Although the question is simple enough to ask, the answer can be complex and involves a discussion of many technology, market and social trends. In this last of a three-part series, I will explore some of the Social and Demographic trends that are driving the development of the Networked Home. The first article covered Science and Technology Trends, and the second focused on Market and Consumer trends. As always, your comments and suggestions are encouraged. This will have a significant effect on consumer technologies because Boomers are expected to live longer than their parents and will surely strain our country s social and medical programs.
Boomers are more affluent than their parents but expect a better quality of life.
They will reject elder care and instead demand technology solutions to let them stay home longer. This is driving demand for home healthcare, health monitoring, security systems, and similar technologies. Builders, product makers, technology suppliers, and service providers all need an understanding of the various trends driving the Networked Home, including the social and demographic trends covered in this article. The following social trends will all help shape the home networking market and the timing of its mainstream debut. Some 20 years after the Baby Boom, when the Boomers married and started raising their own families, the U.S. population saw an Echo Boom.