Project aims to help older people use technology

Predictions suggest the number of islanders aged 65 and above would increase by 58% within 25 years

A grant scheme aimed at helping older islanders use technology to live independently is being launched this summer.

The scheme - Impact Jersey - is being funded by the government's Technology Accelerator Fund and delivered by Digital Jersey in a bid to support health and wellbeing.

The government said projections showed in five years time the cost of caring for Jersey's older people would be more than the funds set aside.

It is now asking businesses from all over the world to pitch ideas to better support the aging population within the island.

Projections suggest the number of islanders aged 65 and above would increase by 58% within the next 25 years.

They also suggest that by 2029 the cost of caring for Jersey’s older citizens would outstrip the Government of Jersey’s Long Term Care Income.

Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey, said: "We are excited to launch our second Impact Jersey programme, which builds on our successful Open Programme last year, to apply digital innovation to the specific and significant demographic and healthcare challenges Jersey is set to experience over the coming decades.

"This initiative provides a real opportunity to demonstrate how technology can address local challenges, prevent ill-health and social exclusion, maintain people’s independence and help alleviate pressure on Jersey’s health and care system."