We have yet to convince people that wearable technology will help their health. The mainstream populace is unsure of how wearing our technology will improve lives. Opponents cringe at the idea of some electronic device being able to gather information from their body. Many find it as an invasion of privacy. People feel they are giving up control and would rather NOT know the details of their body.
We need to change public perception. Information is power and the more data we can have on a person's health the greater the chances of improving outcomes.
The improvement of our health depends on wearable technologies.
It is very easy to see wearable technologies as some invention of the overzealous techies, but the reality is something entirely different. Healthcare’s progress depends on the advancement of wearable devices. Wearable technology is not just about entertainment or neat gadgets.
Imagine if a piece of technology could help guide you to the destination of wellness. What if someone dealing with a skin disease such as Rosacea was able to have constant monitoring through a non-evasive wearable. The data captured contains information for understanding what areas or events might be triggering the disease.
Someone battling depression could benefit by understanding what circumstances set off their disease. An intelligent, non-emotional companion in the form of a wearable device could gather precious 24 hours a day data. This information would give insight into factors we currently have no way of analyzing. It might even pose new possible contributing factors to the disease.
Obtaining these insights would benefit not only the individual but also others dealing with the disorder too. The collected data is critical for Population Health Management population practices. Looking at groups of data for a particular disease gives way to even more valuable information.
The possibility of helping chronic and acute health conditions is practically limitless.
By capturing the data through wearable technology, every health condition will benefit in some way, shape, or form.
Recently the skin company L'oreal announced a wearable called My Uv Patch. It will allow a user to get a personalized recommendation for their sun protection. It is a stretchable skin sensor that plans to work via a mobile app. In late 2016 they expect to make this product available and sold under the brand La Roche-Posay.
Ringly is a smart-jewelry company that makes a semi-precious ring for iOS and Android which vibrates and lights up a small LED when you get alerts. Here is what CEO Mercando d’Avignon has to say about the direction of Ringly.
"Wearable technology will evolve in 2016 to have a stronger focus on aesthetics and design. We believe people will be shopping for electronic devices the way they shop for clothing. You'll want to wear the piece that fits your personal style - as well as the functionality that fits your lifestyle....much like clothing, your tech accessories should have variety, and you shouldn't have to wear the same design every day." from wareable.com
The current ring works with vibration signals to send you alerts. It can remind you of events. It is safe to say with companies like Ringly; the direction of wearables is indeed becoming things that we want to wear.
Google has Project Jacquard in the works. They intend to make everyday objects like clothes and furniture into interactive surfaces. Google has partnered with Levi's. Together they have developed a conductive yarn that's woven into the fabric.
Fashion is an important part in integrating wearables, but ultimately we are going to find how they can improve chronic diseases. Health & Wellness: these two points are what we need to keep as the ultimate intention. This movement is more than just being able to access information; this is more than being able to control your music library or be reminded of a meeting.
Neat features are one thing, but this is also about gathering information that your body is transmitting.
Will it be easy to transition to this new way of living? Of course not. For all of us that have lived without constant monitoring, it will be strange indeed. We will have to become accustomed to the new. It will begin first with the people that are battling a disease. For they are willing to do whatever it takes to help them heal and recover. These individuals will be the ones breaking the ground for us.
Eventually, the majority of the population will see the benefits in using wearables. They will grow to depend on the help of artificial intelligence. People will like the fact that something is there to help them deal with life.
25 years from now people will look upon our current day and age and wonder, how did we live and function without wearable technology?
You can be sure of one thing; wearable technology will have a dramatic impact on healthcare and personal wellness.
