IWA 18:2016

Framework for integrated community-based life-long health and care services in aged societies

IWA 18:2016 provides guidelines for addressing challenges faced by societies that have been unable to adapt to an ageing population. It can also be used by stakeholders as a useful reference at regional or global level. IWA 18:2016 addresses health, care and social challenges (including health care needs, daily living tasks, well-being, combating isolation and keeping safe) to ensure that the needs of individuals continue to be met as they grow older. It also outlines principles related to ethics, community-based solutions, integration, person-centred solutions and innovation.

Cadre de travail pour les services de santé et de soins communautaires à vie intégrés dans les sociétés âgées

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 08-Jun-2016
• ICS: 03.080.30 - Services for consumers
• ICS: 11.020 - Medical sciences and health care facilities in general
• ICS: 11.020.10 - Health care services in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TMBG - Technical Management Board - groups
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TMBG - Technical Management Board - groups
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 09-Dec-2022
• Completion Date: 12-Feb-2026

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL IWA
WORKSHOP 18
AGREEMENT
First edition
2016-06-15
Framework for integrated community-
based life-long health and care
services in aged societies
Cadre de travail pour les services de santé et de soins communautaires
à vie intégrés dans les sociétés âgées
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Terms and definitions . 1
3 Principles and social issues . 5
3.1 Principles . 5
3.1.1 General. 5
3.1.2 Human dignity . 5
3.1.3 Productive ageing . 5
3.1.4 Community-based services . 5
3.1.5 Systemization with people at the centre . 5
3.1.6 Pursuit of innovation for sustainability . 6
3.2 Social issues . 6
3.2.1 General. 6
3.2.2 Future provisions for aged societies . 6
3.2.3 Challenges and barriers to creating new approaches. 9
3.3 Basic approach .10
3.3.1 Health and care in relation to ageing .10
3.3.2 Healthy ageing .12
3.3.3 Approaches to ageing, implementation and services .13
3.3.4 Guidance for maintaining the quality of services .16
4 Holistic framework of services .18
4.1 General .18
4.2 Integrated health services .18
4.3 Integrated care services .21
4.4 Social infrastructure .23
5 Recommendations .25
Annex A (informative) Workshop contributors .26
Bibliography .29
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
International Workshop Agreement IWA 18 was approved at a workshop hosted by the British Dental
Association (BDA), in association with the British Standards Institution (BSI), held in London, United
Kingdom, in July 2015.
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This International Workshop Agreement defines principles, social issues and approaches related
to aged societies in order to address the shortcomings in social infrastructure. The contents of this
International Workshop Agreement, which are supported by the holistic framework of services (see
Clause 4), need to be highlighted on a global platform in order to share knowledge. Countermeasures
to cope with insufficiencies in social infrastructures to adapt to a global ageing society need to be
addressed today.
[3]
According to projections based on the UN DESA report on World Population Prospects by the year
2050, many countries are projected to become super-aged societies, with people aged 65 years or older
exceeding more than one in five of the population.
NOTE The terms “ageing society” (where more than 7 % are 65 years or older) and “aged society” (where
more than 14 % are 65 years or older) are derived from past UN population reports. The term “super-aged
society” (where more than 21 % are 65 years or older) is an extension of these terms. It is used in the academia
and government of Japan and is gradually spreading into use in international news arenas.
In addition, developing countries and regions with rapid economic growth will be subject to changes to
their ageing population over the next few decades. A well-supported infrastructure of an aged society
includes a comprehensive, holistic view covering diverse generations and their lifestyle, economic
status, cultural backgrounds and much more. As life expectancy increases, governments, health care
providers, service providers and the community need to adapt to enable members of the younger
generation to maintain their health and active participation in society, and to support the desire for
people to continue to live independently as they age. This International Workshop Agreement covers
key concepts that support certain on-going social changes. It aims to promote further deliberations
from service providers and standards bodies, among others, of these aspects that will not only address
existing issues, but also help to prevent potential future problems.
This International Workshop Agreement recognizes the wide range of global efforts to define social
infrastructure for aged societies and to offer consistent, personalized lifelong care. A common factor
in academic research and national/international guidelines is the promotion of the individual as an
equal partner in controlling his/her health care. This relates to all aspects of a person’s life, including
planning, decision making and day-to-day living, leading to a user-centred approach. The following five
key principles have been identified as the core elements for future investment:
a) human dignity;
b) productive ageing;
c) community-based services;
d) systemization with people at the centre;
e) pursuit of innovation for sustainability.
Guidance on these key principles is given in 3.1.
Consideration needs to be taken in delivering person-centred services. Care needs to be provided
ethically and respectfully, with the flexibility to meet the needs of diverse generations. Both the
individual and the wider society benefit because the individual experiences greater satisfaction with
his/her care and the social infrastructure that supports health care delivery is made more cost-
effective. The focus of this International Workshop Agreement is not to provide clinical guidance, but to
encourage health care service providers to drive for a shift in thinking. Harmonizing the concepts and
methodology internationally will streamline the market environment of providers and users of health
and care services, and build the basis for fair competition and development of related industries.
Establishing a common goal for standardization activities will help to provide life-long support for
aged societies in the most efficient and productive way, by addressing common challenges. There will
be closer examination on where standards can be used to bring about change. There is an increase in
global awareness of the need for a sound social infrastructure to support ageing populations. There
are already some established platforms for knowledge sharing, but more needs to be done to align the
language used and to outline proven good practices that may influence new behaviour and practices.
This International Workshop Agreement aims to encourage:
— sharing of knowledge and best practices at global level, relating to a gradual increase over time of
aged societies;
— minimizing repetition and duplication of efforts, through the development of common approaches
to the challenges associated with societies that are not able to adapt to an increase in the older
population;
— improved realization and understanding of aged societies for policy makers, providers and the
general public;
— creation of innovative solutions, across multiple service sectors, that will allow people to remain
within their communities and outside of institutionalized care, where possible and for as long as
possible;
— economic benefits for governments and the general public, through the provision of better products,
services and systems.
Supporting material to accompany this International Workshop Agreement is available at the following
website: shop.bsigroup.com/iwa18.
vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

International Workshop Agreement IWA 18:2016(E)
Framework for integrated community-based life-long
health and care services in aged societies
1 Scope
This International Workshop Agreement provides a framework for addressing challenges faced by
societies that have been unable to adapt to an ageing population. It can also be used by stakeholders as
a useful reference at regional or global level.
This International Workshop Agreement addresses health, care and social challenges (including health
care needs, daily living tasks, well-being, combating isolation and keeping safe) to ensure that the
needs of individuals continue to be met as they grow older. It also outlines principles related to ethics,
community-based solutions, integration, person-centred solutions and innovation.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
community
group of people, often living in a defined geographical area, who exhibit some awareness of their
identity as a group, and who share common needs and a commitment to meeting them
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.2
community-based services
community-based care
blend of health and social services provided to an individual or family in his/her place of residence
for the purpose of promoting, maintaining or restoring health, minimizing the effects of illness and
disability on his/her normal lifestyle
Note 1 to entry: The term “community-based programmes” is also used.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 14639-2:2014, 2.12, modified]
2.3
dignity
right of individuals to be treated with respect as persons in their own right
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.4
functional ability
health-related attributes that enable people to be and to do what they have reason to value
Note 1 to entry: It is made up of the intrinsic capacity of the individual, relevant environmental characteristics
and the interactions between the individual and these characteristics.
[5]
[SOURCE: WHO World Report on Ageing and Health ]
2.5
environments
combination of factors at all levels of services in the extrinsic world that form the context of an
individual’s life, including the built environment, people and their relationships, attitudes and values,
health and social policies, the systems that support them and the services that they implement
[5]
[SOURCE: WHO World Report on Ageing and Health , modified]
2.6
health
state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity
Note 1 to entry: Health has many dimensions (anatomical, physiological and mental) and is largely culturally
defined.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.7
health promotion
combination of health education and related organizational, political and economic interventions
designed to facilitate behavioural and environmental adaptations that will improve or protect health
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.8
health system
people, institutions and resources, arranged together in accordance with established policies, to
improve the health of the population, while responding to people’s legitimate expectations and
protecting them against the cost of ill-health through a variety of activities, the primary intent of which
is to improve health
Note 1 to entry: Health systems fulfil three main functions: health care delivery, fair treatment of all and meeting
non-health expectations of the population. These functions are performed in the pursuit of three goals: health,
responsiveness and fair financing.
Note 2 to entry: A health system is usually organized at various levels, starting at the community level or the
primary level of health care and proceeding through the intermediate (district, regional or provincial) to the
government level.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.9
healthy ageing
process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age
[5]
[SOURCE: WHO World Report on Ageing and Health ]
2.10
independence
ability to perform an activity with no or little help from others, including having control over any
assistance required rather than the physical capacity to do everything oneself
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.11
independent living
living at home without the need for continuous help and with a degree of self-determination or control
over one’s activities
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

2.12
integrated care
integrated care services
methods and strategies for linking and coordinating the various aspects of care delivered by different
care systems, such as the work of general practitioners, primary and specialty care, preventive and
curative services, and acute and long-term care, as well as physical and mental health services and
social care, to meet the multiple needs of an individual client or category of persons with similar needs
Note 1 to entry: In this International Workshop Agreement, the scope of integrated care services includes
independence support care services as well as the interface with (but not the inclusion of) medical care. It also
includes independence support care services in the community after medical (curative) care has been delivered
by professionals.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.13
integrated health services
continuum of services that are managed and delivered at different levels and sites within the health
system
Note 1 to entry: Care is provided according to the needs of the individual throughout the course of his/her life
Note 2 to entry: In this International Workshop Agreement, the scope of integrated health services includes
health promotion services as well as the interface with medical services, but does not include medical (preventive
and curative) services provided by professionals.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.14
integration
coherent set of methods and models, on the funding, administrative, organizational, service delivery
and clinical levels, designed to create connectivity, alignment and collaboration within the health sector
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.15
intrinsic capacity
composite of all the physical and mental capacities of an individual
[5]
[SOURCE: WHO World Report on Ageing and Health , modified]
2.16
lifestyle
set of habits and customs, influenced, modified, encouraged or constrained by the lifelong process of
socialization, that carry health implications
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.17
long-term care
range of health care, personal care and social services provided to individuals who, due to frailty or
level of physical or intellectual disability, are no longer able to live independently
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.18
personal care
assistance with functions and activities normally associated with body hygiene, nutrition, elimination,
rest and walking, which enables an individual to live at home or in the community
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.19
prevention
action aimed at promoting, preserving and restoring health when it is impaired and to minimize
suffering and distress
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.20
programme
organized collection of activities directed towards the attainment of defined objectives and targets
which are progressively more specific than the goals to which they contribute
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.21
provider
organization that provides a product or a service
EXAMPLE Producer, distributor, retailer or vendor of a product or a service.
Note 1 to entry: A provider can be internal or external to the organization.
Note 2 to entry: In a contractual situation, a provider is sometimes called “contractor”.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.2.5]
2.22
quality of life
product of the balance between social, health, economic and environmental conditions which affect
human and social development
Note 1 to entry: It is a broad-ranging concept, incorporating a person’s physical health, psychological state, level
of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs and relationship to salient features in the environment.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.23
system
network of interdependent components that work together to attain the goals of the complex whole
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 ]
2.24
systemization
school of thought evolving from earlier systems analysis theory and advocating that virtually all
outcomes are the result of systems rather than individuals
Note 1 to entry: It is characterized by attempts to improve the quality and/or efficiency of a process through
improvements to the system.
Note 2 to entry: The term “systems approach” is also used.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
2.25
well-being
dynamic state of physical, mental and social wellness
Note 1 to entry: It is a way of life which equips the individual to realize the full potential of his/her capabilities
and to overcome and compensate for weaknesses, and which recognizes the importance of nutrition, physical
fitness, stress reduction and self-responsibility
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Note 2 to entry: Well-being is viewed as the result of four key factors over which an individual has varying degrees
of control: human biology, social and physical environment, health care organization (system) and lifestyle.
[4]
[SOURCE: WHO Ageing and Health Technical Report, Vol.5 , modified]
3 Principles and social issues
3.1 Principles
3.1.1 General
Subclauses 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 provide guidance on five principles of solutions to health, care and social
challenges related to aged society.
In order to establish aged societies where people are able to stay healthy and active for as long as
possible and to continue to live in their communities with peace of mind and dignity, even when they
become frail, multiple stakeholders of our society (states, local governments, non-profit organizations,
enterprises and individuals) should adhere to the five principles described in 3.1.2 to 3.1.6.
3.1.2 Human dignity
Principle: Multiple stakeholders should hold firmly the principle of respect for human dignity
throughout a person’s life.
Dignity, the core value of human rights, is supported by an individual’s independence and positive
relationship with society. Although it is often overlooked due to the physical and mental changes that
accompany ageing, the respect for dignity should be upheld throughout people’s lives.
3.1.3 Productive ageing
Principle: Multiple stakeholders should adapt a productive ageing approach as the basis of their relevant
activities.
All individuals should be enabled to pursue a healthy life for as long as possible, as well as the
opportunities to work and to participate in social activities. At the same time, they should be able to
endeavour to maintain productive relationships with the people around them regardless of frailty,
while those people should also help to provide opportunities for them to continue to be productive.
3.1.4 Community-based services
Principle: Support and services such as health care, long-term care, preventive actions and support for
activities of daily life, all of which are necessary for people to be able to fully experience productive
ageing, should be rooted in communities to secure user accessibility and to enhance provider
responsibility and coherence.
Support and services of this kind are meaningless unless they are easily accessible in daily life. Providers
of the support and services should pursue active engagement with their stakeholders in communities.
3.1.5 Systemization with people at the centre
Principle: The support and services mentioned above should be person-centred and systemized so that
they can be provided efficiently in a seamless and flexible manner in the community, with users of such
services being at the centre of the system. Support and services should be flexible and adaptable to the
varying needs during a person’s life.
Support and services should not be provided in an uncoordinated and inflexible manner divided into
speciality silos.
3.1.6 Pursuit of innovation for sustainability
Principle: Individual parts of systems and entire systems of support and services (mentioned
previously) should both be improved by the pursuit of innovation based on evidence, including those
from the salutogenic approach.
NOTE The salutogenic approach, introduced by Aaron Antonovsky, sees health as a movement in a continuum
between total ill health and total health. It puts more importance on people’s resources and capacity to create
health than the classic focus on risks, ill health and disease. It focuses on the ability or “sense of coherence”,
composed of the elements of comprehension, manageability and meaningfulness, enabling the use of resources
available to solve the problem. See Reference [6].
Health and care services and their systems should be continuously innovated to be more efficient
and of better quality at all times in a sustainable manner, supported by new technology and scientific
knowledge, as well as by social innovation, including behavioural changes not only of the aged but also
of the younger generation.
3.2 Social issues
3.2.1 General
Subclauses 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 outline some of the aspirations for aged societies in the future. They also
cover some of the challenges and barriers to meeting these aspirations that have been identified.
They are based on research undertaken with carers, nurses and members of the general public in the
UK during 2014, as part of a framework for standards to support innovation in long-term care (see
Reference [7]).
3.2.2 Future provisions for aged societies
3.2.2.1 Common principles
This subclause outlines some of the aspirations for aged societies in the future.
There are common values for provision of products and services to aged societies, which are focused on
providing health and social care needs in the home. Care and support should:
— be tailored to meet the realistic wishes of the recipient;
— be arranged in a timely manner;
— be provided in the home (where desired and if possible);
— provide flexibility over timings for receiving care services;
— be well coordinated by someone who knows the recipient and understands his/her needs;
— be delivered by a team that is trusted by the recipient.
Specific requirements for aged societies tend to increase as a person’s physical and/or mental health
declines. Keeping physically active and avoiding loneliness are fundamental aspects to ensuring well-
being. Communities are an invaluable source of support as the health and care needs of an individual
change. People need to be able to access medical and lifestyle services easily to ensure a continued
positive outlook on life. As personal care requirements increase, the focus often moves towards
accomplishing routine day-to-day living tasks in the home. With cognitive impairments, planning
financial and personal security becomes a greater priority, along with the ever-changing contexts and
technologies surrounding financial transactions and economic changes.
Changes in physical and/or mental capabilities are often predicted by key milestones that result in
greater challenges, such as restrictions on mobility, memory loss or the death of a partner. An increase
in single people (as opposed to couples) or single parent families may encourage greater independence
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

for individuals in the future, and people are now becoming more aware of the availability and choice of
long-term care services in the home.
3.2.2.2 Medical needs
The medical needs of an individual are a physical and/or mental condition that requires attention from
health care professionals and medical examination. Assessment of medical needs include the provision
and review of medical prescriptions, examination and diagnosis, such as a comprehensive geriatric
assessment (see Reference [8]). Management of medical problems in acute and chronic conditions are
anticipated in a personal care plan managed by a multidisciplinary team and performed on the basis of
evidence, clinical expertise and the client’s values. Nursing and social care requirements may include
administering medication at the right time and ensuring appropriate equipment and adaptations are
in place.
NOTE In some countries, nurses and paramedics are qualified to perform medical procedures.
People should have opportunities to receive health and social care in settings beyond traditional
surgeries, clinics and hospitals. These could include:
— “one-stop” health care centres that are open 24 hours every day of the week, with no waiting times
and offering a full range of services;
— drop-in centres for health and other community services in shops and pharmacies;
— clinics in the high street or community centres;
— physiotherapists in leisure centres;
— service provisioning from a remote location;
— (where possible) services (e.g. podiatry, ophthalmology, dentistry and physiotherapy) in the home.
Aged societies should include support that is well coordinated across medically qualified professionals.
Improvements will be required to services outside normal working hours, as well as a greater
willingness of services to visit the home or other locations.
Systems for making medical appointments will need to become simpler and remote consultations
(e.g. via Voice over Internet Protocol) will need to become routine. Health care professionals should
be able to spend more time with individuals to assess and review their needs, wishes and aspirations.
Consumers of health care services should be able to undertake regular reviews involving themselves,
their family, medical and care professionals, in order to discuss their overall well-being and satisfaction.
3.2.2.3 Personal care
Personal care is related to the ability of a person to eat, dress, bathe, go to bed and get up, for example,
either individually or with a third party, and the associated moving and lifting of people. It can apply in
the home, in an institution or another location (e.g. on a holiday). Personal care needs to fit in with the
cultural norms and attitudes of the family or community. An individual should always have a choice of
carer and should expect consistency and competence.
In the future, there should be greater time provided for carers to spend with individuals, to manage
their needs as defined by them, rather than being bound by the constraints of workload. There should be
flexibility around the times of day for when tasks are carried out (e.g. bathing and eating at appropriate
times). Housing should be developed and adapted so that it is easier to provide long-term care. Support
and counselling should also be available to individuals and those close to them when the need arises.
Digital technologies can play a part in providing services or requesting assistance.
People should be involved in early discussions about preferences for end-of-life care, including the
option of living wills and spiritual support. Professional support should be provided by a consistent
team that can work together. Greater support and counselling should be provided to all in the close
supportive network of the person who experienced a life changing event, e.g. spouses and offspring for
a sustained period after a loved one has passed away.
3.2.2.4 Daily living tasks
Day-to-day living tasks include activities such as cooking, shopping, housework, laundry, gardening and
transport. Suitable individuals and services need to be provided in order to allow these tasks to be
carried out effectively.
Individuals and carers should not be time-pressured when undertaking these tasks. Where possible,
the wider community could become involved in providing suitable services, and consideration may be
given to the use of “time bank” models for providing care. An example of how such a model could be
applied is if one member of the family volunteers for a certain number of hours of community work,
which can include providing personal care duties, or leading an activity group based on the needs of
the community. In return for these services, the same number of hours could be claimed back in care
provided for other family members. This emphasizes the possibilities of communities to be more closely
tailored to the needs of their population through mutual support and may also be adapted to cater for
larger regions.
Private businesses should recognize the opportunity for individuals to outsource some of their
daily living tasks (e.g. laundry services could be undertaken by supermarkets). Some tasks could be
completed by electronic means, but any solutions considered would need to be cost-effective. Service
providers should become more aware of the needs of aged societies and offer services that are
specifically designed for older people. Communities should offer better transport options, including
dedicated car parking spaces.
There are some daily tasks (e.g. gardening) that are considered important by people, but that are often
seen as being less important in terms of overall care packages. These routine tasks should become
available to those who want them.
3.2.2.5 Social inclusion
In order to combat loneliness, it is important to ensure the inclusion of individuals in appropriate
exercise, leisure and spiritual activities that allow them to enjoy their life, as well as allowing them to
give something back to the community if desired. Activities can involve befriending services and a role
for people to support others across their community. Older people and their families see the value in
paying for activities so that they enjoy life, but cost can sometimes be a barrier.
Aged societies include adults with a right to make their own choices for socializing and for leisure
activities (rather than having certain activities forced on them). In the future, broader activities should
become available so that there is something for everybody to enjoy. Leisure centres should run classes
and programmes for different levels of fitness. For those unable or unwilling to participate, technology
currently used by the digital gaming industry could provide a suitable alternative. Access to pets is also
regarded as an important aspect of companionship.
It is important to provide companionship and to help people with all of their communication needs,
from physical meetings to remote contact, both inside and outside the home. Family and friends are
often the main source for this support, however, there is a wider role for the community. Businesses
and professionals may need to encourage socializing aspects (e.g. by provision of suitable transport).
Technology is seen by many people as an enabler to bring people together who want to be connected
(e.g. video calls).
3.2.2.6 Keeping safe
Ensuring people are safe inside and outside the home is widely recognized as an important aspect of
safeguarding an aged society against unusual, criminal or adverse events. This includes protection
from violence, man-made incidences or natural disasters.
8 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

In the home, social alarms and closed-circuit television (CCTV) are well known and effective devices for
monitoring and alerting for assistance, should an incident occur. However, these come at a cost, do not
routinely work outside the home and can be set off in error. Some neighbourhoods provide schemes to
prevent unwanted visitors coming to the doorstep, and to keep a watch on each other.
Outside the home, certain technologies have been applied to assist those with cognitive impairments,
but these are not in mainstream use. Commercial organizations now train their staff to become more
aware of societal issues, which demonstrates the start of a move towards tailoring services towards the
needs of society.
In the future, digital technology could provide a way of integrating information from around the home,
along with personal data (e.g. location) to ensure that a person is safe and secure.
3.2.3 Challenges and barriers to creating new approaches
3.2.3.1 Person-centred care provision
Challenges relating to the provision and delivery of services that are joined up and centred on the user
include:
— achieving an early diagnosis (particularly where this can qualify a person for extra support);
— providing immediate access to new products and services, when a sudden deterioration in health is
experienced;
— communication and sharing of information between different professionals and agencies.
One of the barriers to achieving this includes the fragmentation of different agencies and a protective
attitude towards data sharing and communication. The loss of continuity between patients and trusted
professionals, when they move to other jobs, also hinders good person-centred provision.
3.2.3.2 Education and training
One of the main challenges in providing high quality products and services to aged societies is having
access to competent and motivated carers and support staff. The economics behind many services result
in staff being employed on low wage contracts and in services not being available at the times they are
needed. In many cases, training is carried out on the job, rather than as part of a formal programme.
It is important to educate older people on what to look for and to better manage health issues.
Education on healthy ageing should be made available through a range of methods tailored to the needs
of individuals, so that they can maintain their functional ability. Life-long care is a process that involves
all age groups within a society.
3.2.3.3 Maintaining relationships and community involvement
The barriers to maintaining social relationships and involvement in the community can include:
— a lack of variety of suitable activities to suit all cultures, interest, levels of education and abilities;
— poor transport options and a lack of different environments that can be accessed;
— a lack of concessionary rates;
— a lack of facilitation to form new relationships;
— a lack of clarity in identifying suitable activities, particularly for those with cognitive impairments.
3.2.3.4 Developing the home environment
It is often difficult to adapt existing housing quickly when changes are needed due to the costs. Newly-
built housing does not necessarily take into account the needs of older people, e.g. space to move around
beds and suitable bathrooms. Some products could be better designed to ensure that they will be used
by consumers. In some regions, retirement villages are built, but these are not always available. Newly
developed housing facilities should provide a degree of adaptability to individual needs.
3.2.3.5 Interface with technology
While technology is seen as a benefit in many cases, it is not welcomed by everyone. A lack of user-
friendliness, accessibility and reliability are the main challenges. End-user groups such as the elderly
are often not involved in the development of the products and services they are intended to use. It is
important that technology is seen as being complimentary and an enabler to interaction, and not as a
replacement for it.
3.2.3.6 Economic aspects
People should be encouraged to plan ahead for their future needs, rather than waiting for a deterioration
in their health and either being unwilling to seek assistance, or assuming that help would be provided
automatically. This will help to reduce difficulties when there is a sudden change, and to allow for better
outcomes. However, some people think there is often a lack of reward for those who have carefully
planned their future, in comparison with those that have not, and this can cause resentment.
Systems and services need to be developed that are fair and affordable and that make sense to the
people who use them. The service delivery and benefits of future planning need to be communicated
effectively. Where funding is provided, it should allow users to freely select products and services that
meet their needs rather than only allow access to a pre-established specification. Self-management
of funding should be made as simple as possible for users in order to allow them to personalize their
choices for care and services.
3.2.3.7 Societal attitudes
One of the key challenges to creating an effective aged society relates to building more caring and
respectful attitudes within individuals and businesses. Families are not always available to provide
support and other people (e.g. visiting neighbours) could provide more practical support, undertaking
work experience or providing help with physically demanding tasks.
While individual professional carers are valued, there is a perception that some organizations only have
an interest in making money. The perception of these organizations needs to be enhanced, in order to
attract more high calibre and motivated people to work for them.
3.3 Basic approach
3.3.1 Health and care in relation to ageing
Physical ability declines as people age, as illustrated in Figure 1.
10 © IS
...