GSI Delivers Report on Assistive Technology Market for the Elderly
Global Security Intelligence announced today the completion of a market report analysing the assistive technology market for the elderly. The report was produced as part of the HAPPY AGEING project under the European Ambient Assisted Living programme, which is aimed at the development and validation of simple, accessible, and usable devices to improve the prevention and management of common chronic conditions in elderly people. The market report, which looks at both supply and demand sides of the market, provides insights into a broad range of issues influencing the availability and uptake of new technologies meant to help older individuals live independently longer.
London, UK (PRWEB) November 18, 2009 — Global Security Intelligence announced today the completion of a market report analysing the assistive technology market for the elderly. The report was produced as part of the HAPPY AGEING project under the European Ambient Assisted Living programme, which is aimed at the development and validation of simple, accessible, and usable devices to improve the prevention and management of common chronic conditions in elderly people. The market report, which looks at both supply and demand sides of the market, provides insights into a broad range of issues influencing the availability and uptake of new technologies meant to help older individuals live independently longer.
Kush Wadhwa, Managing Director of GSI, stated, “this report reveals a continuing disconnect in the AT market between the needs of the users and the ability of the industry to effectively deliver to them. Users are challenged by lack of information and access to solutions and suppliers must deal with regionally divergent approaches to technology distribution, regulatory and reimbursement schemes. In the end, only with cohesive approaches to better engage all the stakeholders will we see an effective and efficient market emerge.”
The market report reviews the entire AT value chain, mainly focusing upon the European market, but also analysing the AT market in other developed nations. Key characteristics of the markets, including both challenges and opportunities, are highlighted. The report includes an analysis of survey data from elders in three European countries (Italy, Hungary, and the Netherlands) to get a view of the various influences on user adoption of new technologies, including technology familiarity, economic resources, price tolerance, and individual health factors. On the supply side, the report reveals a highly fragmented market, and examines the current state of regulatory influences, reimbursement schemes, and distribution mechanisms, amongst other issues. Regional differences are highlighted along with a profile of the key organisations involved in advancing the efforts to bring AT products to users on a global basis.
About Global Security Intelligence Limited
Global Security Intelligence Limited (GSI) is a UK-based consultancy, with research efforts focused on technologies in the areas of security and independent living for the elderly and disabled. GSI’s efforts in the area of independent living are focused upon addressing the effective uses of ubiquitous, ambient technologies which enable ageing, disabled, or chronically ill individuals to live independent and socially active lives. This includes research in the areas of assistive technologies, innovative sensors and surveillance systems, telemedicine solutions, and robotics.
About HAPPY AGEING:
HAPPY AGEING (A Home Based Approach to the Years of Ageing) is a 24-month project, selected for funding under the European Ambient Assisted Living programme (www.aal-europe.eu), which aims to prevent the main limitations due to cognitive difficulties in the elderly, such as low vision or malnutrition and dehydration and to manage the individual needs of dietary control, safety and well-being. By integrating user friendly devices developed to be easily integrated into their daily lives, the elderly will be able to monitor many risk factors and live more safely and independently. In the UK, the HAPPY AGEING project is co-funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org). The Technology Strategy Board is a business-led executive non-departmental public body, established by the United Kingdom Government. Its mission is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit of UK business, in order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of life.
The HAPPY AGEING consortium includes the project coordinator, Istituto Nazionale Di Riposo e Cura per Anziani V.E. II (IT), and project partners, Fundacio Privada Cetemmsa (ES), Speed Automazione Srl IT (IT), Global Security Intelligence (UK), AB.ACUS Srl (IT), the Institute of Sociology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HU), and the Association of Catholic Organizations of Senior Citizens (NL.)