Portugal hosts European Event on Active Aging

Coimbra was the city chosen to host the 2017 edition of the AAL - Active and Assisted Living- Forum, from October 2nd to 4th, at the Convent of St. Francis. Considered the largest European event in the area of active and healthy aging, AAL brings together representatives from various sectors of civil society, industry, public authorities and all those interested in discussing issues associated with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Healthy and Active Aging. The event will feature several international and national speakers who will address topics such as the ageing economy and associated opportunities, "the Internet of Things", the inclusive society for all ages, innovation and digital health, policy initiatives on social inclusion and accessibility, among others.

"Bridging the gaps between technology and active ageing. What can YOU do?" is the theme of the meeting, which aims to show the latest advances in ICT, which contribute to bridging the gap between technology and the elderly population, as well as increasing their quality of life.

The opening ceremony, on Monday starting at 6pm, will feature presentations by Rafael de Andres Medina, President of AAL, and Sacha Nauta, Finance Editor at The Economist. The event also counts with the participation of Birgit Morlion, Program and Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG CONNECT, and Miguel Gonzales-Sancho, Head of Unit "eHealth, Wellness and Ageing" at the same entity. The last day, Wednesday, will feature interventions by Lambert van Nistelrooij, member of the European Parliament and co-chair of the AGE Intergroup, and José Pereira Miguel, Coordinator of the National Strategy for Active and Healthy Aging. The closing session will be attended by Ana Sanchez, member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

The AAL Forum is an activity of the Active and Assisted Living Program, which this year is organized by the Instituto Pedro Nunes and has the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) as an institutional partner. The initiative is preceded by the "4 Ageing Well" Hackathon, on September 30th and October 1st, which challenges participants to create Web Applications (APP's) focused on developing innovative technological solutions for the elderly, in a creative and interdisciplinary environment.

More information at www.aalforum.eu