Central Coast Health & Well Being Living Lab talks to Rotary

Thankyou Natassia for sharing this much needed project being undertaken right here on the Central Coast. This is of interest to all of us to search for better outcomes for our elderly and the journey all of us will take.

Empowering Healthier Lives: The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab is on a mission to revolutionize how we approach the health and well-being of our aging population. With a vision to empower people to live healthier and happier lives in their own homes as they age, the Living Lab places older adults and their carers at the heart of its efforts. By identifying unmet needs, generating innovative ideas, and testing possible solutions, the Living Lab strives to create products, services, and interventions that truly benefit end users.

What Are Living Labs?

A Living Lab is an interactive environment where researchers, government agencies, businesses, and community members collaborate to create, prototype, and test new technologies and solutions in real-world settings. This user-centered approach ensures that developments are sustainable and directly applicable to the community's needs. The Living Lab's primary goals include proof of problem identification, value creation, financial viability, and impact.

Key Focus Areas

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab addresses four critical challenges faced by older adults:

1. Community Connectivity: Reducing social isolation and loneliness through digital technologies that foster inclusiveness.
2. Independent Living: Developing products and services that promote independence in daily living and reduce risks associated with aging at home.
3. Care at Home: Supporting individuals to preserve their capacity for independent and dignified living, preventing unnecessary admissions to long-term care facilities.
4. Preventative Health: Creating solutions that enable proactive, healthy living and prevent hospital or long-term care admissions.

Activities are centered at the Gosford Health and Wellbeing Precinct, with additional events held close to places of residence to ensure accessibility for all older adults.

Getting Involved

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab invites community members, innovators, and entrepreneurs to participate in this transformative journey. Whether you're interested in co-designing new solutions, staying updated on technological advancements, or increasing your social connections, there are numerous ways to get involved.

For innovators and entrepreneurs, the Living Lab offers access to end users throughout the development process, assistance in determining product-market fit, and the opportunity to tap into a comprehensive health service community and research-intensive university.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our aging population. Visit www.ccll.com.au to learn more and get involved today.

For more information, contact Natassia Smith, Program Coordinator, at natassia.smith@health.nsw.gov.au.

Together, we can create a healthier, happier future for our community.