To promote the voice and representation of older people and to look after those who care for them.

Smart4Ageing is the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal’s programme to promote ageing with quality of life, dignity and participation. By developing knowledge, resources and innovative solutions, it seeks to create the conditions for people to continue living in their own homes and communities wherever possible, whilst maintaining their autonomy, independence and active role in society.

Smart4Ageing is based on three fundamental principles:

🏠 1. Ageing in Place | Ageing in Place

Promoting conditions that enable older people to continue living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, preserving their routines, relationships and sense of belonging, rather than viewing institutionalisation as an inevitable response to this stage of life.

👤 2. Putting the person at the centre | A person-centred approach

Listening to, understanding and valuing each person’s needs, preferences, abilities and choices. Responses and services should be built around what is important to the older person themselves (a bottom-up approach).

🤝 3. (Re)creating the care ecosystem

Recognising that care is a shared responsibility. Professional and family carers, health and social support services, local authorities, organisations and communities all play a complementary role in promoting the well-being and quality of life of older people. The programme seeks to strengthen the skills and coordination between these different stakeholders.

There is also a fourth, very important and cross-cutting dimension:

🗣️ Giving older people a voice and the power to participate.

The participation of older people is a central element of this approach. Rather than merely being the recipients of services or policies, they should be involved in defining and improving them. Participatory methodologies and approaches such as Human-Centred Design help to identify needs, generate solutions and promote responses developed with people, rather than merely for them.

The resources available in this area are the result of several years of work, research and innovation in promoting ageing with a good quality of life, the participation of older people and the strengthening of care ecosystems.

Among the available resources, the ‘Cuidar com Qual’Idade’ collection stands out, comprising handbooks, training kits and support materials aimed at formal carers, family carers and anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of ageing. The content covers topics such as diet and nutrition, independence and functionality, participation and citizenship, lifelong learning, communication and relationships in care, promoting a practical and accessible approach to ageing well.

This section also includes studies and knowledge resources on the reality of care in Portugal, notably the Study on the Profile of Family Carers of Older People, which contributes to a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by informal carers. In addition, it provides digital literacy materials for older people, designed to support digital inclusion, the safe use of technological devices and access to opportunities for online participation and learning.

All these resources aim to support professionals, carers, organisations, decision-makers and citizens in developing responses that are more centred on older people, thereby enhancing their independence, participation and quality of life.

To find out more, visit the Ser Maior Platform.