The European Social Work Conference, held in Prague, Czech Republic, on May 23 and 24, provided an excellent platform to present the e-Active project and its impressive achievements thus far. This event underscored the importance of addressing the current state of senior citizens’ use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Although there has been significant growth in ICT use among seniors, their numbers and percentage remain considerably lower compared to the rest of the population.
During the conference, presenters highlighted the various barriers and needs seniors face in accessing and using ICTs. They also discussed the advantages and opportunities ICTs offer to promote active aging. This contextual overview set the stage for a detailed presentation on the objectives and outcomes of the e-Active project.
The e-Active project has conducted co-design sessions with seniors and professionals working with older adults in Spain, Poland, and Bulgaria. These sessions are part of the “1st Result Co-Design Training syllabus for professionals.” The main findings from these sessions, presented at the conference, focused on the challenges seniors encounter when using ICTs, potential improvements to address these needs, and the essential features an e-tool should possess to enhance active aging.
Furthermore, the presentation emphasized the professional competencies and social skills necessary for professionals working with the elderly to promote active aging through the use of applications. The conference concluded with a global reflection on the crucial role of involving seniors as active participants in identifying their needs and preferences regarding new technologies to improve their societal participation.
The primary goal of the e-Active Project is to enhance active aging and social participation among the elderly through the use of electronic tools tailored to their needs and interests.
The main objective of the e-Active Project is to improve active aging and social participation of the elderly through the use of electronic tools adapted to their needs and interests.