Fraunhofer Center for Assistive Information and Communication Solutions – AICOS
22.07.2022
ELAPSE is a longitudinal study, implemented by FhP-AICOS, to assess the impact of technology in fighting social isolation of the senior population. Financed by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the project took place from November 2019 to April 2022. During 30 months, 51 seniors from 12 centres/institutions participated in the ELAPSE project. FhP-AICOS’ researchers led 108 remote sessions and distributed 44 tablets with cognitive stimulation games to the partner institutions.
Now that the project came to an end, the results were presented in an event that gathered researchers and representatives from different institutions involved in the ELAPSE project. At this final event, FhP-AICOS led a roundtable on “The impact of the pandemic on research with the elderly: the role of technology”. The panel was composed by Ricardo Araújo (FhP-AICOS), António Fonseca (Faculdade de Educação e Psicologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa/Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian), Filomena Gerardo (Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa), Raquel Garcia (Venerável Ordem Terceira de São Francisco do Porto), and moderated by Ana Vasconcelos (FhP-AICOS).
The event took place at FhP-AICOS’ premises and was also broadcasted. On-site, guests had the opportunity to get to know other technologies and solutions developed by us and showcased at the event.
As a closing remark, it is important to highlight that by experimenting with technology and sharing their opinions and insights with FhP-AICOS’ researchers, seniors are fundamental to support the improvement of technological solutions (created with, and for, them).