SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

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SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

Milbotix

SmartSocks

Smart socks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia

According to WHO data from 2023, more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. Annually, there are nearly ten million new cases. Additionally, dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally and one of the main causes of dependency and disability among the elderly.

SmartSocks are intelligent socks that provide information about the condition of patients with dementia, but also with other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and various intellectual disabilities. The sensor is embedded in discreet and comfortable socks that can be machine-washed, and it collects physiological data such as heart rate, movement, or anxiety. This way, caregivers receive alerts that allow them to intervene more quickly and prevent undesirable situations.

By scanning the QR code on the SmartSocks, the socks connect via Wi-Fi to the Milbotix app, which uses artificial intelligence to detect patterns and anomalies and alert caregivers before a risk situation occurs. These intelligent socks allow for the remote identification of cognitive changes in patients, a very useful feature for professionals in care homes and also allows extending the stay of people with dementia in their own homes before admitting them to a facility.

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V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

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V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS

Project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities

Under the motto “If you don’t live it, you don’t feel it”, V-TOOLS uses virtual reality as a pedagogical tool to address social issues. The initiative mainly focuses on the prevention of cyberbullying and gender-based violence, with special attention to the dynamics generated among children, adolescents, and young people.

The organization conducts sessions in educational centers, targeting individuals aged 10 to 18 years old, where users put themselves in the shoes of people experiencing situations of violence, control, and discrimination. In the field of gender-based violence, for example, there are audiovisual capsules on topics such as jealousy, friendship, social networks, and sexual relationships. Regarding cyberbullying, the program addresses prejudice, diversity, and physical stereotypes, among other aspects.

V-TOOLS follows the quadruple helix model, a methodology based on close collaboration with key community actors: citizens, businesses, public administration, and knowledge centers, to generate synergies that favor economic and social development, promote social inclusion, and foster sustainability.

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ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

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ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

Oldyssey

ShareAmi

Language exchange program through videoconferences between elderly people and young individuals living outside their country

During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many elderly people found themselves isolated, while young refugees lost the opportunity to attend language meetings and classes that would facilitate their social integration and the learning of the host country’s language.

To address these two issues, the organization Oldyssey launched the ShareAmi project, a program that allows intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences. On one hand, it helps young refugees better integrate into the new territory, and on the other, it combats the feeling of unwanted loneliness experienced by many elderly people. Additionally, the use of this tool also allows elderly people to improve their relationship with technology and, at the same time, reinforce their sense of usefulness in society.

ShareAmi operates through a volunteer system, in which volunteers contact both parties interested in the exchange and act as intermediaries. The meetings last for three months and are held weekly. To ensure follow-up, the mediator receives monthly feedback on the sessions. Once the scheduled time has passed, participants can decide whether to continue the video calls or end the exchange.

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Kloosiv, technology and social intervention to ensure social inclusion in access to housing

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Kloosiv, technology and social intervention to ensure social inclusion in access to housing

Kloosiv Housing SCCL

Kloosiv

Web platform that promotes social inclusion in housing to combat speculation and unwanted loneliness

Kloosiv is a cooperative web platform that combines technology and social intervention to facilitate access to housing for vulnerable groups struggling to pay rent. Its audience ranges from young people to single-parent families or elderly individuals living alone. The tool includes real information on the supply and demand of real estate in participating municipalities and offers more affordable rental prices compared to the market. The goal is to create a network that connects different stakeholders and, through artificial intelligence, optimizes resources and data to better meet their needs.

The initiative focuses on social and healthcare attention, well-being, home security, and conflict mediation. Kloosiv diagnoses the situation and specificities of both tenants and landlords. Professionals accompany individuals throughout the process and supervise each case personally.

Users’ circumstances vary. A common profile among Kloosiv users is elderly individuals experiencing unwanted loneliness who are looking for someone to safely share their apartment. There are also cases of young people who cannot afford to rent an apartment alone and are interested in accompanying someone living alone. In this sense, Kloosiv includes different types of cohabitation and provides professionals with regular monitoring to ensure residents’ comfort.

Additionally, the technological platform allows processing data and combining it with indicators of health, physical well-being, and emotional well-being to evaluate the program’s impact on users’ lives. Kloosiv also pays special attention to the homeless population and aligns with the Housing First methodology, prioritizing access to housing for these individuals.

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STOP, artificial intelligence to prevent suicide

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STOP, artificial intelligence to prevent suicide

UPF

STOP UPF

Research project to prevent suicide through artificial intelligence applied to social networks

According to the latest data from the INE, 4,227 people died by suicide in Spain in 2022. It is the highest number ever recorded in the country. One of the most concerning issues is the increase in suicide among adolescents, as cases have significantly risen from 53 to 75 compared to 2021. According to the WHO, each suicide has a severe emotional impact, at least on six people in the victim’s environment.

STOP is a research project that studies mental health problems on social networks through Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to find patterns related to the high risk of suicide and other disorders that can lead to this issue, such as depression or eating disorders. When a user matching a risk profile is detected, a targeted prevention campaign is launched, including information like the Helpline, available 24 hours a day, and other suicide prevention hotlines.

Some indicators taken into account include the times at which the person publishes content, interactions received from other users, their interests, and the type of posts. The team, consisting of psychologists, engineers, and psychiatrists, has developed algorithms that detect suicidal behavior patterns with 85% accuracy through texts, images, and social activities on Twitter.

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Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

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Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

UPC

Mapathon UPC

An open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively

Mapathon UPC is a tool aimed at groups and collectives wishing to highlight and raise awareness of the impact of certain social issues or needs in specific locations through a map where they are geolocated. The information collection process is collaborative, involving social entities, public administration, and the UPC community, among others. Participants only need mobile phones or tablets with Android system, GPS, and Internet access to participate in the mapping.

Mapathon addresses various issues, from identifying architectural barriers hindering accessibility to points of risk for gender-based violence and areas of waste accumulation, among others. It also allows for a more positive focus by helping to identify resting places or safe spaces.

The duration of the data collection process typically ranges from one to two hours, although it can exceptionally last a week. Once the map is completed, it cannot be updated, serving as an «snapshot» of reality at a given time. Additionally, the platform generates a report that organizes the data and aids decision-making.

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Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet

Publications Bank of innovations

Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet

Bavarian Youth Council

Digital Streetwork

Initiative that moves street work with youth to the Internet

Digital Streetwork is a project aimed at individuals between 14 and 27 years old, in which a team of specialists work with youth through chats, social networks, platforms, and phone calls. Some of these spaces include Instagram, Discord, and Reddit. The main objective is to support them in areas such as mental health, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.

Social workers are actively present online and reach out to young people who show a need for support through messages and posts. If they do not wish to establish communication, the conversation stops. Similarly, the workers can be contacted by users who require their help. The program consists of fourteen professionals, two for each local government in Bavaria.

The platform is free and anonymous. Digital workers maintain the confidentiality of conversations and receive training in online counseling and crisis management. In case they cannot address an issue, the professionals connect the youth with specialized organizations.

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App Morada, support against gender-based violence for women with disability

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App Morada, support against gender-based violence for women with disability

CIDIP

App Morada

Application that helps and guides women with disability and victims of gender-based violence

App Morada is a free platform, functioning as both an app and a website, aimed at providing support to women with disability who have experienced situations of violence.

It offers information to understand gender-based violence and tools to address this issue. Additionally, it provides contacts for institutions and civil society organizations working in this field, as well as direct access to emergency numbers. All content is accessible in braille, in easy-to-read format, and in Mexican Sign Language (LSM).

Furthermore, it allows the recognition of situations of violence through a test and offers assistance and contacts to receive support. The content is developed in collaboration with the National Association of Interpreters and women experts in gender and disability.

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Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

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Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

Nagaya Tower, THEM

Nagaya Tower

Community building that connects people of different generations to combat the feeling of loneliness

The Nagaya Tower has six floors and is designed in a V-shape to encourage residents to see each other when entering and leaving their homes. Additionally, the exterior balconies have no partitions. This way, homes are connected. On each floor, there are communal dining rooms and other spaces for interaction, such as areas for recreational activities or elevated gardens. All of this facilitates neighborly communication in daily life, although preserving each person’s personal space is also sought.

In this community estate, the majority of residents are over 70 years old, but there are also other generations. Younger residents receive rent discounts if they get involved in common tasks like changing light bulbs, moving furniture, or taking out the trash. Elderly residents place a magnet on the door of their home when leaving the residence so others are aware. Additionally, people requiring vital support can receive services in the same building. Furthermore, there is a room where adoptive families raise children who cannot live with their guardians.

This initiative aims to alleviate the feeling of unwanted loneliness, a phenomenon especially prevalent among the elderly and with a particular prevalence in significantly aging societies like Japan.

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E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Publications Bank of innovations

E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Hàbitat3 

Projecte e-Fabrik - Joves col·laboren amb persones amb discapacitat per crear ajuts funcionals

An innovative initiative that brings together young people and individuals with disabilities in a creative community with the aim of jointly conceiving and manufacturing tangible solutions to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives.

Through the E-Fabrik program, which is free for all participants, young people and individuals with disabilities learn to use digital fabrication tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and become familiar with the spaces where they can find them. The goal is for them to acquire new skills in the use of emerging digital technologies. Using the FabLab concept, pairs or teams are formed consisting of young people and individuals with disabilities who work together to find solutions to everyday problems and create practical solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Participants receive a budget of approximately €150 to develop and produce their specific solution.

The project unfolds through courses, educational programs of 20 half-days, and a 5-month vocational training course. In all of them, active solidarity among project participants is encouraged, allowing them to reclaim technology and use it for specific and meaningful purposes.

On the other hand, the program actively works to connect spaces and platforms of technological and digital creativity with structures dedicated to young people and individuals with disabilities. Thus, E-Fabrik not only offers the opportunity to create concrete solutions but also seeks to create bonds and partnerships with local structures.

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