Connecting for innovation: living a long and healthy life

By 2050, two billion people – or nearly one out of every four people – will be over the age of 60, up from 900 million in 2015. In the South West, one in three people are over 65 years old. Maintaining our physical, cognitive and mental health in older age is a priority area that affects us all.

The aim of this free event is to bring our interests in entrepreneurship, and enterprise together to have a day of sharing and learning to help improve the quality of life for our ageing population. The South West AHSN would like input from thinkers, designers, doers and anyone interesting in supporting this piece of work. Participants will discuss a few key challenges which affect elderly people in the South West.

As the population gets older, the demand on health and care increases particularly around restricted mobility, frailty and social isolation. Ongoing research in chronic and long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes and dementia are improving, and we want to build on this and introduce new innovations into the system to help people, staff and carers.

There are many types of innovation which may support us to live a long and healthy life; these could be medical and digital technologies, or making our spaces and environment more appropriate for our needs.

If you have any ideas or want to get involved, join the South West AHSN in Plymouth for an exciting day of working on innovations with the potential to change lives. Lunch will be provided.