Strategy for Deployment of Integrated Healthy Aging Regions Based Upon an Evidence-Based Regional Ecosystem—The Styria Model

Abstract

In 2013, the European Commission founded the platform European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging as a communication and innovation network in this domain. The goal of the current study was the development of an integrated regional ecosystem for active and healthy aging for the region of Styria via a step-by-step co-creation process. A mixed model approach was used to establish an ecosystem for active and healthy aging, which includes macro-, meso-and micro-level stakeholders in the province of Styria, Austria. Based on the results, eight recommendations for the deployment of a healthy aging region were developed. The visibility and accessibility of healthy aging products and services were evaluated as key factors for innovation in active and healthy aging in the region. Health professionals were identified as major drivers of innovation related to active and healthy aging in Styria. The study presented in this article assessed the capacities for healthy aging in the Styria region and identified the need to improve communication pathways between all levels of the public health system and market.

Development of a Binational Framework for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) Bridging Austria and Slovenia in a Thermal Spa Region

“…Basically, the concept of active and healthy ageing is anything but new for the region, considering that recently a Styrian evidence-based ecosystem for active and healthy ageing was developed, pointing out strong regional capacities in the field concerned [ 12 ]. Borrmann et al demonstrated the need to connect regional stakeholders and develop synergistic initiatives that help to pursue a common strategy for active and healthy ageing.…”

“…Borrmann et al demonstrated the need to connect regional stakeholders and develop synergistic initiatives that help to pursue a common strategy for active and healthy ageing. As a prerequisite, end-user of healthy ageing products and services as well as stakeholders and professionals call for transparent communication and information transfer about processes in this field that directly concern them [ 12 ]. This current publication may be regarded as continuation of the process presented by Borrmann et al, since it picks up the status quo of the Styrian model, tailored towards regional fields of strength within a community-based co-creation process and strategically positions the cross-border region in the field of active and healthy ageing, engaging in the increase of its competitiveness.…”

“…The high degree of citizen and stakeholder participation across different sectors facilitated representation and identification of participants with the strategic goals elaborated. This publication picks up on the development process of the Styrian ecosystem for healthy ageing [ 12 ] and reinforced taking the next step forward towards strategy implementation.…”

“…Very recently, an evidence-based methodology to create ecosystems for active and healthy ageing has been published [ 12 ]. Although this model provides guidance and a rationale for engaging different stakeholders in active and healthy ageing across the life-course activities, a structured and integrated development of healthy ageing regions remains highly context-sensitive.…”

“One Health” Approach for Health Innovation and Active Aging in Campania (Italy)

“…The Campania Region follows the indications of the WHO "One Health" approach for the implementation of sustainable development goals across all policies, in an inter-sectoral effort (health, environment, education and training, research, and tourism), including different stakeholders along the quadruple helix of innovation (11,12). This innovation ecosystem is based on the approach introduced by the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (EIP on AHA), a stakeholder-driven, voluntary initiative, launched in 2012 to foster innovation and digital transformation in active and healthy aging across countries and regions within the EU (13)(14)(15).…”