Portugal hosts European event on Active Ageing

Coimbra was the city chosen to host the 2017 edition of the AAL Forum - Active and Assisted Living - from October 2 to 4, at the Convento de São Francisco. Considered the largest European event in the area of active and healthy ageing, AAL brings together representatives from various sectors of civil society, industry, public authorities and all those interested in debating issues associated with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Healthy and Active Ageing. The event will feature several international and national speakers who will address topics such as the economics of ageing and the 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 showcase the latest advances in the field of ICT, which contribute to reducing the gap between technology and the elderly population, as well as increasing their quality of life.

The opening ceremony, on Monday from 6pm, will feature a speech by Rafael de Andres Medina, President of AAL, and Sacha Nauta, Finance Editor at The Economist. The event will also be attended by Birgit Morlion, Head of Program and Policy at the European Commission, DG CONNECT, and Miguel Gonzales-Sancho, Head of Unit "eHealth, Well-being and Ageing" at the same entity. On the last day, Wednesday, 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 Ageing, will speak. The closing session will be attended by Ana Sanchez, a 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 Programme, which this year is organized by the Pedro Nunes Institute 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 30 and October 1, which challenges participants to create Web Applications (Apps) focused on developing innovative technological solutions for the elderly, in a creative and interdisciplinary environment.

More information at www.aalforum.eu