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2009
Conference Paper
Titel
Ageing in a networked society - social inclusion and mental stimulation
Abstract
Research into ageing and cognition has demonstrated the close relationship of sensory functioning and social communication to maintaining cognitive performance and mood in the elderly, yet in modern societies elderly people are increasingly isolated and under-stimulated, both physically and psycho-socially. This situation results in accelerated cognitive decline and the suffering associated with loneliness and confusion. Health services cannot keep up with the demand for home visits and day care centres that can alleviate this problem. Incorporating new healthcare technologies for proactive health and elder care into everyday living environments can contribute significantly to support the elderly and their carers and is to become a major priority over the next decade. The approach followed in the AGNES project is to keep the elderly mentally and socially stimulated and in contact with others by combining state detection and social network technologies. This paper provides some scientific background for the chosen approach and describes the technological concept of the project.
Author(s)