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.