To promote social inclusion, independent living and active and healthy ageing in society, the NET4AGE-FRIENDLY COST Action will establish an international and interdisciplinary network of researchers and stakeholders from all sectors. Its aim is to foster awareness, and to support the creation and implementation of smart, healthy indoor and outdoor environments for present and future generations. NET4AGE-FRIENDLY further aims to overcome fragmentation and critical gaps at both conceptual and pragmatic innovation level on responsive, age-friendly and sustainable environments to address European research and policy challenges.

The main approach of NET4AGE-FRIENDLY is the establishment of local or regional ecosystems in each COST country involved, to work on health and well-being in an age-friendly digital world. The ecosystems will consist of citizens, public authorities, businesses/NGOs and researchers. They will be supported by four thematic Working Groups (User-centred inclusive design in age-friendly environments and communities; Integrated health and well-being pathways; Digital solutions and large-scale sustainable implementation; Policy development, funding forecast and cost-benefit evaluations). The outcomes of the thematic Working Groups will be integrated by a dedicated Working Group to create a synergised output as a Reference Framework.

NET4AGE-FRIENDLY will be used as a connector for involving and hosting regular themed sessions with local and regional stakeholders and users’ representatives from various countries and backgrounds, as well as for fostering the knowledge creation and sharing among researchers. Particular attention will be devoted to promoting the involvement of Early Career Investigators, entrepreneurs and participants from COST Inclusiveness Target Countries.