This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Digital Health GreyMatters |


A new internet savvy generation


Despite its British roots, the real opportunities for digital healthcare lie overseas, says David Ward of GreyMatters


E


ncouraging older people to embrace technology will enable them to stay longer in their own homes and


improve their quality of life. The largest growing market for smart phones is the 65-plus age range, and the people who will be in this age bracket in 10-15 years are already internet savvy now. The use of technology is helping older people manage their conditions and improve communications, meaning less time in hospital. GreyMatters was originally set up to


help people suffering from dementia. It makes certificated, easy-to-use web- based technology that helps older people part-manage conditions such as dementia, high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s a particular type of telehealth.


Many companies are involved in telecare, for example supplying personal alarm pendants and wristbands that enable the user to call emergency help when they need it – in other words reactionary care. In contrast GreyMatters provides


anticipatory care, using encryption and high security hosting services provided by NHS-accredited data centres. Sharing information with clinicians,


carers, family and friends helps people cut down on travelling, keeps them out of hospital and reduces calls to the emergency services. Generally, older people who have been presented with technology enjoy using it. The technology created by GreyMatters will help avoid the scenario where someone who is frail or unsteady on their feet needs to travel to see a specialist. In order for this to be really effective,


healthcare needs to integrate with social care, GPs and hospitals. This is possible with a central portal that connects to different databases, although that is another challenge as each hospital can have its own software system.


Overseas Opportunities In China there is a big focus on the elderly and infirm. The new ‘Elderly Rights Law’ passed in 2014, says adults should visit their parents and care about their spiritual needs. The Chinese upper and middle classes


are becoming more and more affluent, and their traditional family culture means that children and grandchildren are willing to spend their own earnings on caring for older relatives. And the country is growing at an


extraordinary rate. According to Chinese government statistics, more than 178 million people in China were 60 years or older in 2010, and by 2030, that figure will double. With 16 million people a year moving


from rural to urban areas in order to earn more money, older people are increasingly being left behind in the countryside, often a huge distance away. This causes a disconnection which goes against many traditional Chinese family values. Put together, these factors create a


huge potential market for healthcare technology in the most populated country in the world. One of GreyMatter’s products is


the Carer Portal, which helps connect families remotely. This could be an ideal solution for Chinese families living far apart, as it allows them to stay in touch with their older relatives living in care facilities via Skype, email or text. It also helps care facilities promote the level of care they are able to provide to families. Keeping families connected by


technology will be a huge growing market in China, and with the right kind of Grey Matter technology, it could be worth as much as £100 million. GreyMatters is already establishing a


joint venture with a well-established large corporate software company in China, and expects to be trading by spring 2015. After that, the company is setting its sights on Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA. GreyMatters also found interest in


Brazil. It is looking at creating smaller subsidiaries around the world to roll out products that will keep older people connected to their families, and in control of their own healthcare.


Further information Tel: +44 (0) 191 208 1182 info@greymattershc.co.uk www.greymattershc.co.uk


104 Global Opportunity Healthcare 2015 | Issue 01 global-opportunity.co.uk


|


GreyMatters


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128