by Holly Shoemaker
As baby boomers age, they not only look toward medical
mobile apps to help monitor their medical conditions, but apps have
another use for this demographic – to assist with the care of their elderly
parents.
I agree with the viewpoint that developers will not profit from directly
targeting the elderly. That segment of the population, from my experience, has
little interest in the Internet let alone mobile apps. However, baby boomers
are tasked with decisions related to caring for their aging parents and many directly look after them.
In terms of reaching the elderly, a larger challenge lies in communication. Doctors,
healthcare professionals and those tasked with caring for elderly patients
would need to take the time to explain how the use of mobile technology improves the lives of all involved.
Concluding Thoughts
Despite some challenges, a market opportunity exists. Developers have the
ability to further target baby boomers by focusing on a product or app that makes life easier for all involved. It just requires a shift in marketing to target the baby boomers and other caregivers
tasked with looking after the elderly. Any added convenience will help reduce
stress on both the patients and those that care for them.
I have been researching the medical mobile apps for the elderly and to no surprise there isn't that much. I was really hoping to find one on exercise for older women because I have been trying to get my mother to be more active. She is still young (for an old person) and has the chance to further her life by getting active now. I hope she listens to me.
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