MATSIQEL

Models for Ageing and Technological Solutions for Improving and Enhancing the Quality of Life

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of the project is to accumulate the expertise for mathematical and computer modelling of ageing processes, including forecasting models for prevention and rehabilitation, and implementation into technological solutions (monitors, telecare, recreational games) and instruments (surveys, assessment tools), which could contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the quality of life in later life, and the assessment of impact of factors, such as demography, mobility, health, food, lifestyle, and others to the ageing process. Objectives • Using expertise, observations and knowledge accumulated by the partners, establish factors for ageing related to this programme • Investigate associations between factors, including associations between cognitive and physiological factors • Evaluate appropriate techniques for mathematical and computer modelling of selected ageing processes • Using expertise, observations and data accumulated by the partners, develop models • Establish requirements for visualisation and develop appropriate software tools • Implement models into technological solutions and use feedback and observations to improve the models • Study the impact of these solutions for improvement and enhancement of quality of life • Educating, training of early stage researchers and further development of experienced researchers All WP • Disseminate results and good practice widely including health communities and patients communities The project is multi-disciplinary and includes specialism from mathematics and statistics, physics, computer science, psychology and sociology, nursing and health.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Not only is there an old population phenomenon in western society but there is an expansion of the old-old in the 85 plus bracket. Modelling aspects of ageing and modifying healthcare to meet their needs can increase quality of life.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'Models for ageing and technological solutions for improving and enhancing the quality of life' (MATSIQEL) project has veered away from focusing on ill-health in old age. Instead, researchers have developed models that incorporate positive aspects such as prevention and rehabilitation, application of technological solutions and opportunities for optimal functioning.

Researchers applied appropriate models according to the issue under consideration. These included time series models for physiological systems in a cardio-respiratory context incorporating early warning signals and data mining models for poststroke fatality and risk elements. Delay differential equation models simulated insulin-glucose regulation.

The research also covered aspects of health in which lifestyle plays a part. A complexity analysis of sleep based on actigraphy helped forecast alterations of sleep patterns with insomnia. A pilot study to investigate the effects of nutrition on obesity and health was completed from a very large public data set from Mexico.

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of independence for ageing and care in the home whenever possible. Intelligent systems for telecare and telehealth involved indirect communication between patients and medical doctors from a telehealth centre as well as telecommunication processes and services. A study in the north-east of England provided data and understanding of usage and the user. Looking into the future, researchers looked at use of emotional robots and their acceptability with young and old.

The full impact of MATSIQEL models and an international social and emotional robot network will be fully realised as telecare services evolve. For the present, the project has provided the latest research, service models and policy responses in the context of international ageing to doctors and health providers.