Designing for the Future - Essay Example

Academia-Research Order ID: 783258 Designing for the Future 14 January Introduction “Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to be old...” (Jonathan Swift, 1667). Yet most people acknowledge that there is hope in getting older, better, wiser. There is a need that, though not often verbally expressed, the ageing population of the United Kingdom is on that must be considered when designing a vision of the future…both physically and psychologically. Cultural growth and enrichment are dependent upon it. The accommodation of an ageing population is to be strongly considered when practicing the social well-being and social responsibilities of a sustainable value system – a sustainable UK society. Therefore, there just may be a dialectic debate over the “live long, live well, grow older” issues. Changes in Lifespan – Life Expectancy According to Professor David Leon, epidemiologist of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WHO (World Health Organisation) Health for All Database, and the Human Mortality Database, statistical analysis of the UK’s life expectancy and lifespan change is the research topic of relevant epidemiological studies. Mortality data reveals “…Britains are living longer than ever before. Average life expectancy has increased to eighty years old – eight years higher than the 1970s” (Leon, 2011, p. 1). The ageing population of Western Europe, including the UK, has experienced steady increases since the 1970s. “One reason for the increase and change in lifespan and life expectancy is the decline of deaths due to cardiovascular disease. However, there has been an increase in obesity” (Leon, 2011, p. 1) The Age Shift: A Foresight Ageing Population Perspective “Age is an opportunity no less than youth itself though in another dress” (Longfellow). The Foresight Ageing Population Panel is a collaborative of the voices of the businesses, government, and the sciences that address the threats and opportunities that the UK may face over the next ten to twenty years. “Foresight is about being ready for the future. The future is shaped by the decisions we make today…we will encounter old age…it is important to be concerned. If we wait for the future to happen to us, the UK will miss out on opportunities for wealth creation and better quality of life” (Foresight Ageing Population Panel, 2000, p. 6). Over the span of thirty years, the UK’s population will change significantly. “The postwar baby boom generation will age first into middle age and then into older age. Rapid changes in lifespan and life expectancy of the ageing population means that successive generations of older people are living much longer” (p. 6). There are advantages in acknowledging the opportunities and challenges of changes in lifespan of the UK ageing population. By planning for demographic change of the population, economic, social, and technology challenges can be met with much ethical consideration and respect. “Effective responses to the changing age profile and lifespan of the population will share key characteristics. They must be sustainable and adaptable to changing circumstances. They must be integrated across government, society, and business. Conceptually, they will draw upon insights from many disciplines. They must answer the ageing population’s real needs – the need to exercise more choice in their lives. They must take into account generational differences” (Foresight Ageing Population Panel, 2000, p. 8). Interestingly, “…health experts believe the number of people suffering from debilitating health conditions such as cancer and heart disease will grow and could mean a rising demand for nursing care and innovative technological designs” (BBC, 1999, p. 1). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health impacts to the UK ageing society could be quite significant – cancer, heart disease, dementia, and other diseases. This is because of medical and technological advances that prolong the lives of more people. Therefore, the number of people within the population that suffer from disease increases due to population growth. This is of considerate concern to doctors and health experts observe that “…as people could get older, they could become prone to an increasing number of debilitating conditions if they do not keep active” (BBC, 1999, p. 1). During there increases and changes in lifespan, “people do have anxiety that there will be a period of disability at the end of their lives”, states Dr. Stephen Webster, a geriatric health expert at Addenbrookes’s Hospital in Cambridge. “However, there is no clear evidence this is the case if they are encouraged to live a healthy life…” (BBC, 1999, p. 1). When considering discussions on health issues of the UK’s ageing populations, collaborations on advanced technologies impacting and supporting the older citizen were a ‘hot’ topic for the Institute of Nanotechnology’s conference for Advanced Technologies for an Ageing Population. Often on the discussion boards were the issues of “supporting the ever-growing needs of this rapidly-increasing sector of society, particularly in terms of maintaining a good quality of life” (IoN, 2011, p. 1). “It was the second day of the conference. Time was devoted to assistive technologies for the elderly and to a discussion of the economic, social and ethical aspects raised by a rapidly demographically ageing population. The keynote speaker, Dr. June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Developmental Centre, University of Stirling, reported that dementia care had cost the UK L10billion in 2010. It was the knowledge concerning the form of dementia that a patient suffered from that was key to providing the right kind of technological support…” (IoN, 2011, p.1) The collaborative of experts that gathered in Glascow, Scotland that year focused on a critical question that was of social, ethical, and technological concern… How can technology be used within medical and structural design to focus on assisting the ageing population? This is a question of immense social responsibility and consideration for the UK society – from aspiring youth to medical experts to the ageing population that the advanced technology was designed to assist. Further, there were both quantitative and qualitative questions to be dealt with. What were the demographic, social, ethical, and economic issues to be considered when evaluating how technologies affect the lives of the UK’s ageing population? How are they to be designed and placed into operational existence? And how are these designs to be feasible in definition, sustainability, and maintainability? Assistive technology to the ageing population is to be a means and method to address change and “extend the human lifespan” (Dr. Bruce, D., 2011, p. 1). “There are limits to ageing research and technological design in a world where the majority did not enjoy the change in lifespan and health of those in Western countries”, states Alastair Kent – Director of Genetic Alliance UK and Chair of the European Platform for Patient’s Organisations, Science and Industry. When addressing changes in lifespan and qualities of living, it is ethically important to be inclusive of the technological needs of an ageing population and to respect the perspectives of both the medical expert and the population for which the assistive technology is designed. “There are a variety of useful technologies being developed that could have a major positive impact on the lives of the ageing population…these need to be implemented into policies and systems that respect and improve the independence of ageing citizens. The purpose is to work towards maximizing self-esteem, the quality of living, improved social connection to others, and value of continuing contributions to society” (Moore, R.; IoN, 2011, p. 1). Examples of Assistive Technologies from Health and Business It is part of the evergrowing business landscape to address opportunities and challenges of the UK’s ageing population. Outreach and innovations introduced and described by the Institute of Nanotechnology’s team of health experts and designers enlightened a society that may have been unaware of the benefits of assistive technology: “Business exploration and solutions (Janette Hughes, Wellness and Health Innovation, Scotland); Opportunities and challenges for telehealth services in Europe (Dr. Malcolm Fisk, Health Design and Technology Institute, Coventry University); Initiatives to design user-friendly healthcare interfaces (Melanie Turieo, Cambridge Consultants, Boston, USA and Tufts University); Explanations for smart and wearable sensors for healthcare monitoring and providing a view of lifestyle patterns (Professor Dermot Diamond, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City); Monitoring systems as assessment tools designed as a mans for those of ageing population to keep in touch with family and friends – the ‘Just Checking’ monitoring system (Alastair MacDonald, Scottish company – Sensorium). These are examples of a few of the assistive technologies and designs introduced during the Institute of Nanotechnology’s Glascow Conferences (March, 2011). The perspectives and viewpoints express the needs and well-being of an ageing population as well as the experts of health, medical, business, and educational technology. The opportunities and challenges that induce an outreach into the UK society are a result of taking initiative to prepare for the UK’s future. Healthcare and the Ageing Population: A Foresight Perspective “Rapid changes in biomedical sciences could extend life and health expectancy beyond increases already anticipated. New technologies will become available to encourage and maintain independent living. Knowledge and decision making will become a shared task between health experts and the ageing population. This will be inclusive of becoming better informed and better assisted by technologies such as the Internet” (Foresight Ageing Population Panel, 2000, p. 28). Challenges and opportunities of assistive technologies within the UK’s ageing population are a demand. Needed and necessary are the care technologies and designs that will create and manifest new interventions and preventative strategies that improve quality of living. Demand for Living: “Age is an opportunity no less…” (Longfellow) As the UK ageing population grows and expands, they will become more active and independent. The demand by older generations for more control over their lives and choices in their lifestyles becomes more important than ever. According to the Foresight Ageing Population Panel (2000), very important concepts and issues (and companies) begin to play a major role in assisting the ageing populations during many transitional opportunities and challenges. Manufacturing and marketing endeavors ultimately will assist where ageing is rapidly occurring. Designing for the future of the UK’s ageing population will also mean: “Design for inclusion…the effective design in an ageing population. The goal/aim is to assist and promote healthy, active ageing, postpone or avoid dependency if possible, and facilitate full participation in society” (Foresight Panel, 2000, p. 30); “Design for an ageing population should increase diversity of older people, both in wealth and income, and in household types and lifestyles. Treating older age groups as a homogenous group or category is an erroneous approach” (p. 30). “Conceptual designers and designs for the future of UK should be inclusive of the ageing populations. Inclusivity will encompass an older age that is more familiar with the uses of Information Technology (IT) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). They will be more accepting of IT in home use and lifestyles. Likewise, the ageing population will occupy virtual as well as traditional communities” (p. 30). City (local) planners will be considerate of the age shifts, changes in lifespan, and life expectancies of the UK. This will enable planning for the structural or built environments and public amenities that accommodate the needs of an ageing UK population. For example, construction, manufacturing, and marketing for inclusive living designs (Home: kitchens, appliances, utensils, stairlifts, bathrooms, and chairs; Outdoor environments: pavements and walkways) will ensure that the lives, health, and participation needs of an ageing UK society are accommodated” (p. 31). Reliable and accessible transportation services will be a critical need of the UK’s ageing population. This vital social link of mobility will encourage people to continue to participate in activities outside of home. The Foresight Ageing Population Panel (2000) addressed “Four Cornerstones for the Designs for Inclusion of the Ageing Population”. In order for the generation of those affected by the rapidly ageing processes to experience inclusivity, four key concepts must be respected: (1) stimulation; (2) flexibility; (3) independence; (4) social interaction. Stimulation is defined as “keeping mind and body active and healthy. Stimulation is defined as promoting feelings of well-being. Flexibility is defined as adapting to different users/uses and responding to age-related change; Independence is defined as reducing barriers and maintaining control. Furthermore, it means prevention of delays that put people into crisis; Social Interactions is defined as enabling social engagement, outreach, and participation. It means promoting a sense of identity as full (productive) members of society” (p. 31). “The Ageing Population is an asset not a burden…we plan meetings, express our opinions when asked…we are production managers. We have change and adapted to existing work flow and have moved machinery only to have it move back to its previous state. Age and experience to count for a lot. History is to be learned from… (a UK citizen, 2013). Key Designs and Concepts for the Changing Lifespan of the UK Following is a list of key concepts to consider when taking an analytical view of design for the ageing populations – perspectives are important: “SMART and multimedia textiles and materials are useful; Customised interface between consumer and technology (healthcare, social, and commercial); Pay-as-you-go systems; Multi-purpose household monitoring systems; Time-conscious retrofit house adaptation packs that consider the older age; Virtual and real communities” (Foresight Panel, 2000, p. 31). What is a SMART home? The living populations live in a place called home. A SMART home, which has become commercially viable for the past decade, is one that offers the opportunity to foster and support healthy, active ageing and independent living. E-commerce and health services are available through electronic links and access. Individuals may also have the option to exercise interactive SMART services and devices. These devices will be capable of adapting to changing circumstances, situations, and needs. When taking a realistic and considerate analysis of designs of the SMART home for the ageing population, planners and designs will have to take into account the changes in lifespan and age shift when designing new homes and buildings. Development of flexible and affordable ways to accommodate, retrofit, and restructure existing SMART homes is the new possible feasibility. Applications and uses of the necessary IT and ICT systems are vital to the SMART home and UK society. As Longfellow has stated, “…Age is an opportunity no less than youth itself though in another dress”. “…the ICT revolution has gained momentum and the Internet has only been the beginning. Changes have been occurring, not only in Europe and the UK, but globally. Changes have occurred in education, healthcare, access to information, communications, public services, and transportation” (p. 32). It literacy is vitally important for purposes of Internet connections/networking, communication, social interactions, and data-research gathering and usage. As the UK’s ageing population grows it counts for a larger proportion or ratio of the population. Their lifestyles, their voices, their needs and desires will play an integral part of the demand for ICT based applications, services, and products. Needless to say the perspectives of the UK’s ageing population are important and necessary. IT, ICT and Lifelong Learning “If older people are to remain economically active and gain longer lifespans, they will need to maintain their skills and expertise through lifelong learning. The new generations of older workers will benefit from rising levels of education. The reception to the need of updating skills will become a method in practicing and utilizing the new designs for the UK population” (p. 17). According to the processes of lifelong learning plans and designs, reskilling or reinforcing working skills is an objective of the UK’s ageing population. There should be pay offs to the investments of individuals and employers that benefit the stakeholders. Training programmes should become priorities in business and education, alike. Furthermore, lifelong learning plans, goals, visions – the opportunities and challenges – will define and direct recruitment and retention strategies. Designs of the Education System Changes in lifespan often mean approaches toward education that design learning according to age levels. According to the Foresight Panel, “…education systems have to undergo restructuring that will consider and meet the needs of the ageing population and meet requirements of individuals throughout their increasingly longer lives. Interesting analysis indicates that the balance of needs will move from vocational, life-long learning (the apprenticeships) while still working, to educational and experiential learning, as people progress into higher age groups” (p. 18). It is time for older adults to be considered during the social responsibilities of administrative design. Designs of curriculum that resharpen or reshapen skills and support experiential, life-long learning in the forms of recreation will, again, be a strong component of life-long learning plans. Concepts of inclusivity, personalization, and empowerment by use of IT and ICT systems will be an effective method in life-long learning strategies. IT and ICT systems are effective methods in delivery of educational services. Schools, colleges, and universities will have to meet the demands of learners of the ageing population that will require both shorter vocational courses in conjunction with traditional academic education. Change and the adaptations to change often pose many opportunities and challenges to the education sectors. Addressing the issues of ‘challenges to education’ is a major purpose to the interactions of government, business, and society. Together, these networks of social empowerment must find solutions that meet the needs of the UK population. The UK’s Ageing Population is an Asset No a Burdon: An Annotation The article entitled, “Why Our Ageing Population is an Asses Not a Burdon” by Dr. Malcolm Fisk, Co-Director of the Age Research Centre, Coventry University, is an intriguing, stimulating and optimistic piece of dialectic analysis and discussion. Dr. Fisk points out that growing old in the United Kingdom is not misfortune. Growing older and belonging to an ageing society is an opportunity and asset for those that embrace an attitude of positivity. “The growing number of older people throughout Europe, including the UK, offers us an immense opportunity. Older people, afterall, constitute an army within which there is knowledge, talent, and ability. Many older people are already crucial to our businesses and services. There is, regardless of many media portrayals of older people, no problem rising from ageing itself”, states Dr. Fisk. There are social, political, and economic challenges to the needs of the ageing population, however, from the response to such challenges emerges the question…”How can we better harness longevity as an asset”? (p. 1). Dr. Malcolm Fisk conducts research pertaining to the UK’s ageing population at the New Age Research Centre within Coventry University. His goal and objective – or mission for that matter – is to explore answers to questions such as the ‘harnessing of longevity’. He offers consultation and analysis as to how politicians, educators, business people, and other stakeholders can meet the ageing challenges. Dr. Fisk advises, “…One of our objectives is to make the case, backed up by evidence, for a new appreciation of both the actual and potential contribution made by older people to our economic and social life; the successes, the set-backs and the harsh realities” (p. 1). “We call for more flexibility in approaches to age at all its stages. Greater flexibility means that instead, we enjoy different (alternative) options across the life-course to enable people to work (full or part-time), and to take time out for training and development or for career changes” (Fisk, 2012, p.1). Ageing population growth is a problem only in attitude. Engagement and involvement of older people requires “…the recognition that older people are an important asset. And with regard to the prosperity and vitality of our future communities and workplaces, we ignore this asset at our peril” (p. 1). References and Works Cited BBC Online Network. Health: Britain’s Ageing Population. 1999. [Web] Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/395143.stm Fisk, M. Dr. “Why our Ageing Population is an Asset no a Burden”. (2012). [Web] Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk./dr-malcolm-fisk/why-our-ageing- population_b_1685433.html. Foresight Ageing Population Panel. Foresight: Making the future work for you: The Ageing Population panel and the Age Shift: A consultation document. (2000). [Web] Retrieved from http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/foresight/docs/ageing-population/ Age-shift-tf-report-may-2000.pdf. Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN). “Advanced Technologies for an Ageing Population: IoN’s Advanced Technologies for an Ageing Population Conference Strikes a Positive Note in Glascow. (2010 – 2011). Retrieved from http://www.nano.org.uk/ Conferences/ageing2011/overview.htm. Leon, D. Dr. “UK life expectancy still rising”. International Journal of Epidemiology. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/03March/Pages/UK-life-expectancy-still- rising.aspx. Read More