Caring for our ageing population is a worldwide concern. Over the next decade, the population of over-60s is set to grow 56% faster than the world population. The numbers of people in their 70s in Europe will grow by 50%.

The elderly population boom is draining the resources of health and social systems worldwide, with healthcare providers struggling to maintain quality of care under increasing pressure. With a place in a care home costing over five times the price of in-home care, many are turning to new technologies to cut costs.

The generation who began their lives without television may end them supported by cloud, IoT and video calling technologies. These three innovations could be the key to affordable, high-quality care adapted to modern life.

The mobile cloud

Mobile and cloud technologies can be combined to help healthcare organisations deliver more efficient and cost-effective services with a more personal touch.

The cloud enables personalised communications to take place in a secure, reliable, scalable and efficient way. Staff can access patient files from any device and make decisions at any time.

The cloud also makes real-time dynamic scheduling possible, saving travel time for practitioners making home visits by mapping the most efficient routes.

Smartphone apps will allow workers to log into corporate systems while out and about and to notify caregivers if a patient has any problems. Practitioners can also diagnose issues and give care instructions via smartphone.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things could help elderly people stay in their own homes, saving millions of pounds a year for healthcare providers.

IoT connects smart devices via the internet to allow for seamless data transfer and process automation. These could help elderly people living alone with everyday tasks.

For example, smart locks could alert family members when anyone enters the home, sync up with cameras so the person can see who’s at the door, and safely let care workers in without the person having to get up.

Smart fridges can detect when groceries are running low and order more. Light and motion sensors, curtain controls, fall alarms, smart medicine cabinets and out-of-bed detectors can help elderly people live independently with a better quality of life.

Video calling

Video calling can provide elderly people with much more than a chat with the grandkids. Care workers can offer remote diagnosis, meaning faster treatment and potentially saving a hospital visit.

People with mobility issues can attend appointments with a doctor or psychologist via video. Home care workers can use video calling to check that the person is taking the correct meds, or give a family member instructions on how to administer them,

The cloud, IoT and video calling could revolutionise elderly care and provide a better quality of life for millions. For care providers, they represent increased efficiency, better care and more frequent patient contact; for elderly people, they represent a chance to live independently for longer in their homes.