When we think about common obstacles we have with other people, ageing is one we all face. Many people see it as moving away from the prime of life. We start thinking about the changes that our bodies are going to go through and how we are going to deal with them.

We may be facing health conditions that make things more difficult and it could mean we become disabled. When we get to old age and we're able to do everything we want to through support of assistive technology, inclusive systems and accessible environments then we won't be disabled at all.

In almost 16 years of using a wheelchair it’s something that I’ve had on my mind. I know at some point my shoulders are going to stop working as they are not designed for pushing. While pushing techniques will help slow down the wear and tear, I know that eventually I’ll need to start using a power chair.

In late April, I visited the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing in Newcastle. Organised by the brilliant Q Community which funded by The Health Foundation. Set among the university campus, this stunning building houses a thoroughly thought through design. From a wheelchair accessible stage in the auditorium, to accessible gender-neutral toilets and lifts that don't have mirrors which can set off anxiety attacks for some people.

Here are three great projects that I was introduced to at the centre.

Connecting development to lived experience

The VOICE project has been running for 15 years. It connects researchers with lived experience that can provide insight into their projects. Once a member, you can find projects to be part of within a given geography (or online) and tailor your notification preferences.

One of the things that really stood out to me about this project was not only the value placed on lived experience, but they also reimburse you for your time. This is something that happens as often as it should with expertise often expected to be given for free.

Expansion over the next 2 years will see partner organisations join from the USA, Canada, Italy and Australia. More people getting access to the app means potential to start broadening research into how ageing affects people across the globe!

Virtual spaces to explore

Before Northern Rail folded in March 2020, they funded a project with National Innovation Centre for Ageing to build a virtual environment of Newcastle train station. The goal was to alleviate anxiety for some of the older passengers who were not comfortable using the station.

The VR simulator allowed people to roam the station, access vouchers to the shops that were there, hear the sounds of the station and change the time and day to experience what it would be like at busier periods.

Whenever I'm going somewhere new, I often use Google street view to check what the environment looks like so I can know key features to look out for when I arrive. How great would it be to step into that virtual world to take a look around?

Another reason that I really like this concept is that there is so much scope for expansion. People who have been isolated for long periods over the pandemic may be feeling anxious about going back to social venues. This could stop them from volunteering, working or socialising. If business owners had the ability to create a virtual map of their premises (think how easy it is to create a panoramic picture), people would be able to access this on their phone from the comfort of their own home.

Friendly little robot helper

Meeting Gita was definitely a highlight of the day. Gita is a small robot that has the capability of following you round and has a storage compartment inside.

Gita stood out to me today more than other things we’d been shown because it was only on that morning that I'd be dragging my overnight suitcase up the hill to the centre. I couldn't help but think how much Gita would have helped me there.

As I looked at Gita, I also thought how much it could help my mum after she had a stroke a couple of years ago. Now using a cane, the carrying capabilities of Gita would be so useful to her. Also the functionality of being able to sit on it would be useful when she gets tired.

There were also some more creative uses of Gita discussed including helping patients when they arrived at hospital instead of using wheelchairs, being companions for children as they go down to the operating theatre to alleviate stress.

My favourite idea of how to use this technology was through “community Gitas”. What if each community had a flock of these little robots that could be booked on an Uber style system. People who struggled with carrying shopping could get help with the click of a button.

Thinking about the future

It was amazing to see some of the innovations that are being worked on at the National Innovation Centre for Ageing and how these assistive technologies can support us in our older age.

Reflecting on my visit to the centre, I'm pleased with how some of my own preconceptions have been challenged. Before the visit, I thought that "ageing" was about how we can support the needs of older people. I was wrong. Ageing isn't just about being old. It's about getting there in a healthy way.