The Illawarra’s IRT Group this week announced its participation in a research project to design the seniors’ housing of the future.
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IRT is one of five retirement living providers partnering with the Queensland University of Technology to deliver the Senior Living Innovation project, touted as an Australian-first.
“Our founders created IRT almost 50 years ago to provide older Australians with better choice in housing and care,” IRT Communities CEO Stig Andersen said.
“Older Australians still want a range of choices when downsizing their home and upsizing their lifestyle, and IRT is still committed to enabling this.”
Led by QUT researcher, Professor Laurie Buys, the project will aim to develop alternative business models to reinvent the ageing experience and support health and well-being through all life stages.
It entails community engagement, social media mapping and an online community to gain insights from the over-50s.
“We’re really excited to challenge traditional stereotypes and assumptions of ageing,” Mr Andersen said.
“Think robotics, smart houses, nano and wearable technology, intentional and intergeneration communities... When you combine one of Australia’s leading technology universities with industry partners and forward-thinking consumers, the possibilities are endless.”
Mr Andersen said that 184,000 Australians over the age of 65 currently live in retirement villages and this number is expected to double by 2025.
For more information, visit the www.research.qut.edu.au/seniorliving website.
Pictured is an artist's impression of Parkside at IRT Pioneer Place, Wollongong.