Places: Environmental impact on health

Empathic Living Labs for Inclusive neighbourhoods for older adults (ELLI)

How can neighbourhoods better support older adults with disabilities in their daily lives? The ELLI project explores how smart and inclusive neighbourhoods can improve accessibility, independence and wellbeing. Together with older adults, local organisations and other stakeholders, researchers co-design practical solutions that connect technology with the physical and social environment. The project tests these ideas in two living labs in Waalre and Emmen, exploring how neighbourhoods can encourage social connection, participation and autonomy while making everyday life easier for older residents with disabilities. Contact person: Lenneke Vaandrager.

Switching european food systems for a just, healthy and sustainable dietary transition through knowledge and innovation

How can we make healthy and sustainable diets easier to choose and adopt? The SWITCH project explores strategies to support people across Europe to change their eating habits, including gaps in knowledge, access and support. Researchers co-create activities and solutions with consumers, food producers, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders. The project aims to make healthy and sustainable food choices more accessible and inclusive, while supporting change across the entire food system—from production to consumption. In this way, SWITCH contributes to a fairer transition towards healthier and more sustainable diets in Europe. Contact person: Kristel Polhuis.

Towards a Green and Healthy Living environment: an opportunity for health and well-being (GLOW) 

Our living environment can strongly influence how much we move in our free time and while traveling. Yet we still know relatively little about which environmental changes are most effective in encouraging physical activity among adults in the Netherlands. This project explores how physical activity, the living environment and green spaces interact with people’s social environment and everyday choices. Researchers combine different types of data and work with communities and stakeholders to understand what works, for whom and in which settings. The aim is to develop practical, evidence-based approaches for healthier neighbourhoods. Contact person: Sterre van der Kaaij. 

TALK: Preparing for future pandemics through citizens’ stories

How can citizens’ experiences help us respond better to future pandemics? The VERTEL project explores how people can actively contribute to pandemic preparedness by sharing their experiences and helping researchers interpret them. Through citizen science, interviews and digital storytelling, citizens, patient organisations, researchers and policymakers work together to strengthen existing networks and develop a lasting infrastructure for sharing knowledge. The project tests this approach in four case studies, aiming to ensure that citizens’ voices are better represented in future health crises and that their experiences inform policy and decision-making. Contact: Marieke Meesters.