Improvements in healthcare mean that people are living longer, and in better health, than ever before. There is expected to be a dramatic shift in the UK's demography towards older people. There is the potential for significant social, cultural and economic benefits if older or disabled people are empowered to remain an active part of society. Communications technology is likely to play an important role in enabling this positive outcome.

Ofcom has commissioned this study to develop future scenarios based on the services required to promote social and economic inclusion of older and disabled people over the coming 20-year period. From these scenarios, the study identifies the key technological developments required, including a detailed discussion of drivers for or barriers to change, and a quantification of the technologies' impact on wired and wireless networks.

The report is available: Assisted living technologies for older and disabled people in 2030