The European Commission describes ageing as one of the greatest social and economic challenges
of the 21st century for European societies. By 2025 more than 20% of Europeans will be 65 or
over, with a particularly rapid increase in numbers of over 80 year old persons (European Commission,
2013). Due to an ageing of European societyies the number of people who live with long
term chronic health conditions is increasing (McLean et al., 2011). Therefore the number of people
dependent on care and assistance is rising in Western countries (OECD, 2011). Also the demand
of medical services due to medical advancements and societal changes increases and leads
to rising health care costs. At the same time many Western countries experience a shortage of
qualified health professionals (Simones et al., 2005). Solutions for these challenges in health care
provisions need to be tackled soon. The rapid progress in communication technologies and digital
electronics may provide solutions in health care provision