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# Independent Edification
Tech for the aging supports solo learning suited to life interests.

By [Jordy E](https://www.trendhunter.com/JordyEleni) | Published Nov 23, 2015 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adult-edification

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 3.7/10
- Evidence articles: 8

## What is the Independent Edification trend?

**Independent Edification:** Tech brands are developing independent learning tools that are placing education in the hands of today's aging population. This suits demographics such as seniors and boomers who, despite the standard age of students, are prioritizing the concept of a second life through personal edification and growth. Enabling this shift are numerous digital products that quickly becoming second nature to elderly populations.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 8 featured examples
- Articles from: Apr 29, 2013 to Oct 26, 2017
- Published: Nov 23, 2015
- Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration)
- Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Themes within the Independent Edification trend

### Personalized Learning Tools for Aging Populations

As elderly individuals prioritize personal growth, opportunities for education through tech products are on the rise, presenting a market for personalized learning tools.

### Brain-Boosting Apps for Cognitive Function

The prevalence of brain training apps emphasizes the growing market for maintaining cognitive function and presents an opportunity for technological innovations that boost brain function.

### Inclusive Boomer Collaboration Initiatives

Boomer-centric collaboration initiatives are on the rise, presenting opportunities for industries such as technology, health, education, architecture, work, leisure, transport, housing, media, fashion, and beauty to shift the perspective on age stigmas, make intergenerational initiatives, and include diverse age demographics.

## What the Independent Edification trend means for industry

### For EdTech

The education industry presents a market for personalized and self-guided learning tools for the growing aging population.

### For Healthcare

Brain-boosting apps and memory supplementing tools for Alzheimer's care provide opportunities for innovation within the healthcare and senior care fields.

### For Financial Services

Financial services can incorporate multi-generational marketing campaigns to create a range of appeal, as seen in the MTCU commercial and other inclusive initiatives.

## Workshop question

How are you preparing for the next stage of your consumer's life and their evolving needs?

## Trend signals for Independent Edification

Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 48%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 56%
- Activity: 48%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Independent Edification trend

8 featured examples from Apr 29, 2013 to Oct 26, 2017.

- [Senior-Centered Community Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mathers-cafes): Mather's Cafes Host Speed Dating and Wine Tastings for Boomers (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Opportunity for senior living services to create modern community spaces that offer more engaging activities and full restaurant menus.
- [Aspiring Polyglot Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/language-learning-app): This Language Learning App Gamifies the Process of Picking Up Other Tongues (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Developing language learning apps with gamification and mnemonic techniques.
- [Brain-Boosting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brain-training): The 'Elevate' App Features Brain Training Games and Cognitive Exercises (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The rise of brain training apps like Elevate points to a growing need for software developers to create innovative applications that enhance cognitive skills.
- [Boomer Tech Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-workshop): ETAG Hosts Free Tech Training Sessions for Aging Adults (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Opportunity for educational institutions and training providers to develop specialized tech training programs for aging adults, catering to their unique learning needs.
- [Inclusive Boomer Collaboration Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-age-of-no-retirement): The Age of No Retirement Seeks to Combat Ageism (Category: Art & Design)
  Implication: Harnessing the expertise and perspectives of older individuals to drive technological innovation and inclusive digital experiences.
- [Memory-Supplementing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memory-loss): Samsung's Memory Recaller Helps Alzheimer Patients Cope with Memory Loss (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Opportunity for healthcare providers and tech companies to collaborate in developing innovative apps and technologies for memory support.
- [Sustainable Business Education Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/springboard-innovation): Springboard Innovation Is Designing the Future Locally (Category: Social Good)
  Implication: Sustainable business education programs like those offered by Springboard Innovation have the potential to disrupt the traditional education industry.
- [Multi-Generational Loan Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millennial-loan-ad): This 30-Second MTCU Commercial Shows the Company's Range of Appeal (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Financial services industry can leverage digital loan services and omnichannel banking to meet the evolving needs of different generations.

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All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)
