More than Half of U.S. Broadband Households Own a Connected Health Device

A study by research firm Parks Associates shows that 55 percent of U.S. households with a broadband Internet connection own at least one connected health device, such as a smart watch or a pulse oximeter.

The 55 percent figure is a 13 percentage point increase from 42 percent as of last year, according to Parks Associates. Two years ago, fewer than four in 10 U.S. broadband households owned such a device.

In combination with medical alert systems that respond to emergencies, “technology and ease of use for customers are key to the future of the connected health industry," said Andy Droney, senior director of health and innovation programs at the home security company ADT.