From 29 September to 1 October 2009 the first AAL FORUM took place in the Vienna Hofburg. This kick-off event of the international conference series of the Ambient Assisted Living - Joint Programmes (AAL-JP) served as an information and discussion platform for stakeholders, scientists and users. The thematic priorities of the AAL FORUM 09 were national and European AAL activities, R&D projects and economic aspects of the joint programmes, the third AAL call for proposals as well as key questions of AAL-JP. The conference was attended by more than 500 experts and LRG representatives and was designed to shape future EU programmes in the area of aging and assistance of elderly people (see http://www.bmvit.gv.at/aal) .
An exhibition accompanying the conference provided institutions, companies and projects with the opportunity to present their services and products in the field of 'active and independent ageing'. A hands-on area invited visitors to try out interactive games for the elderly. Ambient Assisted Living means life in a supportive environment. The central theme of the exhibition was the technical design of the home through ICT to promote independence of the elderly as well as communication with the social environment.
Microsoft representatives were present at the Industrial Round table in the AAL Forum. Jan Muehlfeit – Chairman of Microsoft Europe- provided some clear insights and identification of barriers to implementation of ICT in the healthcare and social services area that were very appreciated by many participants.
Jan identified one of the most pressing health issues throughout the world as being the growing epidemic of Chronic Disease.
As the World Health Organization noted, “In the history of mankind few, if any, pandemics will have led to as much suffering and premature deaths as is emerging from the global epidemic of chronic disease. A combination of lifestyle factors including diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking have contributed to the rising incidence of chronic disease in all parts of the globe, accounting for the majority of premature deaths in all but the lowest income countries.”
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 60% of all deaths. And chronic diseases are equal opportunity, affecting everyone, young and old, men and women.
Microsoft is reacting to these realities by launching a series of solutions for Health and Wellness in the area of Personal Health, Chronic Diseases Management and Population Intelligence.
In the end of his speech, Jan addressed a direct call for action to start large governmental programmes, solve reimbursement and legal issues that were largely acknowledged and recognized by many responsible persons in charge with these aspects (see below).
The exhibition was very interesting and hosted several home applications and interesting solutions for elderly and disabled people. Microsoft presented Microsoft Surface and its high usability. My colleague – Dr Bill Crounse- wrote a very good blog on it and I advise you to check his film on medical applications for Surface.
Dr Octavian Purcarea
Global Solution Manager
Worldwide Health Team
Microsoft Corp.