Proposals for tagging of people with dementia have been put forward. The Alzheimer’s Society reports that 40% of people with dementia have been ‘lost’ whilst walking outside. Using GPS technology the tag could offer offer families and carers some degree of comfort.
Tagged: Health care
Saga Zone a networking site for the over 50s launched by Saga, in October 2007, has over 30,000 users has been tested along with other social networking sites by the UK consumer magazine which. It’s ranked 4th out of the 10 sites tested and gets the highest score for its ‘discussion group.’
Tagged: Demographics and Social networking
In four years time the first baby boomers will turn 65.
In respect of this there’s an interesting project which using ’smart technology’ will be used to care for people in a resident development in Bristol. The project is a joint initiative involving Housing 21 and the Bath Institute of Mechanical Engineering. Find out more here and here (opens as a pdf).
Tagged: Demographics and Technology
When Saga Zone launched its trial some 13,000 people signed up to the online community which is for people aged over 50. Saga specialises in providing services for people over the age of 50, for example, Saga holidays.
Some interesting UK stats:
Tagged: Demographics and Social networking
In 2017 it is predicted that the UK population will have increased by 5 million people to 65 million and by 2031 the UK population is forecast to be over 70 million people.
During 2007 the UK for the first time in its history will have more pensioners than children. By 2010 the number of pensioners in the UK is set to increase to 12.2 million people. This offers a number of opportunities and challenges for design and it is going to be important to recognise the distinct needs of different segments within the ’senior market place.’
Tagged: Demographics
Research indicates from the 1950s the centenarian age bracket (people aged over 100) in England and Wales increased at a faster rate than any other age group. In 1911 there we approximately 100 centenarians and by 2006 an estimated 9,000. Forecast growth of this demographic bracket could potentially see future number reach 40,000 by mid 2031. For more information on UK demographic statistics visit National Statistics Online.
The former RED team set up by the Design Council to tackle social and economic issues through design led innovation carried out some interesting research into ageing.
Tagged: Demographics
