WATIL'09 2009 - WATIL'09 (2009 International Workshop on Assistive Technologies and Independent Living) UIC-09

WATIL'09 (2009 International Workshop on Assistive Technologies and Independent Living)
http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~uic09/WATIL09
Between now and 2025 in developed countries the proportion of the population over 65 will increase from 20% to 28%, and by 2050 the old-age dependency ratio will have risen by over 160% from the 1985 level. The fastest growing group of the elderly population is the very old (over 80 years old).

There is great potential for information and communications technology to enhance the quality of life of the aged, and those dealing with illness or disabilities. ICT can assist by enabling access to quality care services, extending the ability for independent living to remain in their own homes, and providing personalised, quality care to residents in aged care facilities.

The ICT for Independent Living Workshop will present the latest research initiatives in people-centred technologies for empowered ageing and aged-care. Areas of interest include smart homes; assistive technologies for the frail aged, those with chronic illness and people with disabilities; and ICT systems for better serving residents in aged care facilities.

The area of "Independent Living and Inclusion" is one of seven ICT Challenges indentified by the European Union's framework-seven research program, and is an area of active research interest throughout the developing world. It is a direct and compelling application of ubiquitous computing technologies to improve community well-being. An important aim of this workshop is to provide a forum where researchers and practitioners from health and allied health fields and from ICT fields can meet together.