Client / Funding programme:
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CA16226
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
Start and end dates:
2018 – 2022
Website: sheld-on.eu
AFEdemy role in the project:
☐ Coordination
☐ Research
☐ Training
☐ Curriculum development
☐ e-Learning Platform
☒ Networking
☐ Policy recommendation
Sheld-on is a multidisciplinary network supported by the COST Association to support the development of solutions that allow older persons to live safely, comfortably, and healthily at home through integrating design, ICT, ergonomics and health knowledge into furniture and building design.
The action is needed to address a rapidly growing population of older adults. By 2050, the number of people in the EU aged 65 and above is expected to grow by 70% and the number of people aged over 80, by 170%, which will increase demand and costs for healthcare. Improving accessibility, functionality, and safety at home, at work and in society in general requires combining many disciplines together to develop solutions that integrate ICT, ergonomics, healthcare (psychological and physical), building and community design.
Integrating ICT solutions into habitats, along with improved building design, will allow us to live at home and stay active and productive for longer despite cognitive or physical impediments.
Sheld-on includes relevant actors from academic, research and industry sectors that may utilise networking tools and activities to address the ageing population challenges facing Europe. The network will reduce redundancy in RDI efforts, ensure solutions are developed with a broader set of expertise, and help refine the efforts of diverse group of researchers.