For future trends in telecare demographic, social, political and technological trends have to be
taken into account for predictions of future developments in the use of telecare. As telecare is
continuously developing, it is difficult to pinpoint specific products or technologies, which may be
wide spread in the future in Europe. Telecare technology is expected to grow in Europe and become
a part of healthcare delivery. Reasons are a growing population in retirement age, changing
family structures with low birth rates, more mobility and more women in the professional work
force and therefore less private care givers. At the same time, there is a lack of care professionals
that could step in and economic pressure on the health care systems of European countries.
These developments on the level of society are currently stimulating the development of telecare
solutions. However, ethical, legal and provision issues have to be addressed in order for telecare
to further grow in Europe.