The marketplace is
filled with new products
designed especially for
the elderly and the
handicapped.
BY RUTHAN BRODSKY
58
HOME
I
he revolution in science and
technology is bringing greater
opportunities for independent
living to the handicapped and
the elderly. What was undreamed of
five years ago in terms of independent
living and jobs for the handicapped is
a reality today.
This did not happen by accident.
The concept of linking technology to
the handicapped and elderly is taken
seriously by publicly and privately
funded research centers, manufac-
turers of products, and the retail
distribution system. Business, it seems,
is discovering a growing market — one
that requires specific products in order
to function in the community.
Why is this market growing? The
general increase in population is one
reason. But, again, it is technology that
has influenced the demographics:
technological breakthroughs in
diagnostic methods and equipment
and in surgical procedures have pro-
longed life. As a whole, we all now live
longer; the older you become, the
more likely you will have a disability
that requires an adaptive device.
Technology also saves lives. Infants
who would have died at birth now live;
teenagers suffering severe trauma and
physical injuries from auto and motor-
cycle accidents make it through the in-
tensive care units; adult and child vic-
tims of substance abuse are pulled
through. However, for many, a perma-
nent disability often accompanies