Top CEOs and Innovators in Connected Health Speak at San Diego Summit

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading the Longevity Economy, the 11^th Annual What's Next Boomer Business Summit, hosted by Mary Furlong and Associates, is convening international thought leaders in the connected health space to provide insight into the tools that enable consumers to take more responsibility for their own health and health care needs.

Connected Health solves health care dilemma
Trends in the health status of older Americans are reason for alarm. 80 percent of seniors are managing chronic conditions. The rate of obesity and onset of chronic diseases among minorities age 45+ is rapidly increasing.  If current rates persist, more than half of all Americans will have diabetes or be pre-diabetic by 2020. 

Sales of connected health and wellness devices (just one aspect of connected health) will increase from about $3.3 billion in 2013 to more than $8 billion by 2018, according to a report from the Consumer Electronics Association.  Connected health represents a new model of care delivery that leverages the latest technology and outcome data to support patient care in their own homes. Health care providers teach patients to manage their health, track and communicate progress, and live a healthier lifestyle. Consumers easily interact with providers and their personal support networks without delays, with more care coordination, and lower out of pocket costs than the traditional healthcare system. 

"The sheer number of baby boomers will overwhelm America's healthcare, senior housing and social services unless both demand curves are changed and the healthcare system gets better at what it does," said Rob McCray, CEO of the Wireless Life-Science Alliance (WLSA).  "Connected Health offers tools to enable seniors to remain independent longer, and hospitals, doctors and other providers to improve the quality and efficiency of their services."

What's Next Boomer Business Summit focuses on connected health with these sessions:

KEYNOTE: The Exploding Consumer Health Market… how big companies and entrepreneurs are engaging consumers and challenging established healthcare models 
Rob McCray, President & CEO, Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance
Don Jones, VP of Global Strategy & Market Development, Qualcomm Life
David Inns, President & CEO, GreatCall
CEO SESSION: Consumerism and Connected Health
MODERATOR:  Rob McCray, President & CEO, Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance
David Inns, President & CEO, GreatCall
Gad Shaanan, CEO, YofiMeter 
Alan Greene, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Scanadu, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Participatory Medicine
Naser Partovi, CEO, Wellaho
Ravi Komatireddy, Founder, Reflexion Health
INVITATION ONLY CO-LAB: UnitedHealth and AARP sponsored workshop to identify innovative approaches to help prevent diabetes in high-risk multiple-cultural populations

In addition, Analyst Panels report on the emerging healthcare big data and analytics industry, as well as the mHealth revolution. The Summit provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and corporate strategists to connect and explore the opportunities afforded by Connected Health.

The promise and future of Connected Health
The goal of connected health is improvement of consumer health at a lower institutional cost. This is achieved by making healthcare providers smarter about their patients, and by empowering patients with information about preventive tests, early intervention about health risk factors, and support to manage chronic conditions to prevent complications. Technology provides efficient and effective ways to perform work that is time and labor intensive, like patient outreach, care coordination, patient data collection, coaching and education.  New technology is needed to advance the goal, and is the basis for innovation and investment in the private sector.  CB Insights reports investments in healthcare big data companies is expected to eclipse the $460 million already made since 2012.

What's Next Boomer Business Summit
This annual Summit focuses on the convergence of the demographic phenomenon of a burgeoning boomer and senior market with consumer and business trends in health informatics, fitness technology, mobile commerce, retail, housing, social media, e-books, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Sessions also provide insight into lifestages and niches like caregiving , veterans, grandparenting and hobbies.

About Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA)
The Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA) is a special purpose trade organization dedicated to creating value and improving global health by accelerating and promoting the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies that empower consumers and innovative health systems.  WLSA members include CEOs, senior level executives, entrepreneurs, companies of all sizes, foundations, educational institutions, scientists, physicians, and policy makers.   WLSA global partners and companies use wireless and connected health innovations to better manage chronic conditions, preempt disease and improve the lives of the elderly and under-served populations around the world.

About Mary Furlong and Associates
Founded in 2003, Mary Furlong & Associates (MFA) is headquartered in San Francisco. The firm's strategy, business development, marketing and public relations services are uniquely geared to drive new opportunities for clients in the baby boomer and senior markets. MFA has secured more than $130 million for longevity marketplace investments, and more than $15 million for non-profits.

CONTACT: Lori Bitter, 415.652.9884, [email protected]

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SOURCE Mary Furlong and Associates