AIB

The aim of Ageing in Balance (AiB) project is to develop a new solution for preventing the falls of the older adults, by taking into account wide range of different factors.

In AiB, an innovative model of risks of falls will be developed. The model will include all possible risk factors as described by the various studies and assessments from all aspects (mental, physical and environmental: intrinsic and extrinsic). Several assessment scales combined with data from environmental sensors and other technology (e.g. cognitive games) will be employed to give a clear picture of the fall risk. Another goal of the AiB is to develop technologies for early prevention of falls of older people in their homes by providing motivation that will lead to changing behaviour. The expected impact will be the maintenance of a better physical, neurological and mental condition by the end user that will decrease the risk of falling. Additionally, fall risks can be reduced by identifying potential environmental risk factors and eliminating them. Preventing the majority of falls would save a lot of money and improve and prolong the good quality of life of ageing adults. The project will also survey the willingness to pay point of view as well as to better define the costs and effects. User involvement is crucial in this project. Users from Spain and Finland will be engaged in the specification, development and testing phases so that the development can be based on their feedback as well.