Brave new world of independent living
THE latest mobility aids can be pretty stylish pieces of kit. But how much further can they advance?
Quite a way, by the sound of it. In fact, fast-forwarding to the year 2050, things start to get a little mind-boggling...
Consider how Naomi Climer, the first female President of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), sees herself living as a woman in her 80s.
Naomi says she will be woken in her intelligent 3D-printed smart home by curtains that automatically open when they detect she’s in her lightest sleep phase.
She will take 3D-printed medicine personally created for her and containing all the drugs needed for the day.
Naomi will wear a ‘chainmail-like fabric’ that will allow her complete mobility without a wheelchair.
Sensors around her home and locality will track her position and guide her, supporting her independence.
Family members will be beamed into her home, using holographic technology.
And, predicts Naomi, being alive in 2050, she will read about the early settlers on Mars and enjoy a world where information, education and remote healthcare are available to all on the planet.
She adds: ‘Our devices and appliances will all be connected and behaving in ways that understand who we are and what we’re likely to want to do. This is not just your smartphone or computer, but things like your fridge, house and car, making life more efficient.’
SLIMMER AND SLEEKER STAIRLIFTS are one of the items set to develop fast, acquiring slimmer rails and an even sleeker look within years, according to industry experts.
Space-age mechanisms will ensure the smoothest, quietest ride. And seats will become as elegant as ordinary furniture. The
stairlift of tomorrow will be totally automated, whether swivelling or folding.
And it will become more intelligent, allowing voice control and proactively alerting users to obstacles or service issues.
Customisation will become the norm, as customers choose bespoke upholsteries to fit with anything from a classic Victorian hallway to an ultra-modern open-plan home.
RIDE UPSTAIRS IN 30 SECONDS
THE latest affordable home lifts already have a futuristic look straight out of Star Trek. Up to two people can ride upstairs within 30 seconds, just marginally slower than Captain Kirk’s transporter.
And there are slightly larger versions that have room for a wheelchair, or up to three people.
One of the latest types runs on dual rails, so there is no need for a load-bearing wall to be in place. What’s more, it plugs into a normal 12-amp power socket.
Beam me up to the bedroom, Scotty!
NEW WAYS TO SIT AND SLEEP
CHAIRS are always developing, too. There are now types that tilt as one unit, while still having an independent back adjustment and separate leg adjustment.
And there are chair beds that go completely flat to provide a more suitable alternative to sleeping in a chair.
Drop-down arms can be requested to allow for side transfers. Pressure-relieving cushions can be built into seats, so that they are integral to the chair, yet allow access to change them should needs increase.
And while bespoke chairs, made after an individual assessment, remain a focus, companies are increasingly offering a range of standard chairs at more affordable prices.
Meanwhile, when it comes to adjustable beds, there are some great new options, such as in-built night lights, infra-red cordless remotes — and remotes that can be programmed to remember specific mattress positions.
And engineering design advances are expected to continue apace, giving more choice in profiling mattress position and finishes.
The mobility world may seem staid at first glance, but it is actually one of constant change, as designers strive to dream up brilliant new ideas to assist customers.
And one thing is for certain. Whatever your requirements, there’s sure to be the perfect solution out there to suit you.