Steered by an international and prestigious committee, the AgeingFit conference programme is designed to address
the main issues of the healthy ageing and care sectors: from major financial and regulatory aspects to the latest innovations in health, nutrition and care.
The programme is organised around 5 tracks addressing the challenges of innovation for ageing well, from prevention to care:
PLENARY SESSION
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Making the Silver Economy a reality: Changing perspective to make ageing a source of new economic opportunities
At a time when ageing populations are transforming our societies, it’s crucial to rethink how we perceive and harness the potential of ageing. This plenary session will examine the economic dimensions of ageing and how we can move from viewing ageing as a societal cost to embracing it as a dynamic source of new economic opportunities.
How is ageing reshaping our economies and what are the far-reaching implications for planning for the future? How can we recognise ageing as a powerful opportunity for economic growth, challenging the prevailing perception of ageing as a financial burden? What are the challenges and opportunities in realising the full potential of a Silver Economy? What is the role of policy and regulation in shaping its growth, and what strategies can governments adopt to encourage innovation and investment? Which sectors and industries have the most to gain from addressing the specific needs and preferences of an ageing population, and how can they tap into this huge potential? What inspiring success stories can guide us towards innovative models within the Silver Economy, and how can they be replicated and adapted for wider impact? Beyond the economy, how can we create a more inclusive society and redefine the role of older adults within it?
TRACK 1: Developing innovations in the Silver Economy
As the Silver Economy continues to evolve, this track aims to provide clear guidance on how to enter this market, and how to create innovative products, services and technologies that meet the needs of an ageing population. For entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors, researchers, and industry professionals interested in creating and investing in exciting innovations, this track offers insights from seasoned experts to guide you through the most up-to-date investment strategies, regulatory frameworks and distribution landscapes.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
9.30 am – 10.30 am
Panel discussion
Taking healthy ageing to the next level: Are new sources of capital investment the key and where to find them?
One of the critical enablers of progress is access to capital investment that can support the development and scaling of groundbreaking ideas. The Silver Economy is a complex ecosystem and being aware of the possibilities is essential, be it private investment through venture capitalists, impact investment, public investment through government support or funding programmes.
Our panel of experts will explore the evolving funding landscape for healthy ageing innovations and provide insights into where to find the resources needed to take this critical sector to new heights. What are the obstacles to secure funding in the industry? What are alternative and emerging sources of funding? Are collaboration in funding and the synergy between sources a solution? What are the criteria and expectations of investors when evaluating healthy ageing innovations?
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 12th
9.00 am – 10.00 am
Toolbox session
How to ensure your innovation design is inclusive enough?
Creating solutions that truly cater to the diverse needs of an ageing population requires a thoughtful approach to design and a deep commitment to inclusivity. What are the design principles and guidelines to adopt in order to make innovation user friendly for older people?
How to involve and engage future users in the design process? What solutions already exist and what can be improved? Our panel of experts will delve into the strategy to make sure the innovations being developed are inclusive enough to answer the needs of older adults?
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Toolbox session
Overview of the new practices and regulatory landscape to launch your Silver Economy innovation
In a rapidly ageing world, the development of innovative solutions for healthy ageing is more important than ever. To bring these innovations to life and effectively address the needs of an ageing population, a deep understanding of the evolving practices and regulatory environment is crucial.
In this toolbox session, experts and thought leaders in healthcare, technology, and policy making will provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the regulatory landscape shaping the Silver Economy. How to ensure the innovation being developed is compliant with the current regulations? As data is taking more place in innovations, what the security required to exploit it?
TRACK 2: Lifelong prevention & behavioural change initiatives
Health is no longer solely focused on treatment, but on prevention to avoid further complications as we age. This track focuses on the critical aspects of lifelong prevention and behavioural change for healthy ageing, with an emphasis on nutrition and physical activity.
Intended for healthcare professionals, policymakers, nutritionists, and anyone interested in preventive measures and behavioural changes for lifelong health, this track will delve into strategies and concrete initiatives that endorse a holistic approach to health for older adults and society as a whole.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Panel discussion
Exploring the potential of personalised nutrition and care for active and heathy ageing
Tailoring dietary and healthcare interventions to individual needs and preferences can not only improve quality of life but also prevent and manage age-related health conditions. Personalisation requires the assessment of the situation via optimised diagnostic or the measurement of the well-being in the living environment. To render personalisation possible, it has to become accessible. Virtual monitoring and coaching could be a solution to support older people and maintain their independence at the same time. What is currently done and what improvements can be implemented? What are the policy perspectives to support this development? This panel discussion brings together experts at the intersection of nutrition, healthcare, and technology to explore the possibilities of personalisation.
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 12th
11.45 am – 12.45 pm
Case studies
Driving behaviour change for active ageing: Innovations in promoting physical activity and prevention strategies
The path to active and healthy ageing begins with a commitment to maintaining a physically active lifestyle and the adoption of preventive habits to safeguard well-being. This panel discussion will shine a light on the transformative power of innovative approaches in driving behaviour change among older adults, fostering physical activity, and fortifying prevention strategies to ensure a fulfilling and active life. What are the challenges in promoting behaviour change and what are the best strategies to tackle them? What method have already been proven effective? Are targeted campaigns and community-based initiatives part of the solution? How can technology support behaviour change? How to facilitate collaborations between public health, community programmes, innovators and behaviour change experts?
TRACK 3: Diagnosing and treating age-related conditions
While ageing itself is not a disease, people are at risk of various health problems as they grow older. The latest understanding of the mechanisms of ageing and ways to treat age-related diseases will be addressed in this track.
Healthcare providers, clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device companies will have the opportunity to share and learn about ongoing research projects on the diagnosis and treatment of a range of common late-life conditions, and how such research can lead to better prevention.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Case studies
Advances in the early diagnosis of age-related diseases: new technologies and diagnostic approaches
The earlier a disease is diagnosed the more personalised and effective a treatment specialists can put together. The panel of this case study will go over the challenges in the early detection of age-related conditions and showcase the advancement in research and technology. What are the new tools which can help improve the early detection of these conditions: artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics? What are the clinical benefits in detecting age-related conditions earlier? What are the current applications and how to develop and implement these early diagnostic technologies into the healthcare system?
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 12th
10.30 am – 11.30 am
Case studies
Innovative therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant challenge in ageing, impacting the quality of life and independence of older adults. There is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This case study brings together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians to explore the cutting-edge innovations and therapeutic approaches that hold promise in the battle against neurodegenerative conditions. What are the latest breakthrough in the neurodegenerative disease research and knowledge? What are the clinical perspectives in treating patients suffering from Alzheimer or Parkinson? What is the impact of innovative therapeutic approaches on the patient’s lives? What are the perspectives in terms of prevention?
TRACK 4: Innovation in residential and home care
This track investigates pioneering solutions and models in residential care and home care settings, highlighting ways to improve care, safety and independence of older adults, as well as responding to workforce shortages.
Focusing on the evolving landscape of care for older adults, from assisted living to ageing in place, this track is designed for caregivers, home care providers, facility operators, clinicians and professionals in the senior living and home care sectors. It will explore how technological and organisational innovations can support better quality care for all.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Panel discussion
What are the barriers for technology implementation in residential care?
The integration of technology into residential care environments holds immense promise for improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers. However, this transition is not without its challenges. This panel discussion will identify the barriers to the implementation of technology in residential care, be it organisational obstacles, budget limitations or even reluctance to change. How to integrate novel technological solutions in already established infrastructures? How to make these technologies adaptable to the needs of each facility? The panellists will share success stories on the matter and explore strategies to facilitate a beneficial implementation of technology.
4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Case studies
Bridging the gap: Exploring best practices in collaborations between hospitals and care services
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare for older adults, successful collaborations between hospitals and care services are essential to provide comprehensive and effective care. Understanding the link between hospitals and care homes in clinical interventions is necessary to build more effective collaborations between them. How are these collaborations effectively working? What is missing today in the older patient’ pathway? What could be the benefits of adopting hospital rooms within care home facilities and how could this be implemented? What about home hospitalisation for older adults?
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 12th
10.30 am – 11.30 am
Case studies
Exploring the role of labour-saving technologies in the care for older adults: Current progress and future directions
Lack of workforce in older adults care has become a critical issue. Innovative technologies, including labour-saving ones, can present a way to support the people caring for older people. What technologies are currently used in the field and what are their specific applications? Coming up with technologies is one step of the process, but what does it mean in term of training and support for carers to efficiently use them? What are the challenges to the implementation of these solutions? How to maximise the benefits of technology while maintaining the human component of care? Our expert panel will share experiences illustrating the impact of labour-saving technologies on the workload.
TRACK 5: Social and societal innovation for ageing well
While older adults sometimes suffer from a lack of independence, they can also suffer from undesired isolation and loneliness, accelerating some ageing conditions. This track examines initiatives that promote social inclusion, intergenerational connections, and age-friendly communities, aiming to create an environment where older adults can lead fulfilling lives.
For care providers, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, nonprofit organisations, researchers, and any advocates for social and societal change in support of older adults, this track will feature change-makers working on mental health and social inclusion issues.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 11th
5.15 pm – 6.15 pm
Case studies
What are the latest technological innovations to adress mental health issues among older adults?
Mental health is an essential component of healthy ageing, and harnessing the power of technology is increasingly vital in addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults. While independence is important, isolation is something to watch out for. Maintaining the right balance between the different variables in the lives of older people is essential to their mental health. What are some technological innovations dedicated to address social isolation and did they prove effective in improving social connections? What kind of platforms around mental health exist to facilitate support and communication with professionals? How to involve professionals as well as care givers or family members? What are the solutions offered by virtual and augmented reality? How to manage privacy and data security in the development and application of these technological solutions?
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 12th
3.15 pm – 4.15 pm
Panel discussion
What are the new initiatives and solutions for caring for older adults in rural or isolated areas?
Ensuring the well-being and quality of life for older adults in rural or isolated areas presents a unique set of challenges. What are the main challenges to render care accessible to older adults living in more rural or isolated areas? What are the current solutions and policies in the matter? How to make them more efficient? What are the latest innovative solutions in the field to improve care in remote settings: telemedicine, remote monitoring, digital health tools? What role do social connections play in the health of older adults? How to engage communities in rural care?
Panel discussion: Moderated roundtable discussion consisting in an exchance of ideas and perspectives by international experts to delve into the latest challenges of the sector.
Case studies: Session that comprise a series of illustrative presentations followed by Q&As from the moderator and the audience.
Toolbox session: A toolbox session is designed to provide practical skills, easy-to-follow guidelines and take-home tools which delegates can put into practice to deal with their current issues.
