Portugal hosts European event on active aging

Coimbra was 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 field of active and healthy aging, the AAL brings together representatives from various sectors of civil society, industry, public authorities, and all those interested in discussing topics related to 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 economics of aging and the opportunities associated with it, the Internet of Things, an inclusive society for all ages, innovation and digital health, and political initiatives on social inclusion and accessibility, among others.

"Bridging the gaps between technology and active aging. What can YOU do?" is the theme of the meeting, which aims to showcase the latest advances in ICT that contribute to reducing the gap between technology and the elderly population, as well as improving their quality of life.

The opening ceremony, on Monday at 6 p.m., will feature presentations by Rafael de Andres Medina, President of the AAL, and Sacha Nauta, Finance Editor at The Economist. The event will also feature Birgit Morlion, responsible for the European Commission's program and policy, DG CONNECT, and Miguel Gonzales-Sancho, head of the "eHealth, Well-being and Aging" unit at the same entity. On the last day, Wednesday, there will be speeches 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. Ana Sanchez, member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), will be present at the closing session.

The AAL Forum is an activity of the Active and Assisted Living Program, 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 older adults, in a creative and interdisciplinary environment.

More information atwww.aalforum.eu