IoT Platform for Ageing Society: the SMART BEAR Project

People over 65 years old represent a constantly increasing age-group in Europe and worldwide. Hearing loss, cardio-vascular diseases, cognitive impairments, mental health issues and balance disorders are the most prevalent health challenges experienced by older population. These conditions result in a quality-of-life worsening (e.g., inactive lifestyle, missed self-sufficiency, loneliness) and life threats (e.g., physical injury, disability, and hospitalization). Moreover, their management is burdensome for healthcare institutions with high and rising costs, and gaps in quality, safety and access. Internet of Things (IoT) technology may offer a valid aid with its innovative and connected solutions. In such context, SMART BEAR Horizon 2020 European project aims to design and develop an IoT platform to: (i) integrate off-the-shelf smart consumer and medical devices for a smart health environment, (ii) provide an affordable, secure, and privacy-preserving service to older subjects promoting autonomy and healthy living, and (iii) increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery reducing resource waste. The present study is intended to comprehensively illustrate the project. In particular, it summarizes rationale and features of SMART BEAR project with a finer description of the platform components, clinical scenarios, and interventions.