On September 23 in Naples, at the Royal Continental Hotel, the first meeting of the European project H2020 “Smart Bear” was held. The project was designed to identify, study, and propose technological solutions to fight threats and factors that are responsible for the deterioration of the health of the elderly.
The project, whose cost has been estimated at over 22 million euros, is coordinated by the Istituto di Calcolo e reti ad alte prestazioni of the National Research Council (Cnr-Icar). It will last 48 months and will involve 27 prestigious partners from the world of research and the industry that for the event have met in Naples.
The factors that affect the independent and healthy life of the elderly
Hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, dementia, cognitive disorders, and balance disorders are among the ten most common diseases among those over 65.
These pathologies lead to a worsening of the lifestyle of individuals and represent real threats to life itself (eg, physical injuries, death, self-harm). Furthermore, their management is characterized by considerable social costs.
The numbers
- The annual cost of managing Hearing Loss in the European Union is € 213 billion.
- The total economic cost of dementia worldwide has registered an annual growth rate of 15.94%.
- The total cost of cognitive disorders in Europe is 240 billion.
- The Estimated cost of falls in Europe is 25bn Euro annually and fall-related expenditures exceeding 45 billion euros by the year 2050.
The goals
Implementing precision and personalized medicine interventions to optimize the management of diseases and associated risks.
Measurable improvements in the quality of life of the elderly and their ability to live independently.
Integration of intelligent medical and consumer devices ready to use to build a connected health environment.
Providing the elderly with an accessible, easy-to-use, and secure privacy service.
Increasing the efficiency of health care and reduce the waste of resources.
