Healthy and active ageing

This multidisciplinary research group includes:

• Psychiatrists;
• Neurologists;
• Rheumatologists;
• Nurses;
• Physical therapists;
• Physical activity researchers;
• Psychologists.

This research group has large expertise and experience in research and intervention in this vulnerable group and is committed to develop intervention programs at home (living labs) to increase autonomy and quality of life of older individuals.

The aim is getting a better understanding of intrinsic capacities of older people, as related to their sense of coherence and resilience, and opportunities for well-being, physical and mental health promotion. 

There is also an interest in frailty, a common clinical syndrome in older adults that carries an increased risk for poor health outcomes including falls, incident disability, hospitalization and mortality.

The research team aims to identify effective strategies to promote active and healthy ageing, in order to enjoy an independent and high quality of life, namely using information and communication technologies (ICTs). 

The research team has identified multimorbidity as highly prevalent among older age.

This research group has already developed educational tools to change lifestyles and improve chronic disease burden in this age strata using a patient-centred approach. Now they aim to test its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.