Abitazioni per anziani: nuove tecnologie per la fruizione dello spazio domestico

In many Countries, the promotion of wellness and the protection of elderly health is a social policies objective. Into the industrialized Countries, this growing interest is due to demographic changes. In the world, people over 60 were 962 million in 2017, and it is estimated that, in 2050, the over 80 will have tripled. The percentage of the over 60 who live autonomously in their houses (alone or with a spouse) varies from 2.3% of Afghanistan to 93.4% of Netherlands [United Nations, 2017]. In Italy, in most cases, they live in houses that do not allow to socialize and that are characterized by architectural barriers [Siciliano, 2011]. On the other hand, elderly use new technologies much more than one decades ago: nowadays, over 60 can be defined YEEPIEs (Youthful, Energetic Elderly Population Involved in Everything) [Lyons, 1991]. Among the various research lines, one of the most important is related to the use of ICT to improve the elderly autonomy, within their houses, monitoring their health and increasing their security [Casazza et al. 2002]. This technological transfer from ICT to Architecture allow a process of social innovation, suggesting new models of domestic assistance, integrated with home automation. A home infrastructure based on integrated sensors, into the environment or wearable, is needed: it must be equipped with wireless and mobile connectivity, capable of accessing to local and remote servers. These technologies, also known as "Gerontechnology" [Harrington, 2000], is a computerized home ecosystem, able to provide assistance and to monitor elderly health, while they live a safe and inclusive life [Marcelino et al. 2018]. Referring to the European Programs “Ambient Assisted Living” (2007-13) and “Active and Assisted Living” (2014-20), the article exposes the most innovative projects based on ICT applied to improving the elderly quality of life within their houses. It focuses, in particular, on applications based on virtual and augmented reality.