An old age problem
Ageing populations are a key concern in European countries. The proportion of senior citizens, compared to younger age groups, is only expected to grow further in the following years. This will increase the number of people living with dependencies, such as long-term health conditions or mobility needs, intensifying concerns to care for citizens and demanding more funding and facilities than governments can currently provide.
Providing future generations with an affordable and efficient healthcare service requires a new wave of innovation in social care.
The impact of robots
Robots as assistive technologies constitute an emerging technological market. From supporting patients' cognitive abilities to providing remote monitoring and support in daily activities, assistive robots have the potential to change the way we perceive and treat a range of impairments and conditions.
At the University of Plymouth, our research is based on an understanding of actual patients and user needs to make useful innovations into social care.
Supporting independent living
This 2.5 million project funded by the European Regional Development Fund's Interreg 2 Mers programme aims to keep the ageing population independent for longer in their own or chosen home, increasing their quality of life and safety, and improving their environment.
AGE'IN is led by the Boulogne sur mer Développement Côte d'Opale (BDCO) in France. The project includes house adaptations and the development of a local ecosystem centred around the ageing population.