One of the most rapidly evolving areas of technological progress is in optics. It's happening for a variety of reasons--companies want to make better computer games, the military wants to provide better equipment to its soldiers, movie makers are working on 3D technology to get people back in the cinemas, and virtual reality may change the way we experience the world.
So it's no surprise that the number of patents filed in optics is growing at 5% a year, which is really robust. But what are the likely ramifications for seniors?
Stem cell experiments improved the vision of elderly, umm, rats in experiments. The aim of the research is to combat macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness for people over the age of 55.
The principal reason seniors abandon driving motor vehicles is deteriorating eyesight. So cars that drive themselves (yes, really) may help mobility for seniors, and improved parking technology and cameras replacing mirrors might go even further.
Audio books can be a bit bothersome, but text to speech software allows you to choose what you want to listen to. It works both ways, if you're tired of writing--or even tired of hitting computer keys.
And the world of implants continues to improve and expand. More and better retina implants will help millions.
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