Promote an integrated approach for deployment of assistive technologies to improve healthy ageing

The European population is ageing rapidly, and this is particularly evident in the European cities. According to Eurostat, the number of people aged +65 is 19,4% and over will reach 29,3% by 2060, and those aged 80 and over will rise from 5% to 12%. This significant demographic change is perceived as a major challenge for Europe’s cities contributing for exclusion at social and health level: old people has limited access to pharmacy for prescriptions, doctor visits are becoming difficult and rare, dementia brings low adherence, isolation contributes for signs of depression. The policy answer many cities have been adopting is the implementation of age-friendly initiatives, most of them focusing on urban infrastructure, housing and outdoor spaces and buildings. However, low attention has been given at city level to reliable ways of planning, integrate and deliver accessible and appropriate ICT-based services for older people at local level. Modern, connected technology can open up new ways for more people living healthy and active lives for longer, reflecting the three pillars: prevention and screening; care and cure; and active ageing and independent living. We believe that cities can play an important role on deliver in an accessible way the ICT-based products and services that can help all of us continue to live our lives.