EU-Network for Action on Aging and Physical Activity receives support from the EU Health Programme in 2014
21 January 2014
The European Network for Action on Aging and Physical Activity (EUNAAPA) is a thematic collaborative network which aims to improve the health, wellbeing and independence of older people throughout Europe by the promotion of evidence based physical activity.
The EUNAAPA network has successfully applied for an operating grant in 2013 under the EU Health Programme. With this grant EUNAAPA aims to reach the following objectives in concurrence with its roadmap 2011-2015: to educate and enhance awareness in medical professionals and to support strategies to disseminate and exchange knowledge and expertise on EU, national and regional level. In order to do so EUNAAPA’s 2014 work plan includes:
(1) The development of a European training curriculum based on the curriculum developed by The International Society for Ageing and Physical Activity (ISAPA) and WHO. The curriculum will be adapted to the European educational system and will include different aspects of physical activity and older adults, program design and management, teaching skills and client safety.
(2) The organization of a Summer School in Verona for 20-40 trainees and experts of programs for older adults including different expertise (physiotherapists, nurses, physical educators, occupational therapist etc.). The aim is to involve participants in interactive workshops on topics including diversity on the older population, aging processes, effect of physical activity and motivation. In addition the developed curriculum will be discussed and finalized so it can be regionally disseminated. The final goal is to give to the participants a numbers of tools allowing them to build up a local educational program.
(3) Dissemination of developed training modules via 5 regional courses in Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Italy and an eastern European country.
(4) Coordination of activities at EU level by developing synergies and cooperation between EU networks and platforms related to PA and aging. A meeting ’Be part’ will be organized in the fall of 2014 and result in a EU roadmap.
(5) Dissemination of knowledge via different (social) media.
After several successful EU projects the EUNAAPA network will work on further dissemination and participation of the European Community to improve health and wellbeing of older people. The network also contributes to the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing.
For details and contact:
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-Prof. Dr. Nico van Meeteren, chair, nico.vanmeeteren@tno.nl
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-Dr. Erwin Tak, coordinator, erwin.tak@tno.nl