Heriot-Watt University’s Pioneering Solutions for Scotland’s Elderly Population

Edinburgh’s newly established Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies is dedicated to developing innovative solutions to support healthy ageing. In this article, we look at insights into the institute’s groundbreaking work and its potential impact

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Digital Health

According to the latest national census, Scotland now has over one million residents aged 65 and older, with this age group growing by 22.5% since 2011. At Heriot-Watt University’s new Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, a team of over 60 academic researchers is exploring how technology can empower older adults and address inequalities.

Professor Alan Gow, co-academic lead for healthy ageing, has highlighted how at the National Robotarium—a premier research and development hub for robotics and AI—his team is investigating cutting-edge systems and tools that can help people live more independently, whether at home or in residential settings. Their focus is on empowering individuals to identify and receive assistance for the tasks they need help with.

This research includes a trial of telepresence robots in assisted living environments, designed to swiftly assess emergencies and connect via video link to a remote caregiver who can coordinate necessary support and emergency services. Additionally, the team is working on FEATHER, an innovative data platform that aids individuals, their caregivers and clinicians in detecting early signs of urinary tract infections, facilitating timely medical tests and targeted treatment.

Professor Gow said, “Nothing we’re doing is about replacing human care and support. It’s about freeing time, whether from informal or formal carers, to focus on the compassionate, person-centred support that cannot be replicated. If smart sensors can log if a person is eating properly, taking their medication on time, or identify changes in sleeping patterns, a carer can spend more time doing the things they’ve been trained for and are expert in, supported by clear and accurate data.”

Staff from Age Scotland, who recently visited the university, were enthusiastic about the potential for close collaboration and the impact of the technology being developed.

Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland’s chief executive, pointed out that the significant challenges older people today face in health and care will be compounded for future generations unless “smart and deliverable” solutions are developed. “Technology won’t always provide a simple solution. But it can be part of it if designed to support ageing in the ways that people value. Age is something we must value – and it must be an opportunity for the many, not the few.”