The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA)
The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA), set up in 2012, gathers stakeholders at EU, national and regional level from the public and
private sector across different policy areas. Together they share knowledge and expertise on common interests and engage in activities and projects to find innovative solutions
that meet the needs of the ageing population.
Under the framework of the EIP on AHA, the Action Group on age-friendly buildings, cities and environments works to improve the quality of life of older people by promoting the
creation of living environments which meet older people needs.
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/eipaha/
Innovation for age friendly buildings,
cities and environments
A European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing priority
THE CHALLENGE OF AN AGEING POPULATION IN EUROPEAN CITIES
WHAT ARE AGE-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS, CITIES, COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENTS?
Age-friendly cities encourage active
and healthy ageing by optimising opportunities
for health, participation and security in order to
enhance quality of life as people age
In practical terms, an age-friendly city adapts its
structures and services to be accessible to and
inclusive of older people with varying needs and
capacities
Life expectancy at age 65 has increased
substantially in European countries averaging
In the EU, data 2008-10WHO
people in the EU
will be 65 or over
people will
live in a city
The need arises to develop age-friendly buildings, cities, communities and environments in order to support
longer healthy and independent living and greater social participation and integration of older people
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT BY 2030:
City Rural
Health Participation Security
16.5
20.1
years for men
years for women
65
AGE
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS?
Physical and social environments highly impact
older people's health status and independence:
- The personal physical environment can prevent or ease autonomy
(e.g. presence of elevator, appropriate lighting system)
- The surrounding environment can prevent or ease physical mobility
(e.g. street lighting or adequate pavements) and social integration
(e.g. access to shops, appropriate transport services)
- The social environment impacts on the feeling of being part of a community or
to be lonely (e.g. voice of older people heard in the urban planning policies,
leisure activities tailored to older people needs and interests)
Adequate public policies can remove barriers:
- Enable older people to age in better physical and mental health
- Promote their social inclusion and active civic participation
- Help them maintain a good quality of life
Lack of funding Lack of knowledge and expertise of
age-friendly environment concept
Lack of coordination
and fragmentation
among different levels
of government
Lack of political
commitment in this field
Lack of older people’s
involvement in the
development of age
friendly programmes
CHALLENGES
WHY WORK ON AGE-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS, CITIES, COMMUNITIES
AND ENVIRONMENTS?
WHAT ARE WE DOING TO INNOVATE?
The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) supports private and public
actors across the EU to develop local / regional solutions to support longer living.
Through the actions performed the aim is to promote age-friendly cities… like this one.
My house is adapted to my needs
so I can take care of myself. It has
allowed me to be home and not miss
my grandchildren’s first steps.
Housing & urban design
Who says old people are not made for
technology? I can control the heating, the lights
and the doorbell with only one remote device
and I handle it pretty well!
Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Solutions
wc
Urban Environments
I am still an active member of
my community even though my
dementia means that I have
lost some of my abilities.
Dementia Supportive Environments
grab bars
tablet
pedestrian walkways
green spaces
elevators
seating
family
visitors
staff
motion sensor
path lighting
I live in a beautiful town
and I love walking, I have
the possibility to enjoy
both of these things!
Physical activity
I don't stop shopping or going
out just because I am 70,
desires keep changing with age,
the need to fulfill them doesn't!
Age-friendly businesses and services
Tourism
All decisions about me are taken WITH me!
Voice of Older Person
Being able to reach places
easily, not feeling
dependent, these are among
the things I value the most.
Transport
smooth surfaces
banking solutions
electric cars
social participation
active involvement
free transportation
city centre tactile map
audio and video stop announcements
culture
activities
no obstructions
audio signals
shops
social
networks
well-maintained roads
SHOP
THEATRE
Physical impairments can turn the
most familiar environment into a hostile
place, this is why I am happy that I can
still feel safe when I cross the road!
I have retired, it doesn't mean that
I have no more appetite for adventure;
I have been given the chance to travel
with services that suit my age.
ND-02-14-819-EN-N
