In May 2021, the Innovation Networks for Scaling Active and Healthy Ageing (IN-4-AHA) organized its first work package 4.2 activity in Galicia (ES). The event was organized by the Galician Health Cluster (CSG) and aimed to discuss the accessibility of technological solutions for active and healthy ageing. 

IN-4-AHA aims to develop technological solutions which are fit for purpose and aligned with people-centered technologies. All solutions should favor the well-being and quality of life of people, and must be accessible, affordable, and adapted to the target group. The well-being of people runs like a thread through the project and its outcomes.  

CSG carried out 3 Focus Groups involving people over 65, professionals from the social and health sector and relatives of elderly people, with the aim of finding out their opinions regarding the accessibility of technological solutions for ageing.

The fourth and last Focus Group, held on 24 May 2021, was attended by professionals from the CSG’s Living Lab network. The IN-4-AHA project was represented by Piret Hirv,Health Tech Manager at Tehnopol and IN-4-AHA’s project coordinator and WP3 leader, in charge of engagement stakeholder and Hille Hinsberg, Product Manager at Proud Engineers and WP5 leader, in charge of impact measurement indicators for the evaluation of the testing process in the IN-4-AHA project.

During the meeting, results of the previous Focus Groups were presented and a final decalogue of values was developed, which should serve as a guide and orientation for the design of people-centered technological solutions. 

Focus Groups make it possible to identify barriers and facilitators in the experiences of using the technological solutions. The outcomes of these meetings are crucial in the adoption of the innovative projects selected in the open call of IN-4-AHA. The solutions will be tested in the network of CSG Living Labs.