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New report sees technology surging in new retirement homes

Posted 28 February 2017 by Keith Osborne

McCarthy & Stone and the Agile Ageing Alliance have published a report revealing huge potential changes for technology in dedicated retirement homes...

A new Neighbourhoods of the Future report commissioned by specialist retirement developer McCarthy & Stone predicts that ‘smart’ technology will transform the way that properties aimed specifically at older buyers are built, leading to what it calls ‘cognitive homes’ that can automatically look after many aspects of their residents’ lives.

The report, which was written by the Agile Ageing Alliance (AAA) – a campaign group focused on the development of innovations that improve health and wellbeing in later life – looks ahead to how sophisticated technology, from robots and virtual GPs to smart kitchen appliances and exercise equipment, will revolutionise the lifestyle of older people over the coming decades and significantly improve their wellbeing.

Chief information officer for McCarthy & Stone, Tracey McDermott, says: “According to the recent housing White Paper, helping older people to move at the right time and in the right way could enable them to live independently for longer and improve their quality of life, at the same time as freeing up homes for other buyers and reducing costs to the social care and health systems.

Neighbourhoods of the Future report​“The government wants to address the many barriers that exist to building more age-friendly housing, but to make sure the right type of properties are being developed, we need to draw on the know-how of a wide range of expert stakeholders to help deliver outcomes that are better for older people. New forms of technology and ‘big data’ present possibilities for everyone, especially older adults. However, their impact on those in later life is relatively unexplored. This is of great interest to us, and government, particularly how to support this age group to live better at home.

“We commissioned this report to influence our thinking, and the thinking of other housing providers. Our aim has been to summarise in one place, perhaps for the first time, what technology is on the horizon and consider how it could empower older adults. Looking to the future, we want technology to be inclusive – for the benefit of everyone – and ultimately to facilitate the creation of new homes that will support happier, healthier and, hopefully, longer lives.”

The report covers a wide spectrum of ways in which technology will be incorporated into the lives of older people, and how open that part of the population will be to the improvements that that technology can bring to them. While recognising them as important qualities in the progression of housebuilding, this goes far beyond new building techniques and materials in the basic construction of the new homes of the future.

For example, many elements of a future home will have a ‘human’ quality, demonstrating empathy with those living there, updating and sharing information with them as well as communicating outside the home where necessary, such as calling for a GP or ordering food from a supplier to replenish a ‘smart’ fridge.

Technology will also tackle mobility and health issues, not just with exercise machines to maintain and improve physical fitness, but with intelligent walking aids and even bodysuits that can assist people with serious immobility problems move around. Some tools will be able to diagnose problems with residents, from sight and hearing impairment to more serious conditions such as dementia.

The report also looks at the wider issue of intergenerational living, where homes may incorporate wide-ranging ages under one roof and provide flexibility in the use of living spaces and how the technology built into them can adapt to the needs of different age group.

McDermott adds: “It is clear from this report that advances in smart technology will play an increasingly pivotal role in how we look to support those entering retirement living over the coming decades. We will be reviewing how its findings will impact our next generation of developments and look forward to the infinite possibilities that ‘cognitive homes’ offer for older adults.”

Ian Spero, founder of the Agile Ageing Alliance, remarks: “Some of the ideas covered in our report could be mistaken for science fiction, but they are all based in reality. In the words of science fiction author William Gibson: ‘The future is already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed.’ If housing providers are willing to listen and act, we can look forward to the growth of a new breed of smarter homes in our neighbourhoods of the future. Enabling our older selves to enjoy more meaningful, healthy and creative lives, which will in turn facilitate life affirming opportunities for personal development and social engagement.”

The gallery of pictures here is given a full explanation in the Neighbourhoods of the Future report, which you can read here


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