Using IT to improve the quality of life of the elderly

 

SUMMARY OF:

Decision No 554/2014/EU on the participation of the EU in the active and assisted living research and development programme jointly undertaken by several EU countries

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

Decision No 554/2014/EU on the European Union’s (EU) participation in the Active and Assisted Living (AAL) Research and Development Programme builds on the achievements of the previous programme established in 2008. The programme is funded by the European Commission’s budget for Horizon 2020 and the financial contributions from the 17 Participating States.

Any EU country or any other country associated to Horizon 2020 may apply to join the partnership, provided they make the necessary financial contributions.

The main aim of the programme is to find innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based solutions for active and healthy ageing at home, therefore improving the quality of life and autonomy and contributing to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of health and social care systems. These ICT-based solutions are also expected to play an important role in meeting the EU’s goal of two additional healthy life years by 2020.

KEY POINTS

Objectives

• To accelerate the development and use of affordable, innovative ICT-based solutions enabling active and healthy ageing at home, at work and in the community, including applications for health and social care.
• To support the development of solutions with an ICT component that complements rather than replaces human contact to ensure that older people do not feel isolated and remain autonomous and independent.
• To develop cost-effective, accessible and energy-efficient solutions that take into account aspects such as socioeconomic factors and gender.

Implementation

The programme is implemented by the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), an international non-profit association, established under Belgian law. AAL manages the Union’s financial contribution and ensures an efficient implementation of the Programme.

Annual work plans

Each year a work plan is agreed with and approved by the European Commission. This plan identifies the topics for calls for proposals and the forms of funding available.

Calls for proposals

These are published on the single portal for participants, the so-called Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal. Taking the duration of Horizon 2020 into account, calls for proposals under the AAL programme should be launched at the latest by 31 December 2020, although in duly justified cases calls may be launched by 31 December 2021.

Budget

The Union financial contribution to the AAL Programme covering administrative and operational costs will be up to € 175 million.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

It has applied since 27 June 2014.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Decision No 554/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the participation of the Union in the active and assisted living research and development programme jointly undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 169, 7.6.2014, pp. 14-26)

last update 06.03.2020