Far from a ‘ticking time-bomb’, our longer lives are one of society’s greatest achievements. The potential is there for most of us to live for longer in good health, to have financial security and to be connected with others - however, to do so, we need to innovate. We need a radical shift in how we think about our later lives and how we respond to the opportunities and challenges this brings. But are we addressing the right challenges in the right way?
Transform Ageing is a programme aimed at 'breaking down some of the barriers that obstruct innovation and solutions'.
The programme is a collaboration between the Design Council, UnLtd, the South West Academic Health Science Network and the Centre for Ageing Better - using a £3.65m grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Led by older adults, it unites “older people, community groups, commissioners and social entrepreneurs to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us as we age”.
Demographic ageing is associated with an increasing diversity of older populations. Drawing on a major review of current evidence concerning inequalities in later life, this presentation highlights key challenges that will need to be addressed if the benefits of innovation are to be spread more equally across ageing populations.
With ageing population and workforce, this presentation will focus on how retaining, retraining and recruiting older workers is critical for employers and for individuals age isn't a barrier to success
Stephanie Waismann, Head of Digital Health, Centrica Hive (confirmed)
Centric as Hive is working towards improving the quality of life for carers and those they care for through the power of smart home technology. Stephanie and Anna will be bringing to life the opportunity to enable people to change the conversation and live in their homes more independently for longer.
Suitable and appropriate housing can significantly improve the lives of older people, while inadequate accommodation can be the source of multiple problems and costs. As demands change in line with demographic shift, more adaptable and specialised housing and neighbourhoods will be essential.
Ed Russell, Director of Innovation and Development, WCS Care (confirmed)
Ala Szczepura, Professor of Health Technology Assessment, Coventry University (confirmed)
What new technologies and innovations have the most impact on the lives of people living in care homes to help make ‘every day a day well lived’?
WCS Care, a leading provider of residential care homes in Warwickshire, and Coventry University are undertaking an innovative programme of research to explore which innovations provide the most benefit to residents. In a ‘living lab’ environment where companies and researchers can work alongside residents, studies at the WCS ‘innovation hub’ and other WCS homes cover a range of topics including sleep, nutrition, use of robotics, and digital technologies, and will contribute to improving the dignity, choice, and independence for residents living in care homes.
Fact: we are all ageing. Fact: an ageing society is both a challenge and an opportunity. Fact: it is within our gift to transform the way we age.
In recent years the UK pension system has undergone significant change. What are these changes and what areas may be open to innovation?
The presentation outlines the proposed services in development and in place to improve and give better health and social care outcomes for the people of Manchester
The new etc.venue in Manchester is the centre of a transport hub within easy access of mainline and tram stations (in fact the tram stops right outside our door!).
Situated across the 8th floor with fantastic views over the city and an abundance of natural light; the venue conference suite is made up of 15 rooms of various sizes including a self contained event wing along with other smaller rooms and suites ideal for meeting and training events.
The building contains all the usual touches you would expect from etc.venues including vibrant design, state of the art tech and on site catering with our own chefs are.
