R&D in the field of ICT's for older persons has grown significantly in recent years. The investment in basic research and R&D, through programmes such as EQUAL, has stimulated many interesting research projects and has stimulated in interdisciplinary research involving end-user participation. At a policy level, the value of research into ICT's is recognised. However a number of problems are remain. While R&D activity is significant, the introduction of ICT's for older persons remains quite limited, apart from well-established applications such as community alarms.
UK research institutions, companies and service providers have participated in many EU funded projects under the TIDE and IST programmes. Recent UK funded R&D projects include: Remote home monitoring to detect emergency situations; Remote physiological and vital signs monitoring; Systems for people with dementia; Supporting people at home. In addition, a number of smart housing pilot projects have been set up in the UK to demonstrate the feasibility and usability of new technology to support independent living.
Funding for research and development in the UK comes from three main sources: Government funding through the Research Councils; Charitable foundations Other sources, including large and small-scale private companies, such as British Telecom, and statutory sector organisations such as local authorities and hospital trusts.
The UK Foresight programme brings together representatives from business, government and the science base to identify and respond to emerging trends within markets and technologies. The programme was launched in 1993 following the Government White Paper on science, engineering and technology, "Realising our Potential" (CM2250, 1993). The development of ICT's is seen as an important factor in meeting the growing demand for support services amongst the older population.
Current policy in the UK emphasises the independent living of older people within the community and the provision of health, social care and housing services should reflect this priority. Current plans outlined in the NSF for older people, such as an integrated equipment service, may lead to a more uniform level of availability of new technologies and related services. Better information on ICT's and equipment may raise public awareness of products and services and stimulate uptake and market exploitation.
The emphasis of current health and social care policy is to support independent living in the community and a number of key policy documents have recognised the potential value of ICT's to support independent living. UK government investment into ICT's for older people has resulted in an active UK interdisciplinary research base in the field.
Current status of the telecommunications infrastructure may limit the uptake of ICT-based services in the short and medium terms. New business models are required that will allow service providers to integrate ICT based services.
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