How EU Space supports active ageing

While not exactly a fountain of youth, EU Space data and services can help seniors stay active and healthy longer.

The Old Continent is getting older. According to EU statistics, the number of Europeans over 65 years old will double in the next 50 years while the number of 80-year-olds will nearly triple.

A longer life does not always mean a healthier one. It is estimated that around 20% of a person's lifespan is spent in poor health, due to illness or disability. But this does not have to be the case.

Active ageing helps people increase the number of healthy, good-quality years they live. It focuses on maintaining health, participation, security, and independence to improve quality of life as people age.

EU Space data and technologies can also support this approach.

By providing high-accuracy, real-time data, the EU Space Programme, particularly Galileo and Copernicus, supports active ageing by enhancing the safety, autonomy and mobility of older adults.

Here are just some of the ways EU Space helps Europeans stay active longer.

• Wearable devices: Smartwatches and other wearable devices use Galileo's precise positioning to help monitor a wearer's location and health status. This in turn helps seniors remain independent longer.
• Smarter homes: By leveraging satellite data, smart devices can monitor a senior's home environment, ensuring their safety and security while also supporting their ability to 'age in place'.
• Mobility: Galileo provides the precise positioning behind many smart, age-friendly transport solutions - including autonomous electric wheelchairs used in airports, that improve accessibility for older adults, especially those with reduced mobility.
• Navigation: Various applications use Galileo positioning to help individuals with visual impairments or mobility issues safely and autonomously navigate urban environments.
• Staying social: Numerous services use space data and satellite-based connectivity to help older adults stay connected with family, friends and their communities via AI companions, video calls and virtual reality experiences. By allowing seniors to engage in activities, access telehealth and stay connected, these services can reduce social isolation and loneliness.
• Age-friendly cities: City planners use Copernicus data to map and analyse urban environments, design transportation systems that better serve senior citizens, and create senior-friendly public spaces.

Supporting the silver economy

Whether it be through funding mechanisms, competitions, market insights or business support, EUSPA supports the development of space-based solutions for active and healthy ageing.

Take for example the PROLONG project. Funded via EUSPA's Fundamental Elements initiative, the project is designing a portable device that uses GNSS positioning to monitor a user's walking pattern. The device, which is worn as a keychain, belt, bracelet or necklace, uses this data to monitor for any changes to the walking pattern, which could indicate that the user has fallen or is wandering. If such abnormal activity is detected, the device immediately alerts caregivers.

Have an idea that uses EU Space data and technology to better serve Europe's ageing population? Contact our market development team at [email protected] to learn how EUSPA can help turn that idea into a space-based solution for active ageing!

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