Tech Innovations and Discoveries: Senior Planet at CES

If you find it hard to keep up with the pace of tech innovations, Senior Planet has you covered.  Each year we visit the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to scout out the newest tech developments that can rock your world and help you age with attitude – and CES 2025 was no exception.

Companies from all over the world descend on Las Vegas for CES to demonstrate or debut the latest tech innovations for attendees eager to explore, touch and try out their gadgets.  While some of what is on display might be aspirational, many of the products are available for purchase today.

Here’s Senior Planet’s report of the technologies – practical or novel – that offer significant potential to improve the lives of older adults by enhancing independence, health, and overall well-being. We especially sought out the tech our readers of a recent Open Thread told us was on their “future tech wish lists.”

LEND ME YOUR EARS – PLEASE

Most of the innovations at CES featured AI components, with a notable increase in AR (augmented reality) and other kinds of glasses – but there was one standout.

For Open Thread readers who put “improved hearing aids” on their future tech wishlist, we demoed the Nuance Audio OTC Hearing Aid Glasses (at left). These glasses (regular or prescription) include technology to help the wearer tune into conversations. They cut through the background noise by using the beam or focus on the glasses to focus the audio. 

Could these glasses be part of an emerging product category we might call “hearables?” CES also debuted hearing buds with an in-ear computer called the Zohn-1. These high-end buds are customized to your ear and have a computer onboard to maximize sounds for your situation.

HEALTH TECH

In a poll in the Open Thread, almost 48 percent of respondents said they hoped for more health related tech. On that score CES 2025 delivered.  Some products are poised to have a significant impact on older adults, particularly through advancements in health and wellness technology. Innovations include new wearable devices like Lingo for glucose monitoring, a 4-D massage chair by a company called Bodyfriend, and a telehealth solution called On Med – a type of standalone, portable medical office that can enhance personal health monitoring and ease access to medical care especially in rural and underserved areas.  

Finally, one of the tech items to get the most press and for good reason was The Kirin Electric Salt Spoon (at right). The device uses a mild electric current directly from the spoon to your tongue to create a salty sensation, enhancing the salt flavor of food without added salt. 

…AND ROBOTS

And what would any look into the future of technology be without…robots? Some ease day to day tasks like a robotic window washer (think Roomba for windows), or act as emotional support robots/pets like Lemmy…or even an AI-enhanced robot girlfriend – for $175,000. There’s an “interview” with “Aria” here.  

On a more serious note, CES had a next generation exoskeleton on display by Human in Motion Robotics.  Its self-balancing XOMotion platform is designed to help those who have limited mobility to master complex mobility tasks, and walk with hands free.  The exoskeleton and harness is pictured at left.

OUT OF THE BOX TECH

Besides the usual new iterations of traditional tech like laptops, TVs, and soundbars, we saw a  delightful array of unconventional gadgets. CES 2025  showcased a remarkable array of technological advancements and trends, including products like the Bird Buddy which harnesses the power of AI to help identify birds that visit your smart bird feeder (watch a tour below!), FaceHeart CardioMirror that takes your vitals from just looking into a mirror, and automotive technology like the Honda Autonomous Vehicle  – the Honda 0 Saloon. 

Watch the rest of our video tour of CES by visiting the Senior Planet YouTube channel here. Don’t forget to subscribe!

CES 2025 showcased a remarkable array of innovative technologies, from AI-driven devices to futuristic gadgets. The event also highlighted significant advancements in tech designed to improve our daily lives. Overall, CES 2025 left us excited for the future of technology and its potential to make a positive impact on the world at large. 

YOUR TURN

Which of these innovations do you consider most helpful? Which would you consider buying – or ignoring? Let us know in the comments.

Jeff Rose is the Director of Special Initiatives at Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. His 15+ years in the field of aging spans a range of settings, including life-plan communities, community-based organizations, and an age-tech startup. Based in Chicago, Jeff is active in a variety of local aging and community organizations and enjoys sharing his knowledge about how technology can impact and benefit older adults.

Photos: Jeff Rose