A point of reference for older people and caregivers across the Metropolitan City of Milan and the Province of Monza and Brianza. A space designed to guide users and connect the services available, bringing together information and scientific research: this is the challenge undertaken by Acti-Long, the innovative project that has just launched its crowdfunding campaign on Ideaginger.it, as part of the University of Milano-Bicocca’s BiUniCrowd programme.
Ageing is an active stage of life that must be supported with expertise and inclusivity. «In a world that is moving increasingly quickly,» explains Laura Veronelli, researcher and project team leader, «many older people face very practical difficulties in their everyday lives. They would like to take part in stimulating activities and maintain social relationships, but it is not easy to understand which opportunities are genuinely suitable or even simply available. This new tool will make it possible to identify potential situations involving a risk of cognitive decline at an early stage and to introduce preventive measures promptly.»
«Many resources already exist today, but they are fragmented and difficult to find. Acti-Long will make them accessible through an integrated map of the services available in Milan and the Province of Monza and Brianza: cognitive training activities, psychological support, social initiatives, physical stimulation, digital literacy programmes and services specifically intended for caregivers.»
The platform will be free of charge and easy to use, providing scientifically grounded information on active ageing and access to an interactive map of local services. Users will also be able to take part in a research study that includes a free cognitive screening, aimed at identifying situations of potential risk at an early stage.
A total of €10,000 is required to develop Acti-Long, and everyone’s support is essential to achieve an objective that is not limited to helping older people and caregivers, but concerns the wellbeing of society as a whole. The funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign will allow the team to develop the platform and manage it during its first year, ensuring the creation of a stable, accessible resource that can be regularly updated over time.
Every contribution, large or small, can make a difference. As soon as 50 per cent of the fundraising target has been reached, Fondazione di Comunità Milano will match the amount collected, enabling Acti-Long to be developed. The Foundation has recognised the project’s senior-centred approach as a model through which to respond to the emerging needs of ageing people and improve their quality of life, as well as that of their families and communities.
Should donations exceed the planned budget, it will be possible to add important features to the website, including a chatbot capable of helping users navigate the available information in real time and a personal area through which they can participate in scientific projects concerning lifestyles and active ageing. The additional funds would also support events and initiatives aimed at presenting and promoting the platform and disseminating the project’s results.
The project was developed through the collaboration of Laura Veronelli, Roberta Daini and Valeria Isella. It received scientific support from Daniele Romano, Paola Angelelli and Francesco Giaquinto for the study concerning the scale used to assess subjective cognitive concerns. Sara Pegoraro and Daniele Licciardo contributed to preparing the materials exploring the concepts of active longevity and prevention in healthy ageing, as well as to creating the network of services for older people and caregivers across Milan and Monza and Brianza.
Those supporting the project will receive a variety of rewards: not only the team’s thanks, but also advice and information materials on how to promote active longevity, the opportunity to take part in a dedicated online webinar and, at the highest levels of support, the possibility of sharing ideas and suggestions and actively contributing to the development of the platform.