Smart City Development and the Needs of the Elderly
Summary
In areas such as mobility, healthcare and community services, technological innovation will play a pivotal role in upgrading homes and the urban environments in which an increasing elderly population will live. Governments around the world are beginning to bring in stricter planning regulations, as Singapore and the EU have recently done regarding accessibility, but in reality there remains much room for innovation in this sector. Although this may seem minor, to the elders who make, receive, or pass on the messages it provides a simple way to creatively stay in touch with family members and peers, and thus reduce possible feelings of isolation or loneliness. Blindsquare is an app that is designed to help the visually impaired navigate cities through describing the environment, warning of intersections, providing directions and recommending possible places of interest – services that prove useful for the elderly. For example, camera systems on buses can help drivers on crowded vehicles ensure that the elderly are safely seated before restarting travel, improving their comfort level and confidence in public transport.