The research gives examples of a range of services already being piloted or in development. It also explores how existing services could be enriched as a result of faster broadband connections.
Services such as remote health monitoring and consultations, enabling some people to be diagnosed from their home, mentoring and befriending schemes, teleworking and life-long learning initiatives can all play a role in promoting independent living so that older and disabled people can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The research also identifies some of the challenges and barriers which might hinder this potential including usability, accessibility and cost.
Jo Connell, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People, said:
“For many people next generation broadband is already a reality. Our research shows that next generation broadband is about much more than multi-player gaming, faster music downloads or high definition TV.
This report offers a glimpse into the potential services and how this new technology could help to transform many older and disabled people’s lives.”
A copy of the full research can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/how-ofcom-is-run/committees/older-and-disabled-people/research/.
ENDS NOTES FOR EDITORS
- Under Section 21 of the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom was required to establish and maintain an Advisory Committee for Older and Disabled People. of the Act requires that “The committee shall consist of – (a) a chairman appointed by Ofcom; and (b) such number of other members appointed by Ofcom as Ofcom think fit”. The function of the Committee “shall be to provide advice to Ofcom (including other committees established by Ofcom) about the interests, in relation to communications matters, of (a) the elderly; and (b) persons with disabilities”.For more information on ACOD visit: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/how-ofcom-is-run/committees/older-and-disabled-people/
The publication’s findings are based on desk research and in-depth interviews with senior representatives from across a range of industries, government, academia and the third sector.
- Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.
- For further information about Ofcom please visit: www.ofcom.org.uk. Ofcom’s news releases can be found at: http://media.ofcom.org.uk/.
CONTACT
Damian Radcliffe
Advisory Committee for Older and Disabled People
Ofcom
damian.radcliffe@ofcom.org.uk
0207 981 3590
Amber Vassiliou
Media & Corporate Relations
Ofcom
ofcomnews@ofcom.org.uk
0300 123 4000
Press release originally published here.
