SONIA

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Social inclusion through technology-supported communication services

The population is getting older and older. Whether they live in an apartment building in the city or on a farm in the countryside, people want to stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible.

There is still a great need for research into the factors that positively influence the lives of older and very old people and enable them to enjoy a self-determined old age in their familiar homes.

The SONIA project is investigating this issue with the involvement of all stakeholders, both directly and indirectly, and is also considering how modern technology-supported means of communication can be used sensibly.

Such a holistic approach integrates not only user requirements, usage potential and sustainable business models, but also the risks and challenges of the increasing digitalization of everyday life.

The aim of SONIA is to develop a specific computer-aided service concept that fundamentally supports and promotes a socially integrated life and thus achieves preventative effects against social isolation in old age.

Project partners

  • Furtwangen University (project management)
  • Geriatric Center, University Hospital Tübingen
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
  • Development Center Gut altwerden GmbH

Funding

This project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Family, Women and Senior Citizens.