On 24th and 25th April representatives from the University of the Basque Country, Matía Foundation and Bidasoatik Mundura programme visited the cities of Amsterdam and Almere. 

This visit to the Netherlands was organised under the Interreg Europe, Translation, Innovation & Technology Transfer in Ageing Network (TITTAN) project. The project, launched two years ago, aims to improve the quality of healthcare systems, developing innovative solutions to promote active and healthy ageing. The seven consortium members and their stakeholders took part in different international workshops and on-site visits, where Good Practices and recommendations at regional level were exchanged.

The Basque delegation acquired in-depth knowledge of the Good Practices presented within the third theme area: Active Citizenship. In this area, practices aiming to boost citizens’ awareness and knowledge in relation to the use of new technologies to improve their quality of life were presented. The Dutch partner introduced through its stakeholders the Senior Live Foundation, the Age Friendly City initiative, as well as the Amsterdam Healthy Weight programme.

BIOEF, the Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research, took part in the visit as the Basque partner in this project.

On the first day, Amsterdam City Council presented the work being carried out in the “Amsterdam Age Friendly City” project. This project aims to achieve age-friendly environments which should also be accessible and adapted to the individuals’ different needs and skills. In the Basque Country, the Good Practice Euskadi Lagunkoia, is currently in progress promoted by the Basque Government Department of Employment and Social Policies , managed by Matía Foundation, and already subscribed by 54 age-friendly municipalities.

The second day was dedicated to the “Amsterdam Healthy Weight”, a programme also promoted by Amsterdam City Council. This community programme, involving different institutions in the spheres of healthcare and education, intends to foster healthy life habits for children and teenagers. The “Bidasoatik Mundura” programme co-ordinators of the education centres Eguzkitza and Hirubide in Irun as well as a consultant from the Berritzegune in Irun, gained in-depth knowledge of this programme.

Finally, representatives of the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) who are implementing a research project aimed at including a physical activity routine for senior citizens, discovered the “Senior Live” initiative. This programme also seeks to foster physical activity, among other ones, for senior citizens via current technologies, for which they will receive the training required.

For further information on forthcoming activities scheduled in TITTAN, visit the webpage: http://www.interregeurope.eu/tittan/

 

The TITTAN project has been co-funded (85%) by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Europe Programme.