Joint EU and Member States Initiatives

ADVANTAGE, Joint Action on Frailty

ADVANTAGE, the new Joint Action on Frailty, has been launched at the end of January 2017. 

The main objective of this JA is to establish a common European framework for addressing the problem of frailty, which is the main condition associated with the risk of developing disabilities. This objective includes the design of strategies adapted to the preconditions, interests and priorities of each Member State. This approach will enable the development of policies adapted to local conditions, but within a common homogeneous framework. 

22 Member States are represented in this JA through more than 40 organisations. The JA contributes to the work of the European Commission on health issues related to ageing. Among these issues, disability stands out in particular because it is a major determinant of loss of quality of life. Dealing with its main risk factor (fragility) and designing a joint plan for addressing it from a European perspective will contribute substantially to addressing this priority.

For more information, click here

Neurodegenerative Disease Research Joint Programme (JPND)

The overall aim of the EU Joint Programme - Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) initiative is to find cures for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and other age-related illness, and to enable early diagnosis for early targeted treatments. The JPND seeks to identify common research goals in order to accelerate progress on developing new cures and solutions that can alleviate the symptoms and ease the situation of patients and their families.

The joint programme has three components:

  • Improve the scientific understanding of the disease.
  • Improve the medical tools available to doctors to identify and treat the disease.
  • Improve the social care and structures available to assist patients, their families, and health service providers so that patients can receive optimum care at all stages of their illness.

More information on the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Joint Programme are available here.

The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint programme

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is a specific joint programme (2008-2013) led in conjunction with Member States, the European Commission and private industry. AAL uses intelligent products and the provision of remote services including care services to improve the lives of older people at home, in the workplace and in society in general.

The programme aims to overcome technical and regulatory barriers to AAL, foster and demonstrate innovative smart homes and independent living applications, exchange best AAL practice and raise awareness on the possibilities of AAL for Europe's ageing population. It thus hopes to: extend the time older people can live in their home environment; improve the quality of life and social participation of older people; create new business opportunities; provide more efficient and more personalised health and social services for older people

More information on the AAL programme is available here.