Smart Technologies for Older People

Addressing the challenges faced by an ageing population, this report discusses how smart technologies can support older people to remain in their homes. It is a systematic review of smart technologies that promote health and wellbeing of older people living at home from the Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society (IBES). Australia has an ageing population. In 1901 the average life expectancy in Australia was 47 years. By 2025 it will be over 80. In 2050, 25% of Australians will be aged over 65, with 5% over 85. The growing number of older Australians leads to increased demand for aged services in health, social support, transport and housing. The effects of population ageing are enduring, placing increasing pressure on budgets to meet future demand. Lead Author, Professor Meg Morris, Head of School of Physiotherapy is aware of the problems and warns, "We will not return to the young populations that our ancestors knew."

The Smart Technologies for Older People report surveys the current literature on the use of smart technologies to support ageing across the globe adding a valuable resource to the policy debate. Smart technologies can support older people by promoting independence, quality of life and wellbeing. Smart technologies support delivery of a range of products and services over devices such as tablets, phones, computers, TVs, virtual reality "gaming" systems, and sensor networks. Additionally, smart technologies allow for the delivery of telemedicine services to older people, prolonging the period they can remain living at home.