LONGEVITY

In many EU countries, the combination of the ongoing demographic shift and the current socio-economic challenges is leading to the emergence of a particular segment of the population with complex and multiple needs, which may be defined as “vulnerable ageing people”. This target group represents the range of population entering the senior age and which is characterised by a risk profile of social exclusion according to several social, economic, personal and relational indicators (e.g. low income, household composition, disability conditions etc).
With the coordination of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, LONGEVITY will foster the exchange and transfer of good practices among 7 regions, of which 5 EU countries (IT, NL, DK, HU, ES) and 2 candidates countries (BiH and MD), to innovate local and regional policies related to health care and well-being promotion for vulnerable ageing people by adopting an integrated and person-centred care approach leveraging on:
1) Proximity & healthcare access: decentralised health & welfare centres, participatory approach to overcome barriers to care access;
2) Community engagement for mental healthcare: active involvement of local communities to promote affective, relational & mental well-being of elderly;
3) Proactive ageing: promote the shift from a passive user model towards one focusing on empowering old people & contrasting ageist attitudes;
4) Holistic approach: fostering collaborations among healthcare, welfare services & and socio-cultural actors;
5) Multi-sectoral cooperation: innovative approaches to integrate governance levels and stakeholders.
The combination of social and health dimensions, innovative cross-sectorial cooperation and healthy behaviours & emotional wellbeing promotion will support EU regions to improve access to quality care and support services for vulnerable ageing people to create more inclusive, person-centred and resilient healthcare systems and communities.