Abstract Purpose Population aging represents one of the leading social and economic challenges in Europe and the world, with significant implications in terms of the sustainability of health and welfare systems. This chapter explores digital social innovation (DSI) strategies and policies to promote active aging through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, capable of responding to the needs of an increasingly long-lived population. As a case study, an institutional project of the Provincia Autonoma di Trento (thereafter PAT) is presented that aims to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the population, favoring active and healthy aging through the use of new technologies and thanks to the adoption of an organizational model that involves close collaboration between public institutions, professionals, territorial associations and citizens. Design/Methodology/Approach The project is based on a participatory organizational model that involves public institutions (PAT, etc.) and the local health authority (APSS), multidisciplinary professionals, the third sector, and citizens of a mountain area in Trentino. A distinctive element of the project is the active involvement of local associations, which are essential for the rooting and sustainability of the proposed actions. The case study illustrated concerns the design and development of a digital application tested in a mountain area that aims to improve the quality of life of the local population and promote social inclusion. Results The digital application offers a gradual path to change daily habits, allowing users to increase their awareness of the quality of their lifestyle and improve it by pursuing personalized goals. Through daily challenges and motivational paths, users improve their health and become more familiar with digital technologies, paving the way for future use of remote monitoring tools. Furthermore, the project contributes to strengthening the social and community dimension, encouraging the construction of a social support network in areas far from urban centers. Originality/Value This chapter proposes an innovative and replicable intervention model, based on a close collaboration between institutions, professionals, associations, and citizens, with a particular focus on the use of digital technologies in rural and mountain contexts. The integrated and multidisciplinary approach guarantees a lasting impact, favoring the empowerment of citizens and local communities and promoting a cultural change towards an active and shared management of one's health and well-being. Limits The project requires a high level of inter-institutional collaboration, which can be a complex challenge in contexts characterized by institutional fragmentation or limited economic resources. Long-term economic sustainability and adaptability in complex urban contexts remain critical aspects to explore, as well as the evolution of users’ responses to digital technologies in relation to age and digital skills. Keywords: active aging, digital well-being, user-centered design, empowerment
Digital Social Innovation for Active Aging: TrentinoSalute+, a Case Study of Participatory Health Promotion.
Martina Dell'Eva
2026-01-01
Abstract
Abstract Purpose Population aging represents one of the leading social and economic challenges in Europe and the world, with significant implications in terms of the sustainability of health and welfare systems. This chapter explores digital social innovation (DSI) strategies and policies to promote active aging through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, capable of responding to the needs of an increasingly long-lived population. As a case study, an institutional project of the Provincia Autonoma di Trento (thereafter PAT) is presented that aims to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the population, favoring active and healthy aging through the use of new technologies and thanks to the adoption of an organizational model that involves close collaboration between public institutions, professionals, territorial associations and citizens. Design/Methodology/Approach The project is based on a participatory organizational model that involves public institutions (PAT, etc.) and the local health authority (APSS), multidisciplinary professionals, the third sector, and citizens of a mountain area in Trentino. A distinctive element of the project is the active involvement of local associations, which are essential for the rooting and sustainability of the proposed actions. The case study illustrated concerns the design and development of a digital application tested in a mountain area that aims to improve the quality of life of the local population and promote social inclusion. Results The digital application offers a gradual path to change daily habits, allowing users to increase their awareness of the quality of their lifestyle and improve it by pursuing personalized goals. Through daily challenges and motivational paths, users improve their health and become more familiar with digital technologies, paving the way for future use of remote monitoring tools. Furthermore, the project contributes to strengthening the social and community dimension, encouraging the construction of a social support network in areas far from urban centers. Originality/Value This chapter proposes an innovative and replicable intervention model, based on a close collaboration between institutions, professionals, associations, and citizens, with a particular focus on the use of digital technologies in rural and mountain contexts. The integrated and multidisciplinary approach guarantees a lasting impact, favoring the empowerment of citizens and local communities and promoting a cultural change towards an active and shared management of one's health and well-being. Limits The project requires a high level of inter-institutional collaboration, which can be a complex challenge in contexts characterized by institutional fragmentation or limited economic resources. Long-term economic sustainability and adaptability in complex urban contexts remain critical aspects to explore, as well as the evolution of users’ responses to digital technologies in relation to age and digital skills. Keywords: active aging, digital well-being, user-centered design, empowermentI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
