With the recent furore surrounding the Tory policy to make the elderly pay for their own care, does this signal the start of a new era in which we are all called upon to contribute to our own health, care and wellbeing? Recent statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicate that this may well be the case!

The proportion of the UK population over the age of 65 is estimated to reach 25% by 2045, up from just 18% today. With more people requiring care and less people working to sustain the economy, we are facing a health and care crisis.

But what if technology could change the way we deliver care? What if the caring roles undertaken by carers and family members could be replaced by machines and robot technology? While there may be some upfront financial costs, the costs of maintaining this type of care could be much more affordable.

Many may initially feel reluctant about this type of approach, but as our lives get busier and the costs of care increase, advances in technology may be the key to solving this social care crisis.