Brussels, 05/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 27 June, several public and private stakeholders presented 261 projects for inclusion in the European Innovation Partnership for active and healthy ageing. They formed an association of over 50 regions, as well as technology companies and health providers to deliver solutions for: - better adherence to medical treatment, the prevention of falls, prevention of functional decline and frailty, integrated care models, independent living and active ageing, and age-friendly buildings, cities and environments. Furthermore, 54 regions and municipalities offered themselves as “reference sites” to exchange good practice and to share knowledge and experience on past successes in this area.
The massive response from stakeholders shows a real drive in Europe to ensure better lifestyles, higher quality of care and recognition of the business potential of our ageing society, the European Commission was pleased to state. John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Consumers, said: “The particularly high level of interest from member states and regions proves the urgency and determination to make active and healthy ageing a reality”. Commissioner Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, took up with: “Technology can help us to live long and independent lives. I am glad that regional authorities get this idea. By joining with companies and care providers, we now have the political momentum to shake the status quo and get our care systems onto a sustainable track.” Over coming weeks, the partners will meet to define implementation details of the specific actions and will present action plans to be presented at the Conference of Partners to be held on 6 November this year. The first indicators of the process will also be available later this year. The partnership will assess results of its work and the first report will be published in 2013. (IL/transl.jl)