Smart textiles network Wearable Technologies is to exhibit a range of technological innovations at this month's leading medical and healthcare trade fair MEDICA in Dusseldorf.

These days, we have modern medicine to thank for longevity. But according to Wearable Technologies, with this long life comes a need to live independently as long as possible.

"According to the German Federal Statistical Office, DeStatis, there will be a deficit of 260,000 caregivers by 2025. And Germany is not alone with this problem - the need for more caregivers is a worldwide issue," a Wearable technologies spokesperson said, adding:

"Wearable Technologies products could offer solutions to this problem by helping people aged 65 and older to remain independent and to regain freedom as they age."

"Healing, therapies and prevention - in the not-too-distant future, technologies worn on and inside the body will help us get healthy and stay healthy. In the areas of prevention and outpatient therapies, Wearable Technologies and their connection with telemetry systems will offer new and cost effective opportunities."

The Wearable Technologies Show, which is said to have caused a stir in 2010 with technological innovations at the trade fair, offers both established companies as well as newcomers to the industry a unique platform to present their latest developments from the field of healthcare.

"That way not only market-ready products, but also prototypes and research projects will be shown, and the exhibitors will give daily presentations to provide the visitors with additional information and insights in latest trends and research results,"

Wearable Technologies says. Partners of this year's Wearable Technologies Show at the MEDICA are 7LAYERS AG,  AiQ Smart Clothing BU of Tex Ray Industrial Co, Avery Dennison Medical Solutions, Bioness, Bluegiga, Bluetooth SIG, BodyTel, CSEM, Fraunhofer IIS, Freescale Semiconductor, Laird Technologies, MindTree, NUUBO, SportsCurve and Varta Microbattery.