On 24th and 25th April representatives from the University of the Basque Country, Matía Foundation, Bidasoatik Mundura programme and BIOEF visited the cities of Amsterdam and Almere.
The Basque delegation acquired in-depth knowledge of the Good Practices presented within the third thematic area: Active Citizens for Healthy Ageing. In this area, practices aiming to boost citizens' awareness and knowledge in relation to the use of new technologies to improve their quality of life were presented. The Dutch partner introduced through its stakeholders the Senior Live Foundation, the Age Friendly City initiative, as well as the Amsterdam Healthy Weight programme.
BIOEF, the Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research, took part in the visit as the Basque partner in this project.
On the first day, Amsterdam City Council presented the work being carried out in the “Amsterdam Age Friendly City” project. This project aims to achieve age-friendly environments which should also be accessible and adapted to the individuals' different needs and skills. In the Basque Country, the Good Practice Euskadi Lagunkoia, is currently in progress promoted by the Basque Government Department of Employment and Social Policies , managed by Matía Foundation, and already subscribed by 54 age-friendly municipalities.
The second day was dedicated to the “Amsterdam Healthy Weight”, a programme also promoted by Amsterdam City Council. This community programme, involving different institutions in the fields of healthcare and education, intends to foster healthy life habits for children and teenagers. The “Bidasoatik Mundura” programme co-ordinators of the education centres Eguzkitza and Hirubide in Irun as well as a consultant from the Berritzegune in Irun, gained in-depth knowledge of this programme.
Finally, representatives of the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) who are implementing a research project aimed at including a physical activity routine for senior citizens, met the “Senior Live” initiative. This programme also seeks, among others, to foster physical activity for senior citizens via current technologies, for which they receive the training required.
