AGEING AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: THE CASE OF MELCO IN CYPRUS

Abstract

While demographic ageing is increasing rapidly, it is important to consider new approaches to support older people preserve a successful ageing and satisfy their social needs. This article is discussing the issue of demographic ageing in accordance with assistive technologies that could enable someone to maintain active ageing. A project, called MELCO (Mobile Elderly Living Community) was carried out among older Cypriots. Its purpose is to function as a safety net to vulnerable older people who are in a risk for falling into social isolation and assist them in order to maintain an active role in their social environment while at the same time is monitoring their position, the lack of any movement and falls.