The challenge
Everybody ages, and the UK population is no exception. As people age, they come with both an increasing contribution to society, as well as number of challenges. Older people are being forced out of work due to poor health or unwelcoming attitudes in the workplace, while having little access to the training they need for a changing labour market. Many homes don’t meet the needs of older people, resulting in a quarter of older households living in non-decent housing – impacting not only on the size of their heating bills but also their health. Some of the biggest issues around ageing also include social isolation, reduced mobility and health. Therefore, innovative products with age-friendly design can help tackle a number of everyday issues faced by older people, their friends, families, employers and carers.
Example products and services
Innovative products and services with age-friendly design can help tackle a number of issues faced by older people, as demonstrated by the following existing examples:
- Breezie – the Breezie tablet and software solution has been developed to support older people to be digitally included, through an easy to use interface that also gives family and caregivers the opportunity to support them from behind the scenes.
- Nimble – Designed for disabled people, Nimble is also a useful tool for older people. A one-finger package opener, Nimble helps people to be more independent.
- Mindings, an app created by entrepreneur Stuart Arnott and available on any tablet or web decide, which gives users a way to communicate with friends and relatives anywhere across the globe through a ‘simplified Facebook-style’ approach. It gives relatives the opportunity to send photos, reminders and messages to their loved ones, and to receive confirmation that their content has been received. The user doesn’t need any experience with IT at all.
Resources
Want to read more about the aging population in the UK? Read more below:
