October 1st was the International Day of Older Persons, and this year’s theme was ‘The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women.
To celebrate the amazing women taking part in the PROCare4Life pilots around Europe, we have created a Wall of Fame, where asked a them about their achievements and how digital solutions can help them live a fulfilling life.
Wall of Fame
Maria*, Spain
Maria, who is part of the Association Parkinson Madrid pilot in Spain, said that technology is helping to improve her quality of life as she lives with Parkinson’s disease.
What is an achievement you are proud of?
I have managed to finish my professional life with Parkinson’s disease without any sick leave.
Can technology help improve your health?
I think so, for example, by giving me guidelines to follow to improve my quality of life.
Fun fact:
I love making cakes.
Gabriele*, Germany
Gabriele, who is part of the Wohlfahrtswerk Baden-Württemberg pilot in Stuttgart, Germany, believes that the work PROCare4Life is doing now will have an influence for years to come.
What is an achievement you are proud of?
I enjoy spreading my life motto: Love is the best medicine.
Can technology help improve your health?
Absolutely. Even if I am no longer around, I can now help others to be able to stay in their familiar environment for as long as they can through testing technology. I am very happy that this is being worked on.
Fun fact: When my daughter was born, everything happened so fast that only with luck did the midwife catch her! Otherwise, she would have fallen off the maternity bed!
Filomena, Italy
Filomena, who is part of the Casa di Cura Privata del Policlinico pilot in Milan, Italy, said that the PROCare4Life solution has helped her to stay on top of her medication.
What is an achievement you are proud of?
I was able to learn how to accept video calls on my cell phone.
Can technology help improve your health?
My health problems require me to take numerous medications and the technology helps me to set up reminders and take care of myself.
Fun fact: Sometimes I scold my dog when it misbehaves, in the same tone I used with my grandchildren when they were young.
Cecilia, Italy
Cecilia, who is taking part in the Italian pilot with Casa di Cura Privata del Policlinico, said that technology can help her family support her from far away.
What is an achievement you are proud of?
With Parkinson’s, it is hard for me to walk on the sand at the beach. So, this summer I went on walks in the mountains instead, along with my family. Even though I was slower and they were always waiting for me to catch up, I did it!
Can technology help improve your health?
As my family lives in another region and we see each other only during the holidays, I think that technology can help me to feel safer and more supported from home.
Fun fact: I set the goal of 2,500 steps a day with my Fitbit and I look forward to fulfilling it every day!
*Name changed at the request of the participant