The event has had three expert researchers in the field, among which are responsible for two of the Project Zero FGCSIC Aging grants: CSIC researcher at the Institute of Medical Chemistry Ana María Martínez Gil, Professor of Valladolid University Robert Homer, and the founder of the Institute of Government and Public Policy of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, ​​Joan Subirats.

Their interventions have been conducted by the director of the Social Action Department of Obra Social "la Caixa", Josep Olle, who presented the institution whose act has helped fund the Aging Project Zero to a million euros. Olle said that "one of the greatest challenges facing our society is the growing aging population, which is a success in our society, and an opportunity to propose new strategies to help improve the welfare of the elderly and their participation and full integration into society. " To do this, Ollé believes that "it is important to promote scientific research that fosters autonomy, personal development, health and quality of life."

The five projects implemented promote science excellence, unique and remarkable. Two of these thematic studies addressing psychosocial and three delve into specific aspects of the technology field. Some include, for example, game development and the use of home automation with the objective of promoting quality and healthy aging.

Project Zero on Aging

Worthplay. Video for positive aging: This research project led by Jose Angel Blat of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra is to analyze the design, development and evaluation of a prototype online games for seniors. It aims to create quality games that contribute to active aging, and improve the physical and psychosocial. During 2012, the project has developed an ethnography of the games with about 170 seniors, with different levels of digital literacy, and followed a code of ethics established by the international consortium project.

Brain Computer Systems Application Interface (BCI) to cognitive training and automation control to prevent the effects of aging: Researcher Biomedical Engineering Group (GIB), University of Valladolid Roberto Hornero proposes the use of BCI systems (Brain Computer Interface ). This system translates the user's intentions in control commands, such as cognitive training tool that can help prevent the effects of aging. It also aims to develop an application that allows assisted BCI control home automation and electronic devices present in a home. They have begun to perform tasks aimed at developing cognitive training tool using a BCI system based on sensorimotor rhythms.

Pensions and education: combined effects on inter and intra redistribution: The aim of this project, led by researcher at the University of Barcelona Conception Patxot is to analyze resource movements that occur between the different age groups and determine the role of businessmen, politicians and institutions in the development of social policies that benefit the elderly and children. The analysis focuses on the pension system and education. The study of the evolution of asset resources directed from the elderly and children, reveals a change from the results observed in 2000, when there was the first analysis. In that year he gave a clear dominance of public over private transfers in the case of older dependents, while in the case of children the exact opposite happened. Currently it is contrasting the validity result and if it is due solely to the reduction in the number of students.

Active aging, citizenship and participation: an assessment of the aspirations, needs and strategies associated with the autonomy and empowerment of old and new generations of older people in Spain: Researcher at the Autonomous University of Barcelona Joan Subirats leading this initiative to strengthen the involvement of older people in the process of development and implementation of public policies to promote active aging. To do this, takes into account the heterogeneity and diversity of this group, since the incorporation of significant practical about it and the use of information and communication technologies. During 2012 the project has been implemented and have been covering the planned stages, otherwise normal in every process of research.

 

Biomaterials to modulate inflammation caused by macular degeneration associated with age (BIODMAE) CSIC researcher Institute of Ceramics and Glass Chinarro Eva Martin proposes to develop a new class of hybrid biomaterials able to counter some of the processes that contribute to aging eye tissue. Thanks to alleviate them succeed macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older people for which, currently, there is no cure or way to prevent this type of degeneration.

Picture by Luis García [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons