While the immediate future is unlikely to yield AI pseudo-human carers, the notion of robots aiding the elderly is closer than ever. All over the world – especially in Japan, where more than a quarter of the population is over 65 – technology and healthcare are starting to overlap.

Smart technology for the home goes way beyond remote control lighting and heating. In Germany, research institutes and companies are creating smart, age-appropriate support systems that enable the elderly to enjoy an independent life at home for as long as possible.

Life 2.0 is an EU-funded project, involving 13 core partners in five EU countries, which has developed a series of networked applications to help empower elderly residents to live more independent lives.

In Japan, kireru rōjin means “old people who are easily angered”. This group is growing rapidly, as the current social climate combined with the differences between older and younger generations generates hostile feelings amongst Japan’s rapidly ageing population.