AAL - Express2Connect

Important results from the project

Express to Connect (E2C) is based on the principles and the experiences of the Storytable® (www.storytable.com), which is a successful ICT-application developed and marketed by Multi Media Tables BV in the Netherlands. The E2C proposal focuses on finding a solution to the very challenging issues and problems concerning: 1. Preventing elderlys internal experience of loneliness as this is strongly associated with dissatisfaction with life (Tilvis et al. 2000). 2. Develop a new innovative solution for an emergent EU market for preventive social technology, consisting of the increasing part of elderly people age 65+. 3. Creating implementation strategies that allow the solution a place in the service ecology of elderly care by contributing to a stop in the predicted rise (up by 4 8 % of GDP in 2025) in costs of health and long term care.

Expected long term effects

The main results of the project can be divided into three subcategories: 1. At an individual level E2C aims at helping people to stay active by using their creative potential (as former experiences, competences, ways of thinking and working etc.). E2C will provide an ICT tool and media for meaningful interaction and for validating one´s experiences by sharing them with peers and their caring community. 2. At an societal level having more elderly people continuing to live independent, active and satisfying lives in their own homes will have a preventive impact on predicted rise in costs of health and long term care, through a decrease in need for professional help, lower the risk of dementia and other health related costs in the public sector. 3. E2C aims at creating a sustainable commercial solution that develop the existing Storytable® into a wide spread E2C service. In summary the objective for the E2C consortium is to transform the proven concept of the Storytable® working in an institutional frame, and develop, test and deploy a personal version valuable in a setting of the private home.

Approach and implementation

E2C takes on a triple-legged approach in organizing the development work. The project integrates the individual and societal level with the commercial perspectives in four European countries with the help of Living Lab approaches. E2C aims to offer ways and occasions for communities among the users to be created, as it will intensify interaction, communication and dialogue between the users and contribute to the feeling of wellbeing, self esteem and belonging.