On May 22nd, 2024, Willeke van Staalduinen, representing SIRENE project partner AFEdemy, had the opportunity to present the draft Social Innovation Framework to an international audience at the final Management Committee (MC) meeting of the NET4Age-Friendly initiative. This event marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts towards fostering Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE) across Europe and beyond.
The MC meeting, held on May 21-22, 2024, in Bucharest, Romania, brought together key members of the COST Action 19136, an international and interdisciplinary network dedicated to advancing SHAFE. The event was hosted by the Ana Aslan Foundation, under the leadership of Professor Luiza Spiru, a renowned expert in Geriatrics and Gerontology.
During the two-day meeting, 25 Management Committee members from diverse countries, including Romania, Portugal, The Netherlands, Israel, the United Kingdom, Malta, and Austria, engaged in in-depth discussions on the outcomes of the COST Action and the future trajectory of the network. The presentation of the draft Social Innovation Framework was a highlight of the event, providing valuable insights into the ongoing efforts within the SIRENE project to create sustainable, inclusive living environments.
The event not only served as a platform for sharing the progress of the SIRENE project but also facilitated the exchange of ideas and strategies for sustaining and expanding the network’s impact in the coming years. The participation of key stakeholders from various countries underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with healthy aging and the creation of age-friendly communities.
As the SIRENE project continues to move forward, the insights and feedback gathered from this presentation will be instrumental in refining the Social Innovation Framework, ensuring it meets the needs of diverse communities across Europe. The collective efforts of the NET4Age-Friendly network and the SIRENE consortium continue to pave the way for innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of age.
