In NSW, life expectancy and the proportion of people living longer, often with chronic illness, is increasing. With people over the aged of 65 representing ~20% of the population in 2030 compared to 14% in 2006, developing a system of aged care facilities that is sustainable and integrated with the wider community is a priority for the CARAS team.

Entry age of residents into these Independent Living Villages is increasing, due to society changes and extended living expectations. The consequences involve limited capacity of movement for the elderly residents, especially those with mobility aids, aggravated by out‐dated building layouts/plans and the lack of suitable automated transport to upper building levels.

CARAS is working with Residential Aged Care (RAC)and Independent Living Unit (ILU) providers to deliver upgrades to existing facilitates as well as new developments on green and brownfield sites.