Predictions for Epidemiologic Indicators of Age-Related Diseases and Implications for the Development of Health-Enabling Technologies

The steady increase in life expectancy in our modern industrialized societies will not only lead to a significant change in demographics, but also in epidemiologic factors. This paper reviews current predictions for epidemiologic indicators and derives implications for the development of future health-enabling technologies. Methods: A literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted and several statistical data bases were used to obtain up-to-date prediction data on health in the elderly population. Results: Prevalence rates for the leading diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancers will remain almost constant in the next decades, but incidence rates will rise markedly because of the increase in the elderly population. For neuropsychiatric diseases such as dementias and depression an increased impact is expected. Conclusion: One focus for the development of health-enabling technologies is and will remain on monitoring, especially cardiovascular parameters. More research needs to be conducted to tap the full technological potential of preventive measures, e.g. for the prevention of social isolation and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.