The Care Revolution

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After the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution, will the new revolution of the post-industrial era be of personal services? Powerful social and cultural trends are driving this new global paradigm including an ageing population, increasing urbanisation, broken families and the priority today attached to health and well-being which are all factors set to bring about an explosion in the demand for personal services in both industrialised and emerging countires: the Care Revolution is underway ! The Care Revolution is more than just a revolution is more than just a revolution in personal services, as it also embodies qualitative changes in the demand for tailored services. It is a clear indication of a new demand from customers to be personnaly taken care of in solving their problems, whether day-to-day situations or the more dramatic. Personal services are a major economic sector, but on which is still undervalued and given insufficient regard. As Martin Vial sees it, the combination of the latest technology and tailored local access to services will make it possible to expand the rang of possibilities while also generating greater economic value. At the same time, the author argues the case for a huge effort to professionalise the various participants in this industry and to ensure that activities receive the recognition they so rightly deserve. The Care Revolution is also a social and ethical challenge as the health and treatment of the elderly form the very nucleus of this revolution. Life Management Programmes are designed to support us throughout our lives to guarantee our physical and psychological health and well-being. The challenge of dependency is also a major factor: we need to devote ever more financial and human resources to caring for an expanding dependent population, in which the use of new technologies will need to be extended to all. To support this global revolution, many key economic players have made their contribution, although the prevailing economic model still remains to be defined. One thing is certain though : the various participants in the insurassistance sector (combination of traditional insurance and modern forms of personal services) will certainly be at the very forefront of events.