A new NHS initiative will force families off the sofa and into better habits by using ‘smart homes’.
The radical healthy homes will see people being monitored by their GPs digitally meaning they don’t even have to leave the house.
The new homes will have movement sensors and other technology linked to a computer that will send results directly to GPs and hospitals.
Professor Sir Malcom Grant (pictured), chairman of NHS England, believes that the new scheme could make millions of people across the country happier
The new plans are being rolled out across the country and will see housing developers asked to embed smart technology throughout new homes.
This will allow remote monitoring of people with health problems.
GPs will even be able to flash health and exercise tips up on screens if activity levels fall.
Professor Sir Malcolm Grant, chairman of NHS England, told The Telegraph: ‘The Healthy New Towns project is coming up with new and exciting ideas for healthy living and we want to make sure everyone benefits.
‘If the big housebuilders join us it means that millions of people across the country, as well as their children and grandchildren, could be living happier, healthier lives in the towns and villages of the future.’
The new scheme will let the NHS badger millions of people towards better choices.
It will also medical professionals to recommend weight loss and stop smoking centres to patients.
File photo: The sensors in the new smart homes will send readings back to the GPs and NHS who will be able to check on a patient on their tablet computer
The ideas are part of a drive to find new ways to encourage people to be healthier and more active.
Some of the methods already used include offering supermarket shoppers discounts for hitting weekly ‘step targets’, free bikes with new homes, and the creation of outdoor urban assault courses.
Early examples of the project have seen 65,000 homes affected.
In Bicester, outdoor gyms which act as ‘human power stations’ will see people use treadmills to charge mobile phones.
Excited health officials believe that they can take advantage of the Government’s ambitions for one million new homes and incorporate the smart homes into them.
The software used in the homes will also help to safeguard the elderly, with alerts sent if there are changes to their routines.
NHS and health professionals such as Sir Malcolm Grant believe that the initiatives could reduce pressure on hospitals
Thousands of patients with heart conditions have been given free devices, allowing them to send regular test results directly to their GP, instead of having to attend their surgery.
Research has found that those given the mobile devices halved their risk of stroke,
Health experts are hopeful that initiatives could reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals.