New assisted living technology network targets GBP1.5billion UK market

READING, ENGLAND, November 19, 2010 (Press-News.org) 17th November 2010 - The Assisted Living Action Network has been launched to bring together business, healthcare professionals, service user groups and academic researchers to looking to target the GBP1.5billion UK market for products and services to support the aging population. The network will provide a forum to discuss the key issues, identify the business challenges and collaborate to transform technology to support assisted living into real business opportunities.

According to the network in the UK today there are more people over 60 than under the age of 18 and within twenty years around a third of our population will be over 60 years old. The ageing population has more healthcare requirements than fewer, particularly for the management of chronic conditions, such as Dementia, Stroke or Heart Failure.

The Assisted Living Action Network launched with an event attended by over 50 people at the University of Bath's Innovation Centre on Broad Quay and was supported by the Bath Ventures, Bath NHS Research and Development and Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME). Key note speakers were Stephen Pattenden of Telemetry Associates and Angela Single of Choose Independence, who talked about Smart Solutions for Assisted Living. The event was particularly relevant as BIME is taking part in a GBP341,000 project to investigate the implications of smart electricity meters for people living in sheltered housing or in remote locations (www.smart-village.eu).

Dr Nigel Harris, Director of BIME, said 'As a charity our aim is to make a difference to the quality of life for people with disabilities and health problems, the Assisted Living Action Network is a really good opportunity to bring together a whole range of people working in this area with new technology'.

The next seminar in the ALAN Network is 'The Games People Play' - Interactive Systems to promote Rehabilitation, Physical Activity and Leisure, 5.30-7.30pm 18th January 2011.

Register at: http://www.assistedlivingaction.net


For further information please contact:
Pinar Turgut-Onions,
Network Coordinator
E: P.Turgut-Onions[at]bath[dot]ac.uk
T: 01225- 388639

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