Ageing: Science, Technology and Healthy Living

The House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee’s report “Ageing: Science, Technology and Healthy Living” has now been published.

In 2018, the UK Government set itself a mission to “ensure that people can enjoy at least five extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035 by narrowing the gap between the experience of the richest and poorest”.

In July 2019, the House of Lords Select Committee began its inquiry with the aim of assessing the feasibility of the Government’s ageing strategy and to understand the role of science and technology in enabling ‘healthy ageing’.

Further to a process of evidence submission and consultation, including contributions from Devices for Dignity, the report was published on 15th January 2021 and can be accessed here https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/193/science-and-technology-committee-lords/news/138469/concerted-government-effort-could-improve-health-in-old-age-finds-lords-committee/

Devices for Dignity contribution to the inquiry included:

  • the positive impact of user involvement in technology design and development;
  • barriers to development of technology;
  • the multi-factorial considerations which impact technology adoption;
  • and the gradual cultural shift required for innovation to become routine and well supported in changes to practice.

Devices for Dignity are pleased to see that this input has been recognised as both relevant and important by the Select Committee.

The Chair of the Committee, Lord Patel commented on the report findings:

“The Committee found that the Government needs to urgently address the key issues of reducing health inequalities, implementing health system reforms and promoting lifestyle changes.

Furthermore, technologies can be better utilised to help people live independently for longer.”