By the year 2039, it is estimated that there will be almost 32 million people in the UK over the age of 60, almost one third of the entire population.
Given that retirees will become the largest sector of society, planners and developers are being urged to think now about what type of homes are needed to meet the needs of tomorrow.
The Agile Aging Alliance have been researching this question and their report, ‘Neighbourhoods of the Future’ has been written to accelerate the development of innovations that improve health and wellbeing in later life.
It concludes that within the next 20 years, older people are likely to be living in an intelligent ‘Cognitive Home’ that is almost human, and which is able to assess and manage individual needs and desires.
The report suggests that homes will feature a vast array of technology that will support the older residents, including hi-tech drone security systems, smart-mirrors, information and entertainment screens, renewable energy sources, exercise equipment and robots that will help with everyday tasks.