Empowering the elderly though better health and well-being

People are living longer and better, allowing them to be productive members of their communities. However, the elderly are being held back by an overall negative attitude toward ageing, particularly by younger generations.

With EU funding, the 'Social innovation on active and healthy ageing for sustainable economic growth' (SIFORAGE) project aims to facilitate the participation of all those interested in and committed to improving the health and welfare of the elderly.

To achieve this, project partners are bringing together all stakeholders involved in active and healthy ageing (AHA). This cooperation is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the EU by promoting research and innovative products that lead to a longer and healthier life. They are also setting out to reverse ageing stereotypes and address misconceptions about older people. By preventing ageism and related attitudes, citizens will be able to see the elderly as full contributors to the EU's socioeconomic growth.

Together with leading scholars, the consortium is developing a conceptual model that attempts to define AHA. A social learning platform and online help desk have been set up. Five knowledge management modules were designed that gather and examine good practice cases across Europe and distribute them to AHA stakeholders.

Several Technology Experience Cafés were held in Denmark, France and Italy to introduce older people to modern technology and new media. Various seminars, focus groups, intervention programmes, participatory sessions and workshops were carried out in Brazil, Europe and Turkey. They evaluated seniors' views and needs for research purposes, and explored children and young people's perceptions.

SIFORAGE is encouraging citizens of all ages to give older people opportunities to contribute to their own good health and active lifestyles. By seeing the elderly in a new light, all of society stands to benefit.