Share This Article
By Arvind Raichur, CEO of Eagle Intelligent Health
For centuries, the quest to extend the human lifespan has captivated philosophers, scientists, and dreamers alike. Yet, it is only in recent decades that this desire has started to become a reality. Advancements in healthcare technology and nutrition have raised the average South African life expectancy to 62. In many countries that number has crept beyond 70. These advancements have led some, like Bryan Johnson, to spend millions trying to defy death while others claim that the first person to live beyond 200 has already been born. However you cut it, we are reimagining what it means to get old and pushing the boundaries of longevity further than ever before. Telehealth is going to be a major part of that journey.
Healthcare in your pocket
According to the World Economic Forum, 85% of adults 65 and older want to stay in their home and community as they age. The advent of telehealth has been a game-changer in this regard, bringing medical expertise directly into the homes of the elderly and those with mobility challenges.
At Eagle Intelligent Health, we are at the forefront of bringing this technology and accessibility to South Africans of all ages. Through secure consultations and real-time health record monitoring, people can now access quality healthcare without the need for physically visiting a clinic or hospital. This convenience not only alleviates the burden of travel but also empowers proactive management of health conditions, enabling early intervention and prevention of potential complications. In a country where access to healthcare is often difficult and expensive, telehealth gives the elderly a chance to continue to live healthy lives.
The fabric of healthcare
One of the most exciting frontiers in the longevity journey is the potential of AI-driven diagnostics and wearable technology. Technology is advancing at incredible speeds and as it does, wearable technology will be become even better at continuously gathering and analysing health data, enabling early detection of potential issues and providing valuable insights for proactive care. By providing preventative healthcare measures, technology will undoubtedly give more people the chance to chase 200 years. Through the power of AI, we can unlock new pathways to extend not just life expectancy but also the coveted “healthspan” – the period of life spent in optimal physical and cognitive health.
Democratising healthcare
As we saw with the cellphone that then became the smartphone, technology very quickly goes from bulky and expensive to widely available and accessible. Now imagine that with healthcare. In 2019, there were 702 million people over the age of 65 in Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2050 that number is predicted to pass 1.5 billion. Much of that is thanks to technology’s ability to impact people at every rung of the socio-economic ladder. We believe that the potential of these technologies should not be limited to the privileged few but should benefit society as a whole. That is why we are actively collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that our innovations are accessible and affordable for as many people as possible.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the aging experience is poised for a profound transformation. The rapid pace of technological advancements is opening up new frontiers in healthcare, promising not just longer lives but also richer, more fulfilling ones. At Eagle Intelligent Health, we are proud to be part of this change.
A long and healthy life no longer has to be an aspiration. Through telehealth, AI, and other technology, it can be something to look forward to. A cherry on top of a well lived life and an opportunity to see future generations flourish.