New technologies to assist older people living independently are to be developed at a research centre being established by the Intel Corporation in Ireland.
More than €20 million will be invested in the Technology Research for Independent Living Centre over the next three years.
The centre will bring together industry and academic experts who are inventing and testing technologies with older people and their families. The three main areas of research include improving social, health and community engagement among older people, detecting and preventing falls in the home, and helping those with memory loss maintain their independence.
Intel will collaborate with several Irish universities, including UCD, Trinity College and NUI Galway to create one of the largest research efforts of its type in the world.
Existing research shows that age-related physical decline includes an increased risk in falls and fall-related injuries.
Older people who experience memory loss or physical problems can also experience a decline in self-confidence and become more isolated.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin yesterday said IDA Ireland had worked closely with Intel to win the project. "Digital health has been identified by Intel as a strategic area for the future," he said.
