AgeingFit 2024: INESC TEC joins the main European event on healthy ageing

Experts from across Europe gathered March 11 and 12, in Lille, for AgeingFit 2024 – a conference exploring innovative advances aimed at transforming the way we age. INESC TEC participated as a partner of this event.

AgeingFit, a recognised aggregator of innovation for healthy ageing, brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from research to market, united by a common vision to revolutionise the care of older adults. Moreover, the conference acts as a driver for social innovation, highlighting initiatives aimed at addressing loneliness, promoting intergenerational relationships, and fostering age-friendly communities.

The eighth edition focused on the conventional narratives around ageing, advocating a paradigm shift that acknowledges the economic potential associated with older demographics. Through a collaborative dialogue with policy frameworks, industry partnerships and regulatory strategies, participants strive to unlock new opportunities within the Silver Economy.

Following the commitment to leverage technology for positive social change, INESC TEC – also based on a strong engagement with health – seeks to boost the market potential of its research in this area, through the TEC4Health. As a partner, INESC TEC also had the opportunity to interact with the exhibition spaces and participate in matchmaking exercises.

“In our actions, INESC TEC firmly embrace a holistic perspective of health”, stated Carlos Alexandre Ferreira, business developer of TEC4Health. “It is not just about avoiding future medical interventions, but about promoting a sustained quality of life. We firmly believe in the effectiveness of preventive measures, recognising their positive health outcomes compared to reactive treatments”, he added.

Carlos Alexandre Ferreira highlighted the paradigm shift with the prevalence of Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) instead of the concept of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), which translates into a “recognition of the paramount importance of investing in quality of life, regardless of age, to obtain lasting benefits”.