A European transnational project has paved the way for improved public services and a better urban living environment for the elderly so that they can lead more fulfilled lives.
- 12 December 2014
Most cities in Europe have an important contribution to make as regards the issue of active ageing and their ideas can provide a common source of inspiration. That is why we are working together on promoting active ageing.
ERDF-funded Q-AGEING united partners from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovenia. Together they demonstrated the significant contribution older people can make to society through a final set of pilot projects tested in each country.
The project started with an analysis of the everyday living environment, health, mobility and employment situation of the elderly. Based on the results of this research, regional action plans focusing on the most important areas were prepared.
The partners then organised various pilot programmes, of which they selected the most promising case studies. They also prepared a programme plan for use by any institution or town wishing to involve the elderly more in society. Recommendations were formulated and disseminated to policy makers.
Helping elderly people to remain independent
The findings under Q-AGEING support the idea that demographic ageing could be better tackled by ensuring the elderly stay longer in the labour market and remain healthy, active and autonomous well into retirement.
Q-AGEING partners have demonstrated the significant actual and potential contribution that older people can make to the society through a final set of 18 pilot projects tested in various central European countries and regions. These include the online “SkypeCare” for the elderly in Hungary and a day care centre in Slovenia.
A key feature of Q-AGEING is its toolbox, which is a culmination of the work carried out under the project. It paves the way for the development of senior-friendly public spaces and improvement of mobility through senior recreation parks, open air spaces as well as urban transportation facilities. The toolbox is intended for use by all EU-Member States.
A Transnational Ageing Resource Centre was also established under Q-AGEING and serves as an online community space for the elderly.
30 temporary jobs have been created as a result of the project.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Q-Ageing: Quality ageing in an urban environment” is EUR 2 218 871, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 1 768 345 from the Operational Programme “Central Europe Programme” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.