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Get Ready for a Healthier Future: 12 SMEs Join the Healthy Aging Testbeds

Writer's picture: Jada PokuJada Poku

Ageing is an inevitable process and a challenge for many countries. The UK is no exception, and the government is taking proactive steps to tackle the issue by promoting healthy ageing among its citizens. One such initiative is the creation of three new healthy ageing testbeds facilitated by Connected Places Catapult. In this programme, titled Homes for Healthy Ageing, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can work with healthcare providers and local authorities to develop innovative solutions.



Recently, 12 SMEs joined these new testbeds in Leeds, Essex, and Brighton and Hove. While the overall goal of these testbeds is to create an environment where SMEs can test and develop their products and services with the help of real-life users, each testbed region has its unique goal. Leeds is focused on improving health and well-being through social connectedness; in Essex, the focus is Improving efficiencies and communication in care provision. Brighton and Hove aim to help unpaid carers. The testbeds will provide a unique opportunity for SMEs to get hands-on experience, receive user feedback, and refine their solutions.


The SMEs joining these testbeds cover various industries, from digital health to assistive technology. They bring a wealth of experience and innovative ideas that will contribute to developing new solutions for healthy ageing. For example, GG Care is a unique technology that uses Amazon Alexa to support a person's everyday activities through interactive voice reminders called Digital Interventions (DIs). The DIs simplify the complexity of tasks by breaking each task into easily digestible steps with a series of questions and prompts. The individual user interacts only with their voice; there are no clunky menus or buttons.


The testbeds will benefit not only the SMEs but also the elderly population in the UK. With the help of these innovative solutions, older adults can lead healthier, more active, and independent lives, improving their overall quality of life. The testbeds will also provide job opportunities for people in the local community, as the SMEs can hire local staff to support the development and testing of their solutions.


Creating these three new healthy ageing testbeds is a welcome step towards promoting healthy ageing in the UK. The participation of 12 SMEs will bring new ideas and solutions to the table, and the testbeds will provide a platform for them to test and refine their products and services. With the help of these testbeds, the UK is well on its way to creating a future where older adults can lead healthy and independent lives.





What are the three new healthy ageing testbeds in the UK?


The three new healthy ageing testbeds are located in the North East, West Midlands, and South West of England. in Leeds, Essex, and Brighton and Hove. While the overall goal of these testbeds is to create an environment where SMEs can test and develop their products and services with the help of real-life users, each testbed region has its unique goal. These testbeds aim to create an environment where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can test and develop their products and services with the help of real-life users.


Who are the 12 SMEs joining the testbeds?

The 12 SMEs come from various industries, including digital health, assistive technology, telecare, and telehealth. They bring innovative ideas and solutions for healthy ageing, such as wearable technology for managing chronic conditions and cognitive assessment tools for diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.


What is the goal of the testbed?


Each testbed has its unique goal. Leeds is focused on improving health and well-being through social connectedness; in Essex, the focus is Improving efficiencies and communication in care provision. Brighton and Hove aim to help unpaid carers. Overall, all the testbeds are focused on creating an environment where SMEs can test and refine their products and services with the help of real-life users. This will benefit not only the SMEs but also the elderly population in the UK, as they will have access to innovative solutions for healthy ageing.




How will the testbeds benefit the elderly population in the UK?


With the help of the solutions developed in the testbeds, older adults can lead healthier, more active, and independent lives, improving their overall quality of life. The testbeds will provide access to innovative technology and services to help older adults manage chronic conditions, maintain their physical and mental health, and stay connected with their families and communities.


What is GG Care and what role will it play in the testbeds?


GG Care is a unique technology that uses Amazon Alexa to support a person's everyday activities through interactive voice reminders called Digital Interventions (DIs). The DIs simplify the complexity of tasks by breaking each task into easily digestible steps with a series of questions and prompts. The individual user interacts only with their voice; there are no clunky menus or buttons. The testbeds will provide GG Care with a valuable opportunity to test their solutions and receive feedback from real-life users.


How will the testbeds create job opportunities?


The SMEs joining the testbeds will be able to hire local staff to support the development and testing of their solutions. This will create job opportunities for people in the local community, contributing to the local economy and promoting healthy ageing in the UK.


Why is promoting healthy ageing important for the UK?


Ageing is an inevitable process and a challenge for many countries. The UK is no exception, and promoting healthy ageing is essential for ensuring that older adults can lead fulfilling and independent lives. The testbeds will contribute to this goal by providing access to innovative solutions and technology to help older adults maintain their health and well-being.

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