The Need for a Strategic R&D Roadmap for Active Ageing

Abstract

The application of the collaborative networks paradigm, combined with a new generation of collaboration-support platforms, can offer a promising approach to active ageing and better use of the talents of senior professionals. This paper introduces a roadmapping initiative focused on elaboration of a new vision for extending professional active life. To support this vision, a strategic research plan for the development of a new collaborative ecosystem, covering the social, organizational, and technological perspectives, is being designed.

Exploring the Gap for Effective Extension of Professional Active Life in Europe

“…Step 0: Synthesis of the baseline's findings: This step focuses on elaborating a synthesis of the findings regarding the baseline and follow up activities that are currently conducted in other studies [2], and based on the 3 perspectives of technological, organizational and social, addressed by the vision of desired future for this area addressed in other research [1], as intended to be exemplified in Fig. 1.…”

“…retired or retiring professionals according to the regulations in respective countries [2]) in Europe view their involvement in some sort of professional activities as a fundamental element of wellness and personal fulfillment [6]. Many of these seniors resent the fact that they were forced to retire at a certain age and they would rather prefer to have the choice to continue working for as long as they wish [8].…”

“…The study on gap identification addresses relevant technological, social, and organizational factors and external influences which have the potential to impact successful future life of elderly population. It also presents the methodology that is applied in our study to identify and analyze the gaps between the current practices in this area, the so-called baseline [2], and the desired future for this area as inspired in the ePAL vision [1] addressed in other research. …”

Active Ageing Roadmap – A Collaborative Networks Contribution to Demographic Sustainability

“…A major hypothesis followed in ePAL is that ICT and particularly collaborative networks can provide an adequate framework for the implementation of effective support to active ageing [6].…”

“…In order to elaborate a strategic RTD plan in this direction a 27-month European initiative -ePAL (extending Professional Active Life) project -was launched in 2008 [6].…”