Apple, IBM, Japan Post Bring iPads To Seniors

The oldest living person currently using an iPad is 107. She is on Facebook and likely uses email. She is at the leading edge of an inexorable demographic movement - the aging of populations, particularly in developed nations like the U.S. and Japan. According to a joint press release, Japan Post, whose CEO is nearly 80, is leading a partnership with Apple and IBM to make iPads with IBM MobileFirst-developed apps and analytics available to millions of Japanese senior citizens. The goal is to connect them with services, healthcare, community and their families. While they represent an enormous targeting opportunity for list marketers, some critics have cautioned against the exploitation of the elderly regarding the privacy of their data, particularly health and financial. Some nervousness is to be expected when the elderly are involved with technology. In all, this is the latest initiative worldwide to engage the senior population in eHealth data and social connectivity. Read More