RAI Amsterdam brings global knowledge on healthy ageing to the city

What does it feel like to live with dementia? How do age-related physical limitations affect daily life? And would meeting your future self change the choices you make today?

Last week, RAI Amsterdam was at the heart of one of society’s most pressing challenges: population ageing. During the IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, approximately 3,500 scientists, policymakers and healthcare professionals from around the world gathered to exchange knowledge and insights on healthy, active and independent ageing.

Experiencing ageing first-hand
To engage Amsterdam residents with the themes of the congress, a special public programme was organised. Visitors were invited to explore the Smarthouse Experience by ROC Amsterdam-Flevoland, where innovative technologies offered a glimpse into the realities of ageing.
Using virtual reality headsets, visitors experienced some of the challenges faced by people living with dementia. Special simulation gloves demonstrated how Parkinson’s-related tremors can impact everyday activities, helping visitors better understand the physical effects of neurological conditions.

In addition, the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing hosted an interactive experience outside Entrance C of the RAI. Visitors could dance while wearing an ageing suit, meet their older selves through an age-progression filter and gain insight into their life expectancy.

Strong interest from congress participants and Amsterdam residents
Dr Geeske Peeters, senior researcher at Radboudumc and one of the organisers involved in the congress, looks back on the week with satisfaction.

“Population ageing is no longer a challenge of the future. In almost every country, policymakers and healthcare organisations are already experiencing increasing pressure on healthcare systems. The congress provided a platform for sharing research findings and best practices from around the world, with the common goal of strengthening approaches to healthy and independent ageing.”

According to Peeters, the impact programme also attracted significant interest. “What stood out to me was the enthusiasm from both congress participants and Amsterdam residents. Dozens of people put on the ageing suit and met their ‘future selves’. In addition, more than one hundred visitors explored the Smarthouse Experience to learn how technology can support healthy and active ageing. This demonstrates the added value that public engagement activities can bring to both the city and the congress.”

Supporting independent living in later life
Alongside the interactive experiences, visitors were introduced to initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive and age-friendly society. These included a film by the Amsterdam City Reporters, highlighting local social initiatives, and Oudroze, an exhibition by photographer Ernst Coppejans featuring the stories of the first openly LGBTQIA+ generations.

The activities formed part of the impact programme “Independent Ageing in Your Own Environment”, developed by amsterdam&partners in collaboration with healthcare, knowledge and community organisations.
Through the congress and its accompanying public programme, Amsterdam demonstrated how international knowledge exchange, innovation and citizen engagement can work hand in hand to help create a healthy, inclusive future for an ageing society.