ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING
In-ceiling speakers can assist those with hearing issues
HELP IS AT HAND UK maker of smart light switches, Retrotouch, offers some thoughts on the future and potential of this key sector. The so called ‘silver tsumami’ of an aging
As well as the boom in vitally important
growth areas include smart door entry systems,
population offers a huge wave of opportunities
health tech such as Telemedicine/Telehealth
smoke alarms, in-room activity sensors and
(enabling residents to connect with doctors
security cameras.
for installers. The UK’s population is ageing as there are currently nearly 12 million (11,989,322) people aged 65+ in the UK, and the general population is projected to
virtually via web portals linked to smartwatches or other wearables) there are several other key growth areas in ‘silver tech’ offering huge opportunities for installers. Infrastructure and
continue to age. Figures show that 20% of the
AI: technologies including updated networking
UK population or 14.3m people, will be over
(5G), telecommunications and IoT, are helping
65 by 2025; and by 2030 one in five people
senior citizens to retain independence and
in the UK (21.8%) will be aged 65 or over. With an aging population comes the challenge of providing quality enabled assisted living –
flexibility in their daily lives – a priority for many as they seek to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
Smart Home Technology: this significant growth area includes AI and voice controlled devices eg. Amazon Alexa, smart appliances, smart speakers, smart thermostats (like Nest), and smart lighting. It’s in sectors such as smart lighting that brands like Retrotouch are constantly investing in new technology, with a view to increasing its focus on providing assisted
Security and Safety: with the desire for
living solutions. The Retrotouch range of
something that is increasingly being helped
independence comes the equal desire for
remote switches and Friends of Hue smart
by technology.
optimal security and safety. In this key sector the
switches are ideal for less mobile seniors.
40 FEBRUARY 2022
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