A higher sense of safety and a better quality of life at home thanks to modern technology

Most people want to live independently in their own home for as long as possible, even well into old age. AAL technologies are proving to be very helpful in this regard as these digital systems can offer more safety and an improved quality of life in an unobtrusive way, for example with a fall-detection sensor in a wristband or installed in the home, or an alarm system on the stove. There are also concrete ideas regarding communication tools using tablet computers. Because tablets are easy to operate, these tools should, for instance, enable elderly people to get in touch with caregivers, or remind them to take their medication.

However, these technologies will only work if they are accepted by the target group. This is why the “LivingLab 65+” research project is at the heart of the AAL Cluster. Together with senior citizens from all over Switzerland, the Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Ageing at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is setting up a living laboratory in which the target group can test technical innovations in real-life situations in their own homes and over an extended period of time, thus allowing them to find out which of the innovations facilitate their everyday lives and which do not. The senior citizens will be guided and supported by specialists throughout the project.

In addition to these key research and development projects, the AAL Cluster is involved in external communications by organising scientific symposia and public exhibitions, as well as in the transfer of knowledge between scientists and the business world/practitioners. Furthermore, a doctoral research group and a colloquium for scientific discourse will be established in close cooperation with the University of Geneva (UNIGE).