Where wearables are headed

While business forecasts for the wearables sector vary wildly—from $4.5 billion by 2020 specifically for medical products (Global Industry Analysts Inc.) to $612 billion by 2024, which ostensibly includes any device that can be worn in any manner (Grand View Research)—there is at least consensus that this market will grow in the double digits for the foreseeable future.In the medical space, wearables enable cost-effective management of an aging population and people suffering from chronic conditions. The continuous recording of data provides healthcare professionals with objective information that they can use to determine the best course of treatment for individual patients. In many cases, wearable medical devices can prevent or reduce the need for hospitalization.Flip through this slideshow to discover how medical wearables are improving and even saving lives.