Thanks to the support of CEI partner, Tanja Krušič Mlakar from the Municipality of Log Dragomer (Slovenia) and Adele De Stefani from ISRAA (Italy) had the opportunity of illustrating the contribution of the PROCAREFUL model to the promotion of healthy and empowered aging in such a stimulating and valuable scenario. In the spirit of the framework, the presentation underscored the cross-border relevance of the phenomenon of the ageing population, and the importance to develop collaborative strategies treasuring the synergies between neighbouring countries.
Moreover, given the theme at the core of the event, relevance was given to the proactive and prevention-oriented approach at the basis of the PROCAREFUL model and the use of the technology as means to preserve autonomy. Indeed, the development of strategies and innovative approaches to support ageing in place and independence in the old age is becoming a crucial issue in the field of service provision: as demographic shifts lead to increasing demand for care and support, and as family structures evolve—resulting in more older individuals living alone or without informal caregivers—the development of innovative, sustainable care pathways becomes ever more urgent.
A particularly impactful moment of the presentation came from the testimonials of participants involved in the pilot phase of the project. Two formal caregivers—one from Treviso and one from Log Dragomer Municipality—and two older adults from the Treviso pilot site, shared their experiences, offering firsthand insights into how the PROCAREFUL model has influenced both daily routines and professional practices. Their words were particularly effective in showing the model’s suitability in raising awareness about the crucial role individuals can play in maintaining and nurturing their health as they age, and how healthcare services can adopt a forward-looking perspective focused on prevention and early diagnosis of physical and cognitive decline.