30 May 2001

A drive to develop computer systems specially appropriate for older people today welcomed a major financial boost. A consortium of four Scottish universities - the Universities of Dundee, Glasgow, Abertay Dundee and Napier - has been awarded over £700,000 by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to take work forward in this important and developing area.

Led by the University of Dundee's Professor Alan Newell whose reputation in the field is international, the consortium will draw together some of Scotland's best computer know-how to establish a resource centre on computing to support older people.

Professor Newell: "Demographic trends suggest that in the next 20 years the number of people aged over 75 will double. Currently advances in engineering, communications and information technology offer very little support to elderly people. The potential of information technology to respond to these challenges provides enormous market opportunities for Scottish industry - especially in the areas of software, digital and creative media. By bringing together some of Scotland's most imaginative researchers this grant will help drive the development of cutting edge technology into a wider field for the benefit of older people."

The output from the consortium will be know-how and intellectual property which will not only extend the research base in Scotland but also enable industry to respond to the needs and wants of an ageing population.

The University of Dundee last year announced plans to establish the Queen Mother Centenary Research Centre devoted to harnessing information technology to help older people. Among the projects being pursued are memory jogging devices and "smart rooms" which respond to falls or lack of movement./ends

Contact Dr Peter Gregor 01382 344152