Idea is pleased to announce entering the European research project titled SmartBear in collaboration with 29 partners of 10 European Union countries!

Vision

As the European population ages, addressing the challenges faced by the elderly becomes increasingly critical. The growth of Europe’s ageing population brings with it prevalent conditions such as Hearing Loss, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cognitive Impairments, Mood Disorders, Balance Disorders, and Frailty. These conditions not only diminish the quality of life for older adults but also pose significant social and economic burdens, with healthcare costs amounting to hundreds of billions of euros annually. Promoting healthy and independent living for the elderly, therefore, stands as a pressing need—one that can improve well-being and reduce the financial strain on healthcare systems. By preventing, mitigating, or effectively managing these impairments, society can achieve transformative outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

Promoting healthy and independent living of the elderly with evidence-based personalised interventions.

Objectives

The SMARTBEAR platform leverages advanced digital tools and personalised interventions to enhance elderly care. By integrating sensors, medical devices, and mobile technologies, it continuously collects data from daily life, which is analysed using big data analytics and machine learning. These insights enable tailored interventions to improve independence, health outcomes, and quality of life, while also providing scalable, cost-effective solutions for sustainable healthcare.

Target Diseases and Use Cases

• Cardiovascular Diseases: The leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for over €210 billion in annual costs.
• Hearing Loss: Affects one in three people over the age of 65, with an economic impact of €213 billion per year.
• Mood Disorders: Account for one-quarter of self-harm incidents in individuals aged over 65, costing €118 billion annually.
• Cognitive Disorders: The fifth leading cause of death, imposing a financial burden of €240 billion annually.
• Balance Disorders: Lead to frequent falls, with one senior falling every 29 minutes and associated costs amounting to €45 billion annually.
• Frailty: Affects one-third of individuals over 65, mirroring the costs of hearing loss at €213 billion annually.

With an interdisciplinary team, the Idea Institute seeks to address real-world challenges, foster cross-sector collaborations, and stimulate economic growth through innovation.