‘Smart’ technologies offer home support

A new report by the University of Melbourne’s Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society has found technologies can support older people in their homes for longer.

The roll-out of the National Broadband Network reportedly offers a unique opportunity to link Australians with state-of-the-art technologies with the potential to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.

According to the study’s lead author, Professor Meg Morris, the effects of the ageing population are “enduring, placing increased pressure on budgets to meet future demand”.

She warns Australia needs to be prepared, but adds the use of “smart technologies” can lower the demand and cost of aged care services by allowing older Australians to remain in their homes longer.

The Smart Technologies for Older People report found the “new aged” such as the baby boomers, will have better financial resources and higher levels of education than previous generations.

Smart technologies can include devices such as tablets, phones, computers, TVs, virtual reality “gaming” systems and sensor networks.

According to the study, smart technologies will be “active, mobile, safe connected and self-reliant”.

“Smart technologies can support older people by prompting independence, quality of life and wellbeing,” Professor Morris says.

While “smart technologies” can assist the person in need of care, Professor Morris believes it may also “relieve the pressure on caregivers”.