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On the eve of the Partner Conference of the European Innovation Partnership for Active and Healthy Aging (EIP-AHA), working group D4 – friendly environments for all ages – held a working meeting to promote synergies with other networks such as the European Partnership for the Promotion of Intelligent Cities and Communities (EIP-SCC).

Ana Jegundo, of the Innovation Department of Cáritas Coimbra, presented the work of promoting digital literacy carried out by the institution about 4 years ago. It is a continuous and constantly evolving process that promotes the involvement of older persons in various equipments of Day Care Center, Nursing Home and Home Support Services, in the use of innovative technologies that promote active, healthy and participatory ageing.

This process is composed of participation in various technological projects and initiatives where older persons have the opportunity to express their opinions on the usefulness of technologies, proposing improvement options more appropriate to their needs, in the different phases of the innovation cycle. Adopting a user-centered approach, giving older citizens the opportunity to learn, get to know and express themselves creates a friendly environment that promotes their curiosity and interest. The fact that they feel more valid and useful in their community results in a greater willingness to contribute to other discussions of the various challenges of society, such as the promotion of smart cities and communities.

Following this event, Cáritas Coimbra established a privileged contact with the EIP-SCC, having already defined a deepening of this collaboration, to draw more concretely in the coming months.