The TIC Social Foundation participates in the APTITUDE project

Europe is currently experiencing a high rate of population ageing. As a result, various member countries are working together to prevent dependence and disability, and to act against fragility in the elderly. Fragility is a condition which can be readily diagnosed. It corresponds to a sub-group of those aged over 65 who retain their independence in an unstable fashion and who are at risk of functional loss. Such individuals can improve their quality of life if they receive the attention of a healthcare professional at the right time.

APTITUDE stands for: Actuar per la prevenció transpirinenca de la dependència de les persones grans [Acting for the trans-Pyrenean Prevention of Dependence in the Elderly]. It is a European project funded by the POCTEFA program involving  various countries in the cross-border region of the Pyrenees. A total of 10 territories are taking part, with more than 20 hospitals in Andorra; the French region of Occitania; Navarra; and Catalonia. In Catalonia, the project is led by the Health and Ageing Foundation (UAB) and the Department of Health.

The project aims to create a space for cross-border collaboration to prevent dependence in the elderly, through the creation of a network of experts who will promote assistance, training, research and innovation in the field of gerontology.

The first APTITUDE workshop was held in Toulouse on June 21. Run by two experts from the WHO, it addressed the concept of intrinsic capacity, a concept which seeks to avoid reactive practices based on the problem-solution paradigm, instead focusing on those practices that enhance people’s abilities and the promotion of health.

The TIC Salut Social Foundation will participate in the project in the field of the “Silver Economy”. The SHF intends to offer its experience in the search for innovative solutions through the use of technology. For more information, please visit the APTITUDE project’s website.