We must distinguish between technology that improves quality of life, and technology that merely prolongs it. The unquestioning championing of the latter is a root cause of our unsustainable population growth and use of finite resources. Success can be measured as longevity of the species, not simply of generations.
David Ashbourne, Derbyshire
This is no time to be witty! With more people reaching the 60++ age, the problems of dementia deserve to be sufficiently developed to a point of offering a “dignified” quality of life left.
Henk Van Asselt, Newcastle on Tyne
When I was younger I had a really neat invention to improve the well-being of the ageing population. Now I am soon to be in need of using that invention I cannot remember where I stored it.
Will King, Lincolnshire
Technology in all industries will help, automation of as many industry sectors as possible is vital, cars, trains etc. This will reduce demand for certain skills in these areas, and this workforce can be diverted to the health and care sectors to provide more personal/humanised care.
Wilfred Denga, Warwickshire
Any technology that makes it easier for the elderly – gym equipment, mobility, easy-to-understand information – would be desirable. Also gadgets, such as mobile phones, that are easy to use and do not have zillions of superfluous functions!
Richard Greville, Lutterworth, Leics
The reduced gravity on the moon or Mars would give the elderly a new lease of life. By 2039 might be a bit optimistic, but with Elon Musk claiming he will begin Mars colonisation in six years, then perhaps it’s not entirely impossible to imagine.
Richard Anderson, Stocksfield
Being over 60 years old myself I can confirm that things start to wear out. Better early diagnosis of problems is required and more support for GPs on age-related health issues.
Allen Hardman, Lincolnshire
Early diagnostic, scientific treatment planning and clever online monitoring technologies can improve the quality of life for the elderly and free up healthcare and social care resources.
Vitaly Voloshin, Bromham, Bedfordshire
Social isolation is one of the biggest issues for the elderly. Autonomous vehicles will allow them to remain independent for longer. This will give them a more active and engaged life, and reduce their dependency on external assistance, which will benefit them and their families.
Mel Plumridge, Crick, Northamptonshire
We are what we eat. We in the UK eat rubbish and it shows. Technology aimed at mitigating the consequences will be most in demand and the most profitable.
George Evans, Ashford, Kent
Communications technology. Improving the speed and “simpleness” of the elderly to interact with friends, family, authorities and even the artificial intelligence in domestic appliances.
David Haboubi, Abu Dhabi
When I consider quality of life I think about exercise and health. Clothing technology and fully understanding our bodies might be key in this expectation. Nanotechnology will be responsible for many improvements in daily lives.
Russell Burton, Guildford, Surrey
Cheap electrical power generation is critical to allow people to keep homes warm, cook and communicate. Remote telemetry monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, etc could provide earlier intervention against illness.
Andy Hares, Worcester
Genetic research and gene therapy provide the key to eradicating many problems from ill-health.
John Downes, Caldy, Wirral
The elderly need people’s undivided time to spend with them socialising, so most useful would be a teleportation machine to provide more hours in the day, and improved mobile phone signal blockers.
Emma Dobson, Hertford
If we can encourage more people to be active and lead healthier lifestyles, then we have a better chance of our service infrastructure being able to cope.
Andy Parker, Staffordshire
Technology to allow elderly people to stay self-reliant, such as aids to facilitate mobility and body flexibility. And technology around the home to ease household tasks and improve communication (sight and hearing).
Jonathan Percival, St Neots, Cambs
Autonomous mobility scooter.
John Thorogood, Insch, Aberdeenshire