based on your very specific gait. So what that all means is basically walking farther, faster, longer, with less fatigue, less effort." This kind of technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach mobility and aging, enabling people to stay active and independent for longer. By providing a customized boost, Sidekick can help individuals overcome mobility issues and maintain their overall health and wellbeing.
Withings’ Body Scan 2 and Body Composition
Another company making waves in the longevity space is Withings, whose Body Scan 2 measures over 60 biomarkers like heart rate, muscle mass, and blood oxygen levels. According to Louise de Vazelhes, Withings product marketer, "We want to measure longitudinal data. The whole point is the trends." This kind of data can provide individuals with a wealth of information about their health and wellbeing, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and habits. Withings’ Body Scan 2 is a prime example of how tech companies are approaching the issue of body composition and health monitoring, providing individuals with a comprehensive understanding of their overall health.
The Shift from Cure to Care
The interest in products like Dephy’s Sidekick and Withings’ Body Scan 2 reflects a broader shift in the way people approach health and wellbeing. As de Vazelhes notes, "I think it’s all about the shift from cure to care. It doesn’t have to be massive changes, but just adapt your lifestyle to ensure that your health and long-term health is trending in the right direction." This shift from cure to care reflects a growing recognition that health and wellbeing are not just about treating illnesses, but about maintaining overall health and preventing diseases from occurring in the first place. By providing individuals with personalized data and insights, products like Sidekick and Body Scan 2 can help people take a more proactive approach to their health.
The Growth of the Wearables Market
The market for wearables and health monitoring devices is valued at over $200 billion, with nearly half of usage coming from people with chronic diseases or for preventative monitoring. This growth reflects a growing recognition of the importance of health and wellbeing, as well as the potential of technology to help people live longer, healthier lives. As Cobb notes, "People are wanting to live longer, healthier lives, and that’s what this is going to give you. It’s a life expander." The growth of the wearables market is likely to continue, driven by the increasing demand for products and technologies that can help people maintain their overall health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of longevity has become a major focus for tech giants, who view aging as a technical problem that can be solved. Companies like Dephy and Withings are developing innovative products to help people live longer, healthier lives, reflecting a broader shift in the way people approach health and wellbeing. As the market for wearables and health monitoring devices continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more innovative products and technologies emerge, helping people to maintain their overall health and wellbeing and live longer, healthier lives.