Medical alert devices allow older individuals more security and independence. These types of medical devices can assist people in case of emergency, especially falls. Most medical alert devices are wearable items with a button that users can press to connect with a responder for aid if necessary. Since the 1980s, medical alert devices have become more advanced and will continue to be in growing demand as the U.S. population ages.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2023, the medical alert systems market exceeded $8.25 billion globally.
- As of 2022, North America leads the medical alert device market with a 39% share.
- The global market size for personal emergency response systems was $7.14 billion in 2023, with an expected 6.1% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2030.
- People ages 65 and older are a significant portion of the U.S. population, accounting for 17.3% of people in 2022, compared with 14.9% in 2015.
- Among older adults, a fall is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Unintentional falls resulted in 38,742 deaths among individuals ages 65 and older in the U.S. in 2021.
Medical Alert Device Statistics
Expectations of a steadily aging U.S. population mean that the demand for medical alert devices will continue to grow.
- Between 2010 and 2020, the U.S. population ages 65 and older saw its fastest growth rate since 1880 to 1890, a 38.6% increase from 40.3 million people to 55.8 million.
- The oldest portion of the U.S. population, people ages 85-plus, is anticipated to experience rapid growth — from 4 million in 2000 to nearly 16 million in 2040.
- A majority (70%) of U.S. adults who reach age 65 will require long-term services and support during their lifetime.
- The general awareness of medical alert devices has been rising — along with demand — due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- According to a survey of medical alert device users, smartwatches are the most popular devices, with 44% of users using them. Respondents indicated necklaces as the second-most popular devices (31%).
Medical Alert Device Market Size
In 2023, the medical alert systems market hit $8.25 billion globally. With an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%, the global market size is expected to expand to $20.92 billion by 2032. Comparatively, the market size was $7.47 billion in 2022, meaning the market showed a 10.4% year-over-year growth.
North America leads the medical alert systems market with a 39% share as of 2022. Europe follows with a 30% share. However, the fastest growth is forecast for the Asia-Pacific region, with a 15.3% CAGR. Asia-Pacific's growth can be attributed to an aging population alongside more instances of chronic disease.
The U.S. medical alert systems market had a value of $2.25 billion in 2023, heavily contributing to North America’s 39% of the global market size. By 2032, the U.S. market is anticipated to hit $5.76 billion, with a CAGR of 11% during that period. With its aging population, the U.S. should maintain a significant share of the medical alert device market. A sophisticated, well-established health care system in the U.S. furthers the likelihood for older people to continue using medical alert devices.
Market Size by Device Type
The medical alert device market is divided into three main types: personal emergency response systems (PERS), nurse calling systems (NCS) and smart belts.
In 2023, PERS held the highest medical alert device market share at 38%. The global market size for PERS devices was $7.14 billion in 2023, with an expected 6.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.
In 2022, NCS devices had a global market value over $1.85 billion. This places NCS devices well below the market size of PERS devices. However, NCS are more ubiquitous in hospitals or clinical settings, and current expectations project that market size to reach $4.3 billion by 2031.
Smart belt growth between 2023 and 2032 is forecast to be sizable at an 11.5% CAGR. Still, PERS have been forecast to maintain a lead in the market through 2032.
Over 65 Population in the U.S.
Nearly 58 million adults ages 65 and older live in the U.S. as of 2022, with an expected increase of 47% between 2022 and 2050 to 82 million. People 65 and older are a significant portion of the U.S. population, accounting for 17.3% in 2022, compared to 14.9% in 2015.
The share of the total population will likely rise to 23% nationwide by 2050. This percentage suggests that many adults in the U.S. are older individuals who may require increased support for their health and wellness.
The states with the highest percentage of people ages 65-plus show some trends, with those in the top five all being in the Northeast or South regions of America. At the bottom of the list, Oregon still has nearly 11% more residents ages 65 and older among its population than the U.S. as a whole. Maine’s population is considerably older than the rest of the U.S., with more than 1 in 5 residents being 65 years or older.
Some states with the lowest percentage of people ages 65 and older are generally more sparsely populated, including Alaska. North Dakota is also in the bottom 10 for the lowest percentage of residents ages 65-plus. However, a larger number of older residents in a state does not necessarily mean a higher rate of older people. For example, California had nearly 6 million residents ages 65 and older in 2021 but a younger total population overall.
How Common Are Falls Among the Elderly?
Older people, including the population in the U.S. ages 65 years or older, experience a high number of falls every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 older people fall annually. However, less than half of older people who experience a fall will report it to a doctor.
The risk of falling again doubles after the first fall, making it essential for elderly individuals to protect themselves in case of a fall. Among older adults, a fall is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2021, 38,742 deaths as a result of unintentional falls were reported among individuals ages 65 and older in the U.S.
Each year, nearly 3 million older people are treated in ERs for injuries caused by a fall. Over 800,000 older patients are hospitalized for a fall injury, typically due to hip fracture or head injury. More than 95% of hip fracture injuries in older adults are caused by falling, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Falls for an older person are not just dangerous, they can also be costly. In 2015, medical costs for falls in the U.S. reached more than $50 billion. Considering the demographic experiencing the most falls, Medicare and Medicaid paid 75% of those costs. By 2030, the cost of treating fall injuries is projected to increase to over $101 billion.
The Dangers of Falls
A fall for an older person can be dangerous. Considering 1 in 5 falls causes a severe injury, such as a head injury or broken bone, elderly people are at significant risk of long-term effects. Falls regularly lead to broken bones on the wrist, ankle, arm and hip. They can also lead to serious head injuries. Head injuries for certain people, including those on medicines like blood thinners, can be especially concerning and life-threatening.
The risks and dangers associated with a fall go beyond injury. Even people who do not experience a serious injury may develop a fear of falling again in the future. Older people who fear falling will often cut back on their daily activities and movement. This decision, however, is counterproductive. Less activity and decreased movement typically lead to weakness and will likely increase the chances of another fall.
FAQ
How big is the medical alert device market?
In 2023, the global medical alert systems market was valued at $8.25 billion. The leading market was North America, with a significant 39% share in revenue. Growth is expected in the next 10 years for the entire global market, with North America forecast to remain at the top.
Why is the medical alert device market growing in the U.S.?
The market's growth is fueled by an aging U.S. population and growing awareness of the benefits of medical alert devices in reducing health care costs. The population of adults ages 65 and older in the U.S. is increasing as the baby boomer generation ages past 65. The oldest share of adults in the U.S., people ages 85-plus, is also growing consistently. Older people are more likely to fall and experience serious injury from a fall, meaning they require items like medical alert devices to get help quickly.
How can medical alert devices benefit older Americans?
A medical alert device can offer many older Americans increased independence. Even older individuals with certain health conditions have more autonomy to shower, sleep and perform other daily activities with the assurance that they can quickly get needed help through the press of a button.
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