We’re asking everyone to think about independent living, but in particular people aged 50+ who are thinking about later life but might not have experienced any major daily living difficulties as yet.
Research has consistently confirmed that awareness of Assistive Technology is very low, held back by a combination of factors. A recent study led by Coventry University found that 60% of consumers questioned said that lack of awareness was a barrier to greater use/purchase of Assistive Technology. However the same research also found that 85% felt that the costs of purchasing were worth it given that it would make life easier*. This demonstrates that people are willing to consider paying, from their own pockets, for products and services, provided that they feel it will help.
In England almost a third of the population are aged 55+ and an estimated 4.7m people aged 65+ have a limiting longstanding illness that affects them in some way; this equates to 48% of all people aged 65+**. In many instances Assistive Technology, when used as part of a wider package, can help maintain independence, enabling people to live longer in their own familiar home surroundings, thereby potentially helping to avoid having to consider moving into specialist housing or a care home in later life.
For more information visit athome.uk.com