# Upgraded Assistance A need for efficiency prompts high-tech methods of elderly support. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 5, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upgraded-assistance ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Upgraded Assistance trend? **Upgraded Assistance:** With aging often resulting in a natural decline of physical functions, seniors are looking to more technologically efficient methods of assistance to make ailments less cumbersome. Aiming to enhance supportive devices such as walkers and canes with more efficiency, boomers are turning to high-tech adjustments to elevate the overall performance. This speaks to a desire to not just mimic regular function, but surpass it. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 15, 2013 to Apr 9, 2014 - Published: May 5, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upgraded Assistance trend ### Tech-Enhanced Mobility Aids Innovative technology can elevate the performance and safety of mobility aids for the elderly, such as incorporating GPS trackers or ultrasonic sensors. ### Reconfigurable Assistive Devices Assistive devices with adjustable configurations, such as the Stick 1/2, provide practical and economical alternatives to traditional mobility aids. ### Multi-Functional Walking Sticks Walking sticks, such as the Trinity, that offer additional functions like a camera tripod, cater to the needs of elderly who enjoy outdoor activities. ## What the Upgraded Assistance trend means for industry ### For Healthcare Innovative products and services for seniors that promote health and wellness. ### For Assistive Technology Product and service development for assistive technology and devices aimed to support mobility and independence for the elderly. ### For Recreation & Leisure The development of products and services that offer recreational and leisurely activities suited for elderly individuals. ## Trend signals for Upgraded Assistance Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upgraded Assistance trend 6 featured examples from Jan 15, 2013 to Apr 9, 2014. - [Trekking Photographer Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trinity-twoinone): The Trinity Two-in-One is a Multitasking Tool for the Artistic Hiker (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies in the outdoor recreation industry can take advantage of the trend of outdoor photography by designing and offering innovative products that meet the specific needs of h… - [Safety-Improving Mobility Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sentry-scientific-walker): The Sentry Scientific Walker is Turning Heads at CES 2014 (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The healthcare industry can explore opportunities to develop innovative mobility aids with advanced safety features for elderly individuals. - [Reconfigurable Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stick-12): The Stick 1/2 Can Be Kept Retracted or Withdrawn to Make a Crutch (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The mobility assistance industry can explore innovative designs to create reconfigurable canes and crutches that improve accessibility and convenience for users. - [Light Up White Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sign-by-shruti-nivas): Sign by Shruti Nivas Glows Green or Red Depending on Actions (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The assistive technology industry can explore the development of smart devices that enhance the safety and accessibility of visually impaired individuals. - [Hi-Tech White Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-stick): The Eye Stick by Kim Tae-Jin Uses Ultrasonic Sensors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies that build assistive technology can explore the use of ultrasonic sensors and Bluetooth technology to improve mobility aids for people with disabilities. - [GPS-Equipped Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-canes): This Device Comes with a Built-In Tracker to Help Ensure Elderly Safety (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: GPS trackers can be integrated into assistive devices and mobility aids for elderly care and rehabilitation, leveraging the rise of telemedicine. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)