In New Zealand, a company has developed flooring tiles that absorb the impact of falls.

In Japan, a wearable robot suit called the Hybrid Assistive Limb uses sensors that read nerve signals and tell the suit how to move, assisting people who have weakened muscles or disabilities.

In the United States, the Center for Aging Services Technologies is working on a mattress pad that can assess vital signs like heart rate and breathing, and transmit the data to health-care professionals.

In a host of ways, virtually every American community and institution will have to adapt to aging in the next 25 years. (more…)