By 2050, the number of Australians aged over 65 is expected to double, and while new government regulations plan to make it the country with the highest retirement age in the world - 70 - the current crop of pensioners are relatively rich and looking for luxury.

With 4.7 million Australians currently over 60, this age group dominates both the physical and digital worlds. Silver surfers are taking over the internet, with 50% of over 60s jumping on the social media bandwagon. But what goes on in the secret digital lives of over-60 Aussies?

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.

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.