Healthcare is characterised by increasing expenditure, consumerisation, and chronic disease in ageing populations. Rural communities are further challenged by peripherality, lack of economies of scale and specific environmental health issues.

Evolving health policy is predicated on community resilience, the concept that individuals and communities can take more responsibility for their health and service provision.

Sensor systems, mobile devices, location based services, software models to support coordination and intelligent information management, and personalisation techniques could all enhance interactions with health and social care systems for young and older people in rural communities.